Santbal A Saint with a Difference

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

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was covered. They would then be reasted alive and eaten by the boys. Santbalji called the youth and persuaded them not to kill innoncent birds like this and explained how what they were doing was against the culture and ethos of our nation. The boys being greatly impressed by his sermon took vow in his presence not to indulge in such cruel acts in future.
An Encounter with Outlaws :
When people of the area came to know about this selfless services rendered by Santbalji, they began to take more and more interest in his activities. His evening sermons were very effective.
Once he was camping at the village Fangdi. He and his party were resting under a tree at about 2-00 p.m., when a group of eight to ten horsemen armed with guns and ammunition approached them. They were the outlaws of the area who were forcibly taking away the bullocks and other cattle of the villagers. This they had adopted as their regular profession. Their leader went near Santbal and bowed down to his feet. Santbalji after some formalities, tried to persuade them to leave their illegal activities of committing robberies and dacoities. Chhotubhai who was a member of Santbal party told them that if they were interested in agriculture, he would arrange for some agricultural land for them. But they said they had been indulging in those activities since many years and it was not possible for them to take to cultivation. However, while departing, the leader of the Gang promised Santbalji that his Gang would not commit any robbery or decoity in the area where he was moving for rendering social service.
In the same manner, one Bhikhubha of that area was persuaded to leave his profession of committing theft of bullocks.
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