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Some Aspects of Indian Culture
thing like a Bandi and the other, a Mujjhafferpuri cane. The footwear (chappals) Was simple but while taking a stroll in the house black-coloured Mojadis adorned his feet. When he suffered from cold or cough he protected his head, in the manner of Vinobaji, with something like a wollen scarf that hung over his shoulders and applied Mentholatum Balm (and none other) to his nostrils and inhaled down deep. He was so much in love with this balm that he strongly and often recommended it to me. My habit of using it till today is a relic of his sincere feelings for me. Powdered Quinine Hydrocholoride (not tablets and that also of P. D. & Co.) was always there in his pocket. He told me that it was the only drug that was a panacia for all his physical ills and ailments. While going out he put a little change of money in his pocket. but not more. He was very fond, I may be excused if I say, rather mad after fine fountain pens and furniture. Fountain pens with fine nibs, finer nibs, still finer nibs filled with inks of different colours always adorned his writiing table. Red and blue pencils well mended were ready on the stand to serve him when he wanted. He called the carpenter at his place, gave him measurements to an inch of the articles of furniture to be made and saw to it that they were fully carried out. Even then if anything went against his want and wish he had them remade and the process went on three or four times. When the furniture was finally made to his requirements, there was a glow on his face which cannot be described in words. He was truly inspired in his literary activities when he used the tools and articles of his choice. He was simple, if anything, inside and outside. He gave up monkhood not because he wanted to live a luxurious life but because he wanted certain concessions and latitude without which no one can do any literary activity worth the name. I had never seen him sleeping on a cotton bed. A bare wooden cot in which a cotton sheet was spread, was sufficient. I had never seen him spending more than necessary for himself, though he was liberal in giving to others. Thus we are justified in saying that he remained a monk at heart though he abandoned monkhood which is formal and external
He was very fond of tea and the powder he used was superfine. The manner of preparing it was also artistic. Many a time he offered tea to me prepared by him. self saying "Gopaniji! take it." I remember these words ringing in my ears and it brings tears in my eyes even when I am writing these words. It was, indeed, very kind of him that he always addressed me as “Gopaniji" and not bare "Gopani” even though I was an assistant under him, younger in age and many times inferior to him so far as reseasch and art of editing are concerned and even otherwise. What a tender and soft heart he had! He was every inch royal, cultured and forgiving. One could go easily and fearlessly to Muniji. With Pandit Sukhlalji the case was different. Before going to Panditji one had to prepare one's self. To Mupiji, one could do so even offhand. This is not meant to emply anything but temperamental peculiarity. Muniji was emotional, Panditji rational.
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