Gandhi Before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai

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A GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
7th Aug 1901
Flame extinguishes
In 1901 he returned to his native land with a heart full of hope and a determination to devote all his life to the services of his co-religionists and country men. But, truly, "Man proposes and God disposes." Little did the comparatively young man that India could dream, the news of Mr. Gandhi's tragic premature death and his pilgrimage on Earth had almost come to end. "Quiet," says the Poet, "to quick bosom, rest is Hell." The same was the case with Mr. Gandhi. His spirit was too volcanic to allow him to think of rest. From his youth upwards, his brain and mind were always working with high pressure and the frail body proved too weak to sustain the phenomenal activity of the man. He returned to India, but as a mere shadow of his former self, a total physical wreck. Only two weeks after he landed at Bombay, the end came on 7th of August, 1901, due to hemorrhage of lungs. He had returned to his native country only to die, A chill almost of horror passed through the Jain community all over on his demise. But of what avail are such vain regrets! He had played his short but eventful part on the stage of this world, tried to fulfill what he thought to be his mission, and left for that journey from where no traveler returns," leaving behind him for his community and his countrymen in general the noble example of a useful and unblemished life, of what amount of enduring work can be done within the brief span of 37 years. May his soul, rest in eternal peace and continue to inspire his co-religionists and countrymen with high ideals is the only prayer.
A great champion of Indian Cultural heritage & Jainism
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