Page 37 - Balvihar january 2024

His Life was

his Message

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, often called ‘Father of the Nation’, was a unique leader, who
got India freedom from British rule, without weapons. Truth and
non-violence were his body guards.
Gandhiji was martyred on 30th January, 1948, when he was
shot dead.

Here are a few quotes by Gandhiji that can be stepping-
stones to success.
1) “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind”. Ashok
and Puneet were running down the steps in their building.
Suddenly, Ashok pushed Puneet. Puneet tumbled down
the entire staircase and injured his head badly. Puneet
did not tell anyone about the incident. This bothered
Ashok, who regretted his action.

When Ashok learnt that Puneet had to get stiches, he was overcome with guilt, and he
confessed his act to his father. His father gave him the example of Gandhiji who was
committed to non-violence and used peaceful means and actions to help India attain
freedom.
2) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Acts of
kindness, volunteerism and helping others not only benefits
the person receiving help; but also nurtures our own personal
growth and development. Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandji
always said, “You learn more when you become a sevika and
take Bal Vihar / Study Classes”. Several sevikas have found
this true in personal experience.
3) “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and
what you do are in harmony”. This quote emphasises the
importance of integrity and honesty and reveals the secret of
true happiness. It is like the switch, wire, and electricity being
in sync (harmony). A disorder in any part of either of these
elements can result in a fire. So with our happiness! If we think something, say the opposite
and act in a totally different matter, we will only create misery.
4) “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever”. This quote
encourages a thirst for knowledge and continuous personal
growth. It inspires us to approach life with curiosity and
enthusiasm, realising that learning is a life long journey. We
have a very good example of the above in Dr. Abdul Kalam,
th
30 January the late President of India, who lived each day with interest
Martyrs' Day and vigour, seeking to enhance his knowledge.
– Sheelu

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Balvihar - January 2024