I first saw Gandhiji in the last week of Dec.
1907. I made up my mind to meet this Asian leader. His office on the corner
of Resil and Anderson Road was just like any other office. All of a sudden,
a tiny, slender but agile figure stood in front of me. His skin was dark,
his eyes were also black but there was a pure smile on his face. His
straight, fearless glance captured my heart at once. He must be thirty-eight
or so. The gray streaks in the hair bore witness to the vast amount of work
he had to handle. He spoke perfect English. His personality exuded his
values.
He offered me a seat and asked the purpose of
my visit. He attentively listened to what I said. When I finished, he
logically explained the condition of the Asian people residing there. I was
listening to such a meticulous explanation for the first time. He explained
even the smallest issues in detail. He convinced me calmly and patiently.
I was drawn to this Indian leader immediately
due to his calm and stable disposition, his greatness and his transparent
honesty.
We had an unbreakable bond of friendship
between us when we parted our ways.