The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-09-11
GANDHI IS QUAKER
IN SPIRIT, INDIAN
YOUTH TELLS FRIENDS

Sketching the life story OF the mys-
dc. ascetic leader of the people OF
India. Mahatma Gandhi, who, with his
doctrine OF non-vioIent, non-co-opera-
ton with the British administrators Of
India, is lighting the way to better
future for the natives, Haridas NAHUM
dar, native Indian youth, who recent
ly came to America 10 complete his
education, spoke before a small gath
ering of Friends on the Earlhain col
lege campus Sunday afternoon on the
subject, rs Gandhi a Quaker"
The foundations of Gandhis edu.
cation and career were laid in the
religious atmosphere of the home OF
his parents where non-violence was OBJ
served as the cardinal principle of
life," said Mr.. Mazumdar. "Opportun1'
ties for education which well-to-do
family in India could afford to secure
presented themselves to Gandhi and
he took advantage of them, later going
to England to study law"
Searched for Truth
His keen Hindu mind made him go
to the root of things and know the
truth. Baffled, he turned away from
the religious observance of his moth
er and became an agnostic and later
an atheist His willingness to go the
farthest limit in search for the truth
In his own way, characterize his con-
duct through life.
While studying law In LoLdon.
where he was admitted to the bar in
1891, Gandhi came into contact with
various religious movements and made
special study of theosophy The
study of the Sermon on the Mount in
connection with his own scriptures
strengthened his belief in the maker
of the universe and the principle OF
non-resistance.
Becomes Believer.
"Gandhi returned to India believer
IN God and the principles of the Chris
ton religion. This In connection with
his doctrine of non-violence makes
him Quaker in ideal whether mem
her of the society or not. He has fol
lowed this ideal through many terrible
experiences both in South Africa and
in defense of the rights and privileges
of his native people at home and at
the present time is behind British
prison bars because of his faith and
the undying advocation to his people
to refuse to cooperate with the Brit
fish authorities. His passive resist
ance' campaigns have shaken the very
foundations of the British authority in
India.
When, on April 10, 1919, Gandhi
was taken prisoner and placed under
arrest, violence on the part of his fol
lowers was the result. As soon as he
was released, Gandhi rebuked those
who refused to follow his doctrine OF
non-resistance and then carried on
His latest arrest came on March 10
of this year but there was no VOL
ence"
Would Declare Fast.
When Gandhi was arrested the last
time, said the speaker, he was asked
this question by Miss Gertrude Emer
son, an American then in India, care
you not afraid of the outbreak of viol
ence on your arrest?" and Gandhi's
reply was, mo, but should my people
take to the way of violence, l shall
deem my life work wasted and as a
protest against my own people shall
declare perpetual fast and die in q
British prison house"
"Gandhi is a Quaker in IDEAL" said
the speaker, for he is a strong be
lever in peace and good will among
men with fellowship for all"