October 2nd, the birthday of Gandhiji is known as Gandhi Jayanthi and it’s celebrated as International Day of Non-violence all over the world which aims to know Gandhiji a little more. On this occasion, let me try to see our Bapu a little more well. Through his simple life and principles of non-violence, he gave a lot of lessons for we people to follow.

A different dress code

Everyone was surprised to see Gandhiji in a simple dhoti and shawl, when he went to attend a round table conference. Organisers were in a dilemma, how to include Gandhiji in a dinner of George V? Through direct and indirect words, they suggested him to change clothes. But Gandhiji ignored their words and participated in the function in his simple dress to make them remind, ‘I am the representative of poor’.

Seven deadly sins

Now also, those principles haven’t lost their importance. Seven sins, he has always advised people to stay away from are
1. Politics without principles
2. Wealth without work
3. Science without humanity
4. Worship without sacrifice
5. Knowledge without character
6. Pleasure without conscience
7. Commerce without morality

Neem toothpaste

He used neem stick to brush his teeth. Once he was in Yerwada prison. When Kaka Kalelkar was to pluck a whole neem branch for Gandhiji, he asked, “What you doing now is violence. Just, with a humble request, pluck a small branch only”. That shows his simplicity and respect and love towards nature and plants. Also, he reused the neem stick everyday by cutting its tip. He believed that neem is not only for our uses, but also for many people.

Prison rules

Once, Kasthurba visited Gandhiji in the jail. Prisoners were allowed to speak to visitors only in the presence of an officer at that time. Seeing Kasturba, officer left the place allowing them to take personal. When he returned after half an hour and asked, “Your conversation ended?” Gandhiji replied, “Conversation? You know well aware of prison rules. According to rules, we talked each other in front of you. But after you went out, we were just sitting quiet waiting for your return, as it’s against rules to talk in an officer’s absence”.

Tolstoy farm

He established Tolstoy farm in the year 1910 to start his ‘Experiments with truth’. 11 acres of land purchased by Gandhiji’s close friend Herman Keller was made Tolstoy farm – the place for the people who were fighting against racial discrimination in South Africa, according to Gandhiji’s principles. The role played by Tolstoy farm to convert M.K.Gandhi to Mahatma, is truly significant. The life close to nature, natural and ayurvedic treatments, bachelor life, honesty, self dependency etc were some of the principles taught in this farm. It was kept hygienic also.

A man with shy character

He was not a person with heavenly qualities, but a man with simple man with limitations. His ability to overcome those defects and limitations made him so special. While he was studying in London, he associated himself with an organization of full vegetarians. But, he was not able to deliver a speech even once during his meetings. Shyness was its root cause. But once he prepared a speech, attempted too. But he was not able to deliver due to stage fear. Same thing happened when he stood up for his first time in the Mumbai court as a barrister, but was not able to speak even a single word. A feeling of dizziness and darkness spread in front of the eyes – It’s what written in his autobiography! Once he was called to present a resolution in Congress general body meeting. Again he faced the same problem. That’s why it’s told in his autobiography, “What I can do is possible for a small child too!”

Gandhiji in Kerala

Now let me tell a few words about Gandhiji’s visits to Kerala. He first visited Kerala on August 18, 1920 for delivering a speech related to non-co-operative movement of India. Next visit was related to Vaikkom Satyagraha on March 8, 1925. Next time he visited Kerala in the year 1927, October 17 in association with Harijan movement. He gave a speech at Kozhicode that time. Next time also it was for Harijans to accumulate a fund for their welfare. It was 1934, January 10. This visit is most remembered for a girl’s love towards Gandhiji showing her support. A small girl from Vadakara gave her only asset, a pair of golden bangles to Gandhiji to add something to Harijan’s welfare fund. Her name is Kaumudi. In 1934, January 13, he visited ‘Mathrubhumi’ office to unveil the picture of K.Madhavan Nair, the founder Managing director of Mathrubhumi newspaper. Last time, it was for the great Temple Entry Proclamation by Shri Chithira Thirunal Balaramavarma of Travancore. It was on January 13, 1937. So, he visited Kerala five times, with some missions every time.

A few Malayalam books about Gandhiji

Many Malayalam writers have written books about this great person. During his birth anniversary, let me name a few writers and mention a few books. The book that is most popular is the Malayalam translation of his autobiography and it’s known as “Ente satyaanvesha pareekshanangal”. Prominent writers of Malayalam, Sukumar Azhicode, Dr.K.S.Radha Krishnan, Professor Ponnara Saraswathy, U.K.Kumaran, N.Radha Krishanan, G.Ravendra Varma, Nithya Chaithanya Yathi, N.P.Poonthaly and Tony Mathew have tried to rediscover Gandhiji through their books. ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ written by K.P.Kesava Menon is one among the best five books of Gandhiji. P.Muralideeran translated Gandhi-Tolstoy letters which is also a great contribution to Malayalam literature.

Today, on October 2nd 2012, we are celebrating 144th birthday of Gandhiji – the man who preached the principles of non-violence and Ahimsa. We need not celebrate it in a grand way. But if we are able to help at least a few poor people in distress on this great day as our small effort to carry forward his mission, it’s sure Gandhiji’s soul will feel pleased. Though a day is given holiday to preach his principles only a few are doing so. Yet, we are remembering this great freedom fighter at least for a moment. This article is my simple tribute for the man who taught us the basic lessons of life through his life and I will feel satisfied if at least a few people think about him with respect and love even for a moment while going through my words.