Have you ever thought about the course important events in history might have adopted in case Theory of ‘Ifs’ was applied at a proper time?

BEFORE we ponder over the Theory of ‘Ifs’, let us first go through an important historic document, a letter from Mahatma Gandhi addressed to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah.

The letter, written from an undisclosed prison, is dated May 4, 1943. As required under the law, it was forwarded to the Home Department for onward transmission to Quaid-i-Azam.

 

Dear Quaid-i-Azam,

When sometime after my incarceration, the Government asked me for a list of newspapers I would like to have, I included Dawn in it. I have been receiving it with more or less regularity. Whenever it comes to me, I read it carefully. I have followed the proceedings of the League, as reported in the Dawn columns. I noted your invitation to me to write to you. Hence the letter.

I welcome your invitation. I suggest our meeting face to face rather than talking through correspondence. But I am in your hands.

I hope that this letter will be sent to you and, if you agree to my proposal, that the Government will let you visit me.

One thing I had better mention. There seems to be an ‘if’ about your invitation. Do you say I should write only if I have changed my heart? God alone knows men’s hearts. I would like you to take me as I am.

Why should not both you and I approach the great question of communal unity as men determined on finding a common solution and work together to make our solution acceptable to all who are concerned with it or are interested in it?

YOURS SINCERELY,
M.K. Gandhi
 

After comprehending the Theory of ‘Ifs’, we will return to Mahatma Gandhi’s letter in the later part of this dissertation. Let us examine the theory first.

Have you ever thought about the course important events in history might have adopted in case Theory of ‘Ifs’ was applied at a proper time? One of the devastating events of the 20th century was the Second World War (1939-1945). Upon the analysis of the savage events taking place during the Second World War, it is felt ‘if’ Japanese warplanes had not attacked Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, Philippines, Thailand and Hong Kong on December 7, 1941, the United States would not have declared war on Japan the next day, December 8, 1941. Consequently, there wouldn’t have been dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The world would not have witnessed emergence of two superpowers, USA and USSR, ‘if’ Second World War had not have taken place. The Second World War crippled Great Britain, hence liberation of British colonies, including India.

It is an interesting theory. Keep applying ‘if’ or ‘ifs’ to the events, episodes and the incidents in your view that have left everlasting impact on the lives of the people. You will perceive, although vicariously, an entirely changed scenario. Application of ‘if’ or ‘ifs’ won’t let you remould the events or their impact that have already taken place, and have left everlasting imprints on history or on your personal life. It would give you at least some idea how catastrophes could have been evaded in the collective existence or personal life of the affected people.

Thus, in a way it is an obscure exercise, but an absorbing one. Apply this Theory on your personal life with philosophic bent of mind. Don’t get carried away. How things would have been for you, ‘if’ you were born in a Christian, Parsi, Jewish or a Hindu family! At times, the Theory is impeded with a weighty objection. It is argued, “In an age of microchips and nuclear technology, who has time to look back and ponder over past events with ‘ifs’? What is gone is gone forever.”

What we tend to forget is that human experience is an unbreakable chain of continuity. There is nothing new in this world that boggles us. Of course, it does boggle our minds when we snap ties with the past. We feel astonished on the invention of things such as telephone and radio, as if man in the past had no idea about communication technologies! Men have always remained in communication with each other from the times immemorial. History tends to repeat itself.

The Theory of ‘Ifs’ doesn’t promise a second chance to a repenting person for his misdeeds. However, in case he overcomes his repentance, the lessons gathered from the application of Theory of ‘Ifs’ will restrain him from treading the tempestuous path in search of personal glory or power that brings misery and devastation for others.

Now, let us come back to Mahatma Gandhi’s letter to Quaid-i-Azam. The British Government of India did not deliver the letter to Quaid-i-Azam. Sir Richard Tottenham, Chief of Home Department conveyed to Mahatma Gandhi, “I am to inform you that the Government of India have decided that your letter cannot be forwarded (to Quaid-i-Azam). This decision is in accordance with the restrictions which, as you are aware, have been placed on your correspondence and interviews while you are under detention.”

Mahatma Gandhi reacted to Sir Totteham’s decision. At one place in his lengthy rejoinder Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The public (of India) too are anxious that the Quaid-i-Azam and I should meet or at least establish contact.” ‘If’ the biased British Government had not deliberately kept apart Mahatma Gandhi and Quaid-i-Azam from each other, the communal tangle in India could have been resolved. The world would not have then witnessed with awe the most brutal and savage annihilation of men, women and children in the history of mankind.