Mahatma Gandhi 38 - Satyagraha Struggles In India Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

One need not go in search of Satyagraha.
For it appears by itself,
Unsought, unplanned,
Sometimes, even without the slightest warning,
It comes naturally! Asserts Gandhiji -
That's the inherent beauty and virtue of Satyagraha!

Gandhiji was confronted with a series of
Satyagraha struggles in India.
It all began in a place called Viramgam
A spirited tailor of Viramgam
Initiated the whole movement,
Supported by a small party of progressive people!

This was in the year of 1915,
When Gandhiji was travelling by train
To Saurashtra in a third class compartment.
Motilal ji met Gandhiji at Vadhvan station,
Recounted the hardships inflicted on the people
Urged Gandhiji to redress the custom issue!

When Gandhiji reached Rajkot,
He began detailed correspondence with the Government.
In his speeches at Bagasra and other places,
Gandhiji hinted that one should be ready for Satyagraha.
Finally, Gandhiji met Lord Chelmsford for a talk
Who promised abolition of customs and later, kept his word.

The second Satyagraha was for the Indian Emigration Act.
Great efforts were made to get the indentured labour repealed.
A whole lot of protests were happened, .
A deputation of ladies came face to face with the Viceroy.
With much public agitation the indentured labour was discontinued.
And once again, the methodology of Satyagraha proved successful

Gandhiji believed that Satyagraha is a ‘Dharma Yuddha'
A war for justice and righteousness
Where no secrets are guarded,
Where no clever manipulations are devised,
Where no cunning moves or actions are planned
Satyagraha is a struggle with emotions fully under control
A determined fight for truth and justice without any violence!