E-Book - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi – His Life & Timesharm to India than any previous system. India is less manly under the Britishrule than she ever was before ...it has been a precious privilege for me to beable to write what I have in the various articles tendered in evidence againstme ... In my opinion, non-co-operation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperationwith good.'In conclusion, Gandhi again asked for the 'severest penalty.When Gandhi sat down, Mr. Justice Broomfield bowed to the prisoner, andpronounced sentence. 'The determination of a just sentence,' the judgedeclared, 'is perhaps as difficult a proposition as a judge in this country couldhave to face- The law is no respecter of persons. Nevertheless, it will be^possible to ignore the fact that you are in a different category from anyperson I have ever tried or am likely to have to try. It would be impossible toignore the fact that, in the eyes of millions of your countrymen, you are a greatpatriot and a great leader. Even those who differ from you in politics look uponyou as a man of high ideals and of noble and even saintly life.'The judge then announced that Gandhi must undergo imprisonment for sixyears, and added that if the government later saw fit to reduce the term 'noone would be better pleased than I'. Mr. Banker received one year in jail and afine of one thousand rupees.On hearing the sentence, the Mahatma rose and said that the sentence 'is asmild as any judge could inflict on me, and so far as the entire proceedings areconcerned, I must say that I could not have expected greater courtesy.'When the court was adjourned, most of the spectators in the room fell atGandhi's feet. Many wept. Gandhi wore a benign smile as he was led away tojail.Gandhi had no grievance. He knew when he entered Indian politics that itinvolved going to prison. It meant this for him and for others. Whenever heheard of a friend or colleague who had been arrested he telegraphedcongratulations. Going to prison was a basic part of his doctrine of non-cooperation.We must widen the prison gates,' he said, 'and we must enter themwww.mkgandhi.org Page 231