Whose jewels are they?

Today we went to Gramin. Out of many topics, Gandhiji's autobiography came into the discussion; rather I should say I brought in. Got so much inspired by reading his book. It moves like a suspense novel, particularly for someone who had forgotten the history lessons. Couldn't resist reading six or seven chapters a day. (My usual speed is two chapters).

When we think of Gandhi, we get the image of 'mahatma', the great soul. To think about the pair Gandhi and his wife, we have an impression of an ideal couple. That is how they were portrayed to us. Reading his own words, we are pulled to a surprise.

Here is the sample from his book. Part III Chapter XII

Gandhiji was returning home from South Africa (second trip). The NRIs threw farewell parties with large gatherings and showered with costly gifts including gold and silver. Gandhiji didn't want to retain those gifts as it was not his liking to be gifted for public service. After lot of thought, he decided to leave the gifts with the trust of South African Indian community.

He had to convince his wife. Instead of daring to tell her, he talked to his sons (eldest around 12 years old), got their approval, asked them to talk to their mom.

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'Certainly', said they. 'That is our business. She does not need to wear the ornaments. She would want to keep them for us, and if we don't want them, why should she not agree to part with them?'

But it was easier said than done.

'You may not need them,' said my wife. 'Your children may not need them. Cajoled, they will dance to your tune. I can understand your not permitting me to wear them. But what about my daughters-in-law? They will be sure to need them. And who knows what will happen tomorrow? I would be the last person to part with the gifts so lovingly given.'

And thus the torrent of argument went on, reinforced, in the end, by tears. But the children were adamant. And I was unmoved.

I mildly put in: 'The children have yet to get married. We do not want to see them married young. When they are grown up they can take care of themselves. And surely we shall not have, for our sons, brides who are fond of ornaments. And if, after all, we need to provide them with ornaments, I am there. You will ask me then.'

'Ask you? I know you by this time. You deprived me of my ornaments, you would not leave me in peace with them. Fancy you offering to get ornaments for the daughters-in-law! You who are trying to make sadhus of my boys from today! No, the ornaments will not be returned. And pray what right have you to my necklace?'

'But,' I rejoined, 'is the necklace given you for your service or for my service?'

'I agree. But service rendered by you is as good as rendered by me. I have toiled and moiled for you day and night. Is that no service? You forced all and sundry on me, making me weep bitter tears, and I slaved for them!'

...
I somehow succeeded in extorting a consent from her. The gifts received in 1896 and 1901 were all returned.
...
I am definitely of opinion that a public worker should accept no costly gifts.

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I felt very happy to know that his wife 'talks' in a similar way like mine :-)

I didn't intent to de-mean the great soul. His frank narration increased the salutation for him. Most of the description show the pain and sufferings (not only at the family front :-) ) he went through at various stage of life. When I took the book, I expected to see a super hero who had universal solution with larger than life strength, who had never felt the pain. Indeed it was surprising to see an average Joe kind of neighbor, who goes through the joy, sorrow, desire, plans, disappointment, sufferings etc like most of us. The Himalayan difference comes out by the way he responded back to the injustice thrown at him, and at a later stage to dissolve his complete self and possession for the entire community cause.

There are interesting observations he found and the suggestions he makes. So far I had an impression that raising money for social cause and maintaining a fixed deposit is a good idea. Seems like Gandhiji faced issues with this and hence suggests against the same. Thought provoking.

We not only learn the history of our nation, but also the wisdom of an old man. Very valuable - the book and the lesson learnt.