A Journal of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya

anch of knowledge— natural and social
science, art and literature. New discoveries
were made, new patterns of thinking
emerged. On the other hand, the Hindi
Renaissance remained confined to
Literature and Social Sciences only. Madhav
Rao Sapre was a versatile genius. This
is reflected not only in his study of politics,
social milieu, economics and history, but
extends to the field of literature, literary
criticism, and story writing as well. But
a jarring reality is that no book relating
to his life and works has been published
so far except his translated works in Marathi,
and “Swadeshi Movement and Boycott”.
Hence, the only source of information
available to us are his articles and essays
on social issues, politics, history,
economics, literary criticism, published
in periodicals and journals. In the first
decade of 20th Century, the political
movements and ideologies that dominated
the national arena greatly helped in giving
a concrete shape to Sapreji’s thoughts and
ideas.
The partition of Bengal in 1905 was
vehemently condemned throughout the
country. Mass upheavels shook the
country, rebellions broke, which later
conglomerated into Swadeshi Movement.
Sapreji’s opinion was that the partition
was given effect with malafide intentions,
that of destroying the growing unity of
the masses, and of disrupting the process
of cohesion that had begun. Putting aside
caste differences, people wanted to work
as a united whole. This growing aspiration
was nipped in the bud, in order to diminish
the influence of the intellectual class on
the people and decrease the strategic
importance of Calcutta. In 1906, Sapreji
wrote this book with the objective of
propelling and strengthening the Swadeshi
Movement. He observed:- ‘The time has
come when we, with iron-determination
and unity, must accomplish the task that
lies ahead of us, otherwise relying on the
mirage of our previous course of action,
we will merely be displaying our oratorical
skills without achieving any goal and remain
shackled in an endless chain of slavery.
The Boycott was complementary to the
Swadeshi Movement. Without the boycott
of British goods Swadeshi movement would
fail to achieve its objectives. In order
to drive home his point, Sapreji has
emphasized the importance and utility of
Boycott, in his book, ‘Swadeshi Movement
and Boycott’. His stress on Boycott must
not be mistaken to be an emotional impulse,
but a historical urgency. Therefore,
referring to the history of boycott in
America, Ireland, China, England he says
with conviction :
“No matter how weak the people of
a nation may be, with strong determination
and resolution cemented with a bond of
unity, they can accomplish the impossible.
It doesn’t matter, if they have no weapons.
They can influence dishonest rulers, and
inspire misguided statesmen to right action.”
Sapreji’s words are as relevant today as
January-March 2012 :: 15