India for Indians: Enlarged EditionDas, Chitta Ranjan
History
India for Indians: Enlarged Edition
Das, Chitta Ranjan
India -- Politics and government -- 1919-1947
I appeal to you to take away your hands from the wheel of this
machinery. The first thing, therefore, is to come out of the Colleges.
I make no distinction between the Medical students, between the
students of the Engineering Colleges and other students. The problem
is not of education, but of Non-co-operation. If you have this in
view, how can there be any distinction between classes of students?
Is it not clear that all students contribute to the strength of the
bureaucracy? And is it possible to defeat this bureaucracy without
taking away that help? I have heard arguments based on humanitarian
ground; but every humanitarian ground must yield to the supreme
necessity of the moment. There is some inconvenience, some apparent
want of humanitarian consideration, in every great war. Is it possible
that this great war, based on peaceful method as it is, should steer
clear of all inconveniences? I do not believe that there will be any
the more suffering, because of the withdrawal of medical students. I
have given it my anxious thought, and my decision is clear. But even
if it does involve great suffering, I should welcome that suffering,
rather, than leave one stone in its place in the edifice of a monstrous
Education. No, my dear friend, do not delude yourselves. It is easy
to quote Scripture to cover your weakness. Believe me, it is not the
humanitarian ground which is keeping you away, but the imaginary
prospects of worldly advancement which are dangled before your eyes.
The method that I advocate is the method of sacrifice. If you have to
destroy what you consider your chance of success in life, remember, it
is only to defeat the bureaucracy, and to attain Swaraj. How can Swaraj
be attained unless you realise your own right clearly, unhesitatingly?
How can you compel the bureaucracy to recognise, that, which you
yourself do not realise?
Do not listen to those who make careful calculations and tell you that
this movement is bound to fail. I warn you against such doubts and
hesitations. Even if the students do not realise their rights and their
duty, the work of Non-co-operation will go on. But I admit that you may
make it more difficult by refusing to join us.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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