IV - What is Swaraj?

Summary

reader: I have now learnt what the Congress has done to make India one nation, how the Partition has caused an awakening, and how discontent and unrest have spread through the land. I would now like to know your views on Swaraj. I fear that our interpretation is not the same.

editor: It is quite possible that we do not attach the same meaning to the term. You and I and all Indians are impatient to obtain Swaraj, but we are certainly not decided as to what it is. To drive the English out of India is a thought heard from many mouths, but it does not seem that many have properly considered why it should be so. I must ask you a question. Do you think that it is necessary to drive away the English, if we get all we want?

reader: I should ask of them only one thing, that is: ‘Please leave our country.’ If after they have complied with this request, their withdrawal from India means that they are still in India, I should have no objection. Then we would understand that, in our language, the word ‘gone’ is equivalent to ‘remained’.

editor: Well, then, let us suppose that the English have retired. What will you do then?

reader: That question cannot be answered at this stage. The state after withdrawal will depend largely upon the manner of it.