I tell stories that have moral values to a small group of school-going children in a nearby park, where they gather for playing and I go for an evening walk.Last month, they asked me about the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the occasion being his 150th birth anniversary, very much talked about in their schools. Appreciating their interest in Gandhi, I decided to use this occasion to impress upon them, the greatness of the father of our nation.
I started the story from his birth in an orthodox family in Gujarat. I elaborated on his school days, his voyage to England to take legal training, and his frugal living style sticking to vegetarian food and totally avoiding meat and wine, as promised to his mother. Then, I went on to describe his leadership role in the freedom movement, along with other great leaders like Gokhale and Nehru, his going on fasts for several days to espouse noble causes, his determination to restore peace whenever violence erupted, the legendary Dandi Salt March and other major historical events, including his last prayer meeting.
Further on, I said I will end the session by narrating a bit of my imagination, a likely conversation between God and Gandhi in their heavenly abode, to bring out the great values the Mahatma embodied during his historic sojourn in this planet.
On the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, God too extended his greetings to Gandhiji and the conversation between them went on thus:
God: You are the most written and talked about person in your country. But, if you now descend on your much beloved India, will you get the same support from people? Gandhi: I am always confident of winning the hearts of my men. God: I know you were not one for power or position.
But people expected you to give at least a message on the day of Independence but you refused! Gandhi: Yes, my first concern was restoring communal harmony. God: You were indeed a mysterious man! Gandhi: Oh God! You are articulating on your own creation! God: Gandhi, to be frank, how would I create another apostle like you? Gandhi: Hey Ram, God’s ways are inscrutable!
I ended it with Gandhi’s favourite song ‘Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram...’ All the children happily sang the song in chorus with great excitement. I emphasised that they should all study very well and serve the nation with an unfailing adherence to truth and non-violence.