________________
134
JAINISM AND WORLD PROBLEMS
an end to their dependence and to proceed to carry out there will within 24 hours of their notifying it to the ruling body; for opposition will then be simply out of the question. It is even conceivable, nay very probable, that long before the approach of the actual time fixed here the conditions of life shall have so far changed as to place the Indians on a term of equality in most matters with the English. In any case a determination on the part of the nation to better its condition is bound to lead to a greater degree of peace, prosperity and security than prevails to-day in the land, and there is good reason to believe that even the course of justice between the European and the Indian will speedily ccase to be erratic and become straight as soon as Indians begin to put to shame those who deride them to-day by their unflinching straightforwardness and love of truth.
As for the boycott of educational institutions, there can be no reason to decry it if it can lead us to the goal. For national freedom even school boys must contribute their quota. But the time for this kind of action has not yet arrived. When it does arrive the boys must, if necessary, withdraw themselves from schools and colleges and work for the nation's cause. To-day they can only create and augment confusion. I think what is wanted to-day is not the closing of our educational institutions, but the teaching of proper books in history and general literature, the two subjects which alone may he said to be open to objection. Here also it is evident that if Englishmen will not write suitable books on these subjects, Indians must do so themselves.
PROGRAMME OF WORK (1) Religion (a) Practise toleration in the fullest sense of the
teri. (6) Live up to, rather than descant upon, the moral
ideal set up in your own saith.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
