# Abolition of Indentured Emigration explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi recounts the campaign to abolish the indentured labor system, from Pandit Malaviyaji's 1916 resolution to the Government's announcement before July 31, 1917. He describes organizing public meetings, a ladies' deputation to the Viceroy, and his own grueling third-class train journeys across India, emphasizing the role of potential satyagraha in hastening the abolition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

Gandhi's campaign against the indentured labor system, which he viewed as semi-slavery, exemplifies his commitment to social justice and anti-colonial activism.

### Nonviolence and Satyagraha

Gandhi considers satyagraha as a potential method for the abolition agitation and later notes that 'potential satyagraha hastened the end.'

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi's patience and gentle demeanor during the difficult third-class train journey, refusing to retaliate against fellow passengers, reflect his practice of self-discipline.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Leads the all-India agitation against indentured emigration, meets with Viceroy, tours the country, and endures third-class travel hardships.

### Pandit Malaviyaji

Moves the resolution in the Imperial Legislative Council in March 1916 and later asks for leave to introduce a bill for immediate abolition in February 1917.

### Lady Cecilia Roberts

Mentioned as Lady Tata, part of the ladies' deputation to the Viceroy organized by Mrs. Jaiji Petit.

### Kaba Gandhi

Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted.

## Key lines

> Indentured labourers were those who had emigrated from India to labour under an indenture for five years or less.

Indentured laborers were Indian emigrants who worked under a contract lasting five years or less.

_Defines the indentured labor system at the heart of the chapter._

> I had a satisfactory talk with Lord Chelmsford who, without being definite, promised to be helpful.

Gandhi's meeting with the Viceroy was positive, though Lord Chelmsford gave only a vague assurance of support.

_Highlights the diplomatic approach before launching the public agitation._

> My bitterest experience was from Lahore to Delhi.

The most difficult part of Gandhi's journey was traveling third class from Lahore to Delhi.

_Illustrates the physical hardships Gandhi endured during his tour._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xi-abolition-of-indentured-emigration
- 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