Sri Aurobindo
Autobiographical Notes
and Other Writings of Historical Interest
Part Three. On Indian and World Events 1940–1950
2. Private Letters to Public Figures
1948–1950
To Kailas Nath Katju1
Owing to heavy pressure during the last month I am only
now able to answer your letter of August 20th
forwarding [a] full report of your address on the occasion of the Mahotsav. I
had already heard your talk on the radio in connection with [the] Jayanti and I
found that it was very much appreciated by those who were trying to do my work
in Bengal and they had drawn much encouragement from it and felt heartened by it
in their endeavours. I write this to convey to you my blessings for all you have
done on the occasion of the Jayanti and the great push it has given to the work
and to the workers in Bengal.
I have long been acquainted with your name and what you
have done for our country as one of its leaders in the struggle for freedom and
after Independence was gained, in the heavy and difficult work that had to be
done under trying and arduous circumstances to organise its independence and
contend with the growing difficulties of the task.
The difficulties you speak of which beset all who are
working for the world’s peace and welfare are indeed very great; the 
strength to meet them and to support those who are doing the work is
less widespread than it ought to be and there is too much fear and
demoralisation everywhere in the world and the will to co-operate for the best
is deficient and often absent. I am afraid the hour in which one can be
confident that these difficulties would be soon overcome is not yet near and men
of goodwill will have to persevere with great courage before they can say, “It
is done.” But I believe that as the labour is arduous so will the outcome be
sure and satisfying. It has been a great good fortune for Bengal that you have
been sent there as Governor and you may be confident that my blessings will
attend you in your work.
3.9.49