LETTERS TO DESCENDANTS OF AN OLD FRIEND, INCLUDING ONE FROM PRISON GANDHI, MOHANDAS K. Two Autograph Letters Signed, "Bapu's blessings," to Champa or Pramod Mehta, in Gujarati. The first, assuring Champa that nothing would be done without her consultation. The second, to Pramod, promising not to write separately to Champa, expressing approval that money was sent and that Ratilal [Mehta, his father and husband of Champa] is in Ahmedabad, tasking him to ensure that Ratilal gets enough to eat, hoping that his family stays well, and encouraging him and his siblings to serve the community. Together 3 pages, 4 1/4x3 1/2 or 6 1/4x4 inches, the second written on recto and verso of single sheet; few scattered strips of cello tape mostly near edges (not affecting text), 3-line inscription written vertically at right of signature on second in unknown hand, 5-digit ink stamp at upper edge on recto and verso of second, punch hole at lower edge of first (without loss to text), two punch holes in margin of second with minor loss to text, folds. [Pune], 19 December 1932; Shimla, 5 May 1946
5 May 1946: ". . . All you brothers and sisters stay well. Be fully aware and spend your life in charitable work--that is my wish. Champa has faced so many difficulties that her prayers will make all of you pure men and women of service to your community. . . ." In early January 1932, Gandhi was arrested in Mumbai for having organized a civil disobedience campaign in opposition to the Viceroy of India's rejection of the Indian National Congress; he was brought to the Yerawada Jail in Pune, where he remained until his release in May of the following year. Gandhi was permitted some correspondence including the present letter to Champa Mehta, daughter-in-law of his recently-deceased friend Pranjivan Mehta (1864-1932). Provenance: From the family of Sarla Mehta, granddaughter of Pranjivan Mehta.
