HERO OR LUNATIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1932, Page 6

HERO OR LUNATIC.

The threat of the Indian (politician Mahatma Gandhi to starve himself to death unless certain amendments are made in the British (proposals for Hindu representation in the suggested Indian Federal Legislature is difficult for Western minds, to appreciate. To the average elector in New Zealand such a threat would indicate the necessity for a (politician’s mental examination, and that would be the end of it. In India, however, Hindu mysticism is a part of the life of the people. In a land where self-mutilation is an indication of sanctity meriting material support of the “holy one” by those who are less devout Western rifles of conduct meet with many shocks. No doubt to many Hindus Gandhi’s threat to commit suicide will make him a hero. India, moreover, is a country where fife and death for most, of the population hang on a balance more delicate than rbbuster communities realise, and action that would ’be ridiculous in a white community is viewed very differently in the land where gods are courted by the hundred and charms and omens are serious factors in social affairs. Great Britain asked Hindus, Gandhi among them,. to devise representation in the proposed Legislature which would be fair to all castes, and agreeable to the Mahomedan section of the country. The Hindus found the work beyond their capacity, so British Ministers have essayed the task. Because he does not agree with their .proposals Gandhi threatens to starve himself to death. The official reception of his (proposal has given another instance of the patience British administrators of Indian affairs must exercise. They have treated Gandhi’s bizarre suggestion seriously and with dignity. Of their leader’s curious method has the effect of stirring his Hindu countrymen to devise a representation acceptable to India and to Great Britain it will have (been worth, while. Such a result would foe an equal triumph for British tact and patience. '