Chapter 1Private Letters to Public Figures, 1948 – 1950

Private Letters to Public Figures 1948–1950 To Surendra Mohan Ghosh I have strong objections to your giving up your position as Pres- ident of the B.P.C.C. But I recognise that there are good reasons for your not wishing to disappoint Jawaharlal, also the great importance of this other work at Dacca. If you finally decide after seeing the full development of the new situation in Bengal that your relinquishing the presidentship will not frustrate or injure the work in West Bengal, then I am ready to withdraw my objection. 12.6.48 To Kailas Nath Katju Owing to heavy pressure during the last month I am only now able to answer your letter of August 20t.h. forwarding [a] full report of your address on the occasion of the Mahotsav. I had already heard your talk on the radio in connection with [the] Jayanti and I found that it was very much appreciated by those who were trying to do my work in Bengal and they had drawn much encouragement from it and felt heartened by it in their endeavours. I write this to convey to you my blessings for all you have done on the occasion of the Jayanti and the great push it has given to the work and to the workers in Bengal. I have long been acquainted with your name and what you have done for our country as one of its leaders in the struggle for freedom and after Independence was gained, in the heavy and difficult work that had to be done under trying and arduous circumstances to organise its independence and contend with the growing difficulties of the task. The difficulties you speak of which beset all who are work- ing for the world’s peace and welfare are indeed very great; the

On Indian and World Events strength to meet them and to support those who are doing the work is less widespread than it ought to be and there is too much fear and demoralisation everywhere in the world and the will to co-operate for the best is deficient and often absent. I am afraid the hour in which one can be confident that these difficulties would be soon overcome is not yet near and men of goodwill will have to persevere with great courage before they can say, “It is done.” But I believe that as the labour is arduous so will the outcome be sure and satisfying. It has been a great good fortune for Bengal that you have been sent there as Governor and you may be confident that my blessings will attend you in your work. 3.9.49 To K. M. Munshi [1] K. M. MUNSHI: In the Constituent Assembly there is debate about the use of international numerals with the Hindi lan- guage. The whole of South India will not accept Hindi as the national language unless international numerals are used. The non-Hindi provinces are supporting South India. The organ- ised Hindi group is fighting against the international numeral on the ground of Aryan Culture. Sri Aurobindo has no decided opinion on the question. But if the South Indians and other non-Hindi Provinces insist on this arrangement, it seems to him that for the sake of unity in this matter and a unified practice and also for international conve- nience the Hindi-speaking people might make a concession to the others.1 3 September 1949 [2] K. M. MUNSHI: I would like to have your guidance as regards the future of Sanatan Dharma. Starting from your Uttarpara 1 Reply dictated by Sri Aurobindo to A. B. Purani for sending to Munshi over Purani’s signature. — Ed.

Private Letters to Public Figures Speech, which has been a sort of beacon to me for years, I have been working for the reintegration of Hindu culture . . . But I am neither learned nor a profound thinker. I can contribute only my faith and the little energy which has been vouchsafed to me. I only pray that strength may be given to me to carry forward the message of the Seers of whom, in my opinion, you are the only surviving Apostle. What shall I do now? My dear Kanubhai In reply to your letter to him of July 30t.h. 1950 Sri Aurobindo has asked me to write to you the following: — 2 “Your feeling that there should be reintegration of Indian Culture under modern conditions is quite right. It is the work that has to be done. And as far as Sri Aurobindo can see at present Indian Spiritual Culture has a great and bright future before it. It is the future power that might dominate the world. So, your efforts in carrying out that work are quite in the right direction and in carrying out that work you would have his full support and blessings.” 3 August 1950 2 The paragraphs that follow were dictated by Sri Aurobindo to A. B. Purani and sent to Munshi over Purani’s signature. — Ed.