You can wake a man only if he is really asleep. No effort that you make will produce any effect upon him if he is merely pretending sleep.
Mahatma Gandhi, the story of my experiments with truth
If Bangaloreans had their druthers, a majority would just pretend to sleep on October 2, with not even hint of remembrance of a man who, through his ideals, won us the freedom that we enjoy. But then, there is also a minority, who believe in Gandhi. Because they are reminded that 'all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been murderers and tyrants, and for a time they can seem invincible. But in the end they always fall.'
Not showing any sign of high dudgeon for what their majority counterparts do on this day, this minority have been ceaselessly doing their own bit. Here is what the minority Bangalore did to remember the Mahatma.
Following ideals
A devoted disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, H Sreenivasaiah always in Khadi, once spinned and weaved clothes for himself. He has his own way of remembering the Mahatma, by propagating the wearing of Khadi in schools and colleges and writing books on Gandhiji. "Youth are more receptive to Gandhian principles and in fact, the India against Corruption movement clearly denoted which way the wind was blowing. The main principles of truth and non-violence were adopted to gain freedom by Gandhiji and others and in times to come, people should realise the effective usage of such tools in their movement to get equality and justice."
Sweet remembrance
For 25-year-old Suchitra, Gandhiji has been a true inspiration. She and her family remembers the Mahatma in a different way. “Every year, we celebrate Gandhi Jayanthi by hoisting the national flag. We perform a pooja and all family members get together to prepare sweets, which is distributed to all people in our locality."
Patriotic fervour
For the students of Cordial High School, Vijayanagar, it was a celebration of patriotism and national integration. Nirmala Kumari, a teacher said, “All the staff and students from 7th to 10th standard assembled in the school premises around 8.30 am. The scouts and guides' celebrated the Mahatma's spirit with prayer songs from different religions, as well as the patriotic song, Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram. It was heartening to hear speeches on moral values and principles of Mahatma from the senior outgoing students. There were cultural programmes too. Totally, it was a patriotic day in our school and our motto is to spread Gandhian values and principles."
Dry tribute
Resident of Arehalli, Ramachandra, for once was extremely happy that liquor shops were closed. "I stay in an area which has a few garment manufacturers. Every day, one can see the workers of these factories completely sozzled. Fortunately, today it is lot peaceful."