Our Bapu - Mahatma Gandhi

Our Bapu
Riots Break Out
From all parts of the country there came news that was heartrending and
alarming. There were already disturbances going, on in the Punjab, when
fighting between the Hindus and the Muslims broke out in Calcutta. There was
bitter hatred between the two communities, and men and women who had so
far lived as peaceful neighbours now became sworn enemies. Gandhiji was
greatly worried over the turn of events and he proceeded to Calcutta to see
things with his own eyes. He found that the reports that had reached his ears
were only too true. Hindus and Muslims who had lived together in friendship for
generations past, were now after each other's blood. The first thing that Bapu
did was to call a mass meeting in the Calcutta Maidan. The response was
amazing. Hindus and Muslims, who had hitherto hated the very sight of each
other, poured in by the thousands to listen to Bapu's words. Gandhiji talked to
them about the power of love and the value of goodwill, and in the twinkling of
an eye, all hatred and ill-will seemed to have vanished into thin air. He then
called upon both Hindus and Muslims to bring their weapons and lay them
before him. People were not yet ready for this. Gandhiji at once saw that his
message had not gone home, doubt and suspicion still remained in the hearts of
people. And so he decided to go on a fast, so that the hearts of people might
be cleansed.
As soon as the news of his fast went round,
the people of Bengal were struck with fear
and sorrow. They came in hundreds and
surrendered their weapons to him and
pledged themselves to live in friendship and
peace. And they kept their word and never
fought with each other again.
Bapu was working hard to bring back goodwill among the Hindus and Muslims. If
Gandhiji brought about peace and friendliness at one place, quarrels would
break out at another. Just then news came that Muslims of Noakhali were
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