|
In those days,
Marathi literature accorded the highest place of prominence to patriotic
writing. Prof. R.K. Khadilkar, who was popularly respected as the “right hand
man” to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and several prominent writers were at a
literary conference in Nagpur, where simultaneously, the Sangha Camp (Sangha
Shiksha Varga) was in progress. Naturally, P.P.Doctorjee invited these
literary greats to visit the camp. The camp was a small one, with only a few
hundred swayamsevaks.
At the appointed hour, Prof. R.K. Khadilkar arrived, accompanied by a small
galaxy of literary greats. At first they watched the “Sharirika” (physical
exercise) demonstrations by the swayamsevaks, and then P.P.Doctorjee
introduced them to the audience. He requested Prof. Khadilkar to address the
swayamsevaks.
All this time, the highly impressed literary figures were whispering among
themselves. “For the past 3-4 days, we have been discussing the lifeless
books made of lifeless paper. Look what we see here! The whole nation’s
creation is taking place in front of our very eyes.”
Prof. Khadilkar, an erudite scholar, often spoke for hours. But on that day,
he was overcome by emotion. His throat was full, and tears of joy came down
from his eyes. With great effort, he got out a few words: “Doctor sahib, I
regard this moment as the most important one in my life. Sangha is the
incarnation of “Shakti Devata” (Goddess of Power). Please do not try to
describe this organization by mere words to anybody. Invite them to take a
vision of this Goddess Durga Mata. That will be enough, if the viewer has a
soul!”
|
