Page 117 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

that it was his duty to visit these camps and to do whatever could be done to

bring solace to them, trace their kin and rehabilitate them. The Government

was looking after the problems of rehabilitation. But he had to apply the balm
to their wounded and embittered minds and hearts. He stood in their midst,

unprotected, listening to their woes and trying to comfort them. He visited one

camp after another, of arriving Hindus as well as fleeing Muslims. He felt sad

and ashamed at the depravity that had engulfed the minds of his people. Then
came another blow that shocked him. The Government of India had decided to

withhold the 55 crores of rupees that were Pakistan's share of the common

assets at the time of Partition. Gandhi thought that this was immoral. The
money was part of what belonged to both at the time of partition. At partition,

assets too were partitioned as happened in every family. Both had agreed on

what would constitute Pakistan's share. How then could it be held back, merely

because the treasury happened to be in Indian hands?

If a family partitioned its assets and two brothers had agreed on each other's

share, how could the elder brother refuse to pay what was agreed to be the

younger brother's share? This would be too immoral a beginning for Independent
India. He asked Mountbatten for his view. Mountbatten said that his personal

opinion was similar to Gandhi's.

Gandhi decided to go on a fast to appeal to the conscience of his colleagues

who were now in Government, and also to restore sanity and love to the minds

of his people.

As the fast progressed and Gandhi's health started sinking, the country began to

realize that it was running the risk of losing the Mahatma forever. Intransigence

gave way to introspection. The Government decided to release the 55 crores.

Hardened hearts began to melt. Waves of penitence and high sentiments swept
the country. There was a sense of imminent pathos. Once again, the leaders of

communities assembled, expressed their deep sorrow and promised to live in

peace and love. Gandhi had triumphed yet again.

But there were some in India who looked upon Gandhi's successes as an

anathema. There were such people among supporters of the British as well as

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