About The Book
Nilam Parikh, the daughter of Ramibehn, who was the eldest of the five children of Harilal and his wife Gulab (two of whom had died in young age), has written an authentic and dispassionate account of the relationship between Gandhiji and Harilal in this book. She had written the book in Gujarati, appropriately titling it as 'Gandhijinu Khovayelu Dhan: Harilal'. Harilal was truly the lost treasure of Gandhiji. Her book is based on factual records. It contains a large corpus of so far unpublished archival material including 29 letters written by Gandhiji to Harilal. On that account alone, it is a valuable addition to the Gandhian literature. But, above all, the book is a deeply human document, besides being the most authentic record on the subject.
About The Author
There is vast literature covering almost all the incidents of Gandhiji's life. At the time of adding this book to that collection, the question arises as to whether this addition was necessary or not. In ordinary circumstances even the thought of this book would not have come to my mind. But, a few months ago, a drama entitled 'Gandhi viruddha Gandhi' in Marathi, Gujarati and Hindi and 'Mahatma vs Gandhi' in English, was presented to public. This drama is based on a Gujarati title 'Prakashno Padchhayo' by Shri Dinkar Joshi. In these dramas, the play wright has freely used his imagination without understanding the reality and painted the picture he liked. The aspects emphasised in the drama were the differences of opinion on certain matters between Gandhiji and Harilal, the confrontation that arose from it, and its tragic effect on Harilal's life. Serious lapses in the reporting of facts and the style of presentation contributed to a wrong impression being formed by the spectators. I felt a need to put a few facts before the people to correct the consequent wrong impressions about both the persons."
Preface
Harilal Gandhi, a brilliant and discerning person, was my maternal grandfather. I always feel shy when I am referred to as a daughter of the Gandhi family. We tried to live by the teachings of revered Bapuji. We had settled in a tribal village area. Members of the Gandhi family once visited us to see our work and felicitated us. At that time, we felt that in this quiet corner, we propitiated our great forefathers. Ramiben my mother, Manuben my maternal aunt and Kantibhai - my maternal uncle used to narrate many tales of esteemed Kasturba, Bapuji and Bhai (Harilal was addressed as 'Bhai' (brother) by every one). After reading Bapuji's letters written to Bhai, they frequently used to say, 'Bhai was an affectionate, clever, industrious, very intelligent and considerate person'. It would have been better if we had noted everything that he said. But, I did not understand their meaning at that time. Today, perhaps, it is too late. I remember meeting esteemed Kantimama during his illness, at Manumasi's house. Kantimama made us sit down, patted our backs, and said: "I did not settle in the village despite Bapu's directive, but I feel elated hearing about your work amongst the tribals in their villages. We did not carry out Bapu's work. But I give you my blessings to follow his advice and achieve what you have set out to do." My heart danced and my eyes brimmed with tears. This reminded us of Bapuji's intense love for Bhai (Harilal). How much Bapuji wished that Harilal become his true successor. Gandhiji had to leave Harilal alone in India during his early years when he went abroad to pursue his studies and then to work in Africa. Gandhiji would not have liked being parted from his child. Gandhiji tried extremely hard to compensate sate for this lack of love and care which Harilal might have felt during his childhood. He was very vigilant about this. Gandhiji's ideas on the upbringing and shaping of children were clearly reflected in all his letters and his deeds at that time around 1905. Gandhiji recognized Harilal's mettle. He worked tirelessly to shape Harilal. Gandhiji was satisfied with Harilal's work and also his desire for progress in Africa. Gandhiji wished Harilal to be his Secretary. "Mahadev has taken your place, but the wish that it had been you refuses still to die," he used to express his desire thus. Gandhiji's heart must have danced with joy upon seeing Harilal behind bars in South Africa or upon the completion of his unfinished task with total dedication and care. Gandhiji relentlessly tried to 'expand' and shape Harilal's personality considering him to be his own 'wealth'. Kasturba also had the same love and respect for her son. So it was a natural expression by Kasturba in her letter to Rami, Harilal's daughter, when Harilal changed his religion, that 'we lost our jewel'! The parents always wanted to brighten this 'jewel', this 'wealth", by giving it different facets; and all three of them were engaged in that direction. But one cannot change destiny. Even then, this great man would not have lost his courage. The efforts of father and son continued till the end. Gandhiji wrote to Narandas in a letter: "God knows where Harilal's destiny will lead him. We must ask only this favour from God that our prodigal son should not be lost again."2 He writes to Harilal: "... let 'Hari-Ichcha' (God's wish) be. You could also be included in this 'Hari', when you imbibe the qualities as per the name. I see the seeds of it in you. My wish is to see that seed growing into a tree. My blessings for the same. Your upbringing and values seem good. Therefore it is possible that I should see you serving me". But though Gandhiji lost his God-given jewel on one hand, God gave many young men, sons of the country, into his hands! Gandhiji writes in 'Harijan Bandhu': "... 1 lost him in these circumstances. I am responsible for that... He was away from me for a long time during his childhood... May God give him the right understanding of mind. May God forgive me for my lack of attention and care towards him. I always pray thus to God..." God took away the beloved jewel of Gandhiji and Kasturba. Harilal's anguish at the time of Bapu's death was published in a daily of Mumbai: "On hearing the news of Bapu's demise, he immediately said: 'I will not spare the man who killed a saint, the Mahatma of the world, who was my father.' "Only a few days earlier, Harilal Gandhi visited the office of a English weekly from Mumbai and told a person who was working there: 'Please listen to me quietly, just once. The world laughs at my story. But the world never knew the real story. Hence, the world must know the truth before I die.'
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