Mahatma Gandhi 34 - Office Of Satyagraha Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Gandhiji was taken to Pretoria
To meet General Smuts;
After a discussion,
The amendment suggested by Gandhiji accepted.
The rest of the prisoners released too.
Gandhiji explained the terms of settlement to his countrymen.

By now, an office of Satyagraha Association formed.
The leaders consented to give finger prints,
Gandhiji offered his fingerprints and thumb impressions,
As the first person to comply with the new terms!
A couple of Pathans were annoyed
For consenting to give the fingerprints!

When Gandhiji reached the office of Satyagraha Association,
He saw Mir Alam and his allies standing outside the office.
Mir Alam was a Pathan- a six footer with a strong and sturdy build.
He was an old client of Gandhiji who always sought advice on all his problems.
But today was different. They all stood with an angry expression.
Gandhiji had a foreboding of an alarming situation.

When the chairman of the Association Yusuf Mian
And his friends arrived, together with them,
Gandhiji promptly set out to the Asiatic office.
Mir Alam and his companions followed too.
Just as Gandhiji reached his destination,
Mir Alam caught up with Gandhiji.

Mir Alam sternly asked him where they were heading for.
Gandhiji replied that to get a certificate with only
Two thumb impressions and finger prints.
Before Gandhiji finished the sentence,
A heavy blow landed on his head with a cudgel.
Gandhiji uttered ‘Hey Ram' and fell unconscious on the ground.

Gandhiji fainted and had no idea of what happened next.
Mir Alam and others kicked him with more blows.
Luckily, Yusuf Mian and Thambi Naidoo came to Gandhiji's rescue.
They attacked in return Mir Alam and his aggressive group.
Europeans who passing by caught hold of the fleeing Mir Alam
And his gang, took them to the police station and arrested them.

When Gandhiji regained consciousness,
He found himself in J.C.Gibson's private office,
And saw the kind Mr.Doke bending over him, enquiring of his welfare.
Gandhiji replied that but for the pain in the teeth and ribs, he was okay.
On regaining full consciousness, the first question posed:
' Where is Mir Alam? ' Mr Doke replied that he was arrested.

Gandhiji was quick to assert that
Mir Alam and his group to be released at the earliest.
Mr Doke reminded Gandhiji that his lips and cheeks were torn -
The urgent need being to call for a doctor.
The gracious clergyman invited him to his residence in Smit street.
Gandhiji accepted his invitation with gratitude and relief.

Gandhiji was taken in a carriage to clergyman Doke's residence,
He was looked after and nursed by Mr and Mrs Doke most lovingly.
Meanwhile, Mr Chamney, the Registrar of Asiatic arrived on the scene.
Gandhiji expressed his wish to give ten finger prints
And be the first to take out a certificate of registration.
Gandhiji insisted on the papers being brought immediately.

Mr Chamney went back, soon, returned with the papers.
Though Gandhiji was in pain he managed to give his fingerprints.
Mr. Chamney who was standing beside Gandhiji watching
The whole scene, was moved to tears. Gandhiji realised,
In spite of few bitter exchanges in writing between them,
Yet, how a man's heart is softened by situations and events.

The next thing to write a letter to Attorney General stating
That that there was no grudge against Mir Alam and others.

Gandhiji did not wish them to be prosecuted for the assault,
Hoped that they would be let off. But the Europeans were firm.
The offenders needed to be prosecuted. Mir Alam was re-arrested,
While his companion sentenced to three months' hard labour.

To his community of well wishers and followers, Gandhiji wrote a note:
'I am well in the brotherly and sisterly hands of Mr and Mrs Doke.
I hope to take up my duty shortly. Those who have committed the act
Did not know what they were doing.They thought I was doing what was wrong.
They have had their revenge in the only manner they know.
I therefore request that no steps be taken against them.'