Independence at Last!- August 15, 1947

I have often dreamt of this moment. I have often imagined this moment. But never did I expect it to so eloquently come while I am living. I am so fortunate to see that India has finally attained independence from the unjust rule of the British! It is news of great joy, and after embarking on a journey so great I have come to conclude that the force behind India's independence does not lie with me. All the credit goes to the people of India who have sacrificed so much, taken so many blows, and still risen out of the rubble to fight until they die. I am proud of every single Indian, and Muslim of course, that has helped me protest. I am grateful to all that have appreciated my works, my thoughts, my ideals and beliefs, and my forms of action. I hope I have not been too rash to all the people- yet I feel whatever we have done has been done for the better good of society. Today, on this bright day, August 14, 1947 we have finally achieved a state of purity, a state of freedom, and a state of equality. Our unceasing fights have finally paid off.

Yet, once again, another tragedy bothers me as I write this. Jinnah, as the talks have confirmed, is deciding to make another Pakistan. For the purpose of avoiding a civil war, I have agreed to him creating a separate nation Pakistan- solely for the purpose of no more riots and fights. This decision, I pray, will eventually help the Muslims realize that divided, we will not last too long. I wish Jinnah could just see how we could mediate the efforts between the two groups- as I have done before by my fasting. But this time matters seem out of hand once again.

Putting aside this thought- I pray for the betterment of Pakistan as well. Pakistani's should live just as equally as we do- there is simply no need for discrimination. I will therefore go to give a lecture in Pakistan and explain how we are all still the same, and now that all Muslims live in another nation, we(Hindus) should not be forgotten... We are all still equals. I still consider the Pakistani's my brothers.

I am looking forward to walking out into my free India now, as I prepare for the long journey to Pakistan tomorrow. Once again I hope for the best- good bye for now diary...

Tensions on Independence- Hindu and Muslim Riots- 1946

I have recently been released from prison and another piece of distressing news has hit me. It keeps haunting me so I am forced to write about my experience dealing with the news here. After my release, I had been notified that though with the touch of independence on the brink of success, riots have broken out between our brothers and sisters. Hindus and Muslims are fighting recklessly, claiming one racial group is better than the other. The tensions are continuously increasing and both feel that there will be no adequate representation in government. My dear Jinnah is also siding with the perception that Muslims are discriminated against- although I am taking full measures to ensure such a calamity may not fall upon my dear Musilm friends' heads.

I remember when I was a child, living with my father in Porbandar, we often used to visit a temple. The priest, or person who recited the daily prayers, recited verse from both the Hindu Gita and Muslim Koran.(the two books are religious scriptures from Hindu and Muslim descent- it is similar to the Bible of the Christians.) The priest only cared that God was being worshipped- in the process I also got to learn the Muslim ways. The way the Hindus and Muslims right now are dividing themselves is of utmost concern. It pains me deeply.

Violence is breaking across the nation. Both sides are currently unwilling to compromise and talks have begun about the division of India. My dear friend Jinnah has given up the opportunity of becoming the first prime minister of India and has also leaned toward the ways of the Muslim rebels. They are still fighting greatly and this distraughts me. I wished for a united India, not an independent India with factional divisions. I am in deep agony and will go and try to talk to many of my Muslim brothers after we have attained independence. But let you keep in mind dear diary, these are just talks and rumors so far. Nothing more. At least I wish not. Till next entry of independence, I bid farewell!

Once Again Back in Prison.. -1932

I have again been put back in prison, for my "sedition" efforts on speaking out against the unjust rule of Britain again. These frequent trips to prison are no longer heart-breaking, but rather more welcoming. This prison is like a open spot to think and take decisive action. And as always, I have found another way to help the untouchables of our caste system.

Before I continue, let me clarify dear diary, I have often been faced with the problem of untouchables being regarded as inferior. They are a part of our "caste system" and reside at the complete bottom. They are discriminated against, their works and jobs are of abject conditions, and others continuous derogatory comments only debilitate their morality. Though it may be considered an anomaly, I actually support the untouchables for all the work they do- as I may have mentioned earlier, I used to clean the latrines to eliminate all sorts of hierarchal discrimination. I still stand by my position on the equality of all castes in India- no longer should we judge others by what caste they are of, and neither should we assign them jobs with their position in society.

I,therefore, have made the decision to fast until death if untouchables are not regarded as equals of other members in society. Hopefully my death itself will force the people to see the injustice towards our own people! God has created us all equally- we must treat each other with tantamount respect. The British have created a separate electorate just for the untouchables- this is also a form if inequality.

Another Chance for Hope- 1931

I have recently been released from prison! Oh how good it feels to be back at my home, my ashram. I feel like all the problems that once weighed down on my chest are gone... I have never had more pride in anyone than the people who stood up to the factory and took the British's violence; in the whole time, doing so, they did not fight back or retaliate in any form. I am especially proud of the way the women set up small medical posts to help and cure the wounded. The British recklessly attacked with bayonet ends, and struck at the head, spine, and body. Young men were hurt terribly, from what I hear, and this part of the news saddens me. But my joy of hearing they did not vindictively fight back brightens my day. I feel strengthened, and ready to continue my mission towards India's independence.

Today, another good news has fortunately reached me. I have been invited by Britain's representatives to take part in congressional meeting in London. This is termed the Round Table Conference where peace talks and possibilities of independence for India will be brought into consideration. I hope the conversation runs fairly well and smoothly- and that we are able to conclude a mutual relationship with benefits for both sides. I will spend quite some time in Britain. They have already taken a step forward by releasing all prisoners of the protest. I hope this symbiotic relationship continues...

My Arrest after Salt Satyagraha- May 5, 1931

I, sadly, have been arrested. To all my dear friends out there, I hope the best is brought out in all of you. Though these words are simply being written in my diary, I am sure this message is reaching a place in your heart. Though I will not endure the fights, protest, and firm stand with you- I will be here in prison, praying. I will write about my perceptions and hopefully the good news of a Salt Satyagraha will approach me in no time.

I have no doubt on any of my fellow Indians- pray nothing goes wrong today.

My New Movement... The Salt March-March 12,1931

I am today embarking on a treacherous and long journey to help all the Indians across the country of India realize there are people who are willing to fight and take action. I am devoted to the betterment of this nation and, to prove our position as a firm part of society, we are embarking on a great Salt March. This Salt March will cover 240 miles and we will eventually arrive at a village near Dandi...

This may seem like a trifling experience or event to put fort with, but I can assure you it carries more meaning than its name may suggest. Salt, like other basic living necessities, is necessary to the living of mankind. We can not live without salt, as it controls the pulse of our hearts- the same way it will help us eventually control the nation's pulse. The salt we will make naturally from the oceans will demonstrate that we are not scared to use our mother land's natural resources. The Indian Ocean is ours- why should we be scared to use our own natural resources? This is now what dear God and all of our Indian fathers would have done.

If we are breaking a law, we are doing so correctly because unjust laws are meant to be broken. I believe that we should put upa fight not for vengeful actions- but to show that what the British are doing is incorrect. I, therefore, am not scared to violate or obstruct any law. As transient as this event may seem, I pray it leaves a drastic impact to shatter the willpower of the British and weaken them. Let me clarify, when I speak of weaken, I mean morally, not physically. Dear diary, I hope for the best because today one of the most populated movements will take shape. I am getting ready to leave for the march- there are already people gathered outside as I continue to write the entry. It is nearing noon and we have a long 24 day journey to encounter. I must say, it does seem very exciting and monumental for me. I have never been on such a great journey by foot and hope that my years of walking to and from office in South Africa pay off.

UPDATE

The day is now April 6, 1931 and we have successfully reached Dandi, and have successfully made our salt. We have proven ourselves and soon- to continue with our momentum- we will go to protest the Dharasana Salt Works( a large factory that operates to produce salt in great quantities). We will protest with Satyagraha there, and will show the British the land, the ocean, and the salt is ours...

My Speech August 1, 1920

I have recently written and presented a speech to my fellow Indians regarding the condition of our social status and the treatment the British have continuously given us. It is of utmost disturbance and has driven me to write, candidly I must claim, the tyrannic rule of the British and how it has always affected our economy and our lives. This is the time for change...

I wonder how the people wil react. For the most part, they seemed fairly appreciative towards my efforts and ideas. I hope their magic works for now- and until I write my next entry I bid farewell...