Fortunately for us, both V V S Iyer and another Tamil associate of Savarkar, Dr Tiruvengimalai Sesha Sundara Rajan or Dr T S S Rajan (1880-1953) had documented what happened. V V S Iyer initially looked at all the prominent hotels, where eminent Indian leaders used to come and stay in London. After much search he discovered where Gandhi was living – it was in the house of an Indian, who was running a small restaurant. It was located in a lane that was too narrow for cabs to enter. He was living in a room, which had a few old chairs, a torn carpet and a bed. He had come to London to sensitise general public as well as leaders about his new form of fighting in South Africa.

Next day, V V S Iyer came with Savarkar.

The following three days, Savarkar, Iyer and Gandhi spent hours discussing strategies to achieve freedom. Savarkar and Gandhi had one major difference – Gandhi insisted on ahimsa (non-violence). Both V V S Iyer and Dr Rajan found the Hind Swaraj of Gandhi which was published later as a result of these intense interaction.

Despite this cardinal difference, Savarkar and Iyer insisted that Gandhi should preside over the Dussehra celebrations. Gandhi accepted on one condition. He was not interested in gathering together in some hotel and pay for their meals, talk and disperse. Instead, this was an Indian festival and should be celebrated in an Indian way. So vegetarian Indian food should be prepared. Savarkar and Iyer agreed to this condition.