Gandhi’s first great political speech in India

In February 1916, Gandhi was invited to speak at the laying of the foundation stone of the Banaras Hindu University. The Viceroy and many of the most important people of India were there. Gandhi, clad in a kathiawadi long coat and a turban, rose to speak. The police arrangements and also the pop luxury around him hurt him deeply. Turning to the audience he said, “I want to think audibly and speak without reserve.”

His first words froze the audience.

“It is a matter of deep humiliation and shame for us.” He said, “That I am compelled this evening, under the shadow of this great college in this sacred city, to address my countrymen in a language that is foreign to me.”

It was a bomb- shell. Nobody had ever dared to speak against the English language. The British officers. Their friends and the important Indians who had gathered there were breathing heavily in anger.

But Gandhi went on,” His Highness, the Maharaja who presided yesterday over our deliberations, spoke about the poverty of India. But what did we witness? A most gorgeous show, an exhibition of jewellery … There is no salvation for India unless you strip yourselves of this jewellery and hold in trust for countrymen in India.”

Gandhi gave a long speech, covering many topics. His speech was full of outspoken criticism.

Mrs. Annie Besant, who was one of the organizers of the function, was horrified and urged Gandhi to sit down. But Gandhi went on. Some people went red with rage, but others listened to Gandhi with the greatest interest.

“Here at last is a man telling the truth, “They thought.

“He is the man to raise India from the mire.”

They applauded him and shouted joyfully.

Gandhi turned to them and said,” No amount of speeches will ever make us fit for self –government. It is only our conduct that will fit us for it.”

Gandhi told them that they should all be the kind of people able to take up the work of self-government.

Finally, Gandhi, the man who had supported the British thrice in their war efforts said, “If I found it necessary for the salvation of India that the English should retire, that they should be driven out. I would not hesitate to declare that they would have to go, and I hope I would be prepared to die in defense of that belief…”

The people were amazed at Gandhi’s frankness. It was Gandhi’s first great political speech in India.