Chapter 13 Chapter Eleven Preparing to Study in the UK

I finished secondary school in 1887.At that time, the unified examination was held in Ahmedabad and Mumbai respectively.Since India is generally poor, it is natural for Kathiawar students to choose the nearest and most economical place to take their exams.My family circumstances forced me to make the same choice.It was my first time traveling from Rajkot to Ahmedabad and it was without company. My parents wanted me to continue my studies in university after graduating from middle school.Both Bawannaga and Bombay have universities, and since the former is more economical, I decided to go there to enroll in Samardas College.I went, but it was like falling in the clouds and mist.Everything is difficult.

I can't understand the professor's lecture, let alone have any interest.It's not their fault because the professors in that college are considered top notch.But I was so clumsy, at the end of the first semester, I went home. Our family had an old friend and advisor named Mafuji Davi, a shrewd and learned Brahmin.After my father died, he maintained his relationship with our family.During my vacation, he happened to come to visit us.In a conversation with my mother and elder brother, he asked about my studies.Knowing that I was studying at Samardas College, he said: "Times have changed. If you are not properly educated, do not expect to inherit the mantle of your father. Since this child is still studying, you should enable him to remain his father. He has to study for four or five years before he can get a bachelor's degree, which at best can only qualify him for a job with a salary of sixty rupees a month, but Diwan can't do it. If he is like me Like my son to study law, the time will be longer. When he graduates, there must be many lawyers competing for the position of Diwan. I think it is better to send him to study in the UK. My son Ke Huaerlang He said that being a lawyer is very easy. He can come back within three years, and the fee is only four or five thousand rupees. Just think about how fashionable a lawyer who just came back from England is! If he doesn't seek it, Diwan's position will come to you. I strongly advocate that you send Muhandas to England this year. Kevalan has many friends in England, and he will write letters of introduction to them, Muhandas Handas will have no difficulty there."

Yohiji—as we used to call the old Mafuji Dawi—turned to me and asked in a sincere tone, "Wouldn't you rather go to England than study here?" I couldn't be more welcome.I was already worried that schoolwork would be difficult, so I jumped up for joy when I heard this suggestion, and said that I would be sent there, the sooner the better. But it is not so easy to pass the exam quickly.Will you send me to study medicine?My brother interrupted me and said: "Father doesn't like to study medicine. He said: We Vishnu believers should not do autopsy. Father wants you to be a lawyer." Yohiji echoed: "I would rather Not against being a doctor like Gandhiji. Our "Shastra" is not against practicing medicine. But you can't be a Diwan if you have a medical degree, but I hope you can be a Diwan in the future, or a Bidiwan Only in this way can you take on the responsibility of taking care of your big family. The times are changing fast and getting harder every day. So being a lawyer is a good plan.” He turned to face My mother said: "It is time for me to go now. Consider my opinion carefully. I hope to hear that you are planning to let him go to England when I come back next time. If you need any help, please let me know." .”

After Yoshiji left, I began to build castles in the air.But my brother thought of the practical question: How can I arrange a trip to Sichuan for me?Besides, can a young person like me go abroad alone, can he be trusted?My mother was just upset.She doesn't want to be separated from me.She found such an excuse and said: "Uncle is now the elder of the family, we should discuss it with him first. If he agrees, we will consider this matter." But my brother had another idea. He said to me: "We still have certain rights in Porbandha. Mr. Li Li is the current political officer. He respects our family and treats his uncle very well. I think it is very possible to ask him to recommend you to study in England with government sponsorship."

I felt that these plans were sound, and I immediately prepared to leave for Porbandar.There was no railway at that time, and it took five days to get there by bullock cart.I have said before that I was a coward, but at that time the desire to go to England completely occupied me, and my timidity died in the face of this desire.I hired a bullock cart to ride to Durokhi, and from Durokhi I changed to riding a camel, so that I could reach Porbandar a day earlier.This is the first time in my life that I have ridden a camel. When I finally reached Porbandar, I saluted my uncle and told him everything.He thought for a moment, then said: "I don't know if your going to England conflicts with our religious beliefs. Everything I've heard has made me suspicious. The barristers I've met, I can't see How is their life different from that of Europeans. They have no restrictions on food and drink. They can never leave their mouths without cigars. They wear clothes that are as shameful as the British. All of this runs counter to our family tradition. Soon I will go on a pilgrimage, and I don't have many years to live. How dare I promise you to travel across the ocean to England in my dying years? But I will not hinder you. The most important thing is your mother's Opinion. If she lets you go, then, safe voyage! Tell her I will not interfere in this matter. You will go with my blessing."

"That's what I expect from you," I said. "Now I'm going to try to get my mother's permission. But, can you introduce me to Mr. Li Li?" "How could I do that?" he said. "But he's a nice guy. You can tell him about your kinship and make an appointment with him. He'll definitely see you and even help you." I can't say why my uncle didn't write me a letter of introduction.I had a vague notion that his reluctance to give my direct consent to my visit to England was due to the fact that he considered it impious to go abroad. I wrote a letter to Mr. Li Li, and he asked me to visit him at his residence.He met me on the way up the stairs; and said briefly: "Come and see me after you've graduated from college. I can't help you now." Having said that he hurried upstairs.I had already made proper preparations before going to see him, and I carefully learned a few words to say to him. When I saw him, I bowed deeply and folded my hands in salute.

But all this is in vain!I think of my wife's jewelry.I think about my older brother, in whom I have high faith.He is extremely generous and he loves me like his own son.I came back to Rajkot from Porbandar and reported what had happened.I also discussed with Yoshiji, of course, he even suggested to borrow money if necessary.I propose to sell my wife's jewellery, which may bring me two or three thousand rupees.My brother promised to try to get money. Yet my mother was still unwilling.She has conducted a detailed investigation.She was told that young men would perish when they came to England.Others said they were meat eaters; still others said they could not live without wine. "Do you know all this?" she asked me.I said, "Can't you trust me? I will never lie to you. I swear I won't do this kind of thing. If I am in such danger, will Yohiji meet me?"

"I can trust you," she said. "But you are already in a foreign country, how can I rest assured? My heart is in a mess and I don't know what to do. I want to ask Bechaji Swami." Bechaji Swami originally belonged to the Maud Banya caste, but has now become a Jain monk.Like Yoshiji he is also our family counselor.He helped me and said, "I want this child to make three solemn vows, and then I can let him go." He gave me the oath, and I swore not to drink alcohol, touch women, or eat meat. .Having made this oath, my mother agreed to let me go abroad.The middle school I attended had a farewell party for me.For a young man from Rajkot, going to England was an unusual thing.I wrote a few words of thanks first, but I just couldn't read them.I remember how my head was dizzy and my whole body was shaking when I stood up to give my answer.Having received the blessing of my parents, I set out for Bombay.This is my first trip from Rajkot to Mumbai, accompanied by my brother.However, good things never come. After I arrived in Mumbai, I encountered many twists and turns.