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Autograph notes by Mahatma Gandi

Gandhi, Mahatma (1869 – 1948)

“India is destitute. You can serve her only by showing her destitution and poverty.”
A very interesting page of autograph notes by Mahatma Gandhi, written on the reverse side of a portion of a 1946 letter written to Gandhi from a young Western follower, George Mammen. Gandhi’s has penned some closely-written notes – clearly a draft for a letter. He writes, in fountain pen ink, ” Our India will have need of you. You have had your training. You will give India the benefit of that training. It would be sad only if after the trials and suffering (“of war” struck out) that our soldiers have been through, they forget the lessons of their eyes, the moment the peril is lifted. But one thing you should remember, under remunerations and national Govt, you won’t be pampered. You won’t have all those lavish privileges which a foreign Govt. bribe you with at the expense of India. India is destitute. You can serve her only by showing her destitution and poverty. Otherwise you will earn not the gratitude but the execration of your country. (now writing at the top of the page): You will, I know, fully share in this freedom, only to breathe the air of freedom with your countrymen.” In very fine condition. An extremely rare insight into the workings of Gandhi’s mind just a year before partition.