Can you believe that Mahatma Gandhi, the man known for his peaceful protests and unwavering commitment to truth once lost his temper over just four rupees? The story might surprise you.
Every October 2nd, India celebrates the life and legacy of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a.k.a, Mahatma Gandhi, the man who inspired the nation with his principles of morality and self-reliance. Despite his reputation as a paragon of virtue, Mahatma Gandhi wasn't immune to frustration, especially when his wife, Kasturba, didn't always adhere to his strict principles. It was a dilemma even the ‘Father of the Nation’ found difficult to navigate.
When we think of Mahatma Gandhi, we immediately associate him with non-violence, calm and peace. Throughout his various endeavours, the ‘Father of the Nation’ has faced a fair share of dilemmas in balancing his principal's integrity and honesty with personal relationships. On his 155th birth anniversary, let's revisit a fascinating moment in Gandhiji's life, the time he became upset with Kasturba, for keeping a small gift of four rupees for herself.
Mahatma Gandhi got married to his wife, Kasturba, in 1883, at the mere age of 13. The simple and gentle soul soon became an important pillar of Mahatma’s life through her unwavering courage, honesty and simplicity. She had been Gandhi’s silent partner in the revolution, balancing his ideals with the realities of everyday life.
In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi wrote an article titled “My Sorrow, My Shame” in ‘Navajivan’, a weekly newspaper published by him. In the article, Gandhi shares some interesting anecdotes of his life, especially the ones that made him criticise the shortfalls of his confidant. Despite the numerous positive attributes of his spouse and fellow residents of his ashram (the ‘mandir’), some events truly tested his roles as a partner and a leader.
Looking back at his life with Kasturba, Gandhi acknowledged her countless merits but "she has got weaknesses too which mar these virtues.” Recalling one such incident that questioned his wife’s principles, Mahatma writes:
"A year or two back, she (Kasturba) had kept with her one or two hundred rupees which were received as presents from various persons on various occasions…The rule (at the ashram) is that she cannot keep anything as hers, even when it is given for her. So this keeping of money was unlawful."
Gandhi elaborates on the incident by explaining how her ‘crime’ was revealed when a group of thieves entered the ashram. Fortunately, they did not get a hold of the money Kasturba had saved for her. This incident panicked her - she became curious to see whether the money she had hidden was safe.
Kasturba Gandhi expressed sincere remorse after being found guilty of keeping money to herself. However, according to Mahatma, her resolve was short-lived. He added that his wife did not have a genuine change of heart at this incident and her “fascination for treasuring money” was still there. Mahatma penned:
"Some days back, some strangers presented four rupees. Instead of giving away the money to the office, according to the usual rule, she kept it with herself. The rule (at the ashram) is that she cannot keep anything like hers, even when it is given for her. So it was illegal to keep those four rupees at that time."
On that note, Gandhi referred to Kasturba’s act as nothing short of a “theft”. He recalled how some fellow residents of the ashram noticed her actions. When someone at the ashram pointed out Kasturba Gandhi's mistake, she felt genuine guilt at her actions and apologised. In all humility, Kasturba confessed her crime, returned the money and made a sincere promise never to repeat such a thing in the future. Gandhi wrote:
"I believe hers was a honest repentance. She has taken a vow that she would leave me and the mandir, if any other lapse committed in the past is detected, or if she is caught doing the same thing again in future. The mandir has accepted her repentance.”
It is rather difficult to picture Mahatma Gandhi losing his cool over something as small as four rupees, right? This incident just makes the Father of the Nation more relatable as a human. It is fascinating to imagine someone as iconic as Gandhiji to have his moments of frustration.
Let’s be real, who hasn't had a small argument with a loved one that, looking back, seems kind of silly? Irrespective of how one views this little anecdote of the Gandhi household, Kasturba's honesty and genuine repentance prove that even in the most solid relationships a little patience, forgiveness and understanding go a long way. Plus, it reminds us that even the Father of the Nation himself had his off days with his better half!
What did you think of this lesser-known incident in Bapu's life?
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