Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/467

 accept a larger measure of blame than the educated classes for the latter having taken little part in the war. Had the Government policy been shaped different- ly from the very commencement, they would have to-day an unconquerable army. But let no one be blamed for the present situation. At the time British rule was established, it was considered to be a wise policy for the governance of crores of men to deprive them of arms and military training. But it is never too late to m end. and both the rulers and the ruled must immediately repair the omission

In offering these views T have assumed the pro- priety of the current trend of thought. To me, how ever, it does not appear to be tending altogether in the right direction. Our agitation is based on the Western model. The Swaraj we desire is of a Western type. As a result of it, India will have to enter into competition with the Western nations. Many believe that there is no escape from it. I do not think so. I cannot forget that India is not Europe, India is not Japan, India is not China. The divine word that * India alone is the land of Karma ' (Action), the rest is the land of Bhoga (Enjoyment), is indelibly imprinted on my mind* I feel that India's mission is different from that of the others. India is fitted for the religious supremacy of the world. There is no parallel in the world for the process of purification that this country has voluntarily undergone. India is less in need of steel weapons, it has fought with divine weapons ; it can still do so. Other nations have been votaries of brute force. The terrible war going on in Europe furnishes a forcible illustration of the truth. India can win all by soul-force. History supplies numer- ous instances to prove that brute force is as nothing

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