Mahatma Gandhi PSA Slabbed ALS 5 Months Before Independence, 10 Months Before Assassination: "Always sorrow and happiness chase us in a pair. We cannot separate them"

A postcard in Gujarati inscribed by Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), and signed by him as "Bapu," or "Father" in Gujarati. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified authentic. Dated March 8, 1947. The postcard with a pre-printed "India Postage" mark bears four partial and complete postmarks including two from Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat in British India. Isolated minor ink smears contemporary to the time of the writing. Expected wear including corner wrinkles and toning, else near fine. The sight size of the postcard is 5.5" x 3.5." The slab measures 7.25" x 4.25." Provenance: From the personal collection of Dr. Balvantrai N. Kanuga, whose collection comprised items that he was either sent or gifted by important figures such as his friend Gandhi.

Gandhi's message features superb philosophical content, giving us tremendous insights into Gandhi's well-adjusted worldview. "…You all are very brave. You do not lose hope so early. Always sorrow and happiness chase us in a pair. We cannot separate them," Gandhi writes. In this series of statements, Gandhi endorses his own brand of personal conduct and political activism: advocating courage; preaching persistence; and accepting the bad along with the good.

Gandhi addressed this get well card to Dr. Balvantrai N. Kanuga (1878-1949), his friend and longtime personal physician.

Translated in part:

[verso]
"[Puna] 8-03-47

Brother Kanuga,

Mrudula Bahen informs me about your illness. The situation is like, 'Who will be able to extinguish the fire burnt in the sea.' Now please take the medicine and get well soon. What would be the situation of the poor [Dr. Kanuga's wife] Nandubahen? Although, you all are very [recto] brave. You do not lose hope so early. Always sorrow and happiness chase us in a pair. We cannot separate them.

Blessings from Bapu.

Dr. Kanuga
Ellis Bridge, P-6,
Ahmedabad
B.B.R.I.R."

Earlier that year, in January 1947, Gandhi had begun his barefoot march towards Noakhali, in the Bengal region of British India [modern day Bangladesh], the site of recent Muslim atrocities perpetrated against Hindu inhabitants. About three weeks after penning this letter, Gandhi would venture to Bihar in the hopes of quelling similar episodes of religious and ethnic unrest. Also in March 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of British India, arrived in India to begin systematically dismantling the Raj.

Five months after Gandhi encouraged his friend Dr. Kanuga to recover and keep up his spirits, India was granted its independence on August 15, 1947. This was the culmination of Gandhi's efforts promoting swaraj, or self-rule. Just ten months later, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu fundamentalist named Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.

Gandhi's letter to Dr. Kanuga was offered as part of a 70-lot auction hosted by East Bristol Auctions in Bristol, United Kingdom on May 5, 2022. Highlights of the sale included Gandhi's eyeglasses, hand-woven loincloth, wooden sandals, inkwell, eating implements, and prison diary.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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