There is a saying that it is easy to turn iron into gold using the mythical philosopher’s stone, Paras. This process, known as Rasavadam, though unproven and never witnessed, has become a metaphor to illustrate a person’s transformative influence on others—not only inspiring them to follow but also to emulate their character.
While not everyone could fully embrace Mahatmaji’s idealism or his rigorous practice of Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence), many who worked alongside him found it nearly impossible to resist his profound influence. Though their relationships with him evolved over time—and they were not hesitant to question him when situations demanded—they remained his disciples (Shishyas) in one way or another.
Among such individuals was Dr. Sarojini Naidu. Although detailed information about her life is readily available online, one remarkable example of her alignment with Mahatmaji’s ethos is how she replicated his efforts from South Africa during her own time. This example showcases how he transformed not just individuals into ‘gold’ but also into catalysts for transformation, much like Paras itself.
Mahatmaji’s influence extended beyond Indian soil. Historian Ramachandra Guha, in his book Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom (Penguin Random House India Pvt. Ltd., 2022), provides a remarkable study of Mahatmaji’s impact on non-Indians. While Guha, for valid reasons, did not include figures like C.F. Andrews, the book highlights numerous others who were deeply inspired by Gandhi, both during his time and later—figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
A vivid account by Manilal Gandhi from South Africa about Srimati Sarojini Naidu’s visit further underscores how Mahatmaji’s transformative influence was not confined to words but translated into real-life actions. It is worth exploring such accounts to fully appreciate the enduring legacy of his influence.
Just at the time of sending the last post for Young India, I received a letter from my son1 who is in charge of Indian Opinion, Natal, giving a graphic account o52..366=f Mrs. Naidu’s visit. I know that the reader will like to have it at the earliest opportunity. I give below a translation of the letter which is dated 15th March 1924:
This is a hurried note. I have barely two hours to catch the mail.
Mrs. Sarojini Naidu has been in our midst for the past twenty days. Her work by now has produced a very good effect on the people of this country, particularly the Europeans. Johanseburg was hostile when she came, but her eloquence has disarmed much of the opposition and the mischief-makers have been shamed into silence. Towards the end of her tour in the Transvaal, Europeans attended her lectures in their thousands. I was not at Johannesburg myself. But I managed to meet her at Volksrust, half-way between Johannesburg and here. She was received at every station by large and eager crowds, composed of both Europeans and Indians and her compartment presented the constant appearance of a flower garden. She stopped for two days in Maritzburg. The anti-Asiatic spirit there is acute and the reactionary element holds full sway. There had been a strong movement to disallow the use of the Town Hall to the Indians for Mrs. Naidu’s reception and serious consequences were threatened if it was allowed. But the situation was saved at the last moment by the Maritzburg Times which, in a leading article, wisely dissuaded the Europeans from any precipitate action. In spite of the indications of trouble, every rich of the Town Hall was packed with Indians and quite a number of Europeans occupied the gallery. The Mayour having refused to preside on the occasion, a European friend was proposed in the chair. He was howled down by the occupants of the gallery as soon as he attempted to speak. Mr. Bhagat, who tried to reason, too, was obliged to sit down. Mrs Naidu at this stage took charge of the meeting She had hardly uttered three sentences when the gallery-leaders were seen quitting the hall one after another and, in about twenty minutes’ time, the main element of rowdies had retired from the field. When the meeting was over, a number of Europeans, unknown before, showed great eagerness to shake hands with Mrs. Naidu.
The next day, crowds of Indians and Europeans could be seen in front of Mrs. Naidu’s residence struggling to have a glimpse of her, the space outside being hardly sufficient to contain them. The European and Coloured women
- Manilal Gandhi
| VOL. 27 : 12 JANUARY, 1924 – 21 MAY, 1924 | 213 |
felt astounded at her courage. There were missionaries who called on Mrs. Naidu, wanting to make her acquaintance, and the whole dramatic change was quickly followed by a cordial interview between the Bishop of Natal and Mrs. Naidu.
Durban probably excelled all the other places in the reception it gave to the great guest. A special train received her at Maritzburg. The station platform at Durban was packed to overflowing and the road outside, too, was blocked by the mass of spectators. Mrs. Naidu was conveyed to the Albert Park in a carriage drawn by the people themselves. The attendance at the meeting here was easily five thousand men and women of all classes and as many schoolchildren. The women’s meeting was unique in the history of South Africa. Mrs. Naidu also delivered two lectures in the Town Hall which was filled to the full on both occasions, some of the people actually having to return disappointed for want of accommodation. The European women had arranged a special meeting of their own to receive Mrs. Naidu. The tour here has now extended up to Zululand. Tongaat and Phoenix yet remain to be done. Mrs. Naidu has for the present left for Cape Town after spending three days here. She intends being present at the debate on the Class Areas Bill. She then tours through some of the towns in the Cape, goes back to Johannesburg on a brief visit, comes back here to spend with us a week and takes the first available boat in April for the Motherland.
Mrs. Naidu’s energy is wonderful. She has slight fever and headache at times, but her ailments never come in the way of her heavy programme of journeys and lectures.
The authorities have accorded her excellent treatment. She is invariably given a special saloon on trains and the railway officials are courteous. Mrs. Naidu was anxious to write to you, but it has been quite impossible for her to do so. She has asked me specially to write to you.
Young India, 10-4-1924. CWMG, Vol. 27, pp. 213-214
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