Dr. Lipismita Panigrahi, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, SRM University- AP.
At the Sabarmati Ashram, scavenging (cleaning) work was mandatory for the inmates. The main objective was for everyone to keep the ashram’s sanitation system as clean as possible according to their individual capacity. Along with this, the inmates got an opportunity to perform physical labor.
Once, a young boy came to the ashram with a mind dedicated to social service. He was assigned to participate in the sanitation work. The boy performed his duties with great sincerity. Whatever instructions he was given, he accepted them as absolute duties and acted accordingly.
After his stay at the ashram came to an end, the boy approached Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) and said, “Bapu! I came to the ashram with the sole purpose of learning the qualities needed to become a ‘Mahatma’ (Great Soul). That was my only goal. But after coming here, I had to perform very ordinary duties like scavenging. I could not learn the secret of becoming a Mahatma through this work. Please tell me the secret so that I can practice it with devotion.”
Bapu patted the boy on the back and explained, “The values you have gained here are indeed the secrets and stepping stones to becoming a Mahatma. Just as you performed small tasks and cleaning work with complete dedication, if you can develop that understanding within yourself, it will help you transform from an ordinary human into a Mahatma—even if it appears small or lowly to others.”
By explaining the greatness of such small virtues, Gandhiji inspired people to apply and integrate them into their lives for public service. Above all, he motivated them to become selfless volunteers and provided the inner inspiration to develop these virtues. This was the true uniqueness of Mahatma Gandhi.
