The Pilgrims' March/Ali Brothers' Mother
ALI BROTHERS' MOTHER at KARACHI
“I AM READY TO SACRIFICE ALL”
A mass meeting took place on the Idgah Maidan where more than 15 thousand people were present. Many ladies including Muslim ladies also were present. Some stirring national songs were sung by Mai Sarasvati Devi, Mr. Fatehchand and Jamal-ud-din. The latter's song was very highly appreciated by the audience and there were loud cries of Alla-ho-Akbar. Devi Bai of Swaraj Kanya Vidyalaya occupied the chair.
The President said:—In ancient times mothers like Kunti sacrified their sons, and this is the time when Ali Mata has come here to sacrifice her two sons. (Here came in the old but brave mother of the Ali Brothers. There was great enthusiasm and many Muslim men and women began to shed tears.) The sacrifice and bravery which this mother has shown is inexpressible. But it is a matter of deepest regret that the people have not even discarded foreign clothes. The Ali Brothers are so brave that even the Government is having so many regiments. When such brave sons and brave mothers are in our midst why should we be afraid? The order of our leaders about Charkha is not a trifling thing. This Charka means Hindi-ki-Jai. I appeal to you that for the sake of honoring this brave mother's pledge yourselves to wear Khaddar only—even if only to honor this brave mother. Swaraj can be got only by action not by words. The time of sacrifice is come. Learn to die with smiling faces.
The Government is afraid of two of your brave men. Why are you afraid of those who are afraid of you, I wonder. The bureaucracy would at once go; only, if you wear khaddar. You are responsible for the dominance of the bureaucracy yourself. Only be Swadeshi, and you have solved the problem, my dear brothers.
Even monkeys felt the insult of Sita's being taken away by Ravan but you being men, do not even feel the insult of so many of your sisters and mothers at Jallianwala.
Begum Sahib then rose and there were shouts of Alla-ho-Akbar. She said:—
"I have unveiled myself since 3 days because all are like my sons and brothers. Now I have thrown up the veil and come as a man before you who are men, but I wonder why you are becoming women? Let my two sons go. Be men. They are gone in the path of God. You be men. Let hundreds take the place of those two. We are 33 crores. How many Jails will be filled? I am also ready with you for jail. Do not be cowards. I really say I am ready. No one can take the life of another. Everyone dies when God wishes, So, do not fear as long as God is with you. At once non-co-operate with the Government. I do not only not care for Mahomed and Shaukat but keep my all ready for the sake of Islam and the country. Be united, therefore. We have been all one since 900 years. I do not preach violence but fear no one but God. He has given us lives and only he can take them off.
I see no difference between Hindus and the Musalmans. We have lost all. What has remained to us? Do you not see? Why are there so many families? I wonder at the cowardice of Muslims and Hindus. If Kaba Sharif and Madina did not remain, to you for what are you living, Oh Musalmans?
There are two powers in your heart, wrong and right. Follow the right and not the wrong. This is the time when both Hindus and Muslims are suffering, be united and wear Khaddar and spin all day. No Muslim should interfere in the religious duties of any Hindu. Let Muslims act according to their religion. But in the cause of the country both should unite. Why do you not wear Khaddar? Did I not once wear thin clothes? Do I not find this Khadar thick? Did not the ancient Hindus wear Khaddar? Did not the Prophet wear a cloak of Khaddar? Oh, my brothers, may you all walk in the right path and become Sipahis for the country. Be brave. May God give you honour."