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.