He made letter writing a hobby. All the world over he had friends and they all have with them Gandhi's letters in reply to theirs. He wrote letters to children too, whom he called "Dear angels." He, who could write the most damaging articles that ever dared a mighty empire, could also pen the sweetest children's letters. The letters often contained most intimate touches about family affairs and were highly personal in character and soothing. They reveal his patience and his respect for the other man's point of view.
He attended to correspondence as regularly as possible. He used to reply personally or give directions regarding replies to every letter he received and sometimes he would reply to some letter in the "Harijan" or "Young India."
His letters show how intimate he could become with the persons to whom he wrote and how simple his guidance could be. Often his subject was about the welfare of mankind and advice on social and domestic problems.
"You may address me as Bapu, if you like. It means father. In the Ashram, it has become a term of endearment.", he once wrote to one of his correspondents.
"Will you not try an absolute fast for your liver? You may drink boiled water copiously. If you feel weak and frail, lie in bed" he advised another.
"It will be a joy to me if you will never find yourself in the valley of Despair, for, to be there, even for one moment, means lack of faith in a living God."
"I appreciate your preference for country life and country children. They are most innocent and hence more loveable."
"You will be glad to hear that I daily wear the vests made by you. They are a perpetual reminder of your loving service."