Mahatma Gandhi And The Kokila Vratha

Kids

-Staff

By Staff

Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 17:59

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it always". - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi lead a truthful life. However, that doesn't mean he never lied. Read a small incident in Gandhi's life that made him realize the value of truth.

Gandhi's mother Putlibai observed everyday a vow known as 'Kokila Vratha'. As soon as she completed the ritual, she would wait for the call of the Kokila (the Indian Cuckoo) before her breakfast. She would not touch food until the Cuckoo sang in his sweet voice.

One day, she kept waiting for a long time, for the fortune bird to give her the permission to eat food. She calmly waited near the window looking for some signs of the cuckoo bird, but alas she found none. Little Gandhi noticed his distressed mother near the window. He quickly drafted a plan in his head and went out of the house to imitate the cooing of the cuckoo. He snuggled behind the bush and imitated the Cuckoo's voice, and then ran inside the house to tell his mother, "Mother you can eat your food now as it has made its call."

Gandhi's mother had been following this ritual for past many years. She quickly came to know about her child's silly prank. Unable to contain her grief, she slapped Gandhi and wailed, "What sin have I committed that such a wicked liar should be born to me! Oh Lord!"

Her misty eyes and broken heart of belief deeply moved Gandhi. That day he made a promise to her, "From this day, I will not utter falsehood. I will not do anything that would hurt my mother's gentle heart". Thus began his saga of truth.