SoCultures October 2018
and thin and campaigned with me for, social, civil rights and independence of
India, welfare of people.
S In fact, Ba inspired the women in India to join the Indian independence
movement address the socio-political causes
Education Further
S You went to study law? You always wanted to be a lawyer?
M I passed the matriculation examination of the University of Bombay in 1887
and enrolled at the Samaldas College in Bhavnagar. In 1888, went to study law at
the Inner Temple in London.
Talking of my law school, I remember that while in England I had also got more
inclined in religion and vegetarian movement. Most of my assumptions, faiths
were taking shape after meeting members of the Theosophical Society.
I was called to the bar in June 1891 and admitted as a barrister and the next day
was formally enrolled in the High Court. (smiles again)
South Africa
S You were travelling in a train compartment in South Africa and now the world
knows about “The first act of civil disobedience.”
M Oh, Yes. I witnessed situations which I had no idea about previously like
rampant discrimination for non-white people. And when I was removed from a
first-class railway compartment and thrown off a train that was the moment of
truth. From there on, I decided to fight injustice and defend my rights as an Indian
and a man.
South Africa became the crucible which forged my identity as a political activist.
During my stay there, I initiated many campaigns satyagraha (truth-force), people
with me staged peaceful marches and presented themselves for arrest in protest
against unjust laws.
In 1893, I joined Dada Abdulla & Co., an Indian firm in the Colony of Natal,
South Africa. It was my official trip via train to Pietermaritzburg, Natal, when the
gentleman asked me to get down. Apart from this incident, I remember my years
143 | P a g e