Preface to Gandhi's edition of the English translation of Leo Tolstoy's Letter to a Hindoo

Summary

Gandhi wrote this Preface and translated the Letter to a Hindoo into Gujarati during the same week that he composed Hind Swaraj. [Ed.]

November 19, 1909

S. S. Kildonan Castle

The letter that is printed below is a translation prepared by one of Tolstoy's translators of his letter written in Russian in reply to a letter from the Editor of the Free Hindustan. The letter, after having passed from hand to hand, at last came into my possession through a friend who asked me, as one much interested in Tolstoy's writings, whether I thought it to be worth publishing. I at once replied in the affirmative and told him I should translate it myself into Gujarati and induce others to translate and publish it into various Indian vernaculars.

The letter as received by me was a typewritten copy. It was, therefore, referred to the author who confirmed it as his and kindly granted me permission to print it.

To me, as a humble follower of that great teacher whom I have long looked upon as one of my guides, it is a matter of honour to be connected with the publication of his letter, such, especially, as the one which is now being given to the world.

It is a mere statement of fact to say that every Indian, whether he own up to it or not, has national aspirations.