# Methods of Work explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi describes the practical organization of the Champaran inquiry, including securing a house, funding the work without appealing to the public or the ryots, and the disciplined, economical lifestyle adopted by the volunteers. He details the process of recording peasant statements in the presence of C.I.D. officers, the importance of cross-examination, and his efforts to engage with planters courteously.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Self-Experimentation

Gandhi describes the inquiry as a 'bold experiment with Truth and Ahimsa' and emphasizes cross-examination to ensure statements are incontrovertible.

### Nonviolence and Satyagraha

Gandhi's approach includes treating C.I.D. officers with courtesy and seeking to win over planters through gentleness rather than confrontation.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

The volunteers adopt a common vegetarian kitchen, dispense with servants, and observe regular hours to reduce expenses and save time.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Leads the Champaran inquiry, decides on funding and methods, and interacts with planters and C.I.D. officers.

### Brajkishore Prasad

Helps secure a house for the inquiry and assists in raising funds from well-to-do Biharis.

### Dr. P. J. Mehta

Offers to send funds from Rangoon if needed for the inquiry.

### Rajendra Prasad

Mentioned as the author of a history of the Champaran Satyagraha in Hindi.

## Key lines

> The Champaran inquiry was a bold experiment with Truth and Ahimsa

The investigation in Champaran was a courageous test of truthfulness and nonviolence.

_Gandhi frames the inquiry as a moral and spiritual experiment, not merely a legal or political one._

> I had made up my mind not to accept anything from the Champaran ryots. It would be bound to be misinterpreted.

Gandhi decided not to take any money from the peasants, fearing it would be misunderstood.

_This decision reflects his commitment to ethical conduct and avoiding any appearance of exploitation._

> We had decided from the very beginning not only not to mind the presence of C.I.D. officers, but to treat them with courtesy and to give them all the information that it was possible to give them.

From the start, we chose not to object to C.I.D. officers, but to be polite and share any information we could.

_Gandhi's openness with the C.I.D. was a strategic choice to build trust and reduce fear among the peasants._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xvi-methods-of-work
- 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