Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life/India 1939

Documents libres.

India 1938

Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life ~ India 1939 written by Mohandas K. Gandhi

India 1940

1939, January 1

Gave Interview to Timothy Ling Fang Lew and P.C. Hsu, members of Chinese delegation to Missionary Conference at Tambaram. Gave interview to Rev. S.S. Temo of D.R. Mission, Johannesburg.

1939, January 1

Left for Bardoli.

1939, January 2

Arrived in Bardoli.

1939, January 3

Had discussion with U.N. Dhebar about Rajkot Satyagraha.

1939, January 4

Had talk with Jamnalal Bajaj concerning Jaipur Satyagraha

1939, January 11 - 14

Attended Congress Working Committee meeting.

1939, January 15

Had talk with Toyohiko Kagawa. Had discussion with the Aga Khan about minority community and communal unity.

1939, January 17

Received B.G. Kher.

1939, January 23

Vallabhbhai Patel arrived in Bardoli to discussed Rajkot affairs with Gandhi.

1939, January 24

Gandhi had talk with Pattabhi Sitaramayya.

1939, January 26

Addressed meeting of peasants on emancipation day.

1939, January 28

Had discussion with representatives of Municipalities and Local Boards.

1939, January 29

Addressed meeting of peasants held on occasion of restoration of confiscated lands.

1939, January 31

Issued statement to the Press on election of Subhas Chandra Bose as Congress President and on Rajkot and Jaipur Satyagrahas.

1939, February 1

Left for Segaon.

1939, February 2

Arrived in Segaon.

1939, February 3 - 4

At Wardha. Had talk with teachers undergoing training under Wardha scheme of education.

1939, February 5

At Segaon.

1939, February 8

Issued statement to the Press on Jamnalal Bajaj’s arrest.

1939, February 9

Issued statement to Press on Rajkot and Jaipur Satyagraha.

1939, February 13

Had discussion with Dr. Chesterton of english baptist Mission.

1939, February 14

Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Segaon to have discussion with Gandhi.

1939, February 15

Discussion continued.

1939, February 21

Gandhi had talk with delegates of Hyderabad State Congress.

1939, February 23

Isued statement to the Press on strike in Annamalai University and Rajkot Satyagraha.

1939, February 24

Had talk with Ashram inmates about his decision to go to Rajkot.

1939, February 25

Issued statement to the Press on Rajkot Satyagraha. Left for Bombay en route to Rajkot.

1939, February 26

Arrived in Bombay.

1939, February 27

Arrived in Rajkot. Gave interview to Associate Press and The Hindu.

1939, February 28

Had separate discussions with representatives of Muslim Council of Action and deputation of Garasia Mandal. Gave interview to The Hindu.

1939, March 1

Gandhi was in Rajkot, interview to Associate Press of India.

1939, March 2

In statement to the Press, Gandhi announced decision to go on fast if his request to Thakore Saheb was not complied with.

1939, March 3

Commenced fast ; issued statement to the press and released letter to Thakore Saheb; had discussion with Fateh Mohammed Khan.

1939, March 4

In statement to the Press, appealed to Congressmen "to make supreme efforts to clean the Congress house of proved corruption and impurities."

1939, March 6

Had discussion with Agatha Harrison.

1939, March 7

Broke fast; issued statement to the Press.

1939, March 8

Had talk with Agatha Harrison.

1939, March 9

In telegram to Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, emphasized need for resolution "to rid Congress of internal corruption". Appealed to people of Rajkot to become worthy of "responsible Government".

1939, March 11

Issued statement to the Press, declined "to give a decisive opinion" on question of revival of civil resistance in Travancore.

1939, March 14

Had discussion with Haribhau Upadhyaya and others on Jaipur Satyagraha.

1939, March 15

In Delhi had two-hour meeting with Viceroy; in Delhi Jail persuaded prisoners to give up hunger-strike.

1939, March 16

Had another meeting with Viceroy; interview to Gobind Bihari Lal; Gandhi had discussion with Hyderabad Aryasamaj leaders on Hyderabad Satyagraha.

1939, March 18

Spoke at opening ceremony of Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Buddha Vihara.

1939, March 19

Asked Jaipur Satyagraha Council to postpone despatch of satyagrahis to Jaipur.

1939, March 20

In statement to the Press, condemned action of Travancore Dewan in arresting Pattom Thanu Pilai and other Congress leaders. Had separate discussions with Travancore satyagrahis and Jaipur satyagrahis.

1939, March Before 23

Interview to The New York Times.

1939, March 23

Gandhi Issued statement advising suspension of Travancore Satyagraha.

1939, March 24

In Allahabad, called on Abdul Kalam Azad; left for Delhi.

1939, March 25

In telegram to R.K. Jha, confirmed that statement suspending Travancore Satyagraha contemplated similar action in Nandgaon State.

1939, March 26

In Harijan, commended Bombay Government’s decision to introduce prohibition from August 1, 1939.

1939, March 29 qnd 30

Had discussion with Agatha Harrison.

1939, March 30

In letter to Subhas Chandra Bose gave permission to publish their correspondence.

1939, March 31

Had discussion with inmates of Birla House on communal situation in Allahabad.

1939, April 3

Sir Maurice Gwyer gave verdict in favour of Vallabhbhai Patel.

1939, April 4

Gandhi Issued statement to the Press on Bombay prohibition programme; in another statement condemned repression in Travancore.

1939, April 6

Had meeting with Viceroy.

1939, April 7

Left for Rajkot.

1939, April 9

Reached Rajkot.

1939, April 11

Met E.C. Gibson.

1939, April 12

Bhayats and Muslims met Gandhi.

1939, April 14

On behalf of Vallabhbhai Patel, Gandhi wrote to Dharmendrasinh suggesting seven names for reforms Committee.

1939, April 15

Issued statement to the Press regarding nomination of seven names for Reforms Committee.

1939, April 16

Muslims and Garasias staged a demonstration at prayer; Gandhi issued statement.

1939, April 17

In telegram to Satyamurti disapproved observing of ‘Kenya Day’ on May 14.

1939, April 18

In telegram to Lord Linlithgow, reminded him of 20,000 Talcher refugees.

1939, April 19

Suffered from gastric flu.

1939, April 20

Met Gibson with "the sporting offer" namely, "Parishad should withdraw from the proposed Committee altogether and that the Thakore Saheb should nominate his own Committee" in terms of December 26 Settlement.

1939, April 22

Met Virawala; gave statement to Associate Press of India.

1939, April 23

In letter informed Gibson of Virawala’s rejection of "sporting offer"; addressed meeting of Praja Parishad workers.

1939, April 24

Left for Bombay; issued statement to the press on his defeat in Rajkot.

1939, April 25

Reached Bombay; left for Calcutta.

1939, April 27

On train, between Kharagpur and Calcutta, interview to The Stateman.

1939, April 29

In letter to Subhas Bose Gandhi said "… knowing how you and most of the members differ on fundamentals… you are free to choose your own Committee."

1939, April 29

Subhas Bose resigned from Congress Presidentship after reading out Gandhi’s letter at A.I.C.C. meeting.

1939, May 1

Gandhi left for Brindaban (Bihar).

1939, May 3

Spoke at opening of Village Industries Exhibition.

1939, May 4

Spoke at Teachers’ Training Camp.

1939, May 5

Answered questions at Gandhi Seva Sangh meeting.

1939, May 6

Answered questions at Gandhi Seva Sangh meeting.

1939, May 7

Answered questions at Gandhi Seva Sangh meeting; addressed All-India Village Industries Board; also addressed public meeting.

1939, May 8

Left for Benares to see Madan Mohan Malaviya.

1939, May 11

In Bombay, interview to the Press.

1939, May 12

Gandhi reached Rajkot; spoke at meeting of Praja Parishad workers.

1939, May 12

In interview to A.P.I. regretted anti-Asiatic policy of South Africa Union Government.

1939, May 12

In a personal letter to Virawala mentioned "the double game" he was playing.

1939, May On or after 12

In talk to Praja Parishad workers confessed his "impatience" in attitude to problem of Bhayats and Mussalmans.

1939, May 13 and 14

Interview to Travancore National Congress delegation.

1939, May 15

In talk to Praja Parishad workers Gandhi expressed desire to renounce Gwyer Award.

1939, May 17

In statement to the press, renounced Gwyer Award. Had discussion with Mahadev Desai.

1939, May After 17

Had talks with co-workers on his decision to give up the Award; interview to Steel of The New York Times.

1939, May 18

Gandhi had discussion with Kasturba Gandhi.

1939, May 20

Attended Durbar at Rajkot Palace.

1939, May On or after 20

Had talk with co-workers who remonstrated with Gandhi for attending the Rajkot Durbar.

1939, May 23

In message, advised South Africa Indians to fight unitedly the Union Government’s policy of progressive stringency in their anti-Asiatic drive"; addressed public meeting.

1939, May 31

Spoke at Executive Committee Meeting of Kathiawar Political Conference.

1939, June 1

Accompanied by Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Pyarelal and Dr. Sushila Nayyar, Gandhi left Rajkot for Bombay by Kathiawar Mail. On train, had discussion with Travancore State Congress deputation.

1939, June 2

Reached Bombay. Interview to Bombay Victuallers’ Association representative, which was followed by Parsi deputation led by Cowasji Jehangir.

1939, June 4

Gandhi issued statement explaining his new technique of action in Travancore.

1939, June 6

Interview to deputation of Kolhapur Praja Parishad.

1939, June 7

Left Bombay for Segaon.

1939, June 11

In Harijan article "Meaning of Prohibition", replied to letter from Archbishop of Bombay.

1939, June 13

Interview to Mysore Congress representatives.

1939, June 20

Accompanied by Mahadev Desai, Pyarelal and Dr. Sushila Nayyar, Gandhi left Segaon for Bombay.

1939, June 23

In Bombay, drafted resolutions for the All-India Congress Committee.

1939, June 27

In Harijan, wrote on "The National Flag".

1939, July 4

Visited Chemical Industrial and Pharmaceutical Laboratories.

1939, July 5

At Bombay Central, before leaving for Frontier Province, received Aim of Japan’s Expansion in China from Chinese monks

1939, July 5

Before boarding Frontier Mail, received from S.K. Bole, who had led group of forty Bhandaris, petition to Premier of Bombay and assured him that they "will not be allowed to starve".

1939, July 5

Left for Peshawar. Mahadev Desai accompanied him. Kasturba Gandhi, Pyarelal and Dr. Sushila Nayyar stayed back.

1939, July 7

Gandhi reached Abbottabad in the evening.

1939, July 8

In statement to the press urged Bengal political prisoners "not to take to hunger-strike".

1939, July 8

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai was thrown open to Harijans.

1939, July 9

Interview to L.W. Jardine of M.R.A.

1939, July 10

Gandhi had discussion with Jayaprakash Narayan, who spoke about Kisan Sabha and Congress in Bihar and also about Socialist Party’s attitude towards forward Bloc.

1939, July 13

In statement, Gandhi expressed regret over Subhas Chandra Bose’s opposition to Bombay prohibition scheme.

1939, July 14

Kasturba Gandhi, Pyarelal and Dr. Sushila Nayyar reached Abbottabad.

1939, July 15

In statement to the Press, Gandhi urged Bengal Government to release the political prisoners.

1939, July 16

Gandhi was in Abbottabad since July 7.

1939, July 17

In letter to sikandar Hyat Khan, expressed inability to agree with his alternative scheme of Federation.

1939, July 22

In statement to the Press, announced cancellation of his visit to Kashmir.

1939, July 22

Interview to Provincial Congress Committee members.

1939, July 23

Message to Bombay Government Prohibition Board on decision to promulgate prohibition in Bombay from august. In letter to Adolf Hitler, Government appealed to him as "the one person in the world who can prevent a war which may reduce humanity to the sav

1939, July 23

Spoke at Abbottabad.

1939, July On or Before 26

Discussion with Dr. Charles Fabri.

1939, July 26

Gandhi left Abbottabad for Wardha. Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Pyarelal and dr. Sushila Nayyar accompanied him.

1939, July 27

At Ghaziabad Station in the morning, Gandhi got down and proceeded to Delhi in motor-car.

1939, July 27

At about 10.30 a.m. at Harijan Colony presided over first convocation of Harijan Industrial Home and gave away certificates to students.

1939, July 27

In afternoon, interview to Ghanshyamsingh Gupta, Speaker, Central Provinces legislative Assembly, Vinayak Rao of Arya Samaj Satyagraha in Hyderabad State, and Deshbandhu Gupta, who placed before him correspondence between Ghanshyamsingh Gupta and Akbar

1939, July 27

Left Delhi for Wardha by Grand Trunk Express.

1939, July 31

S.K. Bole in his letter to Gandhi said that "the signatories to the memorial acted bona fide and they never intended to offer any threat to the Bombay Ministry.

1939, August 1

In telegram to Viceroy, Gandhi regretted his inability to see him in Delhi on August 5.

1939, August 3

Bengal political prisoners decided to suspend hunger-strike.

1939, August Before 4

In letter to President, Tanzeem-ul-Mominin, Gandhi advised withdrawal of civil disobedience started by Shias in early June as a result of the Shia-Sunni dispute.

1939, August 5

In discussion, persuaded V.V. Sathe, a Satyagrahi, to postpone his proposed fast to seek redress of grievances against Bombay Government.

1939, August 7

Rajagopalachari introduced in Madras Legislative Council Temple-entry Authorization and Indemnity Bill as passed by Madras Legislative Assembly.

1939, August 8

"Arya Satyagraha" was called off.

1939, August 11

The Congress Working Committee passed resolution disqualifying Subhas Chandra Bose from being President of Bengal Provincial Congress Committee for three years from August 30.

1939, August 23

In statement to the Press, Gandhi replied to criticisms against two resolutions of Congress Working Committee - one disqualifying Subhas Chandra Bose and other on war.

1939, August 27

In statement to the Press on international crisis, declared " I cannot emphasize my belief more forcibly than by saying that I personally would not purchase my own country’s freedom by violence even if such a thing were a possibility".

1939, August Before 30

In message to Poles, sent "good wishes and blessings".

1939, August 31

In telegram to G.D. Birla, advised commercial community to "remain silent" on international crisis till "actual result is known."

1939, September 2

Left for Simla in response to invitation from Viceroy.

1939, September 3

England and France declared war on Germany.

1939, September 4

Interview with Viceroy.

1939, September 5

Gandhi left for Wardha.

1939, September 5

Issued statement on Simla visit. Sabarmati Ashram was officially declared as ‘Harijan Ashram.’

1939, September 8

Congress Working Committee meeting began in Wardha.

1939, September 11

Viceroy addressed Legislative Assembly; announced postponement of Federation.

1939, September 15

Gandhi gave statement to the press on Congress Working Committee concluded its meeting.

1939, September 20

Gandhi issued statement suggesting mode of action by the Ministries in view of Congress Working Committee Manifesto.

1939, September 23 and 24

Discussion with members of Oxford Group.

1939, September 24

Gandhi left for Simla on being invited by Viceroy for second round of talks.

1939, September 26

In Simla, interview with Viceroy.

1939, September 27

Gandhi left for Segaon.

1939, September 28

At Nagpur railway station, answered questions on interview with Viceroy.

1939, September 28

In statement to the Press, appealed to Lord Zetland to "forget the old language of imperialists and open a new chapter for all those who have been held under imperial bondage".

1939, October 2

In Delhi, discussion with Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru before their meeting with Viceroy.

1939, October 3

In message to British people through The Manchester Guardian, Gandhi appealed for Bretain’s sincerity in "professions about democracy".

1939, October 5

Interview with Viceroy.

1939, October 6

Gandhi reached Segaon.

1939, October 7 - 10

In Wardha attended Congress Working Committee meeting.

1939, October 10

A.I.C.C. passed Working Committee resolution on war. In Harijan article "On trial", Gandhi observed that "Congressmen are unprepared for non-violent defence against armed invasion" and he declared, "it is better for India to discard violence altogethe

1939, October 12

In letter to Dr. B.C. Roy, declined to shoulder burden of leading Congress and suggested to have Jawaharlal Nehru for that post.

1939, October 13

In statement, described A.I.C.C. resolution on war as "moderate and wise" and appealed to Congressmen "to desist from any action that would savour of indiscipline of defiance".

1939, October 17

Viceroy made declaration of India’s political future and her attitude to war.

1939, October 18

In statement to the press, Gandhi characterized Viceroy’s declaration as "profoundly disappointing".

1939, October 19

At Wardha, in conference of Central Provinces and Berar Local Bodies’ representatives, spoke on the Basic Education Scheme.

1939, October 20

At Segaon, interview to The Times of India.

1939, October 22

In note to Police Superintendent and Deputy Commissioner, Gandhi declined their offer to arrange for his protection.

1939, October 22

Congress Working Committee passed resolution calling upon "Congress Ministries to tender their resignations".

1939, October 23

In cable to world Press, Gandhi declared "Congress has left the door open to Britain to mend the mistake."

1939, October 25 - 26

Discussion with members of Gandhi Seva Sangh.

1939, October 27

In statement to the press, Gandhi appreciated conciliatory tone of Sir Simuel Hore’s speech in House of commons but criticized his plea for protection of minorities in rejecting the Congress demand.

1939, October 27

Madras Ministry tendered resignation.

1939, October 28

Message to Basic Education Conference, Poona.

1939, October 31

Gandhi left for Delhi to meet Viceroy.

1939, October 31

In Harijan article "The Congressman", said, "for decisive action, the whole Congress has to move forward in confidence and with one mind."

1939, November 1

During his journey to Delhi wrote to Chinese Premier and children of China, expressing sympathy in their hardship caused by Japanese aggression.

1939, November 1

In Delhi, along with Rajendra Prasad and M.A. Jinnah, had joint conference with Viceroy.

1939, November 1

Continued talks with Jinnah at the latter’s residence.

1939, November 2

Spoke at opening ceremony of Prayer hall in Harijan Nivas.

1939, November 4

Interview with Viceroy.

1939, November 4

In interview to The Manchester Guardian, Gandhi said ‘he was shocked at Lord Zetland’s suggestion that the Congress is a Hindu organisation’.

1939, November 5

At Nagpur, interview to the Press.

1939, November 5

Viceroy, in a broadcast, declared that his "disappointment" at the leaders’ refusal to agree to his proposal to expand Governor-General’s Executive Council to include representatives of the Congress and the Muslim League was not ‘final’ and that he wo

1939, November 7

In Harijan article "Opinions Differ", Gandhi expressed hope that talks between Jinnah and Jawaharlal Nehru would result in producing "a basis for a lasting solution of the communal tangle".

1939, November 8

In statement to the Press, referred to Viceroy’s broadcast and press statement and urged Britain to free India from bondage.

1939, November 14

Cabled statement to The News Chronicle, London.

1939, November 18

Left for Allahabad.

1939, November 19

In Harijan article "The Only Way", said, "the Constituent Assembly provides the easiest method of arriving at a just solution of the communal problem".

1939, November 19

At Allahabad, attended Congress Working Committee; laid foundation-stone for Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital and addressed a large gathering.

1939, November 22

Congress Working Committee considered Gandhi’s draft resolution on political situation in India.

1939, November 23

Gandhi gave testimonial to Munnilal, a barber. Congress Working Committee passed Gandhi’s resolution. In letter addressed to Subhas Chandra Bose, Gandhi explained that he was party to ban imposed on Bose.

1939, November 23

Discussion with U.P. Congress workers.

1939, November 24

In letter to people of Mysore, Gandhi disapproved of Forest Satyagraha.

1939, November 25

Reached Wardha.

1939, November 27

In Harijan article "Swaraj through Women", exhorted women to take up spinning.

1939, December 1

Gandhi was at Segaon.

1939, December 2

In cable to Agatha Harrison stated that "no progress possible without unequivocal declaration independence".

1939, December 3

Sent message to The Hindu on its diamond jubilee. Had discussion with C. Rajagopalachari.

1939, December 4

Sent cable to The News Chronicle stating that declaration of British policy about India was a purely moral issue.

1939, December 6

M.A. Jinnah issued statement calling upon Muslims to observe December 22 as "Day of Deliverance" from Congress Ministries.

1939, December 7

Sir Stafford Cripps arrived at Karachi.

1939, December 8

Gandhi met Hirday Nath Kunzru.

1939, December 9

In statement to Press appealed to M.A. Jinnah to desist from observing "Day of Deliverance" in view of unity talks and await Viceroy’s and Governor’s opinion on allegations made by Muslim League against Congress.

1939, December 9

Sir Daniel Hamilton died in Scotland.

1939, December Before 10

Gandhi sent message to Jabalpore District Political Conference.

1939, December 10

Sent condolences to Lady Hamilton.

1939, December 17

through Harijan appealed to correspondents and message-seekers to spare him.

1939, December 18

Attended Congress Working Committee meeting.

1939, December 19

Congress Working Committee meeting continued. Sir Stafford Cripps called on Gandhi.

1939, December 20

Gandhi continued discussion with Sir Stafford Cripps.

1939, December Before 22

Congress Working Committee passed resolution on Independence Day Pledge.

1939, December 22

Gandhi sent telegram to Rabindranath Tagore intimating Working Committee’s inability to lift ban against Subhas Chandra Bose.

1939, December 22

Congress Working Committee session concluded. Muslim League observed "Day of Deliverance".

1939, December 27

Gandhi addressed Nagpur Provincial Congress Workers at Wardha.