Mazzini (1805-1872)

At that time, I had with me an English biography of Mazzini. I do not remember the author, but probably he was Bolton King. I gave it to some to read. I had deliberately underlined the passages relating to the underground organisation (Young Italy) of Mazzini and his programme of action. Four or five of them read it. But even today (i.e. 1965) they feel that their names should not be disclosed. So, let us call them Keshavanand and Mr Etiquette. I knew that they had been deeply impressed. During our discussion, I bluntly asked, “ Is it not our duty to start an underground society on the lines of Young Italy for the liberation of our country? ”
 
“ Of course! That is the first thing to do.” They said. “ But what is the use of a few ordinary youngsters like us starting such an organisation? Persons like Lokamanya Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai or Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda should take a lead. When they do, we should join them. Until that happens we should wait.”
 
“ Few handful of youths? ” I said, “When Young Italy was started, who started it? A few unknown youths!!. Mazzini had used the same words. He said ‘ when we started ‘Young Italy’, we were only a handful of unknown youngsters. But time came when our very name struck terror in the hearts of politicians.’ I further said, “ and how do you know that our well known leaders had not started any secret societies? You see, if a society is secret, will it broadcast its existence by advertising in newspapers? Suppose for the sake of argument that no Indian leader or Maharaja has so far come forward to start a movement for Absolute Political Independence for India. Is it not up to us to make a start? We need to do this precisely because no one is doing it.”
 
“ Suppose your mother is seriously ill and your brothers are reluctant to get help because of laziness or ignorance or fear. You know what medicine is needed. What would you do? Would you blame the brothers? Or would you do your duty? If you wish to know what a handful but determined young men can do, we have the example of Chaphekar brothers. ”
 
“ I then narrated the story of Chaphekars. During the outbreak of Bubonic Plague of 1897 in Pune, The British Administration in Bombay Province resorted to harsh, oppressive measures. People were insulted and humiliated. Women were molested. When Chaphekar brothers saw that no one would punish the arrogant British officers, they shot and killed Collector Mr Rand. They went to the gallows for that, but taught a lesson to the British who realised that their barbarity would not go unpunished. Chaphekar’s deed inspired me. We can harm the British at
least to the extent of our numbers, whether or not others follow us. But, in most cases, one spark ignites another spark and eventually a fire ensues.”
 
‘ Are you then prepared to take an oath (pledge) of such a secret organisation? ’ Keshavanand asked me. ” I said, “Of course.”
 
“Then I am too ready to take the oath,” said Keshavanand.
 
I looked at Mr Etiquette. He said, “I will let you know definitely tomorrow.” I said, “Take two days if needed. After all I want your full commitment.” That night Mr Etiquette called me to his room. He raised some questions. I answered them all. He said, ”in that case we must start the secret society right now, but what should we name it?”
I said, “Abhinav Bharat. Keshavanand has liked the name.”
“Very good.” He said and called Keshavanand also to his room. I showed him the oath in English and said, “Please read this carefully, but don’t get carried away by emotions. Our aims are noble but they also involve enormous sacrifices and hardships. You may decide not to join in, but if you do, you must carry the mission all your life.” He read it and agreed to take the oath.
 
“Very well then.” I rose and started to read the oath.
 
Keshavanand took the oath after me. Mr Etiquette followed. After testing them both for trustworthiness I told them, “You were saying earlier that we should join in a strong society once it is formed. I did not say much because I wanted to test your resolve and sincerity. But now you have taken the oath, you will be delighted to know that hundreds of youth have already taken this oath and are seeking to overthrow the British Raj. There are branches in towns and villages, schools and colleges; even government servants are our members. You agreed to the name Abhinav Bharat, that is precisely the name by which it has already been active. Now you too have become its sworn members.”
 
“On behalf of the society I am going to England to become a Barrister. That is true, but it is only an excuse. At present highly intelligent Indians go to England and try to reach positions of authority by passing examinations like ICS, IMS or Bar-at-Law. If we persuade some of these to our side, our propaganda will spread to India. Moreover, if a revolutionary act takes place in London, it draws attention of Englishmen far more than a thousand lectures in India. Such an act will draw attention of Europeans too. They will be aware of our demands.”
 
“Our leaders are tongue tied. The Moderates always emphasise their loyalty to the British. Even the militants say that they are loyal subjects. They do want the British Raj to continue. All that they want is reforms. This creates an impression in Europe and in America that Indians are happy to be ruled over by the British. We on the other hand are going to proclaim in England and Europe that it is
not the question of reforms here and there, we do not want British rule at all. We want to be independent.”
 
“Thirdly, we have heard that, in Europe, some cheap but effective instruments like hand-bombs are easily available and their use can be learnt. This is impossible in India. Many such activities are only possible in England. We also want to establish contacts with enemies of England and with their help raise a banner of revolt in India to coincide with a war in Europe. At present it is only a dream, but many times such dreams become a reality.”
After such discussions I also tried to persuade some other Indians. I gave oath to one or two who sounded reliable.
 
A few words about the oath. I am purely writing from my memory. Such oaths were taken by hundreds of youth in many languages and the papers would have been destroyed for the sake of secrecy. But I still remember its contents, language and spirit behind the oath.