The Enduring Friendship of Gandhi and C.F. Andrews

This article delves into the extraordinary friendship between Mohandas Gandhi and Charles Freer Andrews, highlighting their shared commitment to social justice and the impact of their bond on India's struggle for independence. From their first meeting in Durban to Andrews' tireless advocacy against the indenture system, their relationship transcended cultural and racial barriers. As Andrews became a pivotal figure in Gandhi's life, he also bridged connections between influential leaders like Rabindranath Tagore and the British establishment. Despite his passing before India's independence, Andrews' legacy continues to inspire through institutions named in his honor.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 15:27 IST

A Historic Encounter in Durban

On January 1, 1914, a significant moment unfolded at a Durban dock when an Anglican priest, dressed in a wrinkled suit, disembarked from a ship. He approached a forty-four-year-old Gujarati lawyer and humbly touched his feet. The Englishman represented the ruling class, while the Indian was often dismissed as a coolie by white South Africans. This act shocked onlookers, but Charles Freer Andrews was unfazed. He later reflected that their souls connected instantly and remained intertwined for the next twenty-six years, marking the beginning of a profound friendship with Mohandas Gandhi.

The Missionary Who Transformed His Purpose

The Priest Who Came To Convert and Stayed To Serve

Born in 1871 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Andrews was the son of a minister from a small breakaway church. His upbringing was marred by a betrayal that affected his family. After studying at Cambridge, he was ordained in the Church of England and traveled to Delhi in 1904 to teach at St Stephen's College as part of the Cambridge Mission. Initially, he arrived with conventional missionary intentions but soon became disillusioned by the racial arrogance of his compatriots, leading him to question the very beliefs he was sent to promote.

A Life-Changing Meeting

The Meeting That Changed Two Lives

It was Gopal Krishna Gokhale who first enlightened Andrews about the plight of Indians abroad and encouraged him to travel to South Africa in late 1913 to assist in resolving community issues with the government. There, he worked closely with Gandhi during negotiations with General Jan Smuts, helping to finalize the agreement. Andrews was deeply impressed by Gandhi's profound understanding of Christian principles and his commitment to non-violence as a lifestyle rather than just a slogan. He would later refer to Gandhi as a modern-day St. Francis.

A Unique Bond

The Man Who Called Gandhi Mohan

While most referred to Gandhi as Gandhiji or Bapu, Andrews uniquely called him Mohan, a distinction that set him apart from others. Gandhi, in turn, affectionately called Andrews Charlie and referred to him as Christ's Faithful Apostle, a nod to his initials. Gandhi openly expressed that he had no deeper bond with anyone else and considered Andrews one of his closest friends. This connection is remarkable, especially during a time when Gandhi was leading the struggle for India's independence.

Championing the Underprivileged

Deenabandhu, Friend Of The Poor

Andrews' affection for Gandhi was rooted in genuine concern for social justice. He dedicated himself to combating the oppressive indenture system that had forced approximately 3.5 million Indians into labor on plantations. In 1915, he traveled to Fiji to investigate the conditions of laborers, and upon his return, he campaigned vigorously against this abhorrent practice. His efforts earned him the title Deenabandhu, meaning 'friend of the poor,' bestowed upon him by Gandhi and his students at St Stephen's. He also participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability and assisted B.R. Ambedkar in advocating for Dalit rights in 1933.

Bridging Two Giants

The Hyphen Between Tagore and Gandhi

Andrews established his base at Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan, forming a close relationship with the poet alongside his bond with Gandhi. Tagore's brother, Dwijendranath, aptly described Andrews as the hyphen connecting two towering figures, facilitating dialogue between them despite their differences. His connections extended to viceroys and British officials, who welcomed him even when he appeared in casual attire. Edwin Montagu, both frustrated and impressed, dubbed him 'God's own fool.' Andrews leveraged these connections to advocate for Gandhi's integrity to a skeptical British audience, even securing an office for Gandhi during the second Round Table Conference.

A Legacy of Friendship

Swaraj Is Coming, Mohan

By the mid-1930s, Gandhi suggested that sympathetic British individuals should step back from the freedom movement, prompting Andrews to spend more time teaching in Britain. He authored three books about Gandhi, aiming to convey the truth about him to an English audience. Despite his dedication, he never sought wealth or political power and remained committed to his faith. In April 1940, as he lay dying in Calcutta, Gandhi traveled across the country to be by his side. Among his last words were a hopeful message about swaraj, addressing Gandhi as Mohan. Although Andrews did not live to witness India's independence, his legacy endures through institutions named after him, including two colleges near Kolkata and a neighborhood in Delhi called Andrews Ganj.