Page:The Pilgrims' March.djvu/113

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MRS. C. R. DAS
91

that sacred duty. That is my husband’s wish, That is Mahatma Gandhi’s wish. Will you not come and stand by me in this my solemn hour of trial? Remember that for the last 40 years the Congress has been the only national institution and its pandal the chosen field of our action. Here it is that our fathers decided to give battle to the powers that be. Here it is that the Swaraj Flag was hoisted and kept flying by those who have gone before us. Shall we abandon the flag at this critical moment and allow it to be captured by our opponents to be trampled on to our eternal shame? I know you will not suffer it. Forget your differences, Come in your thousands. Rally round the Congress and keep the Swaraj Flag flying: sacrifice yourselves, if need be, on its sacred ramparts. The last call sounds: Hark—“Arise”: “Awake”

Men and women of Bengal: I am proud of what you have achieved during the course of a week. I glory in your sacrifices unstintedly and ungrudgingly made for the cause. Who can read the long roll of arrests and imprisonments but with a thrill of joy and hope? Who can witness the cheerful march of the pilgrims to the "Swaraj Ashram" but with tears of admiration in his eyes? The fight has just begun. The fight