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Within days after the formation of Sangha on Vijayadashmi of 1925 (Sunday, 27
September, 1925), the first Swayamsevaks took out a disciplined route march
to celebrate the occasion. (This type of marching on Vijayadashami is a
tradition observed in Sangha even today, 79 years later).
The route march, with many “Tarun” (youth) Swayamsevaks in row after row,
passed triumphantly the old, derelict palace of the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur.
An old Arab Muslim soldier, who was the palace guard, watched the parade
intently.
His old eyes had seen a lot of history. He knew how the British thugs had
treacherously attacked the trusting, naïve Bhonsle king. He had fought the
intense hand-to-hand combats against the British. He had watched hopelessly
wounded, how the British had set fire to the ancient, historic palace where
the flames continued to smolder for six months. Those fires still burned
brightly in his heart.
The sight of the disciplined young men marching in formation brought
unstoppable tears to his eyes. He approached P.P.Doctorjee and said: “You
have brought into reality what I have dreamed for the last half a century.
Please do one more thing. Take out these “lathis” (Dandas or wooden sticks)
from these boys, and give them rifles! Our task of getting freedom for India
from the British is then as good as done! Who says these dear boys are
Anti-Muslim? Such foolish accusers are the bane of India! May Allah help them
succeed!” P.P.Doctorjee embraced him
and reassured him. Later, recalling this incident, he said: “Look at this
simple, person, who cannot even read and write and look at his magnificent
heart. He understood Sangha instantly. Big-time pundits, claiming world-class
expertise have had a tough time in understanding Sangha which this gentleman
did effortlessly. What a wondrous experience!”
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