To the weak, old man in the white dhoti.
Respected Mahatma ji,
I am one of those fortunate people who know who you were and what you did.
While others were making plans and conspiracies, you went straight to the paddy fields and joined the poor farmer. While others spoke of bomb blasts and attacks, you held tightly to the trunk of non-violence. You said to us: "If someone should slap you on one side of your face, offer the other one with a smile."
They were so many, and you began as the lonely one. And yet, in no time, the entire nation was strongly with you. I admire how you had so much faith to hold on to your principles in days when more people thought of violence.
Dear Gandhiji, in this world where fashion and show-off reigns, no one has been able to come closer to your iconic dress code of a dhoti- the simple long stretch of white cloth- yarned on the 'charkha'. You taught masses how to use the charkha, making it an inseparable part of the "Swadeshi movement". We did not burn their (refers to the then rulers) products, we did not destroy them. We just started making our own ones. What great vision you had!
As a young man, I am inspired by your principles. There are times when things look hazy, when the world looks useless, and life, aimless. Then I look at your photograph on the blue wall of my study room- you are standing with your stick, your fragility strikingly displayed. The dhoti always leaves you half naked, but your spirit beams through with all the dignity in the universe. With such simplicity and fragility, if you could achieve Freedom from the mightiest empire on earth, then what can't we, blessed young men, not achieve in life!
I will never understand why someone even thought of killing a soul as pure as yours! I know you had once said, "If a madman comes to me with a pistol and wants to kill me, I will oblige with a smile." How true you were to your words!
And what a great truth your last words beheld: "He Ram!"
Albert Einstein was so right when he said "Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."
I salute you, O Mahatma, looking gratefully towards the grey monsoon sky with tears in my eyes, hoping that you will be looking down upon us with love and blessings.
Your son,
Saurabh.
This is an old article, republished here on inspiration from Zayra's contest allpoetry.com/Contest/1741092 . This is not exactly a poem, so I haven't entered it in the contest.
Non-Profits:
Gandhiji's initiatives were more than just non-profits - they were social revolutions. He worked for upliftment of women, outcastes, farmers. In the process, non-profits concentrating on agriculture, women, spirituality, 'khadi' and rural development took birth. Amongst popular Gandhian organization are Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Sarvodaya and Sarva Seva Sangh.
In Dec 2004, I visited Gandhigram - which concentrates on rural development. They help uneducated farmers to understand variations in weather through e-literacy; they provide vocatinoal employment to women; support nature-friendly industries and have a highly reputed rural university. Please follow this link for more information:
Gandhigram Trust: www.gandhigram.org/
Some other links of interest would be:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi
www.kamat.com/mmgandhi/ashram.htm
206.117.182.221/index.html
Gandhiserve - a charitable organization in Germany, aiming to spread peace & nonviolence
www.gandhiserve.org/information/about_gandhiserve/about_gandhiserve.html
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Notes for the letter:
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the weak old man who is the Father of our nation. He was not a politician, but a simple, ordinary man who was true to his principles. Unlike other countries, the freedom struggle in my country was based on non-violence. Instead of being rebellious with aggression, Gandhi led Indian people on a peaceful way to Freedom. Gandhiji also fought against racism in South Africa, where he practised as a lawyer before coming back to India. Raw material was being transported out of the country, and finished products were sold back, thus impoverishing the society. Gandhiji asked people to use the charkha - which became a symbolic icon of the freedom struggle- and weave their own clothes. The society slowly became self independent. In honor of the great man, the world calls him "Mahatma" (Mahatma Maha + Atma Great + Soul).
Other notes:
Dhanyawad:
Hindi for 'thank you'.
Ji:
A Hindi word which denotes respect. For example, if I have to ask "Mama" for a glass of water, I would say "Mama ji, please...."
dhoti:
A white cotton loin cloth worn around the legs.
charkha:
a home-made spinning wheel which Gandhiji encouraged people to use for making their own clothes
Swadeshi:
Of one's own country
Ram:
An Indian God, known as "Maryada Purshottam" - one who is true to his dharma
He Ram (Hey Raam):
O Lord!
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To the weak, old man in the white dhoti.
Respected Mahatma ji,
Respected Mahatma ji,
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Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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Dedi humein azaadi,
bina kharad, bina dhaal,
saabarmati ke sant,
tune kar diya kamaal.
A great tribute to the father of the nation.
Yes, everybody is proud to belong the India- the land of Gandhi. The man who could defeat the British empire without firing a single shot. That, my friend, is what makes him so great. Well done! -
Dear Vic,
Thanks so much for your encouraging comments. Yes, I've read parts of Gandhi's autobiography (it's called "The Story of My Experiments with Truth"). A book even more comprehensive and inspiring is Louis Fischer's biography on Gandhi, which I read last summer. It is an amazing book, and of course, Gandhiji is a great source of inspiration. Of course, when I say "the weak, old man", it refers to his physical appearance, beneath which lay the strongest of souls!
Best wishes,
Saurabh.
Edited on Jan 17, 12:54 because ''. -
5 Stars *****
Hello Saurabhji
,
This is a very nice piece about Gandhiji. Have you read his autobiography - "My Experience with Truth" ?
When i say i am indian to some well educated person from other nation, i often read them saying, "Oh! you are from the country of Gandhi." He was brave and bold enough to cling to his principles. He lived a simple life and without forcing anyanother he made many people realize that its better to live in a simple way .
Your article/column is very nice, i am glad that i read it. And thank you for sharing it
In your *Notes for the letter
you have called Mahatma Gandhi as a "weak old man", erm, i dont think you really meant it.
nice write.. good work.. thanks for sharing my dear friend
take cares and have a nice time my dear friend.. just keep it up... your humble little friend...
... 
... ... - vic ( who else? )
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It is so appropriate to write such an inspiring tribute about such an important man! Good write!
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I just read a book on Gandhi, and it moved me. This piece reminds me of what I learned about him, and it to, moves me. Everyone could learn something from his life; Martin Luther King did. Imagine if Gandhi never was born, we may still be having those problems over in India, and we still may have segregation in our lives. At least he did with a smile upon his lips and light in his heart.
Blessed be,
LeFay -
Dear Sau, this is a very affectionate and reverential letter to this great man. I beg to differ, Ghandi was not a simple man, he was a philosopher who behaved as a simple man, that was his great strength.
Once more I wish for a History category, to me this does not belong in Adult. -
Hi, probably the greatest man of our times, he never ceased to amaze me, a man who's soul knew nothing but good,a wonderful person who taught how the world should be, if only mankind would follow what he taught, a wonderful write, deepand touching, it was a great pleasure to read, hugs Di
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oh man i LOVE this, this touches especially close to my heart considering the fact that i'm indian and he's one of my heros, someone I aspire to be like. thank you so much for recognizing gandhi for who he is, a peacemaker not looking for a fistfight.
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yes, and when returning home after a visit to Britain he was asked "what do you think of Western civilisation?" to which he replied; "I think it would be a good idea".
not so humble that he avoided using the lowest form of wit was he? -
Yes, Sau, you have made me proud.
This is absolutely stunning! Wonderful heart and soul. 
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quadruple thumbs up.
Sau,
That was spoken like a true Indian man! My grandfather acctually got to meet Gandhiji, and he always spoke of how Gandhi could inspire you purely by the sight of him. It's amazing and this is something that EVERYONE should read.
~Amudha~ -
s You give a great respect to one of the greatest men to ever walk the face of this earth, and certainly one of the greatest men to ever stand up and lead, teach peace, compassion and yet remain as strong in spirit.
Great men have donned battle armor, led legions of men into bloody wars, killed maimed, burned the opposition in order to gain the admiration and esteem and right to lead people. Gandhi wore no armor, he didn't conceal his weaknesses to the opposition but showed them with pride as a human, not a God. He led no bloody battles, denounced fighting, bloodshed or destruction of any kind, he didn't show his might in weapons or trained killing men. His only sword was the fire he lit inside the spirit of a nation. He led as a man and no more, the love for him comes from pure roots, not fear,wealth, power or intimidation.
This is a beautiful tribute Sau. There is no more inspiring history that I have ever read than that of Mahatma Gandhi. s and best wishes... ~genie~
Edited on Jan 15, 11:44 because 'typos'. -
Blessed are the peacemakers...!!!!
BLESSED ARE the PEACEMAKERS!!!
Peace and joy to you for this powerful rememberance of such a magnificent soul Tara
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