# Poona and Madras explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi travels to Poona and Madras to garner support for the South African cause. In Poona, he meets Lokamanya Tilak, Gokhale, and Dr. Bhandarkar, each offering unique encouragement and guidance. In Madras, he is met with great enthusiasm, delivers a speech, and distributes his 'Green Pamphlet,' receiving substantial support from local leaders and the press.

## Themes in this chapter

### Service and Community Leadership

Gandhi actively seeks support from leaders of all parties, demonstrating his commitment to uniting the community for a common cause.

### Education and Self-Improvement

Gandhi's careful preparation of his speech and his willingness to learn from Gokhale and others reflect his dedication to self-improvement.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Travels to Poona and Madras to build support for the South African cause, meeting key political figures and addressing public meetings.

### Lokamanya Tilak

First meeting with Gandhi; advises him to seek a non-party president for the meeting and offers full support.

### Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gandhi's first meeting with Gokhale, who warmly welcomes him, examines his speech, and guides him on whom to approach.

### Sir Pherozeshah Mehta

Mentioned as having made Gandhi's way easy in Bombay, compared to the Himalaya.

### Balasundaram

The Balasundaram incident made a profound impression at the Madras meeting.

## Key lines

> Sir Pherozeshah had seemed to me like the Himalaya, the Lokamanya like the ocean. But Gokhale was as the Ganges.

Gandhi compares Sir Pherozeshah Mehta to the unapproachable Himalaya, Lokamanya Tilak to the vast ocean, and Gokhale to the accessible and life-giving Ganges.

_Illustrates Gandhi's deep respect and personal connection with Gokhale._

> What barrier is there that love cannot break?

Love can overcome any obstacle.

_Reflects Gandhi's belief in the power of love and affection to bridge differences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii-poona-and-madras
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters