Sri Aurobindo
Bande Mataram
Early Political Writings. 1890 — May 1908
Bande Mataram. April 18, 1907
A Recommendation
The Englishman has arrogated to itself the office of Press-censor and has commenced to issue certificates of good conduct to our moderate contemporaries. Those that have not the good fortune to see with it eye to eye are branded as seditious. This is what it wrote in its yesterday's issue: –
“We regret that in a recent issue we confounded the two papers Swadesh and Swaraj, identifying the politics of the former with those of Bande Mataram and other journals of the same bilious tinge.
As a matter of fact, Swadesh is conducted with moderation and ability and is by no means to be confused with the seditious sheets which are doing so much mischief in this country.”
A critic who confounds the names of journals on which he sits in judgment, is a sight for Gods and men; and we congratulate our Swadesh friend on the testimonial secured from so high a quarter. But is it solicited or unsolicited? The seditious rags may now envy the distinction. But will they be tempted to mend their ways? We would suggest a kaisar-i-Hind1 for meritorious journals and recommend the Indian Mirror and the Indian Nation for the first two medals.
Later edition of this work: The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo.- Set in 37 volumes.- Volumes 6-7.- Bande Mataram: Political Writings and Speeches. 1890–1908 .- Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, 2002.- 1182 p.
1 2002 ed. CWSA, vol.6-7: Kaiser-i-Hind