Conclusion

This is not a thesis written on behalf of the Congress or at the instance of the Central Office. It is the outcome of conversations I had with some co-workers in Sevagram, They had felt the want of something from my pen showing the connection between the constructive programme and Civil Disobedience and how the former might be worked, I have endeavoured to supply the want in this pamphlet. It does not purport to be exhaustive, but it is sufficiently indicative of the way the programme should be worked.

Let not the reader make the mistake of laughing at any of the items as being part of the movement for Independence. Many people do many things, big and small, without connecting them with non-violence or Independence, They have then their limited value as expected, The same man appearing as a civilian may be of no consequence, but appearing in his capacity as General he is a big personage, holding the lives of millions at his mercy. Similarly. the charkha in the hands of a poor widow brings a paltry pice to her, in the hands of a Jawaharlal it is an instrument of India's freedom. It is the office which gives the charkha its dignity. It is the office assigned to the constructive programme which gives it an irresistible prestige and power.

Such at least is my view. It may be that of a mad man, If it makes no appeal to the Congressman. I must be rejected. For my handling of Civil Disobedience without the constructive programme will be like a paralyzed hand attempting to lift a spoon.

Poona, 13-11-1943