ALS in Gujarati, signed “Bapu's blessings,” one page both sides, 2.75 x 2.75, no date. In full (translated): "Chi Yashwant Prasad, Received your letter, what we expected of the mills has happened. Is the brother of Krishna Das acting satisfactorily? Do not be under the impression that I am trying to modify or improve the Rantia [spinning wheel]—am I capable of that? I have made sundry improvements in gandiva in relation to viewing the life cycle. However, what you say is correct: all depends on the loom." In very good to fine condition, with several pin holes, and two areas of paper loss, to the top edge.
Gandhi's reference to the spinning wheel is exceptionally important, as he had adopted it as a symbol of economic independence very early on in his movement. His platform started to become popular shortly after World War I, and he developed a broad base of support from both Hindus and Muslims to support peaceful noncooperation. After assuming control of the Indian National Congress in December 1921, Gandhi expanded his nonviolence program to include the swadeshi policy—the boycott of British goods. From this originated his spinning wheel, as he encouraged all Indians to wear khadi (homespun cloth) instead of British-made textiles. He furthered this concept by exhorting Indian men and women, rich or poor, to spend time each day spinning khadi in support of the independence movement. Thus the spinning wheel—and the textile itself—became symbolic of the movement toward Indian independence.
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