We know that the national leaders did not think that Sri Aurobindo could advise them since he had left the field of active politics long before this incident. They may have imagined that a man who was immersed in his spiritual pursuits would not have understood the complexities of the issues at stake. Possibly they dismissed Doraiswamy’s visit and his verbal message as totally irrelevant to their work and this is why the whole incident has been lost from public memory…
Sri Aurobindo sends a telegram to Sir Stafford on 31st March: “I have heard your broadcast. As one who has been a nationalist leader and worker for India’s independence though now my activity is no longer in the political but in the spiritual field, I wish to express my appreciation of all you have done to bring about this offer. I welcome it as an opportunity given to India to determine for herself and organize in all liberty of choice her freedom and unity and take an effective place among the world’s free nations. I hope that it will be accepted and the right use made of it putting aside all discords and divisions. I hope too that a friendly relation between Britain and India replacing past struggles will be a step towards a greater world union in which as a free nation her spiritual force will contribute to build for mankind a better and happier life. In this light I offer my public adhesion in case it can be of any help in your work.”
Sir Stafford the very next day, 1 April 1942, sends a telegram to Sri Aurobindo: “I am most touched and gratified by your kind message allowing me to inform India that you who occupy unique position in imagination of Indian youth are convinced that declaration of His Majesty’s government substantially confers that freedom for which Indian nationalism has so long struggled.”… more »