Part A
1. What is Gandhi saying in this excerpt?
In this excerpt, Gandhi emphasizes the importance of eliminating hatred toward the British from the hearts and minds of Indians, advocating for a non-violent approach to independence. He believes that equating the British people with their imperialist government is counterproductive and urges unity and peace instead of animosity.
2. Why do you think Gandhi wanted to be a “friend of the British”? How did this fit with his philosophies?
Gandhi wanted to be a "friend of the British" to promote a message of non-violence and understanding, believing that peaceful dialogue would lead to mutual respect and ultimately to independence. This aligns with his philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth-force), which advocates for resistance through peaceful means rather than hatred and violence.
3. Imagine you supported Indian independence in 1942. Would you agree with Gandhi’s words? Why or why not?
If I supported Indian independence in 1942, I would likely agree with Gandhi’s words because fostering an environment of peace and collaboration could create a more favorable atmosphere for negotiations and eventual independence. Hatred might impede progress and perpetuate conflict, which Gandhi sought to avoid.
Part B
If I could advise Parliament regarding the situation in India, I would recommend that they reconsider their approach to partition. I would argue that hastily dividing India could lead to significant unrest and violence, as it risks exacerbating communal tensions rather than resolving them. Instead of partition, a more inclusive approach that respects the rights and concerns of all communities could foster unity and avoid the deep-seated divisions that ultimately did occur. Therefore, I would advise against sending the letter to the prime minister without addressing these critical issues.
Self-Evaluation
I would rate my work a 4 out of 5. I found it relatively easy to articulate Gandhi’s philosophy and its implications for independence. However, I faced challenges in fully grasping the complexities surrounding the consequences of partition and how to address them in a historical context. Through this activity, I learned more about the importance of non-violence and the need for diplomatic solutions in moments of conflict, as well as the far-reaching effects of historical decisions like the partition of India.