The Mahatma’s fast

Lahore, Tuesday, September 30, 1924

THE wonderful letter which Mahatma Gandhi has addressed to the President of the Unity Conference, wonderful in its conception as well as execution, in the sentiments it breathes, the views it expresses, the circumstances under which it is written — it was written by his own hand on the 10th day of the fast — and in its very phraseology shows that there is now little or no chance of the Mahatma discontinuing his fast before the prescribed period of three weeks is over. The one condition on which he is prepared to discontinue his fast was thus stated by himself:--“I have not taken up the fast to die, but to live a better and purer life for the service of the country and God. If, therefore, I reach a crisis (of which humanly speaking I see no possibility whatever) when the choice lies between death and food, I shall certainly break the fast.” The decision is much to be regretted not only because the fast is a source of painful embarrassment to the conference and to the many thousands of his devoted admirers and ardent followers all over the country, but because there is reason to fear that even though God, in his infinite mercy, may spare the Mahatma for his country and people, its effect may be to further enfeeble his weakened constitution. It may be that this would not immediately impair his efficiency for the service of the country and God that to him are dearer than life, but can anyone say with assurance that this will not be its ultimate effect?