1944

January

After 14

In message to  Vijayalakshmi Pandit, asked her "to remember that henceforth Mr. Pandit would live in  her actions".

1944

January

24

In letter to  Secretary, Home Department, Government of Bombay, exercised his "right to make  representation" against detention order served on him.

1944

January

26

Talk with Devdas  Gandhi regarding Ayurvedic treatment for Kasturba Gandhi.

1944

January

26

Chhaganlal Gandhi,  Jaisukhlal Gandhi and Ramdas Gandhi with his daughter met Gandhi.

1944

January

27

In letter to  Secretary, Home Department, Government of India, Gandhi asked for Dr. Dinshaw Mehta’s  treatment and Kanu Gandhi’s nursing for Kasturba Gandhi.

1944

January

28

Talk with Ramdas  Gandhi.

1944

February

11

In a note to  Inspector-General of Prisons, Gandhi absolved the Government from responsibility for any  untoward result following the change over to Ayurvedic treatment for Kasturba Gandhi.

1944

February

14

In letter to  Inspector-General of Prisons, sought permission for Vaidyaraj Shiv Sharma’s stay in  Aga Khan palace.

1944

February

16

In letter to  Inspector-General of Prisoners, proposed three alternatives (I) to permit Vaidyaraj Shiv  Sharma to stay in the palace, (ii) to release Kasturba Gandhi on parole, (iii) if neither  was accepted, to transfer his elsewhere.

1944

February

21

In cable to Shirinbai  Jalbhoy Rustomjee, Durban, informed that Kasturba was "slowly going" and that  Manilal and Sushila should "continue their work".

1944

February

22

Kasturba Gandhi passed  away at 7.35 p.m.

1944

February

22

Gandhi dictated  instructions to Inspector-General of Prisons for Kasturba Gandhi’s funeral at 8.07  p.m.

1944

March

4

In letter to  Additional Secretary, Home Department, Government of India, wanted to "be removed to  any regular prison" in order to save expenses which came from…taxes collected  from the dumb millions of India."

1944

March

4

In letter to  Additional Secretary, Home Department, Government of India, refuted Butler’s  statement in the House of Commons about facilities afforded for Kasturba Gandhi’s  treatment and her funeral rites.

1944

March

9

In letter to Lord  Wavell, criticized his speech to Legislature on February 17.

1944

March

16

In letter to Ardeshir  E. Kateli, refused to avail himself of the restricted facility to reply to condolence  messages.

1944

April

1

In letter to  Additional Secretary, Home Department, Government of India, disproved Government’s  claim that "they did everything possible" for Kasturba Gandhi.

1944

April

2

In letter to  Additional Secretary, Home Department, Government of India, rebutted Home Secretary’s  statement in the Council of State that request for Vaidyaraj Shiv Sharma’s service  was made on February 9.

1944

April

9

In letter to Lord  Wavell, appealed for Government’s co-operation "with the people of India through  their elected representatives".

1944

May

3

In letter to  Secretary, Home Department, Government of India, said he would deny himself the pleasure  of meeting people "so long as the Government restrict the permission only to  relatives".

1944

May

6

Prior to his release  from detention, asked Secretary, Home Department, Government of Bombay, to acquire the  plot where Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi were cremated.

1944

May

6

Was discharged from  detention at 8 a.m.

1944

May

6

As the car drove to  Parnakuti, through of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai "She had been so eager to  get out of prison, yet I know she could not have had a better death. Both she and Mahadev  Desai …have become immortal."

1944

May

6

Commenced evening  prayer meetings where collections were accepted for Harijan Welfare Fund.

1944

May

10

Accepted Presidentship  of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust.

1944

May

11

In Juhu, at Jehangir  Patel’s shack, attended prayer meeting.

1944

May

11

Adhered to  restrictions on interviews, meetings, etc. on medical advice.

1944

May

14

Commenced  fortnight’s silence.

1944

May

Before 15

In telegram, informed  Inayatullah Khan, readiness for talks with Jinnah.

1944

May

17

Listened to Manohar  Barve’s music.

1944

May

19

Visited dock area  which was damaged by explosion. Called on Mangaldas Pakvasa, who was ill.

1944

May

20

In letter to V.S.  Srinivasa Sastri offered condolence on death of V.S. Ramaswami Sastri.

1944

May

20

In letter to M.R.  Jayakar, said "The country expects much from me…I cannot withdraw the August  resolution…."

1944

May

23

Called on G.L.  Mehta’s daughter who was ill.

1944

May

25

Gave message to China  through a group of Chinese.

1944

May

26

In the afternoon,  listened to Bade Gulam Ali Khan’s rendering of bhajans.

1944

May

28

Gave message in  writing to Christians who offered prayers at his place.

1944

May

29

Broke silence at 3  p.m.

1944

May

30

Observed partial  silence; called on Yusuf Meherally

1944

June

8

In Juhu, appealed to  people who had gate-crashed into the compound to disperse quietly.

1944

June

9

In letter to T.B.  Sapru, assured him that he would not make any hasty statement.

1944

June

9

In letter, advised  Aruna Asaf Ali to come out and surrender herself and not to die underground.

1944

June

9

In letter to Annada  Babu Chowdhary, said "Secretary is a sin and symptom of violence…all  underground activity is taboo."

1944

June

9

Discussion with H.P.  Mody.

1944

June

10

Gandhi distributed to  friends copies of his correspondence with Government, as also his reply to Congress  Responsibility for the Disturbances, 1942-43.

1944

June

11

Discussion with H.P.  Mody.

1944

June

12

Gandhi gave message in  writing to Bombay Keraleeya Samaj, whose members offered prayers at his place and  presented him with a purse of Rs.501.

1944

June

12

Silent interview to  journalists.

1944

June

15

After observing  silence for a couple of hours, Gandhi left for Juhu at 7.55 a.m.; boarded Poona Express at  a level crossing between Kurla and Sion, accompanied by Dr. Sushila Nayyar, Dr. Gajjar,  Dr. Gilder and Mayor Nagindas T. Master. In Poona, put up

1944

June

17

In letter to Viceroy,  renewed request for permission to meet Working Committee members; also expressed  willingness to meet the addressee anywhere at his convenience.

1944

June

20

Interview to Stuart  Gelder of News Chronicle.

1944

June

22

Viceroy turned down  Gandhi’s request; consented for publication of correspondence between them.

1944

June

29

Gandhi spoke in  Hindustani to Maharashtra Congress representatives.

1944

June

30

With Gandhi’s  approval, C. Rajagopalachari telegraphically informed Jinnah of the decision to publish  his Formula and the latter’s rejection of it. He, however, appealed to Jinnah to  reconsider the decision.

1944

July

4 - 6

Gandhi gave interview  to Stuart Gelder.

1944

July

12

In telegram to  Sadanand, apologized for publication of unauthorized report of interview to Gelder.

1944

July

12

Issued statement on  interview to Gelder along with two notes giving details about discussions.

1944

July

13

In interview to the  Press, declared that he had never said that august resolution had lapsed.

1944

July

14

In answer to a  question, expressed willingness to resume publication of Harijan without any  restraint.

1944

July

14

In interview to the  Press, appealed for fair treatment to detenus who were released; answered criticisms of  some congressmen.

1944

July

15

In letter to Editor, Free  Press Journal, protested against publication of complaint against him without  consulting him.

1944

July

15

In interview to the  Press, explained difference between Cripps Plan and his own.

1944

July

16

In statement to the  Press, declared that restrictions on detenus were "degrading".

1944

July

17

In letter to Jinnah,  asked for time for their meeting. In letter to Winston Churchill, said "I …ask  you to trust and use me for the sake of your people and mine and through them those of the  world."

1944

July

19

In interview to the  Press, expressed confidence that independence was a certainty.

1944

July

20

In interview to the  press, answered questions of Cavalcade.

1944

July

22

In interview to United  press of India, elucidated his view that military control may remain in the hands of the  Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief.

1944

July

22

Pacified a few excited  Hindus of the Hindu Rashtra Dal who staged black-flag demonstration at prayer meeting.

1944

July

23

In interview to the  press, denied Sind Home Minister’s allegation that "subversive movement had been  restarted throughout India."

1944

July

24

Jinnah invited Gandhi  for talks at his residence in Bombay in mid-August.

1944

July

26

Gandhi gave interview  to the Press on Lord Munster’s speech in the House of Commons.

1944

July

27

In letter to Lord  Wavell, said that Lord Munster’s speech "may serve as a basic for mutual  friendly discussion".

1944

July

27

Discussion with  Panchagani citizens.

1944

July

28

In statement to the  press, Gandhi explained views against sabotage and secrecy.

1944

July

28

In the House of  Commons, Amery said that Gandhi’s proposals "do not form even the starting point  for a profitable discussion".

1944

July

29 - 30

Gandhi had discussion  with Bombay Congress leaders about august 9 celebrations.

1944

July

30

In letter to P.C.  Joshi, asked for further clarifications. Interview to News Chronicle on  Amery’s statement.

1944

July

30

Interview to the Press  on debate in the House of Commons.

1944

August

1

Gandhi left Panchgani  after a month’s stay.

1944

August

2

In Bombay; gave  interview to Daily Worker.

1944

August

3

Reached Sevagram.

1944

August

5

Issued statement to  Press on how to celebrate 9th of August.

1944

August

5

Gave interview to  Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.

1944

August

7

Gave interview to  United press of India.

1944

August

8

Issued statement to  Press.

1944

August

9

Inaugurated 60-minute  mass spinning in connection with August 9 celebrations in Sevagram.

1944

August

9

Had discussion with  T.B. Sapru.

1944

August

10

Discussed Rajaji  Formula with Bengal Congressmen.

1944

August

15

Gave interview to Duty  Society Deputation.

1944

August

Before 17

Gave interview to  Associate Press of India on his correspondence with Viceroy.

1944

August

30

Sent message for  All-India Students’ Federation.

1944

August

31

In statement to press  appealed to people to pray for success of his talks with M.A. Jinnah.

1944

September

1

Addressed A.I.S.A.  meeting.

1944

September

2

Addressed A.I.S.A.  meeting.

1944

September

3

Gave statement to  Press.

1944

September

3

Addressed A.I.S.A.  meeting.

1944

September

5

Presided at A.I.V.I.A.  meeting.

1944

September

6

All-India Hindu  Students’ Federation delegation picketed Gandhi’s hut in Sevagram to protest  against his meeting M.A. Jinnah. Gandhi assured them that he would not do anything without  consulting Bengal.

1944

September

9

Reached Bombay.

1944

September

9

Met M.A. Jinnah; talks  began.

1944

September

11

Discussion continued.

1944

September

11

Gandhi spoke at prayer  meeting.

1944

September

12 to 15

Talks with Jinnah  continued.

1944

September

16

Talks continued.

1944

September

16

Gandhi addressed  prayer meeting.

1944

September

17 and 18

Talks with Jinnah  continued.

1944

September

19

Talks continued.

1944

September

19

In prayer speech  Gandhi warned people against speculations both in Indian and foreign Press.

1944

September

20 to 23

Talks with Jinnah  continued.

1944

September

24

Talks continued.

1944

September

24

Gandhi in statement to  Press rejected remours regarding disbandment to Sevagram Ashram.

1944

September

25 and 26

Talks with Jinnah  continued.

1944

September

27

At prayer meeting  Gandhi announced breakdown of talks with Jinnah.

1944

September

28

Gave statement to  Press on breakdown of talks.

1944

September

29

Gave interview to News  Chronicle on failure of talks.

1944

September

30

In afternoon left for  Sevagram.

1944

October

1

Reached Sevagram.

1944

October

2

Gandhi’s birthday  celebrated.

1944

October

2

Gandhi addressed  Kasturba National Memorial Trust meeting; received purse of Rs.80 lakhs.

1944

October

7

Started discussion  with Shrikrishnadas Jaju regarding reorientation of All-India Spinners’ Association.

1944

October

8

Discussion continued.

1944

October

10

Discussion continued.

1944

October

10

Gandhi sent  congratulations to Raja of Phaltan on introduction of full responsible Government.

1944

October

11

Through press  acknowledged birthday greetings. Discussion with Shrikrishnadas Jaju continued.

1944

October

12

Discussion continued.

1944

October

13

Gandhi had discussion  with Shrikrishnadas Jaju.

1944

October

14

Concluded discussion  with Shrikrishnadas Jaju.

1944

October

16

Wrote foreword to The  Gandhian Plan of Economic Development for India.

1944

October

22

Wrote "Hints for  Workers on Constructive Programme" for conference of congressmen to be held at Bombay  on October 28.

1944

October

22

Issued statement to  Press regarding Syed Mahmud’s release and his correspondence with Viceroy and  appealed to Congressmen not to ostracize him.

1944

October

On or after 22

Had discussion with  friends about his proposed fast.

1944

October

23

Gave statement to  Press on proposed fast.

1944

October

25

In letter to T.B.Sapru  suggested convening of conference to examine "Pakistan issue"

1944

October

26

Had talk with Mridula  Sarabhai on proposed fast.

1944

October

Before 27

Had discussion with  representatives of Hindustani Talimi Sangh.

1944

October

29

In statement to Press  said that fast would be unnecessary if exploitation and injustice were destroyed.

1944

October

29

Gave interview to N.G.  Ranga.

1944

November

On or before 2

Had discussion with  H.J. Khandekar.

1944

November

7

Blessed marriage of  Abha and Kanu Gandhi.

1944

November

Before 9

In talk with  Gulzarilal Nanda stated "If everyone does his duty it is possible that fast may not  come."

1944

November

10

Addressed Hindustani  Talimi Sangh meeting.

1944

November

12

Sent message for  Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday celebration in London.

1944

November

17

Sent message for  "Majur Din" of Ahmedabad.

1944

November

19

Inaugurated Basic  Education Teachers’ Training Camp.

1944

November

27

In statement clarified  objects and work of Hindustani Prachar Sabha.

1944

November

28

Gave interview to N.G.  Ranga.

1944

November

Before 29

Sent message to  Allahabad Students’ Conference.

1944

November

30

Felt fatigued and  weak, decided to talk rest.

1944

December

1

Addressed trustees of  A.I.S.A.

1944

December

1

Through press conveyed  his decision to take complete rest and "discontinue all public activities" from  4th to 31st December.

1944

December

2

Attended A.I.S.A.  meeting.

1944

December

3

Attended A.I.S.A.  meeting.

1944

December

11

Visited samadhi of Jamnalal Bajaj.

1944

December

12

Visited Leper Ashram.

1944

December

25

Sent message on  Christmas Day.

1944

December

30

Romain Rolland died in  Switzerland.