VI

to know of my having eaten meat, they would be shocked to death. Moreover, my love of truth made me extra cautious. I cannot say that I did not know then that I should have to deceive my parents if I began eating meat. But my mind was bent on the “reform.” It was not a question of pleasing the palate. I did not know that it had a particularly good relish. I wished to be strong and daring and wanted my countrymen also to be such, so that we might defeat the English and make India free. The word “Swaraj” I had not yet heard. But I knew what freedom meant. The frenzy of the “reform” blinded me. And having ensured secrecy, I persuaded myself that mere hiding the deed from parents was no departure from truth.