Letter Correspondence between Mahatma Gandhi and George Washington Carver, February 24, 1929 to July 27, 1935

    Courtesy of World Food Prize, Carver, George W., and Gandhi, M.K., 24 February 1929 - 27 July 27 1935

    Description 

    The first letter is from George Washington Carver, notable American botanist, and Charlie Andrews, a close personal friend to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi had Andrews assist him in reaching out to Carver to inquire about the health of eating a vegan diet. Gandhi was working on the independence movement for India, and wanted to change diets so as not to support British foods and companies. In the letter, Carver informs Gandhi that he can thrive on an essentially plant-based diet. The second letter was from Richard Gregg, on Gandhi's behalf, to Carver. In it, he asks Carver to send "articles or circulars" detailing his work to assist Indian production to reduce poverty among its population. The third letter is from Carver to Gandhi in response to Gregg's letter, and Carver states he did send some bulletins but would send more as the other ones seem to not have made it to their destination. Carver also called it "a great pleasure and privilege" to keep in touch with Gandhi and he commended him on his work for all Indians.

    Transcript of Letters Exchanged Between Mahatma Gandhi and George Washington Carver

    Source-Dependent Questions

    • Mahatma Gandhi was working on the independence movement for India, and wanted to change diets so as not to support British foods and companies. Based on the first letter, what questions do you think Mahatma Gandhi had for George Washington Carver? What advice did Carver give to Gandhi regarding a diet plan?
    • Can the foods Carver recommended to Ghandi and his followers be homegrown? Why is that important?
    • Do you think Carver believes that people can thrive on a plant-based diet? Use evidence from the letters to explain.
    • Why would Ghandi, who was living in India, be interested in the work of Carver, who was working and living in the United State?

    Citation Information 

    Carver, George W., and Gandhi, M.K., 24 February 1929 - 27 July 27 1935. Courtesy of World Food Prize

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