Mahatma Gandhi 40 - Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Satyagraha Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

A noble lady named Anusuyabehn alerted Gandhiji about
The pitiable conditions of mill hands of Ahmedabad.
This happened to be the fourth Satyagraha movement in India.
After a consultation, at first, Gandhiji requested them
To refer their matter of dispute to Arbitration!
But the mill workers refused to accept this method of arbitration.
So, the next step suggested by Gandhiji was to go on a strike.
Gandhiji guided workers on the ways of a successful strike!

Strict rules were laid down for the strike. They were:
Never to resort to violence or molest blacklegs,
Never to depend on alms, but,
To earn their bread by any other honest means, and
To remain firm and strong in their purpose!
The leaders of the strike accepted all the conditions;
While the labourers pledged themselves to resume work
Only, if their terms were accepted by the mill owners!

For the first two weeks of strike,
The mill workers showed great courage and self restraint,
But later, began showing signs of weakness.
Gandhiji needed to do something to restore their mental strength.
A sudden light of thought occurred and words poured out
That he would go on a fast until a proper settlement is reached.
The labourers were thunderstruck by this announcement
While tears rolled down from Anusuyabehn's cheeks!

The labourers protested against the fast, but
Gandhiji remained true to his words and went on a fast.
Gandhiji urged the mill hands to remain true to their pledge.
They should begin to earn their living by some kind of labour
Rather than living on public charity till the strike is over.
Gandhiji firmly resolved to break the fast only after a settlement.
Anusuyabehn and a few others joined Gandhiji in fasting, but only
For a day, as they were dissuaded by Gandhiji from continuing their fast.

The mill workers carried on the Satyagraha strike peacefully
While the mill owners, deliberated and debated.
Anusuyabehn's house became the meeting place for discussions.
A kind of good will was created all around,
The hearts of the mill owners were touched,
Finally, the strike of twenty one days was called off.
An amicable settlement was reached.
Luckily, Gandhiji had to fast only for three days!