22. Magnanimity In spite of Political Differences:

In 1939, the Congress Ministry  (of Central Provinces) asked for a large security deposit from "Saavadhan" newspaper which was then published from Nagpur with some support from the Hindu Mahasabha, a political party. The financial position of the newspaper was not strong enough to come up with the money. One of the options being discussed was to shift the offices to Mumbai (which was outside the jurisdiction of the Congress Ministry of Central Provinces) and to continue the publication from there. However, since Mumbai was a large city, this move would be expensive, and day-to-day operational costs would rise steeply. If the newspaper were to remain in Nagpur, the Hindu Mahasabha would have to work heavily, to raise the required amount.

At this juncture, Mr. Balaji Huddar, a former active Sangha worker, had just returned to Nagpur, as an international hero, from a victorious military campaign in Spain. During his year in Spain, Mr. Huddar had turned into a hardcore communist, and as such, he ridiculed all religions. He was very closely associated with "Saavadhan" newspaper.

The Hindu Mahasabha, was a Hindu Religious political party. Its leadership feared that if they worked hard to raise the deposit amount needed to keep "Saavadhan" in Nagpur, the newspaper would be influenced heavily by the atheistic, communist thoughts of Mr. Huddar. This would be counter-productive to the interests and spirit of the Hindu Mahasabha. 

At a dinner meeting in the home of Advocate Mr. Mandalekar, where Veer Sawarkar, (the spiritual leader of the Hindu Mahasabha) was also present, the topic was hotly debated. "Should the Mahasabha lend its support to "Saavadhan" or not?" was the question. At stake were also the jobs and livelihoods of several Nagpur-based workers who worked for "Saavadhan". (Those who couldn't move to Mumbai with it would lose their jobs).

In the end, with ardent persuasion from Doctorjee, the votes came in to keep "Saavadhan" in Nagpur. Doctorjee had praised and supported his fellow ex-Sangha worker, even though now his political thoughts had now completely changed. Such was the magnanimity of his heart, that he would not allow differences of political views, to influence his friendship and appreciation of an honest person.

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