________________ 180 Discourses on Shrimad Rajchandra by Gandhiji to hurt our conscience which keeps a watch on us every moment. We must contemplate upon the supreme austerities observed by Shrimad Rajchandra in his life, and the elevated position his soul reached due to these austerities. Our lives shall be considered worthwhile only when we awaken the dormant lionlike consciousness that lies in each of our hearts. 'Navjeevan'dated 9th Nov. 1925 In the Company of Raichandbhai The text of the speech delivered by Mahatma Gandhi at Wardha during the course of one of his evening prayers on Kartik Poornima, VS. 1992 as a part of the birth anniversary celebration of Shrimad Rajchandra. I cannot remember to celebrate the anniversaries of our great seers nor am I particularly enthusiastic about the same. But that does not mean that I do not adore them. I constantly and sincerely try to practise that adoration in my conduct and behaviour, which gives me satisfaction. Maganbhai reminded me that today is the birth anniversary of Raichandbhai. On this occasion, it would be inappropriate for me to decline to say a few words. I had known Raichandbhai for a long time. I was introduced to him in the year 1891 on the very day I returned home from England. He happens to be the brother-in-law of Dr Mehta* who had become my friend in England. It was Dr Mehta who introduced him to me, and the relationship that developed since that day lasted *It appears to be an oversight of Gandhiji here. Shrimad Rajchandra was the son-in-law of Shri Popatlal Jagjivandas who was the elder brother of Dr. Mehta
