Chapter (অধ্যায়): EPISTLES PAGE-126Page: 126 of 537
LXXIV
Rose Bank
The Maharaja of Burdwan's House
Darjeeling,
6th April, 1897
Honoured Madam {Shrimati Sarala Ghoshal-Editor of Bharati },
I feel obliged for the Bharati sent by you, and consider myself fortunate that the cause, to which my humble life has been dedicated, has been able to win the approbation of highly talented ladies like you.
In this battle of life, men are rare who encourage the initiator of new thought, not to speak of women who would offer him encouragement, particularly in our unfortunate land. It is therefore that the approbation of an educated Bengali lady is more valuable than the loud applause of all the men of India.
May the Lord grant that many women like you be born in this country, and devote their lives to the betterment of their motherland!
I have something to say in regard to the article you have written about me in the Bharati. It is this. It has been for the good of India that religious preaching in the West has been and will be done. It has ever been my conviction that we shall not be able to rise unless the Western people come to our help. In this country no appreciation of merit can yet be found, no financial strength, and what is most lamentable of all, there is not a bit of practicality.
There are many things to be done, but means are wanting in this country. We have brains, but no hands.