Santbal A Saint with a Difference

SR No.: 001181
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T U Mehta
Publisher: Navjivan Prakashan Mandir
Publication Year: 1996
Total Pages: 152
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Biography
File Size: 9 MB

Page 115

society and how in spite of his busy schedule he was meticulously observing all the rules which a Jain Saint is expected to observe in his daily routine.
This is what Manibhai notes in his Preface of the 1st Volume of his book, Sadhutani Pagdandi (published in 1993-94) (On the foot-steps of a Saint) a title which is similar to the book previously written by another well- known follower and close associate Shri Navalbhai in 1951 A. D. Speaking about the daily functions of the Saint, Manibhai says:
"He (Santbal) was accepting 'Bhiksha' (food) from any person irrespective his caste or creed. He was carrying his personal effects himself and was washing his clothes himself. He always patiently heard the details about the personal problems of everybody, however small he may be in the station of life, and was giving him proper advice and solace. He was always insisting to personally respond to the correspondence received by him. He was meticulously regular in writing his articles for forthnightly Vishwa-Vatsalya. It was his habit to get acquainted with all the necessary details and problems of the places he visited and was always helpful in settling them. If he found it necessary, he would give necessary instructions to the Government officials and also to the Government regarding a public issue. Hundreds of people used to see him at every place, and yet if he happened to revisit a place he used to make inquiries about the people he met and the problems he dealt with during the previous visits."
As the time passed the people and even the Government authorities used to give good weightage to his words of advice and he never minced words either in favour or in opposition to the Government policies. One may not agree with all his views about his support to the then Congress Government, but nobody doubted his honesty, love for truth and fearlessness.
89