Mahatma Gandhi 33 - The History Of Satyagraha In South Africa Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

The tools of Satyagraha -Truth and Non-violence,
Appeared so simple, easily possible,
Accommodating and Non- intimidating!
O But! These are lofty tools of high merit,
That requires extra-ordinary vision,
Exceptional mental strength,
Enormous will power to
Execute in action on a day to day basis.

The seed of Satyagraha sown in South Africa
By Gandhiji carried on for eight long years!
In Gandhian philosophy,
Any crude means did not justify an auspicious end.
The true purpose of a worthy objective,
The methodology of action,
The purity of thought,
Made all the difference to a strong mission.

The Zulu ‘Rebellion' in Natal,
Indian Ambulance Corps was, once again,
Volunteered by Gandhiji in support of the British!
In order to give a status and facilitate work,
Gandhiji was temporarily appointed as a Sergeant Major,
With a fitting uniform by the Chief Medical officer!
This Corps organized by Gandhiji and his men,
Worked actively for six weeks nursing the wounded Zulus!

Just as Gandhiji reached Johannesburg,
After his work with the Zulu ‘Rebellion',
He found to his horror the Draft Ordinance published
In Transvaal Government Gazette (22 Aug 1907) .
‘It meant absolute ruin for Indians in South Africa.'
Under this rule every Indian, man, woman or child of eight years and above,
Residing in Transvaal should register their name with the
Registrar of Asiatics and possess a certificate of registration.

Not only every Indian needed to apply for registration,
Abide by this rule strictly, to stay in the country,
Failure to do so would be held as an offence of law.
The punishment included fine, imprisonment
Or even being shunted away from the country.
It was not possible to inhabit any public area or road without
A certificate of registration, identity and status.
Gandhiji was shocked with this ordinance. So were all the Indians!

The meeting held on 11th September 1906 became the famous
Fourth Resolution, wherein, Indians solemnly determined to disagree
With the Ordinance; If made lawful, in spite of opposition,
Then, the decision to suffer the penalties was boldly taken,
By Gandhiji and all his supporters.
This forceful movement had to be named;
Maganlal Gandhi suggested ‘Sadagraha' which meant
‘Firmness for a good cause'.

But Gandhiji was not convinced.
The whole idea of the movement was
Much more than firmness or passive resistance!
It was mainly ‘Satya' or Truth
To be pursued and activated with forcefulness.
Thus, Gandhiji finally titled the movement as
‘Satyagraha' - the force born of
Truth, Love and Non- Violence.

The strength of the movement gained momentum,
Gandhiji and few others were arrested.
After a fortnight of imprisonment
A compromise with the Government was reached.
Indians should register voluntarily.
If majority of Indians registered,
Then, the Government would repeal the act.
Thus, the Asiatic registration Act came to be known as the Black Act.