Description:

Mohandas Gandhi
Sevagram, India, August 27, 1941
Gandhi Protects Indian Rights Opposing Indo-Burma Agreement - "the people's message won't be reached here" - An Unpublished Correspondence
ALS
ALS on Postcard, dated August 27, 1941, and written from Sevagram, Gandhi's ashram near Wardha in the state of Maharashtra, and addressed to Natwaral B. Jasani. The letter refers to Gandhi's statement opposing the Indo-Burma Immigration Agreement issued just a few days earlier, on August 24, 1941 which aimed to regulate immigration between India and Burma. Unfortunately, the agreement created significant hardships for the Indian community in Burma by disrupting their established economic activities and making it difficult for them to continue working and supporting their families. In fine condition, with some toning, boldly signed. Addressed on verso in Gandhi's hand. From a previously unpublished correspondence. Ex-Christie's New York. Measures 5.5" x 3.5."

Translated in full:

"Sevagram
Via Wardha 27-8-41

Natwar

I receive your letter. I think the people's message won't be reached here. You must have read about my statement. You did a good thing by coming here. You can come back whenever you wish.

Bapu's Blessings"

The Indo-Burma Immigration Agreement of 1941 was a policy introduced by the British colonial governments of India and Burma to regulate the movement of people between the two territories by imposing stringent visa and permit requirements. This policy significantly impacted the livelihoods of many Indians in Burma, especially laborers and traders who depended on unrestricted movement for their economic activities. The agreement was part of a broader strategy during World War II to manage colonial populations and address local concerns in Burma about the competition for jobs and resources due to the large number of Indian immigrants. This regulation faced strong opposition from Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, who issued a statement on August 24, 1941, denouncing the hardships it imposed on the Indian community and calling for resistance against the unjust measures.

Gandhi's relationship with the Jasani family began in South Africa in the early 1900s when a member of the Khanderia family, close associates of Gandhi, married into the Jasani family, which was then based in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar). During a visit to Rangoon, Gandhi met the Khanderia daughter and quickly developed a close bond with her new family, the Jasanis. In 1910, the Jasanis relocated to Rajkot, Gujarat, where they rented Gandhi's boyhood home, Kaba Gandhi No Delo. Gandhi frequently visited them and humorously remarked that he would live with them if they adopted khadi clothing, which the family promptly did.

Throughout the 1930s, the Jasani family became deeply involved in Gandhi's struggle for Indian independence. They actively participated in protests, raised funds, and faced arrests for their activities. Their commitment to the movement highlighted the significant support Gandhi received from his close associates and the broader Indian diaspora.

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: 5.5" x 3.5."
  • Medium: ALS

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