The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
The Black Plague—I explained
Gandhi recounts the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Johannesburg, originating from a gold mine and spreading to the Indian location.
What happens
Gandhi recounts the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Johannesburg, originating from a gold mine and spreading to the Indian location. With the Municipality neglecting sanitary conditions, Gandhi, Dr. William Godfrey, Sjt. Madanjit, and four young Indian clerks risk their lives to nurse the twenty-three infected patients through the night.
Themes in this chapter
Service and Community Leadership
Gandhi and his team risk their lives to nurse plague victims, exemplifying selfless service and leadership in a crisis.
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
The young clerks' willingness to sacrifice and Gandhi's reliance on faith and purity of heart reflect disciplined simplicity.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Cycled to the location, wrote to the Town Clerk, and nursed plague patients through the night.
- Sjt. Madanjit
Discovered the outbreak, broke open a vacant house for patients, and sent an urgent note to Gandhi.
- Kalyandas
One of the four young clerks who volunteered to nurse plague patients, described as obliging and obedient.
- Mr. Ritch
Wanted to help but was prevented by Gandhi due to his large family; handled work outside the danger zone.
Key passages
“It is my faith, based on experience, that if one’s heart is pure, calamity brings in its train men and measures to fight it.”
Gandhi believes that purity of heart attracts the necessary help and resources to overcome a crisis.
Reflects Gandhi's spiritual conviction that moral integrity draws support in times of disaster.
“Where you are, we will also be.”
The young clerks expressed their unwavering commitment to stand by Gandhi in the dangerous nursing work.
Demonstrates the loyalty and devotion of Gandhi's coworkers.