Description:

Mahatma Gandhi
Wardha, Maharashtra, India, October 19, 1941
Gandhi ALS "I am deeply sorry... Forgive my unpardonable error," Perfectly Captures Gandhi Voice During Ind. Movement!
ALS

Extraordinary Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Mohandas K. Gandhi, dated October 19, 1941, handwritten on Sevagram ashram stationery in Wardha. The letter measures 4.25" x 6.5," and is authenticated and encapsulated by PSA to an overall size of 6.75" x 10." Accompanied by an LOA from Honey Translation Services for the translation.

The letter, which carries moral and philosophical weight, capturing Gandhi's unique voice in a moment of emotional candor, is written during a tense period of India's independence movement in Gujarati and sent to Natwar, a close acquaintance of Gandhi who's family actively supported the Mahatma's independence struggle in the 1930s. The letter showcases Gandhi's emphasis on truth, humility, and reconciliation in interpersonal affairs, values he applied as rigorously in private correspondence as he did in national leadership.

In full:

"Natwar

You are unnecessarily getting upset and having misunderstandings.

You just write a small letter related to that.

Has sent me your reply to him about what U had wrongly thought on and said Prof. Kalelkar too wrote a sharp letter home. I related to G, what I thought I had understood from you as I relate everything to him

I am deeply sorry for the misunderstanding. I hope you forgive my unpardonable error
Write this or something kind of this and forget about everything else.

Also write to the Satish and retrieve with double conscious.

How can he have this level of misunderstanding?

Bapu's Blessings"

In October 1941, when Gandhi wrote this letter from Sevagram, he was in a period of intense reflection and preparation as India edged closer to its final push for independence. Although not yet launched, Gandhi was formulating ideas that would soon lead to the Quit India Movement of 1942. At this time, India was fully embroiled in the complexities of World War II, having been drawn in by the British without consultation of Indian leaders—an action that deeply angered the Indian National Congress. Gandhi had returned to a more active political role after a period of semi-retirement, focusing on unity among the Indian people and negotiating with British authorities, while also managing divisions within the independence movement, including between moderates and radicals. The tone of the letter reflects Gandhi's continued commitment to nonviolence, personal accountability, and reconciliation, which remained central to his leadership even amidst the growing urgency of national struggle.

Sent from Wardha, a location which played a significant role in Mahatma Gandhi's life and work, and became a major center for his activities during India's struggle for independence. In 1936, Gandhi established his Sevagram Ashram near Wardha, Maharashtra, which became his residence and operational headquarters for nearly a decade. Sevagram, meaning "village of service," was a place where Gandhi promoted self-sufficiency, rural upliftment, and nonviolent resistance, embodying his principles of swaraj (self-rule) and sarvodaya (welfare for all). Many important discussions on India's independence, including deliberations on the Quit India Movement (1942), took place at Sevagram. Wardha thus became an intellectual and political hub where national leaders and freedom fighters frequently gathered to seek Gandhi's guidance.

Gandhi's relationship with the Jasani family, who this letter was sent to, began in South Africa in the early 1900s through the Khanderia family, who were close to Gandhi. A Khanderia member married into the Jasani family, then in Rangoon (Yangon, Myanmar). During a visit, Gandhi met the Khanderia daughter and grew close to the Jasanis. In 1910, the Jasanis moved to Rajkot, Gujarat, renting Gandhi's boyhood home, Kaba Gandhi No Delo. Gandhi frequently visited, humorously suggesting he'd stay if they adopted khadi attire, which they did. The Jasanis actively supported Gandhi's independence struggle in the 1930s, participating in protests and fundraising, even facing arrests.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.75" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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