Acharya Tulsi
The synonyms for the earth found in dictionaries are ratnagarbha, vasundhara, etc. which refer to its underground treasures. While thinking about these words one often feels that looking at the way the earth is being exploited, the proportion of its treasures is declining a great deal. In this situation, do those names of the earth have any meaning? If we look for jewel-like human beings, their existence is all the more meager. Have the lexicographers not exaggerated in bringing into vogue such words?
After thinking seriously about this problem, one wonders how there can be the same proportion of gems and pebbles. If they are in the same proportion, what value would the gems have? It is indisputable that the earth has rich underground treasures. On this earth we not only find the gems to be studded in ornaments but also jewel like human beings. Morarji Ranchhoddasbhai Desai was such an outstanding man who has just departed after completing his life journey.
The Gandhian age began in the twentieth century of Indian history with a new breath in the air. Gandhiji's vision had an impact on the minds of the people. The great personalities of that period followed Gandhiji. Just one call from Gandhiji and they were ready to sacrifice everything. Their outlook changed, their lifestyle changed and everything underwent a change. But how many of those people are alive today? Such people who seemed to be innumerable have gone behind the Mountain where the sun sets. Morarjibhai was regarded as the last vestige of the Gandhian era. But today even he has passed away. When I heard the news about heavenly departure, the memories associated with him turned green again.
Morarjibhai was a man of a special mettle. He was a man of principles. He was active and had a creative mind. Going along with the current was never acceptable to him. He was truthful and believed in non-violence. He had an abiding faith in non-violence. And because he believed in nonviolence, he was free from fear. Under no condition, his consciousness felt the tremor of fear. He listened to all, but did only what his conscience permitted. He rested content only when he did what he felt was right. Such firmness of mind is found in very few individuals.
It was said about Morarjibhai that he would never swerve from his resolve even if the sun rose in the west instead of the east.
It is not surprising that being devoted to the values of life like truth, non-violence, freedom from fear etc., Morarjibhai was the leading supporter of the philosophy of anuvrat. If we count the foremost politician who gave importance to the ideology of anuvrat, Morarajibhai's name can be placed among those in the front rank. Even though he is not present physically, truthfulness and adherence to principles by which he is known would be always experienced by all. He was such an embodiment of faith and convictions that he would be always there without being physically present.
