Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/614

 : 524 NON-CO-OPERATION

Every village should manage the education of its own children. I would not depend upon Government aid. If there is a real awakening the schooling need not be interrupt- cd.for a single day. The very school-masters who are now conducting Government schools, if they are good enough to resign their office, could take charge of national schools and teach our children the things they nee'l, and not make of the majority of them indifferent clerks. I do look to the Aligarh College to give the lead in this matter. The moral effect created by the emptying of our Madrassas will be tremendous. I doubt not that the Hindu parents atnd scholars would not fail to copy their Musulman brethren.

Indeed what could be grander education than that the parents and scholars should put religious sentiment before a knowledge of letters/. If therefore no arrangement could be immediately made for the literary instruction of youths who might be withdrawn, it woull be most profitable train- ing for them to be able to work as volunteers for the cause which may necessitate their withdrawal from GDvernment schools. For>as in the case of the lawyers, so in the case of boys, my notioh of withdrawal does not mean an idolent life. The withdrawing boys will, each according to his worth, be expected to take their share in the agitation.

��SPEECH AT MADRAS.

[Addressing a huge concourse of people of all classes numbering over 50,000, assembled on the Beach opposite to the Presidency College, Madras, on the 12th August, 1920, Mr. Gandhi outlined his Non-Co-operation scheme and sketched the programme of work before the country. He said : ]

Mr. Chairman and Friends, Like last year, I have to ask your forgiveness that I shoald have to speak bsing seated. Whilst my voice has become stro.iger than it was

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