GANDHI ERA
=======================================================
(IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM LEFT RAVISHANKER RAVAL AND ON THE RIGHT HIS PAINTING OF HISTORICAL 'GANDHI TRIAL OF 1922')
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
****************************************************************************
“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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
==========

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.

==============================================================

The Festival of Holi
=====================
The Indian festivals are always based on reason and logic. They are some time very scientific. Holi festival is celebrated following the arrival of spring in India. It is properly synchronized with the change of weather. Besides that it has also religious aspect behind the same.
It is said that Holica was evil woman and she was burn on that day. Therefore it represents the victory of virtues over evils. Besides that Holi also represent the change of weather for better. The campfire like atmospheres in every corner of Cities and Villages eliminate pollution and create a clean atmospheric conditions for the people
It is a festival wherein all relatives, friends, well wishers comes to gather and create a pleasant relationship. Its makes atmosphere colorful forgetting all illwill and bitterness. In short it cleans the heart of people and they enjoy to gather by mingling with each other freely.
In short it is a festival of love, friendship. Therefore Holi is celebrated all over India with color, music and feast. People have more practical reason to celebrate it then Religious.
HOLI
=====
Holi brings colors and flowers
and love of our nearest one
The Holi’s fire burns all evils here
To make this world lovable
It makes weather very beautiful
by cleaning the dirt here and there.
Therefore Holi is welcomed every where
and people enjoys it with lots of pleasure.
Holi brings colors and flowers
and love of our nearest one
Bharat Desai
************************************

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
===============================
(8TH MARCH 2012)- INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
-----------------------------------------
The International women's Day is celebrated on 8Th March. It is a Occasion to honor and praise women for their political, social and economic achievements. The first National Women Day was observed in USA on 20Th February 1909. It was organized in order to promote women for equal right including their suffering thereon.The main objectives of the international women day 2012 are empowerment of women and to end hunger and poverty.
In this connection we have to examine the historical position of women in the past. Cleopatra of Egypt who bravely resisted the roman empire and ruled over Egypt for several years. The french and European heroine John of Ark was very brave woman.In India Rani Laxmibai of Janshi and Ahalyabai were very brave women. Besides that in Indian culture women were always given very important role in social life. Manu Smruti says that ‘God always there wherever women are respected’. However some restrictions were introduced for their security on foreign aggressions which were exploited thereafter by wasted interest. The reformist like Ram Mohan Rai opposed wrong traditions like Sati Pratha, and the prohibition on widow remarriage
In the western country also women position started improving with the time. India gave voting Right to women under its constitution But America implemented the said right in th 1920 only. Besides that today also women are exploited in sophisticated manner up to some extent on the name of marketing and fashion.
However women have been pillars and strength of society. But their rights are always suppress on one or other reasons. Woman as a mother looks after man, as a sister play with him in his childhood, as a wife give him company in difficult time while as a daughter melt him down when he is under uncontrollable anger.These are the qualities of women which are the proof of their contributions in man’s life. Therefore man should respect women.
However in Urban area women are making tremendous progress but in Rural are they are still suffering. Even though Indira Gandhi, Srimavo Bandernaik,Margret Thacher ,Angela Merkel and other women leaders have made very strong contributions in the political and social life of their countries. But still more has to be done to improve the position of women in Afghanistan,Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and other African countries . The best way to empower women is to educate them. It is better to put in practice instead of taking about their empowerment.
=================================================

President Day in America-20th February
=======================================
The President Day is being observed in America on 20Th February every year. It is a Birthday of George Washington the first president of America.
The President of America is very powerful with wide powers. However his powers are balance by the Congress and Senate. The president elect will be the best available person in the country as he is being minutely filtered by Party and People. There are good instances in the American history for which every Americans can be proud of them.
The George Washington became the first president of America in the year 1789 after freeing the America from British colonial power. We can say that he led the American revolution of freedom. The 44Th President elected in 2008 is Barack Obama who is the first African American President. He had full filled the dream of Martin Luther King, Obama has proved by his policies that he is also dedicated to the welfare of middle class and lower class of society in America
However there are many presidents whose life and performances are worth noting. Abraham Lincoln rose from grass root level to the presidency of America. He has to lead the civil war in America for abolishing the slavery. His speech at Gettysburg is very famous wherein he addressed Americans that’ The four score and seven years ago our forefather brought on this continent a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created Equal’. He achieved his noble goal for which he has to sacrifice his life. His life was full of struggle He has to borrow 500 dollars for expenses to reach white house for his inauguration. He has to also struggle to become president. Once he was fighting the election for president and the news came that his mother was on death bed . He immediately winded up his campaign and went to mother who was dying. This was against the warning of his supporter that he may loose his election. This shows his golden heart. His famous letter to the principal of school where his son was studying. He wanted that his son should not be treated differently then other students. He also gave detail instructions how his son should be dealt with on various subjects.
Franklin Roosevelt who enjoyed four terms as president as a special case. It was he who dealt successfully with great depression of America. He was pioneer of various welfare scheme for America. Harry Truman who succeeded him also lead America successfully in the Second World War. He was in very heavy debt due to loss in business before he became President. However he repaid every thing in the period of 21 years. This shows that he was a person with strong will power. Similarly Ronald Reagan who was a Hollywood Movie Star became president of America. He reduced the American reliance on Government. He also created confidence among Americans regarding growth and optimism thereof. The fall of communism took place in Russia during his period on account of his efforts to reduce cold war.
F Kennedy became young and popular president in the year 1960. He was ideal of young American. He gave slogan ‘ Do not ask what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country.’
In short American System choose the best available talent of the country for the position of president and they are proud of them. Hence there is a President Day to pay them due respect.
**************************
America is---
America is great and will remain great
As it stands for unity in diversity
It is a country of immigrants
With every cultures co-exist thereon.
That is why America is great.
Here the work is worshiped
Not the result out of that
It is not counted kind of work you do
but you do something is accounted
That is why America is great
Freedom, liberty and justice are the base
American are not ready to compromise same
They supports human rights vehemently
To establish the fair rule universally
That is why America is great.
Bharat Desai
===================================

MORARJI R DESAI,FORMER PRIME MINISTER, - 116 TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY ON 29TH FEBRUARY 2012.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Who never believed to give his Names to any public Institution, Road, Bridge,Airport etc His ideal was sincere and honest public service without expectation.He was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ which he never went to take it. It was handed over to him at his house by the highest Indian Government officer. Even ‘Nishane Pakistan’ was handed over to him by the Pakistani Ambassador at his house. )
=======================================================
Morarji R Desai,former Prime Minister was born on 29Th February 1896 and died on 10Th April 1995. Thus his birthday comes in every leap year as per Christan year. i.e. Every Four years. While his birthday also falls on ‘Dhuleti Day’ which is very auspicious day as per Hindu year.
He was the last Gandhian prime minister and the first Non congress Prime Minister. He occupied all most all high elected positions of Indian constitution except President of India. The presidential position was also offered to him but he gracefully denied it. He occupied the positions of Chief Minister, Central ministers, Deputy Prime Minister, and also of Prime Minister Post’
He had introduced land reforms, social reforms,police reforms and nationalization of essential services at the state level. He gave lands to poor farmer who actually raised the crops since several decades. His government introduced legislation banning polygamy. Besides that government organized the home guards for helping the administration in critical time..The buses industry was nationalized in his time in the Bombay State then. This was done in order to help people in rural area wherein bus routs were not profitable. He introduced prohibition in order to protect youth and poor. He was for the eduction in mother language as per Gandhian concept.
The inflation is very high in India at present. Therefore many Indians remembers Morarjibhai Government when it was lowest in the history. Following were few important achievements of Janata Government under Morarjibhai.
1)The inflation was completely under control.
2)They removed zonal restrictions on food grains, and made all commodities available in plenty.
3) The wheat,rice and sugar prices were the lowest during his tenure of Prime minister.
4) He also abolished the rationing on various commodities then.
5)He got it amended the constitution in order to remove the certain provisions of Emergency in order to avoid misuse of the same again in future.
6) He introduced the 'Prashar Bharati 'Bill making TV and Radio free from the government control which was passed by subsequent government. It was done in order that Radio and TV may not be misused by people in power.
7) He introduced the bill wherein all constitutionally approved regional languages were made available for appearing in all administrative cadre examination. i.e. IA'S, IPS, IFS ETC.
8) The foreign relations with all countries were best including Pakistan. He was the only prime minister of India who has received the highest civilian award of Pakistan. i.e. 'Nishane Pakistan'.

He was recognized as best Administrator with high Caliber and Character. He never compromised with people’s interest. We hardly find such political leaders in this time.
***************************************

INDIA AND CHINA
=============
India and china are neighbour country but it appears there is tension in their relationship. It can be very easily described as a cold war. In the economic development also they are rivals in the world. They stands fifth and fourth rank among the biggest economies of the world.
Which things are common between India and China? Their culture are thousands of years. They had religious, social and business connections since long time. The disciples of Buddha had taken Buddhism from India to China. It also carried the family values from India to China. Besides that the most pious places of Hindu religion Mansarover(Lake) and Kailash Mountain are in Tibet. In short India and China has been exchanging cultural, social and scientific knowledge since long time. Besides that India and China were colonized by European countries and even exploited .
Therefore there are deep wounds of exploitations on the people of both this countries.
However the yellow race of China is considered to be one of the Superior races of the world. Therefore it is said you do not awaken the Dragon otherwise it will distrube you. The strength of China reflects in the historical achievements of Changiskhan, Kublikhan etc. The Marxist leader Moutse Tung revolutionised the China. Thereafter China emerged as one of the the powerful countries in the world. That mean Chines Dragon has awaken and we do not know where and when it will distrube the world. China lays it hands any where they feel it belonged to them. They took, Hongkong, Macao,and Tibet and now their eyes are on Taiwan, and the international water of South Asian Sea. They want Akshaychin, Arunachal Pradesh and other Areas of India by creating border disputes. China wants to become super power in the world by increasing their domination, and acquiring strategic territories.
The report of the intelligent bureau of India says that during the year 2010 to 2011 China crossed the Indian territories in 750 places which covers Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Some places they came inside up to 3km to 7 km. Besides that China alleged that India has destroyed their surveillance post in Ladakh. This shows that after the war of 1962 they are still keeping military pressure on India. It reflects their malicious intention.
China has surpassed India in Economic progress with highhanded manner with their autocratic rule. China is a close country while India is open with Democracy. The intellectual power of India is higher. India may be having slow progress then China but it is steady and sound. Therefore one American journalist has said 'The China may be factory of the world but India is laboratory.
Besides that there is report from the American ‘ Think Tank Middle East Media Research Institute ‘ that Pakistan is having military strategy with China under which Pakistan is giving Gilgit/Baltistan to China for 50 years lease under the pretext of development Scheme. However China may strengthen its position there within the lease period. It will be very adverse military situation for India if it becomes reality. It also shows how China is increasing pressure on India.
China consider India as a very soft target looking at the weak Indian policy. Indian foreign minister recently stated that Tibet is a internal part of China while allowing Exile government of Tibet is freely operating in India. It is contradiction and weak policy of India.
In the 1962 war clearly proved that China is a leader of Asia in every sense.Sardar Patel also warned Nehru well in advanced and much before 1962 aggression of China regarding the malicious intention of China. This is only to show that China has been playing its card very smartly in foreign policy.
There is no doubt that India is well prepared militarily now then 1962. India have mountain brigade of our army on the Border Area with China. Besides that India also constructed Airstrips and Roads across the border area with China. However India should be more alert with China then Pakistan.
Bharat Desai
************************************************

SPRING TIME
===========
The Spring in now in full form. Every one gets fresh with the beautiful weather around. Even Health also improves in the pleasant weather of Spring. Most of poets are very much impressed with beauty of spring and gave the best poems regarding its beauty. Let us see what is there in the Spring which attracts Every one
The Spring
===========
"The clouds are crystal clear
With attaining Navy blue color
The trees are beautiful and green
With colorful dancing flowers
We realize pleasant time has come
As spring is in full swing.
The birds are singing songs
And rivulets are playing divine music
The mountain peaks change its color
from Snowy white to dark green
That is time We realize
The springtime is everywhere.
The children are out in the parks
For enjoying carefree vacation
The air is fresh and weather is warm
The big smile on every face around
Then we ask why this celebration?
And we realize spring is around."
BHARAT DESAI.
********************************