FROM MONIYA TO GANDHI

In his childhood, Mahatma Gandhi was lovingly called Moniya. He lived with his family in Porbandar. Those days, a drama group was performing a play based on the life of King Harishchandra, known for his love for the truth, near their house. Moniya went to watch the play.

- Harbans Singh

 

 

In the play, Vishwamitra, a Brahmin, asks King Harishchandra for his entire kingdom in charity, and the king promises to give it. After that, Vishwamitra asked the king for some gold coins as payment for being a Brahmin.

But Harishchanra had already donated his kingdom to Vishwamitra. So the King had to earn the gold coins through labour.

King Harishchandra then sold himself along with his family to collect gold coins to pay Vishwamitra. He started working as a labourer, burning dead bodies.

His queen, Taramati, also started working hard in the town along with their son. They faced days of struggle and difficulties.

One day, Vishwamitra met Harishchandra again and said, "Your Majesty, you have given me the kingdom in charity. But if you go back on your promise, I will return the entire kingdom to you without any troubles will end! All argument. All your you have to do is say it!"

Thoughts raced in King Harishchandra's mind.

"No, Your Holiness, I can never go back on my promise. My life is dedicated to living with the truth, even if it means death!" the King said.

King Harishchandra passed the test of truthfulness, and Vishwamitra returned him his kingdom.

Little Moniya closed his eyes. Moniya vowed, "I, too, will never lie in my life. I will always stand by the truth!"