[Letter to Mr Homi Modi]

Summary

This two-page correspondence from 1959 records Isaac Mathai’s support for the newly formed Swatantra Party and his proposal for a substantial series of pamphlets criticizing Congress administration. In a covering letter dated 3 August 1959, Mathai presents an article titled “INDIA IS GREATER THAN HINDI” in support of continuing English as a language of public life, describes his plan for a “Swatantra Series,” and says he has accumulated material on what he views as Congress’s introduction of communism under the label of a welfare state. He also notes his educational publishing work in Bombay and his contact with Rajagopalachari.

Key points

• Isaac Mathai identifies himself as an enthusiastic supporter of the Swatantra Party.
• Mathai proposes writing and publishing a large “Swatantra Series” of pamphlets on the alleged failures of Congress administration.
• His article “INDIA IS GREATER THAN HINDI” argues for the continuation of English and treats language policy as a controversial contemporary issue.
• Mathai characterizes Congress’s welfare-state programme as a vehicle for introducing communism indirectly.
• Rajagopalachari welcomes Mathai’s pamphlets and offer of cooperation but argues that language should not be made a party-political issue.
• Rajagopalachari describes the Swatantra Party as an all-India party grounded in economic and agricultural issues and the principle of freedom.