Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s9.t4.6

v1.c7.s9.t4.6

In his writings on India, Kang Youwei commented on social issues as well. He condemned the caste system, saying “how abominable and absurd it is to divide people into valuable and worthless!” He also criticised the colonial system of education, warning that if education in India was conducted in a foreign language, the indigenous customs and traditions were in danger of disappearing. In one of his writings he mentions having “discussed with Gandhi and others” the division of Indian society on caste and religious lines. It is probable that the two met in December 1901 when Gandhi had come from South Africa to attend the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.