Vithalbhai's (V. J. Patel) question whether it was advisable for him to join the Home Rule League.

Vithalbhai's ( V. J. Patel) question whether it was advisable for him to join the Home Rule League.

23rd June 1918

Bhaishri Vithalbhai

I have your letter. I for one would suggest that you should better remain out of the League and do whatever service you can individually. The Home Rule League is at present in an unenviable position, not because of any pressures from outside, but from its own many internal troubles. They (the Leaguers ) have not been able to make their choice whether to plump for obstruction or co-operation. They have harassed the Government more than enough by now. What is now needed is to abstain from agitation and do some constructive work. Till that change is made, the League’s power of serving the country is not going to develop any further. If you want to join the League with the definite object of turning its activities into the channel of solid service, not agitation merely, you may certainly join it. But your entry into the institution with a view to crossing swords with everyone small or big will be very unwelcome and harmful to the Leaguers. It is, to my mind, nothing but downright bad faith to join an institution just in order to wreck it. If you can pick up the art of keeping up good health, even that will be a great service to the country.

How do you view Vallabhbhai’s new profession ? He has become a Recruiting Sergeant.

Reference : Day to Day with Gandhi