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<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Bapu</strong><br />
India Wins Freedom<br />
At last in 1947 came the day when India<br />
was free; there was joy and enthusiasm<br />
in every heart. But the dawn of<br />
freedom was marred by clouds of<br />
hatred and ill-will. Murder and<br />
bloodshed were going on unchecked in<br />
the country. Communal passion had<br />
blinded us and we had strayed into<br />
darkness. The bonds of love had snapped; people were after each other's blood.<br />
Men had become murderous like wild beasts, and Hindus and Muslims thirsted<br />
for each other's blood. A gloom had settled upon the country, but even in that<br />
terrible time, one or two beacon lights shone faintly and fought to drive away<br />
the darkness."<br />
"What were those beacon lights, mother?"<br />
"These lights, my child, were none other than <strong>Bapu</strong> and his colleagues. But<br />
somehow we had turned our eyes from them. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were<br />
killing each other. The goondas 37 thought it a golden opportunity: They pillaged<br />
and plundered and robbed and murdered. Innocent men and women had to<br />
suffer and the world was shocked at the savagery which had seized our<br />
country."<br />
Hari was deeply affected by this<br />
narration; he was sad and lost in<br />
thought for some time. At last he spoke<br />
out, "Alas! mother, how it must have<br />
grieved <strong>Bapu</strong> to see Hindus and Muslims<br />
and Sikhs doing such acts. It must have<br />
broken his heart."<br />
"Yes, my child. His heart was sore and<br />
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