The Immediate Need
tinue, then national deterioration of India is likely to increase. Yet, along with this, withdrawal of India from the British Empire is becoming more and more difficult because the dependence of Indians on the British Empire for support and protection is becoming more and more necessary.
Here we are involved in a vicious circle. Whichever way we turn, the circle hems us in. I have thought over this problem, night and day, for many years; and I confess I could find no solution.
But quite lately there has appeared to me to be one pathway opened, leading out of this terrible dilemma. It is this. If India could be granted, before it is too late, some God-given genius, who could stir up, not in one province only, but throughout the whole country, the spirit of independence, then there might be hope. If India could produce, out of her own resources, such an inspiring and unifying personality, then all might yet be well.
And surely this is what is happening before our very eyes to-day. At this most
13
