By Dr Dasari Srinivasulu, IAS (Rtd)
All that is unique about Gandhiji is his continuous experiments in his life where he moved from inconsistencies towards perfection by being truthful to himself from time to time. His first experiment and most successful experiment, undoubtedly, was with himself and those experiments are written by self in his autobiography.
All those who come in contact with Bapu including those, who ranged against him, perceived that there is something unique about him indeed.
In his autobiography, Gandhiji wrote in great detail about his childhood with all frankness. He was born in a well -to- do and highly respected family. In school, he admitted himself, truthfully, he is a middle ranked and mediocre pupil.
He ate meat, despite coming from a strict vegetarian sect, tried smoking and stole a bit of gold from his brother to meet his pocket expenses. He gave up both because it affected him physically and morally. At one time, he tried to commit suicide because of his perception that he doesn’t enjoy freedom and can’t do anything without the permission of his parents and the community. But abanded the idea realizing that it is not easy to commit suicide, as contemplated.
Once he visited home of prostitutes and sat near the women on her bed. But the women shouted at him to get away seeing his lack of confidence. Married at the age of 13, he had a huge urge for earthly pleasures and to exercise excessive authority over his wife. Later having realized the glory of Brahmacharya, he started treating his wife as an equal partner in all joys and sorrows.
After his father’s death, with the advice of a friend of his father, Bapu decided to study bar in England. An incident that fascinates us is that he went to England against the order of his community leaders, as no Modh baniya, the community to which he belongs to had been to England up to then. But, he told that the community leader should not interfere in such matters. Bapu was unmoved by the threats that he would be treated as an out caste, he had his family permission to go for higher studies.
Only after taking a vow not to touch wine, women and meat, his mother agreed for his foreign visit. Bapu strictly adhered to his mother advice throughout his life. Bapu wants no separation between his resolutions and actions. His manner was gentle and courteous, even when dealing with his adversaries with his immaculate sincerity. Any inclination from his beliefs, however minute or unimportant is intolerable for Bapu.
One of the core principles of Gandhian ideology is being truthful to oneself. “If I am true to myself from moment to moment, I do not mind all the inconsistencies that may flying in my face”, as admitted by himself with firm commitment. So life is not about being perfect, but moving away from imperfections through self-corrections as believed by Gandhi. Another aspect is the ability to confess our mistake for emancipation is his hallmark. That is pure Ahimsa.
Gandhiji’s greatness was summed-up by a renowned writer Neeraj Choudhary, a bitter critique of Mahatma, `man and masses became one’.
