Samipya 1991 Vol 08 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 96

lence does not hurt Dhana Bhagat but on the contrary, he himself is hurt by such forces. And he wants to resolve this dichotomy through the violent means, though he has taken a vow to abjure violence at least for one year. He feels that Dhano Bhagat has acquired freedom of quite different qualities, which he hasn't. He has become a prisoner of his own intellect. The words of Dhana Bhagat's bhajan, "Tuja Sanga Koi Vaishnava Thayo, To Tün Vaishnav Sacho !
Tara Sangano Ranga na Lage, Tyan Lagt Tün Kacho !” are ringing in his ears, Dhana Bhagat indirectly makes him aware of his weakness that he has not so far resolve his doubts. Thus, the author has stirred Arun's heart by creating doubt about the efficacy of violent means.
The author creates a situation thereby he exposes Arun to test his patience. Janardan, a Gandhian worker, at whose Ashram near the city, Arun has decided to stay in order to experience the working of the Gandhian method, takes procession to defy the government order to hoist a white flag of peace in the heart of the city. Arun, as a secretary of the Ashram, is in the forefront. The author creates a miniscene of the Dandi March. Dhana Bhagat also joins the procession. Arun watches Dhana Bhagat chiding the young processionists for their over zeal. Dhana Bhagat remarks, "Satne Mate Maravāmān Moksh ja Chhe. Pan Maravāno Moha na Hovo Joiye". Liberation means to die for the truth; but one should not have even a craving for mrtyrdom. Dhana Bhagat, thus, expects from the Satyagrahis the real earnestness and humility, while attempting to unfurle the flag. Arun is mercilessly beaten by a white sergeant. He becomes unconscious, and is hospitalized along with Janardan and Kandarp, a son of a police officer, however he maintains a poise. The author brings a climax when Arun loses his eye-sight while protecting the family of that very white sergeant when his quarter was caught in fire. Sergeant's young daughter of five develops a deep attachment for her saviour. She even is ready to give him one of her eyes so that Arun can see the world again. The author thereby suggests that a child, irrespective of her race, colour or religion represents true humanity. This gesture on part of the child moves Arun deeply. He learns a new lession in nonviolence. Dhana Bhagat reminds Arun of new inner-sight that he is developing. Completely frustrated Arun gets the helping hand from his beloved, Ranjan, a girl from rich family but devoted to the Gandhian constructive programme. It was she who had unfurled the flag when Arun was assaulted by the police. Ranjan encourages Arun that as a life-partner she will carry on along with him the task that he has undertaken to realize the ideal of non-violence and truth. The author has thus emphasized the equal role of women in the freedom struggle.
IV
In Gram Laxmi, the hero, Ashvin also comes in contact with equally a strong character in Maheru, a Koli. Maheru is an irony of the circumstances that a village
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[ Samipya : April, '91-March, 1992