Arrest of Rajaji

Sir, - This is with reference to the letter regarding the pronouncement of a Bhagavad Gita sloka by Abbas Ali Khan, who as the Chief Presidency Magistrate, convicted Rajaji (July 13 & 16). I am Abbas Ali Khan's nephew. I was 11 years old when he sentenced the great statesman. I remember that, when asked why he did not acquit Rajaji, for whom he had so much regard, my uncle used to say that, being a humble and sincere `karma yogi,' he performed his judicial duty and while doing so, had the pleasure and good fortune of remembering and reciting in the open court, the sloka ``karmanyeva...''

S. M. Pasha,

Chennai

Sir, - In the letter ``Rajaji's arrest'' (July 13) it has been stated that Rajaji ``did not resist but offered satyagraha when he was arrested''. Rajaji did not offer satyagraha at the time of his arrest. In fact, his satyagraha was in the form of his writing letters to various people against war. This was construed by the Government as obstruction of war effort.

While the magistrate, Mr. Abbas Ali, quoting a verse from the Bhagavad Gita is interesting in itself, the brief exchange that took place between him and Rajaji is even more interesting. Mr. Abbas Ali said, ``no one will rejoice more than myself when peace is declared and Mr. Rajagopalachari returns from jail and occupies the high position which he held with such distinction''. ``Thank you'', replied Rajagopalachari, ``I am sorry myself, I have caused you a certain amount of embarrassment''. (Source:- A Hundred Years of The Hindu).

V. Krishnamachari,

Chennai

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