Gandhiji, Untouchability and Adyar

GANDHIJI AT ADYAR

In his reminiscences the late Shri G. A. Natesan has recalled an incident of
the days during which Gandhiji stayed with him as his guest in Madras soon
after his return to India from South Africa in 1915. Dr. Annie Besant had
extended an invitation to Gandhiji to visit her headquarters at Adyar during his
stay in Madras. When Gandhiji arrived at Adyar he was received on the
beautiful grounds of the Theosophical Society and entertained with gracious
courtesy and charm. Gandhiji had the highest respect and admiration for the
venerable lady who had so completely dedicated her life to the service of this
country. 

Dr. Besant conducted the distinguished guest through the splendid hall
and well furnished apartments and then led him on to an unpretentious shed in
the neighbourhood of which was the school foF the 'untouchables'. Dr. Besant
was in a sense a pioneer in the matter of affording facilities for the education
of Panchamas, but to Gandhiji the contrast between the. palatial residence for
one set of people and the mean quarters for another was too much to be
tolerated.

He felt so poignantly that he decided on changing the programme for
staying there for the night and insisted on returning to his quarter in George
Town. Shri Natesan says he remonstrated with Gandhiji and pointed out that it
would cause deep pain to Dr. Besant and that she would be seriously annoyed
with him also. Gandhiji was firm in his decision. Late in the night, adds Shri
Natesan, Gandhiji bade adieu to the quarters in Adyar.