Memorial Day as on 05/28/2012
======================
The fifth Monday of May is celebrated as the Memorial day in America. It is a national Holiday. The memorial day is being celebrated in the memory of soldiers who laid down their lives for the America and its people. The concept came from the time of American Civil War wherein thousands of soldiers died. Thereafter millions of American soldiers laid down their lives in world War Two including in Korean, Vietnamese, Kuwaiti, Iraqi, and Afghan  Wars.
                                                      The American Government created Arlington National cemetery for war hiro near Washington,DC and other places. The president of America is the Commander in Chief of American Army. Therefore he give special importance to the war victims. It is noteworthy that American President Barack Obama remained present when  the dead bodies of American soldiers arrived at midnight from Iraqi war. That is respect Americans are giving to their sons who sacrifice their lives for their country. Even wounded soldiers are looked after by American Government and given proper livelihood and care after they recovers. The retired veterans are also given  suitable facilities including medical care. Therefore America is great and the Super Power.                                            
                                                 They bring down the flag at half staff by noon on memorial day in the memory and honor of dead soldiers of America and by the evening flag again made to fly full staff. It signify that sacrifice given by American soldiers will not go waste and in future also American soldiers will sacrifice their lives to keep American flag flying high. This  is a spirit of American patriotic culture.
                                                   Americans are very much proud of their Armed forces because they even helped  European countries to liberate them from the clutches of German aggression  in the world war two. Gen De Gaulle then the president of france once asked America to remove it bases from france after Second World War. The American Diplomat then asked him very sarcastically “ whether we are supposed  to remove the cemetery also of American soldiers who sacrificed their lives for liberation of france?” General could not reply him. Therefore it is said the Headquarters of American Army i.e.’ The  Pentagon is a power within power’.
                                                   The other countrie also respect their soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. As per example in India also  there is Ever lighted torch at India Gate, New Delhi which is burning in the memory of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during wars. They are paid special tribute after Republic Day in the presence of prime minister, president and other dignitaries. thus it is a memorial day of india.
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MAHABHARAT
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Mahabharat is a not only great epic but the best piece of ancient literature. We can find some message for life by evoluting some of the impotant characters. Let us first go with Udhisthir.

YUDHISTHIR/DHARMARAJA
=================
(In the above  picture Yudhisthir with Draupadi and his Brothers)
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Yudhisthir was eldest of Pandavas. He was known for his observance of  Dharma and Truth. He never spoke lie. Therefore his chariot was always  running several feets above the earth. He was respected very well by people and his brothers.
                               It is a mystery that how he agreed to gamble with the kauravas and even put his wife Draupadi also in Gamble? It was very unfair act on his part.However it is being justified on the name of feudal tradition to Gamble.
                              It is also said that in the war of kurushetra, Bhim kills Elephant name 'Ashwasthama' and declared that 'Aashwasthama' a only son of Guru Dronacharya is dead. Dronacharya was very much depressed and he leaves his arms and sit down on the Ground under grief. Dronacharya knew that it may be one of the Gimmicks of Lord Krishna to remove him from the Battle field. Dronacharya also knew that he can depend upon Udhisthir as he will never tell lie. Therefore he turned to the Udhisthir and loudly asked him. "Who is dead? Elephant Ashwasthama or my Son Ashwahthama?"
                             Udhisthir was reluctant and hesitant to reply under pressure of war. However after prolonged thought he replied 'Narova Kunjarava' means I do not know Man or Animal'. His chariot immediately came down few feets as he had told the half  truth. However Dronacharya  went into Samadhi in orders to find out the truth. It was a time when Krishna asked Arjun to throw arrow at his disarmed Guru. Arjun hesitated to kill his unarmed guru but Krishna forced him to do so. There was no other way to kill Dronacharya otherwise he would have killed all pandvas including krishna. Therfore Arjun was complled killed his Guru. It is said that in love and war every thing is fair. However Dharmaraja i.e. Udhisthir lost his luster on that day for telling half truth.
                           Pandavas were not  happy to  kill respected persons like Bhishmapitamah,  Guru Drona, Karna and all friends, relatives who were on  the side of Kauravas. They won the war but lost the charm of ruling. After some time they handed over the rule of land to their next generation and proceeded  to Himalayas for their last Journey.
                        They were going up in the Himalaya where one by one they disappeared in the freezing cold. The Udhisthir and his loyal dog were not effected as he was always practiced truth except half truth told in the case of Drona . Therefore  Udhisther  lost the tip of his last finger of right hand in the Himalayan cold. The Udhisther and his dog ultimately reached the door of heaven. However  gatekeeper  of heaven was willing to admit only Udhisthir and not  his dog. Udhisthir was very unhappy he refuse the entry and told the gatekeeper  that 'I will prefer to remain out and suffer but will not come in without my dog. The Gatekeeper was helpless and admitted dog in. This shows if you are in good company you are always benefited. The dog life also became pleasant in the heaven.
                              ==============

Sahadev and Nakul
=============
(In the above picture Sahadev and Nakul walking last along with other Pandav Brothers)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Sahadeva and Nakul were twin brothers born to queen Madri with the blessing of  Devine physician Ashvanikumar. Madri was another younger queen of king Pandu.
           Sahadeva was a great astrologer but with some curse that he could not say anything without asking. His head may be splited in pieces if tells any prediction with out being asked. It is also a point of wisdom that one should not advise other without being asked. He was sincere to his profession and practiced it with honestly. However he knew all the events forehead. Therefore he was the most unhappy among Pandavas.
          Once Krishna asked him how to stop war between Kauravas and Pandavas? He replied very clearly that
1)You should be tied down and imprison
2) Duryodhan and Pandavas should be sent to forest
3)Karna should be made king
           Then Krishna  challenged him that how he is going to tied him down? Sahadev went into mediation and he tied Krishna as baby. Krishna could not move out. He blessed Sahadev with  Divine vision with some condition. Krishna was then released.
          Even Duryodhan asked him how to please Devi Durga to win the war?. He advised him to perform punja for Devi durga on full moon day to win the war.
           krishna told him we will all die  as you have shown a way to our enemy 'I have done  my professional dharma even if we die.' replied Sahadev.It was Krishna who created 'Amash' first with the help of  God Sun and moon. That is how Pandavas performed  Durga punja first and win the war. This shows that one should always be sincere to one profession and not to advise others without being asked.

            Nakul was a twin brother of Sahdeva. He was very handsome and very fashion conscious. He was also expert in Horse breeding and qualified Veterinary Surgeon. He was looking after the royal horses of king Virat. He killed the the prince of Kandahar Ulooka and son of Shakuni on the seventeen day of battle. 
          Nakul was animal lover and very well dressed among  Pandavas. His living style was of  very high standard and it became socially known as 'liking and disliking like nakul'
          Sahadev and Nakul both died in the Himalaya.
                               ==============

The last lesson from Lord Krishna to Arjun

===========================
Arjun was very unhappy after the war of of kurukshtra. Yudhisthir had became Samrat and all were celebrating the victory. However Arjun could not forget the loss of his son Abhimanyu. Krishna could see his sorrow. He took him to Pilgrimage in order to make him comfortable.
One day they show one young man was lying dead on the way. He died because of the snake bite. People around were hesitant to give such tragic news to his parent. Krishna told Arjun that we will have to do this difficult work and will have to convey news of this young man death. He assigned that work to Arjun.
They first call for the father of the dead Young man on reaching to his place. Arjun informed him with tears that his son is dead. Father looked in the eyes of Arjun which were full of tears and said' What can we do life and death is not in our hands. But one thing can tell you that my son lived worthy life and people praise him for his selfless work.
Arjun was shocked that father has lost his young son and there is no emotional reaction from him. He turned to krishna and said he is very crude man. Krishna said ' Let us meet dead young man's mother. Arjun was now more reluctant to tell the sad news to his mother. However Krishna compelled him to convey the news of sad demise of her son. Arjun went to her and took her hand in his hand and softly said ' Mother your son is dead due to snake bite.' "Oh that is very bad. I am very sorry for him because he could have done more services to needy people. However he has lived his life well and we are proud of him. Arjun could not control him self and said 'Oh Lord where have you brought me? Whole atmosphere is suffocating here. Let us leave because these parents are without love and affection.
Then Krishna put his hand on the shoulders of Arjuna and said" Parth I had made my best efforts to tell you Gita in order to face any adverse eventuality in life. But it is surprising that this poor parents have digested the Gita while you had listened only. Therefore you are still unhappy because of the death of our Abhimanyu. Arjun fall down on the feet of Lord Krishna. 
What is use of reciting Gita if it is not digested to face the adverse and difficult events of life. That is what Lord Krishna gave last lesson to his most favorite friend. 
====================

Bhim
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Bhim was very loving brother but physically strongest  among Pandav. It is said that he was a incarnation of Hanuman. He loved and adored his brothers including his mother.  Bhim was the only brother among pandavas who gave solace to the Draupadi that’ he will kill Duryodhan and Dushashan for taking revenge for her humiliation at the court of Kaurava’.
                                      He was very fond of food and some time  his brothers also gave him major shares of their food to please him   
                                    Once Pandavas were trapped in the fire of Lakshagraha by Kauravas. Bhim took all  his brothers on his soldiers and was running here and there for finding the way out. He was exhausted and completely tired. He suddenly realized that one of his brothers Sahadev knows the way out and he is keeping mum. He was very angry and  threw him down from his shoulders. He slapped him and said ‘You know the way out then why you are not telling me? Sahdev was scared of his elder brother and replied ‘ Brother I  sorry for that but you never asked me’. Sahadev had curse that he cannot tell anything which he use to know in advance without being asked. Bhim realized his mistake as he remembered his brother’s limitation. He sportingly put his younger brother on his shoulders again and said very softly’ Let us get out of this mess. Sahadev thereafter showed him the way out of the fire. However he saved their lives.
                                                      Once krishna used him to kill Jarasangh. Jarasangh was immortal but can be killed in certain manner. Krishna knew the secret of killing Jarasangh. Bhim got very bad beating from Jarasangh and he came out of field and told krishna angrily’ I will kill you if do not show me the secret of his death. Krishna laughed at him and requested him to go back in the field and will sign him how to kill Jarasangh.  Bhim killed Jarasangh ultimately with the help of Krishna. But sometime he was innocently disrespectful to krishna even.
                                               Once Kaurava gave feast  to Bhim in order to kill him with poison. They threw away his body in the river thinking that he is killed. His body went to Patal  wherein  poison was sucked by the snakes. Thereafter he was sent back to his family. He found that his Shradha is being performed at his family place even though he was alive. The several thousands Brahmans were taking food in his memory.  He also joined with them sportingly to take his most favourite food. He was very hungry and started eating which exhausted all food. Kunty his mother  immediately realized that  a person who eat away her food is no other than his son Bhim.Kunty made five small pieces of sweets and asked  one of her servants to give a person who was eating very fast. Kunti confirmed that he was Bhim only who was satisfied by eating  those small five pieces of sweets made by his mother. Bhim loved his mother so much that whatever little food she use to give always satisfied him.
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My Mother
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(On' Mother's Day' 13TH MAY 2012)
Mother means ever flowing  fountain of love, affection, and security. You have licence to say anything to her without thinking about consequences. This is because she gives more and more love against mibehaviour of chieldern and protect  them against all their weaknesses.  But she  will tactfully take them to task privately. One may stop giving  love to mother but one thing is sure that her river of  love never ends.  Father has to be stiff some time due to family responsibilities but mother will give a long rope to children out of tremendous love. It is seen some time that father is given all credit for success of children but mother has to take blame for their faults. That is because of man dominated society.
                                       I can quote many incidents from the life of my mother which has inspired me lot in my life. She use to hates cowards who are afraid of facing the all odds in life. Once my dad was very ill and one of our relatives  wanted to all call my brother and sisters from USA. He was trying to tell them to come soon very tactfully in her presence. However she bravely told him to inform them that he is very serious without hasitation.  This shows that she was ready to face the death her husband very bravely.    She use to travel alone by night train to karachi  along with all her young childern. Once she was  travelling accordingly by night train from Ahmedabad to Karachi as my father then was working on Sukkur Barrage, Hyderabad Sindh. One man was hiding below the seat which no body knew.  All  were at fast asleep when he started removing  valuable luggages. However mother was not sleeping in anxiety during night journey. She heard the movement under one of the seats. She got up and managed to pull out  that fellow from below the seats and started beating him. She was furious and  all got up hearing the noise.  He was ultimately handed over to police on the next station. However our brother sisters were very much scared because of nighttime and unknown place. She told them do not be scared as  she hates people who are coward.  It was a very practical  lesson.
                                        However I missed her love in very young age because she left me with my Nani’s care when  was hardly 11/2 year old. She was compelled to do it as  my fathers posting was than  in Sindh.  She went on moving with him for several years and use to visit me occasionally. Ultimately she came to take me with her when my father was posted at Mumbai. I was of the age of nine year by  then. I experienced her flow of love first time as she began to see me with tears in her eyes. She softly move her hands all over me and said my son sorry you are very much pulled down.  However do not worry nowonwards will be with you..  I told her that my Nani was very loving and she has never allowed me to feel her absence. But later on realized that was mother's love which nobody can replaced.
                                        She gave us best of the life but never spent much on her self.  However she  was very strict regarding education, discipline and integrity. We use to get very good punishment for hiding anything from her because she hated anybody telling lies.
                                        She was coming from middle class family but with high culture, and character. she enriched our life with the same.  she was not much educated but she adjusted with the high standard of life with my father. She use to be very social with wives of high dignitaries including the wives of politicians in Mumbai then. Besides that she was never afraid of talking to any highly placed man for helping needy one. I always wondered how she managed it with less education. We learn from her life that for doing good to others no  special qualification is required. The dedication is the most important matters in such task. She was always ready to help people in need in any circumstances.  Her dedication for her family and needy was tremendous.  It also inspired us how to dedicate ourselves selflessly.
                                     She was suffering from heavy diabetes and cardiac problems but  survived for more than two decades with her will power. She was once very serious in the hospital due to heart attack and we were very much panicky.  She then told confidently that  '‘Do not worry. I am coming back home'. It reflected her tremendous will power to survive. I   learnt from that incident  that one can survive and die on will power only. She called our family priest after the death of my dad and told him in advance how to carry out her last right. I was very much surprised to note her determination to survive and to conquer her death. She told me thereafter once that she will not survive for long time.  I also noted that she was slowly and peacefully sinking without responding to medical treatments. I could see that she concluded her life peacefully.  That is how she lived her life according to her will and ended it as per her will.

                                       Nobody can fill the vacuum created by the death of mother but her love, sacrifice and virtues in life are always with us  to make us better person in this world.
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SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL- IRON MAN OF INDIA
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel can be compared with the great German Hiro Bishmark who integrated divided Germany. Similarly Sardar integrated Indian native states in the union of India. He was a master politician like Chanakya of 350-275 BC who assisted Chandragupta Maurya to established the Great Maurya Empire in India.
Sardar Patel was very popular, intelligent and foresighted leader with high character. However he was iron man of India with very human heart. He use to look after the family of followers very well.
One incident my father C R Desai told me related to Sardar Patel. He was then City Engineer of Ahmadabad and Sardar Patel was then helm of the affairs of Ahmadabad Municipality. My father was not happy with the situation prevailing in the Ahmadabad Municipality. He wanted that he should be permitted to return to PWD who landed his services to Ahmadabad Municipality. He asked for his time and Sardar immediately gave him time. He met him personally. Sardar started asking him about the family and how they are doing? before he said anything. My father was very much touched emotionally. He further said in a very soft voice' I know what is bothering you but we have to work for our people and we require your services for the same. My father was very much surprised that he knew for which purpose he asked his time and his answer was also ready with him. he simply followed his mandate. This shows that Sardar Patel knew very well how to touch once emotion for getting the work done. That was Sardar!
Sardar Patel was very warm with all communities including Muslim. The three Muslim Nawabs of Junaghadh, Mangrol, and Manvadar in Gujarat wanted to join with Pakistan and they have to leave their states against popular will. Every one expected that Sardar Patel will not allow them to leave but Sardar showed all courtesy to them and issued orders to allow them to go Pakistan. This shows he had no ill will against any communities.
He was against reservation but he wanted reservation for Economically Backward Communities. Therefore he saw that some of the Economically Backwards Communities were also included in the reservation.
He had also foresight like Chanakya and Expected 1962 Chines attack on India well before and he warned Pandit Jawaherlal Nehru in advance
Sardar patel always thought of National interest leaving the petty things like Cast, Communalism, and Sectarian feelings. He was a leader with analytical mind and quick decision. He was never driven by circumstances but he always droves over them. You can rarely find such patriotic leader with high character.
Bharat Desai
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Story of a Small fishing village
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(IN THE ABOVE PHOTO AT HINGDAJ MATA TEMPLE, BHADELI)
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This is a story of fishing village of Bhadeli, which is situated between the 'Arabian Sea 'on the one side and river 'Oranga 'on the other side. It is very near to the District City of Valsad (South Gujarat), which is well known for its Alphonso Mango all over India. Bhadeli is very small village mainly populated by small farmers and fishermen communities. It was village where backward communities were addicts to tadi i.e.home made liquor. The majority of those backward communities are consisting of farm laborers and fishermen. Most of them were illiterate and poor until the changes came in their lives.

Last time when I visited that village I found lot of changes. Those poor and backward people were more active in the constructive activities. Those fishermen were visiting the temple of 'Hingdaj Mata 'regularly and even contributing in the renovation of that temple. Incidentally the 'Hingdaj Mata 'is kuldevi of forward community as well as. Those poor community members are now educated and have purchased land and good houses in the village. Their faith in God has increased and they have become more religious minded. It is a village that has given one Prime Minister to India, (i.e. Birth place of Morarji Desai )and they are proud of him. They wanted to make his memorial where the great son of village was born but there was difficulty that said house was owned by one of the fisherman of that village. The owner of that house immediately offered his properly for creating memorial of the great son. It was very noble gesture on the part of that fisherman.

The Social workers have done marvelous work under ‘Matshya Gandha’ project, which is the brain child of Dada- Pandurang Athavale Shastri and who also Established the Swadhyay Movement Internationally. I am also happy that Swadhyay has been instrumental in improving the conditions of poor people of Bhadeli village with which have close family link.
The Heaven on the Earth-
=======================
One side roaring ocean
Other side running river
In between green flowery place
which is my Birth place,-The heaven on the Earth
The melodious sound of temple bells
With prayer from the nearby Mosque
It makes place very pious
which is my Birth place,- The heaven on the Earth
The people sharing unhappiness of each other
And distributing their happiness among all
Such love and affection where it is shared
which is my Birth place,- The heaven on the Earth
BHARAT DESAI
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The Latest about America
========================
America is not only growing economically but it is also growing in population. We have reached the population of 300millions. It is observed that 80%of population stays in the metropolitan areas. It is said that New Jersey State is the most densely populated state with 1134 people per square miles, while Alaska is most sparsely populated state with one person per square miles. The 51% of population are women while men are 49%. The 80%population is white and least population is of 1% American Indian including Alaska native.
However the question naturally arise that why such a rise in population? The following are the reasons for the rise.
1) America’s wide spaces also make child raising more attractive. In America the average family home has doubled in size in the half century from 1000sq feet in 1950 to 2100sq feet in 2001.
2) The American churches play in nurturing conventional families. The churches give them advice to married couples how to communicate better and give them advise on how to bring up children.
3) Besides that in America sexes are more equal. Women are more willing to have children, as they know that husband will help with housework.
You will be surprised to note that in America about three quarter of voting age American are registered to vote but only 35% adult Americans are regular voters. The voting patterns increase with the age and income.
The 90% of tax returns report income of $100000/- or less, while 50% report income less then $30000/-. The survey indicates that more number of people is doing cashiers job while least numbers are in parking lot attendants. Their maiden salary come to $16260/- and $16930 receptively. It is interesting to note that only 2.3 millions American make between $200000/- to $500000/- while 9.7 millions American makes between $100000/- to $200000/-. Therefore the richest Americans makes the 0.5% of the total population.
It is very important to analyze how American think, believes and follows? The 85% follow a Christian faith. The 66% believe that ‘There is no doubt ‘God’ exists. The thinking of American also influence the shape of American politics. Therefore it is very important what are their views on important issues.
1) The 23% only believe that abortion is wrong
2) The 63% justify the Iraqi war and wants that government should increase military spending.
3) The 76% want to protect environment better and also want to expand authority to fight terrorism.
5) The 91% believe that government should allow prayer in the school.
6) The 57% want that government should distribute wealth more evenly.

It is observed that mother spends more time with kids in the family. The married work few more hours than single one. Besides that highly educated work few hours more especially on week end.
However now it is observed that Americans have gained 4 to 8 hours a week leisure time mostly because appliances have reduced house work. It is surprisingly found that 20% drop in hours ‘Spent on grooming over”. It may be because of easing of dress code.
America is still most prosperous nation in the world as the most prosperous states like California, New York, Florida, Illinois and Texas goes on increasing its wealth.
However unfortunately the gap between poor and rich is also goes on increasing. That is the sad part of it.
The Special about America
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-The 28% of Households in America consist of just one person.
-Many Americans fails by 'Individual Society'.
-More than 50% Birth to women younger than 30 year occurs outside Marriage-
- New York Times
-"Going Solo" More than 50% adult are single-Eric Klenenberg
-The 20% of American families are having difficulties in paying their Medical Bills.while 10% of American between the age of 65-74 are also having difficulties in paying their Medical Bills
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(POEM)
======
The America---
The America is and was great
Will remain great with the time
It was built few centuries ago
Liberty,Freedom and Justice are its base
The America---
The builders of America gave high ideals
While Lincoln added all men are equal
Dr King brought his dreams to millions
which consolidated the progressive nation
The America---
The government by and of the people kennedy’s call
Do for your country was his slogan
The statue of liberty stands for one message
That without duty and sacrifice no use of freedom
Therefore America is great
Will remain great with the time.
The America---
Bharat Desai
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GANDHI ERA
=======================================================
(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM LEFT RAVISHANKER RAVAL AND ON THE RIGHT HIS PAINTING OF HISTORICAL 'GANDHI TRIAL OF 1922')
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Gandhian period have become historical. You will find very few people in India who had seen, stayed and worked with Gandhi. I have very dizzy picture of Gandhi when I saw him personally first and the last time between 1939 -1940 as a child on Valsad Railway station. He was passing through Valsad, South Gujarat. It was night train. He was in Third class compartment then in the train. One of my close relatives put me on his shoulders so that I can have his glimpses in the vast ocean of masses. The river of masses ran towards the train on its arrival. It was the most memorable moments in my life. I am trying to recollect what had seen then in few lines.
“The mass ran towards the train as it arrived
They were forcing themselves to inter the coach
But suddenly one laughing face came out of window
It was a shining face with red Tilak on his forehead
He was smiling and waving the people both hands with
As he knew that love of those people was his strength.
Then people loudly roared ‘ Gandhiji ki Jai’
He simply reciprocated with big smile thereon. “
Bharat Desai
I give here below article title ‘HUNTING THE LION’ written by Ravishanker Raval regarding 1922, Historical Trial of Gandhi. It is translated by his son Dr Kanak Raval from his Gujarati book. He has mentioned the names of prominent persons of Ahmadabad then i.e.Ambalal Sarabhai and Sarladevi Sarabhai, who were the close family members of late Vikram Sarabai, a prominent scientist of India and who was also founder of space research and missiles technology in India. Late kalaguru Ravishanker Raval was the well renowned Artist and Painter of India. He had sketched the picture of trial then. The picture is reproduced above.
Bharat Desai
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“PREFACE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
An eyewitness record of 1922 trial of Mahatma Gandhiji
Author: Late “Kalaguru” Ravishankar Raval (1892-1977)* -adapted in English by Dr. Kanak Raval, Portland, OR, USA from the original Gujarati text.
This is adapted from the original text in Gujarati published in “Gujaratma Kalana Pagaran”-an autobiography of Shri Ravishankar Raval.
In 1922, the British Raj sued Mahatma Gandhiji for sedition. History has recorded it as “The Great Trial” and it is well documented elsewhere. Amongst the few chosen ones in the audience, my father, Ravishankar Raval had witnessed that closed doors trial. Sometime in 1950’s he documented the whole event in his autobiography. What is interesting is that he recreated the only picture of the trial (shown on the left) as the press photographers were strictly prohibited from covering the event.
This oil painting of the court scene was based on the original pencil sketch done surreptitiously by him under the very eyes of the court.
Gandhi’s Trial, 1922 ©Ravishkar M. Raval
Here follows Ravishankar Raval’s own account of the Gandhi Trial of 1922 in his own words.
DR KANAK R RAVAL
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Hunting the Lion
================

Now the Raj had resolved to crush the freedom movement completely. On March 10, 1922, Gandhiji and Shankarlal Banker as an editor-producer of NAV JIVAN-YOUNG INDIA were accused for treason and arrested.
On March 11, Saradar Vallabhbhai Patel wrote under the title ‘Hunting the Lion’:
“British Raj has finally dared to imprison the supreme leader of India for his novel and miraculous experiment in the history of the world for liberty and protection of Dharma (Justice).But sooner or later Raj will surrender to the will power of this great man”

Gandhiji and Banker did not submit any appeal in their defense so magistrate Brown intended to file a bill of indictment with the court of inquiry. The case was to be conducted in a room of the newly built Circuit House at Ahmadabad. As per the advice of Gandhiji, the local Congress leaders directed the populace to stay away from that area. Even then, the authorities declared the daylong curfew in the city of Ahmadabad and the security forces heavily guarded the Circuit House. Only the individuals with special permits were allowed to enter the premises.
Lucky Me!
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It was my connection with Shri.Ambalal Sarabhai’s special school for the Sarabhai children that I had the good fortune to attend firsthand the historic trial. Ambalalbhai had a good connection with the District Collector Mr.Chadfield so he procured passes for his whole family including us the group of teachers to attend the trial. We entered the courtroom from the backside of the Circuit House and occupied the row of the vacant chairs at the back of the room.Mr.Standing the Principal of the Sarabhai School set next to me. Only Ambalalbhai and his wife Sarala Devi sat in the front row. A table and chair were placed on the other side of the long room.

Exactly at 11:45 am, Police Superintendent Mr.Hili escorted Gandhiji and Shankalal Banker in a special one First Class carriage pulled by a steam engine from the Sabarmati Jail up to the railway crossing and then onward in a car. Everyone in the court rose to his or her feet out of respect as Gandhiji entered the courtroom. Gandhiji was dressed in his proverbial loincloth but his face projected a saintly aura.

As the clock struck 12 noon, Mr. C. N. Broomfield, I. C. S., District and Sessions Judge appointed specially by the Bombay Presidency entered the courtroom and took his seat behind the table. Immediately, the District Magistrate read aloud the indictment. He defined the charges of causing civil unrest and sedition and asked Gandhiji,
“Are you accepting the charges as stated or do you wish to have the court proceedings against you?”

Gandhiji stood up and stated in a steady tone in the quiet room“I accept the accusation”.
Shankarlal Banker also did the same thing. The Bombay Govmernment as the prosecution attorney sent the Advocate General Mr. Armstrong.
He stated:
“Due process of law should be carried out not for proving the crime but to determine the magnitude of penalty”.

Having heard his arguments, the judge did not change his decision of not conducting the trial further and declared:

“Only item left now is to announce the punishment but I am prepared to listen if the defendant has something to say about the punishment”.

No Camera!

At that moment, I got the inspiration!
I mused,
“There is no cameraman present to capture this historic event!
There is strict police security.”

I looked around. A couple of reporters were taking notes. My friend Mr. Standing had jotted down few points.

I asked myself,
”Am I just going to nurse these memorable moments? What good are my sketching skills as an artist?”

I immediately took out my permanent companion -a small pocket sketchbook. Hiding the sketchbook by one hand to keep unseen by others, I neatly sketched down the facial features of Gandhiji and his wife KasturBaa. I sketched out the surrounding court scenario and the important characters of this high drama.
I was mentally in a high state of excitement and slightly worried that police may confiscate my sketchbook!
However, the trial did not continue longer and the presiding judge had already asked Gandhiji if he wished to make a statement.

The Defendant’s Response

In response, Gandhiji expressed his wish to read out his statement. There was pin drop silence in the courtroom. That long confession is now a well-known historical document. I am just quoting some of them here:

“Even when I am released I would repeat whatever I have done”

“I am here, therefore, to invite and submit cheerfully to the highest penalty that can be inflicted upon me for what in law is a deliberate crime, and what appears to me to be the highest duty of a citizen.”

“I do not have any enmity with any official or an administrator so I cannot have anything against the punishment. But to bear enmity to the disservice that the British Raj has meted out to India compared to other rulers is a virtue for me.”

Gandhiji’s confession was the severest accusation against the British Raj. Thousands of years ago, virtuous Socrates had welcomed the cup of poison as a punishment. Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on cross for holding on to his own life philosophy.

On completion of Gandhiji’s statement, the Judge sighted the court trial of Lokmanya Tilak as precedence and based on the same ruling announced six years of imprisonment to Gandhiji and added,

“Nobody would be happier than me the day the Government releases you from the prison”.

Gandhiji accepted the judgment.

As soon as the legal proceedings were over, all the officials left. Ashram members and the other well-wishers paid their respects to Gandhiji and returned home. The same waiting train took Gandhiji away to Yaravada Central Prison near Pune, Maharashtra. City of Ahmadabad was left under a cover of sadness!

My diary of that day noted:

“British Raj has meted out six years of imprisonment to Gandhiji, the Soul Incarnate of India. Broomfield and General Armstrong adoring the throne of Justice looked like Lilliputians in presence of a Man Lion. It appears that God has created this situation to be a ray of hope for Mother India. Destiny is recreating a new history for India that had become an object of pity and curiosity by the world for thousands of years. This one man’s high character will remain as the foundation stone of character for future men and women of India. Known historical ideals remain pale before this man. How fortunate I am to see alive this unique example of humanity.

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