GANDHI EXORCISES SUPERSTITION

In 1924 severe communal riots broke out in Delhi. Gandhi went on a 21-day fast to appeal to the consciences of both the communities and to persuade them to put an end to fratricidal strife. Thousands of people from the town and the neighbouring areas used to throng to the house where Gandhi was staying, to share the ordeal and the agony, and if possible to have a darshan (glimpse) of the fasting Mahatma. On some days his health caused grave anxiety. Doctors did not want him to bear the strain of meeting visitors. So (Deenbandu) C. F. Andrews, an English associate of Gandhi, took upon himself the responsibility to prevent visitors from going up to the room in which Gandhi was lying.

One day, a couple from a nearby village managed to jostle their way up to the foot of the stair-case that led to the room in which Gandhi was fasting. There they encountered Andrews who was all politeness, but was firm in refusing them entry. They were distraught. They had with them a brass pitcher with water, with the mouth well covered and fastened. They implored Andrews to let them in, they were sure that if he heard their story he would not stand in the way of their going to the presence of Gandhi. Their only son was seriously ill in their village home. They had tried all medicines. There was no improvement. He was sinking. They believed that his life could be saved if the Mahatma's feet could be washed with the water they had brought, and their sinking son could have a sip of the water. Andrews was shocked to hear this explanation for their insistence. He was firm in refusing them entry. Moreover, he was sure Gandhi would never permit or countenance such superstitious conduct. While Andrews was still arguing with them, someone standing by suggested a solution, why not take the matter to Gandhi. After hearing everything, if he did not want the couple to go up to him, they would go. They squatted at the foot of the stair-case as Andrews went up the stairs and placed the matter before Gandhi. Gandhi was very weak. But after listening to Andrews, he signaled to him to let them come in. Andrews could not understand how Gandhi could encourage the superstitions of the couple and let himself be treated in this fashion.

However, when the couple came in, Gandhi asked them to sit near his bed, and gave them his thoughts in his weak, sad voice. Did they believe in God? If they did, how could they insult God by transferring their faith to a frail human being? Did they not know that it was degrading to him and to them to get his feet washed in the superstitious belief that the water would turn into medicine? How could they be so ignorant of the laws of God, the laws of nature, and the laws of health and hygiene? He talked to them gently and sadly, but with great affection and compassion. He talked to them for nearly fifteen minutes even in his poor state of health. They saw the truth of what Gandhi said. They emptied their pot, and left for their village, happy at what they had learnt from the saint himself.

Source: G. Ramachandran, A Sheaf of Gandhi