The New York herald., 1922-01-08
Luxuries Abandoned,
Comfort Forgotten in
Crusade for Nation
alism - All Classes
Enlisted in Move Af-
fecting 33O,OOO,OOO (


by Rabindranath Tagore himself This
song, urging the different provincial and
racial units of India to unite for the sake
of Mother India introduced a new feeling,
new note and new inspiration into our
national consciousness.
To demonstrate her theories in practice,
Sarala Devi refused to marry wealthy Ben
galees of highest position and culture and
went to find husband in the Punjab. and
she married Punjabee lawyer of moder-
ate means.
In the .Punjab She Founded
All India Women's Union
Later during her stay in the Punjab she
founded the Bharat stree Maha Manddl
(AllIndia women's Union). The object of
this organization was to provide free teach
ers for the education of purdah women all
over the country. This society is still
functioning in its fullest vigor.
For while Sarala Devi was rather slow
in her patriotic activities. Perhaps it was
because she had to take care of the rearing
of a few of her own children. At any rate.
she has unreservedly responded to the call
of Mahatma Gandhi.
During the Punjab disturbances her hus-
y
sentenced to death by the British Govern
ment, Later all charges against him were
withdrawn During his visits to Lahore
Mahatma Gandhi generally stops with the
family of Sarala Devi BY coming in touch
with the Mahatma this fashionable and
luxury loving young lady has practically
become an ascetic. She dresses herself in
the coarsest homespun and her jewels have
- IL xs-rx T.f..
funds. She quite often travels with Mr..
and Mrs. Gandhi all over India and lee
lures and inspires millions of people by
speeches and the living example of her
consecrated life.
She no longer believes in physical force
The same Sarala Devi who used to teach
us fencing now under the influence of
Gandhi talks of fencing with the soul
Says she: ''The Indian Warriors are en-
gagged in cleaning and Frightening up their
arms and armor to the soul. They are
busy preparing the rank and file from com
hitting any violence whatsoever. restrain
ing them from all thoughts of physical out
break, preaching to the beauty of soul re.
sistance of suffering unto death if need be
without either retaliating OF yielding The
banner of non-cooperation as unfurled by
Mahatma Gandhi is nothing but call to
Orientals to attain spiritual heights
through vigorous selfdiscipline, courageous
selfsacrifice and hardy selfdenial."
Two Vast Fortunes Given
To Educate Native Indians
A dear friend of Sarala Devi, Mrs Lila
Singh, is another selfsacrificing devotee of
Mahatma Gandhi. She is the daughter OF
A. AH- rT r,ufsA
immensely rich, but gave away his last
penny to further the cause of scientific and
industrial education in India. Mrs. Lila
Singh, too, is wealthy woman by mar.
riage. Her husband. Dip Narayan Singh
of Bhagalpur. and she spend most Of their
money for the education of Indian youths
and I learn that under the spell of Gandhi
they are about to give to the nation their
personal and family properties.
Lila Singh has travelled all over the
world to study the problem of feminsm-
She was the first woman to study In
mans college in Calcutta and the first
Bengalee girl TO ride on bicycle. To-day
she lives an austere life and works all the
time for the independence of India
II is being whispered in the progressive
circles of India as to why her Highness
the Maharanee of Baroda is keeping quiet
these days. She Is no doubt taking no ac-
tive part in the modern movement In In
dia. but II is. however. known 10 all that
her influence is dynamically present in the
background. She is hesitating. She is one
OF the richest princesses OF India. Her
enlistment ip the Gaudhi forces will ua
doubt create a commotion all over the
world and give a new turn TO tho entire
movement by its impelling influence on
other numerous Ranees and Maharanees
OF that land OF 33O.OOO.OOO people. She may
enlist soon.
Most of the women lieutenants Of Ma
hatma Gandhi mentioned above are per-
sona friends OF her Highness the Mahara-
nee of Baroda. She may yet respond to
the call of the MahatmA