Nirodbaran

Talks with Sri Aurobindo

Volume 1

10 December 1938 – 14 January 1941

12 August 1940

Sri Aurobindo (Addressing Purani): Do you remember when Bose was arrested?

Purani: It must have been about a month back – in July.

Sri Aurobindo: Then how can they say that Bose met Baron on the 4th? Not only that, even after the interview Baron met the Bengal Governor and expressed his confidence in Bose. What is the matter then?

Purani: Perhaps the Indian Government has taken steps over the head of the Bengal Government. But even so, they usually inform the local Government.

Evening

Purani: About Baron, perhaps Bonvain is trying to stay in tune with the Pétain Government and at the same time satisfy the British. Baron spoke openly in favour of alliance with the British in Calcutta.

Sri Aurobindo: It seems to be a mystery. The Indian Government is refusing telegrams from the French it seems. If so, it may be a retaliation against the French for their action against the British in Syria.

Have you read Gandhi’s argument in favour of Ahimsa? He says that non-violence has been in progress and that De Gaulle has now advised it to the French.

Purani: That is because they have no other way.

Sri Aurobindo: Gandhi admits that.

Sri Aurobindo was given Moni’s article to read in reply to Meghnad Saha. Nolini Sen was much hurt by Moni’s personal attack against Meghnad.

Sri Aurobindo: I have read Moni’s article – (laughing) it is personal all through. One can’t but feel the sting there and the force. But Meghnad has also made personal attacks. So neither has any reason to complain.

Purani: No. Moni’s criticism can’t be without personal attack.