Systems of Indian Philosophy

Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 18

SOMETHING ABOUT V. R. GANDHI
is
Indian culture. Really speaking those missionaries sent to India, says Gandhi, should learn Sanskrit; otherwise they will not properly understand Indian culture and hence they will present the Indian culture in a distorted form. Here we are reminded of Mahatma Gandhiji's fearless advice to the Christian missionaries about their proselytizing activities. His second characteristic that he read, with full concentration, the writings of mature Indological scholars of different countries, Germany, etc. And in the preparation of his lectures he fully utilized their writings. This is the reason why his lectures are impartial and faithful. The third thing which is noteworthy is his association with Mahatma Gandhiji. On the one hand Mahatmaji started the study of Law and on the other he commenced his experiments on food. As is referred to by Mahatmaji in his autobiography (Pt. II, Chapter 3, p. 56) Shri V. R. Gandhi joined him in his experiments on food in those days. If Mahatmaji had not referred to this story, we would have remained in complete darkness about the personal relationship between the two Gandhis of Saurashtra. Lastly, I should refer to Shri V. R. Gandhi's courageous spirit as also to his vision of the future. At that time in one of his lectures addressed to the American public he declared: "You know, my brothers and sisters, that we are not an independent nation, w eare subjects of her Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, the 'Defender of the Faith', but if we were a nation in all that that
name implies, with our government and our own rulers, with our laws and institutions controlled by us free and independent, I affirm that we should seek to establish and for ever maintain peaceful relations with all nations of the world." These prophetical words are as if echoed in the thoughts of Mahatmaji.
Sarit Kunj, Ahmedabad 9 24-12-1969
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SUKHLAL SANGHAVI