Santbal A Saint with a Difference

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Navjivan Prakashan Mandir

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course of which one gentleman from Santbal's party came forward and making bare his chest asked the Collector to shoot him down before shooting the innocent birds. The Collector was wild with rage and his hand holding a revolver was shaking. However, wisdom prevailed and he withdrew his revolver. But other persons of his party continued their wanton shooting. To the astonishment of all, however, the whole exercise of shooting was futile as no bird was killed. The expedition failed and the sporting party had to go back with frustration. Many villagers had gathered at the scene. They thought that the “Maharaj” (Santbal was known as such) did some miracle to save the birds. Santbalji explained that he did not know any miracle or magic and the birds escaped the shootings because, on account of the tension created on the spot, the hunters could not take proper aims. However, the simple villagefolk was not convinced of any such explanation and in the whole area the story became current that this “Maharaj” was possessed of some miraculous powers. Santbal was very unhappy because many distressed people used to come to him to seek his "miraculous" powers to get relief, and they were required to go back unaided.
However, the third incident helped Santbal to make the position clear. As now the shooting of birds at the lake was stopped, many influential persons who were habituated to this game were waiting for a proper opprtunity to see that the game was resumed.
This opportunity came when the then Biritish Governor of the Province, one Sir Rojar Lumly, was to visit Ahmedabad. They arranged for a shooting game at the lake for the Governor.
When the news spread that the Governor was to go to the lake for shooting, the whole area of all round about villages was agitated. The Mahajans of Ahmedabad, Sanand and Bombay protested and went on strike. Santbal was at Ahmedabad. Every one looked at him to prevent this senseless game. About 1500
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