98. Oranges from Nagpur Won't sell in Pune:

In the 1932 Baithak in Pune for inauguration of the Sangha Shakha, P.P.Doctorjee was confronted with several arguments from the "high intellectuals" of Pune.

One person said: "Since we Pune-ites are high intellectuals every street corner here has half a dozen social groups. Everyone follows his own thoughts.  Is it possible to have a "Sangha" type organization here ?"

Another person said: "Doctorjee, you don't know the mentality of Pune people. They are not accustomed to do anything in co-operation with one another.  The only time four Hindus walk here together, in the same direction, is when they are carrying a fifth one on their shoulders - i.e. in a funeral procession, carrying the dead body.

Finally, a very famous man said: "Doctorjee, your Nagpur oranges will never sell here!"

P.P.Doctorjee quietly listened to all.  He did not get into any argument with anybody. Next day, he started the shakha. Within a few years, it grew into a mighty organization with literally thousands of swayamsevaks attending; in full uniform to boot.  In one Sangha Utsava (festival celebration) the afore mentioned very famous man was invited as the chief guest.  He reminisced about his old statement and said in his speech :"P.P.Doctorjee, your Nagpur oranges have become very precious here in Pune". At this P.P.Doctorjee again merely smiled.

That was his way. He answered most questions by deeds, not words.

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