MAHATMA GANDHI: A TRUE VISIONARY

Know the Ground Reality before Taking Action

IN 1919, the All India Congress held its annual meeting in Amritsar. Many years later, in 1973, I had the opportunity to hear about the highlights of this meeting from one of the participants, Professor Niranjan Singh (1892-1979). He was a brother of Master Tara Singh (1885-1967). The details of this discussion were published in Urdu Weekly Al Jamiat (August 31, 1973) a part of which is reproduced here.

Among the noted leaders present were Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Moti Lal Nehru and Annie Besant. Mahatma Gandhi too was present there, but he looked so insignificant that when the schoolboys saw him sitting on the stage, they shouted, “Who is this grass cutter?”

Tilak proposed a resolution for complete freedom. The second proposal came from Gandhiji. He had proposed Dominion Status. After both the leaders had concluded their speeches, a vote was cast. Gandhiji got 127 votes against 123 of Tilak. Gandhiji’s proposal was accepted.

Mr. Singh said that Gandhi’s victory over Tilak was surprising indeed. When the result was announced, the students started shouting “The grasscutter has won! The grasscutter has won!”

Bal Gangadhar Tilak had a revolutionary bent of mind. He always spoke in a thunderous voice whereas Gandhiji was coolheaded and spoke in a low tone. Tilak and the Muslim leaders wanted to demand complete freedom straightaway, whereas Gandhiji wanted it in stages, keeping in view the prevailing conditions. In the beginning, leaders like Tilak looked very towering compared to the diminutive Gandhi. But when history gave its verdict, the world saw Gandhi as the front rank leader, while Tilak and the others brought up the rear.

M K Gandhi (1869-1948) was a true visionary. He knew how the forces of history work. Moreover, he was well aware of how prepared his countrymen were. His plan of action took into consideration all relevant facts. It was this vision that put India on course to gain freedom from British colonial rule.