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THE WAY OF LIFE
seventy lakh rupees. We have incurred a loss of thirty lakh rupees. The owner of the business concern desires to pay off all the debts even by selling his lands and other property if necessary. You manage the affairs of the business concern. You may take over even the rights of the Zamindari (estate) and take whatever you have to get but you do not have any right over the wealth of the trust".
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Devendranath was sitting there. The ideals of Indian culture were alive in him. He said, "According to our Dharma, noble sons should repay the debts of their father. I too desire to pay off all the debts my father incurred". He said to the creditors, "Mr. Gordon has told you that you have no right over the wealth of the trust. Of course, legally that is the truth. Yet, we are prepared to liquidate the trust and repay our debts. We want to free ourselves from our father's debts".
The creditors were astonished on hearing his words. They were greatly impressed by the nobility and idealism of Devendranath who was at that time only thirty years of age. Some creditors were moved to tears also. The courtesy of Devendranath kindled the light of courtesy in the creditors. The creditors did not auction Devendranath's property. In fact, they took into their hands, the responsibility of running the business. For sometime, they paid him two thousand five hundred rupees a year and later the concern was also restored to him.
People praised Devendranath's courtesy and goodness. They also praised the goodness of the creditors.
THE KING MUST LIVE WITH HIS SUBJECTS
Here is another incident that took place once upon a time, Margaret, the queen of Italy was climbing the Alps accompanied by her servants. On their way, a violent cyclone appeared. There was a small bungalow belonging to the Alpine club, on the way side. The queen entered the bungalow with her servants. Seeing the queen, those who were in the bungalow were getting ready to come out. The queen said to them, "This calamity has befallen all of us. At this time all of you are my
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