Mahatma Gandhi was a man who walked his talk. A congruent person whose thoughts, feelings and actions were one. Even his physical appearance was a symbol of what all he stood for. He wore just a two sheets of cloth, one for the upper body and the other, the lower, symbolising simplicity and self reliance as the clothes were woven by hand not using any huge machines that would undermine human labour and dignity. Same with his footwear: hand and home made. He holds a pole taller than him symbolising ideals that must be higher than ourselves on which to stand and move.
A few talk of Gandhi's simplicity especially in food costed more than normal and even questioned his honesty as he used to eat fruits aside while on hunger strike. It is an unfair remark, if not based on ignorance. There are several types of fasting depending on the purpose and celestial constellation, and one such type is fasting from grains which he always followed, i.e. fasting by eating only fruits. Similarly, the food he ate in normal times suited eminently the mission he undertook, the latter must be the priority. The nuts and beans, uncooked, containing high quality nutrients that can withstand the rigors of long walks and meetings, as it is convenient too.
It is indeed an astounding phenomenon that our country and the world witnessed a man like Mahatma Gandhi.
1 comment:
True people now donot believe that such consistency among thought word & deed are ideal! It is amazng such a spirit was born & lived in India!May his tribe increase!
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