Though he was barely 25 when First World War (1914) erupted in Europe,
P.P.Doctorjee already had sound, analytical ideas about British regime and
its military as well as political overthrow from Bharat.
Through various sources, he put together convincing proof that, only about
2000 British troops were left behind in India in 1914. Most of them were
non-combat-worthy, older soldiers. Young, powerful combatants had been
siphoned off to Europe to fight for British interests. P.P.Doctorjee thought
that this created a golden opportunity to overthrow the British regime in
Bharat.
He approached Dr. Moonje, who was then a well-known leader of All-India
stature. P.P.Doctorjee said: “At this point, the British regime is at its
weakest, militarily and morally. Now is the time for us to shake ourselves
free from their yoke. We know for sure that their army is no more than 2000
strong. However, to create a false sense of their immense strength, the same
garrison is being marched in grand parades in city after city. Let us, choose
a date and declare ourselves free and sovereign. This declaration of
Independence should occur simultaneously in Bharat, and its friends such as
USA, France, Ireland, etc. We will then get enthusiastic support from our
people as well as from international forums. Whatever meager resistance that the British can muster would be
overwhelmed by this national uprising, supported internationally. I truly
feel that the golden moment for the declaration of total independence is very
rear”.
But P.P.Doctorjee was still very young in those days. Aged people were at the
helms of leadership. Even Dr. Moonje cherished the idea of “autonomous
dominion” within the control of the British empire. He accepted
P.P.Doctorjee’s analysis and evidence, but he did not take a single step
forward!
How frustrated P.P.Doctorjee must have been, seeing the golden opportunity
slip away helplessly, due to the enormous inertia of the geriatric
leadership!
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