Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/544

 THE SATYAGRAHA DAY

��Mr. M. K. Gandhi published the following under date, 25<rd March, during his stay in Madras :

Satyagraha, as I have endeavoured to explain at several meetings, is essentially a religious movement. It is a process of purification and penance. It seeks to secure reforms or redress of grievances by self-suffering, I therefore venture to suggest that the second Sunday after the publication of the Viceregal assent to Bilf No. 2 of 1919 (i.e., 6th April) may be observed as a day of humiliation and Prayer. As there must be an effective public demonstration in keeping with the character of the observance, I beg to advise as follows : (i) A twenty-four hours 1 fast, counting from the last meal on the preceding night, should be ob- served by all adults, unless prevented from so doing by consideration of religion or health. The fast is not to be regarded, in any shape or form, in the nature of a hunger- strike, or as designed to put any pressure upon the Government. It is to be regarded^ for all Satyagrahis, as the necessary discip - line to fit them for civil disobedience contemplated in their Pledge, and for all others, as some slight token of the intensity of their wounded feelings

(ii) All work, except such as may be necessary in the public interest, should be suspended for the day. Markets and other business places should be closed* Employees who are

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