THE TRUE MAHATMA

On the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, whilst many remember Bapu's contributions to the struggle for independence, one simply cannot ignore the magnanimity and vigor with which he carried himself post Independence.

Source: Tribune India, Bapu post partition

A local bookseller in the Jama Masjid area, named Muhammad Khalid had recalled "Mere hisse mei azaadi aayi hi kaha." This sentence, in itself, is sufficient to surmise the condition of the times. For some, the event may have reflected new beginnings and the idea of a free and prosperous India. However, for a large chunk, the reality remained grim and far from ideal.

By the end of September, the condition of Delhi was as such that those who managed to escape sudden death ended up burying themselves in a living graves of refugee camps. After the arrival of Bapu in Delhi on 9th September, the aura of the city had completely changed. One man from old Delhi compared his arrival to the rains after a long summer. The general sentiment was ‘sukhe dhanon mein paani pad gaya’

It was only when Anees Qidwai had met up with Bapu and relayed the abysmal living conditions that Gandhi ended up paying a visit to the Kingsway camp. On his visit to the camp, he found a stark difference between the Hindu/Sikh refugee camp and the Muslim refugee camp.

It was only when Gandhi visited the Purana Qila camp on 13th September 1947 that the Indian government sent out the message clearly that Muslim refugee camps were also our camps. Only his reiteration helped people understand that these refugees were also our citizens and they have the complete right to stay if they wished to.

Only after Gandhi had highlighted this important facet that Indian officials took over the full responsibility for the supply of rations as well as for security at these camps.

On 28th November 1947, the occasion of Guru Nanak Ji's birthday, Gandhi went to address a meeting at Sisganj Gurudwara, only to find no Muslims on the road of Chandni Chowk, the very heart of Old Delhi.

Bapu believed that ‘there is (still) storm within the breast.’ He believed that just because the violence has subsided, that simple fact does not allude to the safety of Muslims. This was the very context for his fast unto death. The fast that commenced on 13th January 1948 became the turning point in the country.

The air that was filled with resentment, horror and blood was suddenly overcome with an electric effect. People were washed with contrition, with a stoop in their walks and tears glimmering in their eyes, everyone everywhere was talking about Bapu’s fast.

Whilst many deem him Mahatma for the contribution he made in the struggle for independence, in the truest regard, he rose to the name of Mahatma by putting his own life in danger even after the country gained independence.

On Gandhi Jayanti, celebrating the man with the sheer resolve to facilitate rehabilitation for all his countrymen should be equally remembered and honoured. For a man with multiple identities, the Father of the Nation will always be remembered fondly for his sacrifice.

Source: Hindustan Times, Refugee camps