The situation was becoming tense. The rule of British tyranny was digging in. The draconian laws were being imposed on Indians. Gandhiji knew that without confronting British with a fierce opposition Indians could not hope to get any concessions from the rulers. So, he organised Dandi March and broke the Salt Act in defiance. It infused a new life and awakening among the Indian masses. The people rose up with a new vigour to challenge the enemy.
In 1931, satyagraha workers held a meeting at Khandesh. Vinoba presided over the meeting. In his address Vinoba invoked—
‘This satyagraha movement of Mahatmaji (Gandhi) in calling out to every one. It has roles for all men, women, children and old ones. Infact all have played part in it already.
Just like any one can chant the name of Rama, similarly any one can take part in satyagraha. The wars fought by soldiers are only for recruited ones. But the battle fought by all is much more important. The objective achieved by the efforts of all is defended by all. Everyone gets satisfaction that he has won it.
The non-violent movement of satyagraha touches everyone. Mahatmaji’s path is awakener of the souls of all people…it is inspirer of all.’
In 1932 beginning, Vinoba spoke at a satyagraha meeting at Dhulia—“For freedom lives have to be sacrificed. We don’t stand for taking life, but in offering one’s own life. We must stand tall at the time of receiving lathi blows. Before the deity of liberty we have to offer our heads. And in no way we must accept the life of slavery.
We have decided to live as free people. The flag of liberty must not come down. The nation expects our sacrifice. We must fulfil that expectation.’
At the same place, at a different venue he spoke to the traders—‘Trading brothers! A new wind is blowing in our country. Look at the developments around the world. Think over what happened in Russia. We don’t want bloodshed in our country. There should be no clash between rich and poor. If you also want that you will be required to do some sacrifices.
Today we have Gandhiji amongst us. He is trying to avoid violence and blood letting. If you fail to pay heed to him then bloody revolution shall come. Don’t try to crush the poor people. Indian culture has taught them to remain content with whatever they have got. But if you try to crush the reconciled poor they will rise in fury. And I want to tell you in clear words that the poor will chomp you in the jaws of their anger.
If you wish to see the problems of our country solved in a different way then you must listen to Gandhiji. He has been telling for years…‘don’t buy foreign goods’—‘don’t trade in foreign good’s…‘buy swadeshi’…what more should I say?’
From Dhulia Vinoba reached Jalgaon. There too he was supposed to deliver an inspiring speech. But the authorities banned the meetings. Vinoba got arrested and sent to Dhulia jail. A number of other agitators were also jailed alongside him. Thus, Dhulia jail looked more like a camp of satyagraha workers.
In the jail Vinoba was given ‘B’ class prisoner facilities. His other associates were kept in ‘C’ class. This double standard was not acceptable to Vinoba. He refused to live in ‘B’ class. So, he also had to be shifted to ‘C’ class accommodation.
In jail too Vinoba applied ashram life rigours and discipline. He undertook a fast against the ill behaviour of jail authorities with the prisoners. He broke his fast only when authorities gave him a word that the prisoners would be treated in civilised manner in future.
Vinoba had begun to give sermons on the teachings of Geeta on Sundays. He had great faith in Geeta, which to him was like the mother of all spiritual knowledge. He started it on 21 February, 1932. His sermons attracted 200-250 jail inmates. While speaking he used to go in a trance of spiritual nature when excitement seemed to ooze out of him.
In respect of Geeta once he said—‘My relation with Geeta is beyond any worldly logic. My body had been nourished by the milk of my biological mother. Geeta mother’s milk of knowledge had nourished my mind and intellect in a far superior way. Such relationship can not be explained logically. I detach logic and attach the wings of faith and devotion to myself to soar into the Geeta sky and do experiments in acrobatics. I live in Geeta environment. Geeta is my soul element—when I talk about Geeta I unwittingly dive into the sea of Geeta knowledge.’
On 19 June, 1932 he delivered his last sermon because he got released from jail.