First interjection: ‘We don’t want to rule. We are happy with farming; at least we aren’t dependent on anybody.’
Second interjection: ‘It is better to stay ignorant than receive an education that makes one arrogant. Modern education makes them don suits and boots, watches and canes and hats, and fills the pockets of the foreigners just to satisfy their fancy. They are traitors.’
Bhagat: ‘These days people are strict about hemp and liquor; everybody knows that addiction is bad. The government earns crores of rupees annually from shops that sell intoxicants. It would be good if people could quit addiction by merely not visiting these liquor stores. But even if someone doesn’t visit these shops, he will satisfy his urge somehow, on the sly, willing to be imprisoned. Then why do something that will cause losses to the government and also to the poor ryot? Also, some people benefit from consuming intoxicants. I myself suffer joint pain, exhaustion and cold if I don’t take opium.’
A voice: ‘Taking liquor makes the body nimble.’
First interjection: ‘The government makes money by sinful means. It is unbecoming of them. How can the subjects’ well-being be ensured under the rule of an unrighteous government?’
Second interjection: ‘First they make people drink liquor and go mad. Once addicted, there is loss of money. Who gets enough wages to support both food and clothing, as well as intoxication? Either let your wife and children go hungry or indulge in theft, gambling and cheating. What is a liquor shop? Nothing but a den of our slavery!’4
People gathered in droves to listen to Chaudhary’s preachings. They could not find enough space to stand. His prestige increased every day. The daily gathering at his house discussed national development, which delighted people, and so they participated zealously. Their political knowledge grew. He was aware of his distinction and importance. He began to feel a sense of power. Tyranny and injustice now made him scowl. He had tasted freedom. Homemade cotton, homemade yarn, homemade food, homemade court; no fear of the police, no supplication before government officials—he was living in pleasure and peace. Many people quit their addictions and there was a wave of good faith.
However, Bhagat was not so fortunate. People became increasingly bored of his preachings. So much so that his audience often consisted of nobody other than the government accountant, sentry, teacher, and such others. Sometimes some big officers showed up and honoured Bhagat. On such occasions, Bhagat found some consolation and his tears would stop. But how could momentary honour compensate for round-the-clock humiliation? There were fingers pointed at him wherever he went. Some named him a supplicating mule, others called him an informer of the secret police. All that Bhagat could do on hearing his rival being praised and himself being condemned was grind his teeth. It was the first time in his life that he had to lower his eyes in public. The family honour that he had been guarding for ages, and for which he had sacrificed everything, now lay in lowly dust. This fiery angst did not allow him a moment’s relief. His everyday concern was how to restore the lost prestige, how to humiliate his rival, how to shatter his confidence?
Finally, he decided upon beating the lion in his own den.5
It was evening time. There was a huge meeting at Chaudhary’s doorstep. Peasants from nearby villages were also in attendance, with the crowd numbering thousands. Chaudhary was lecturing them on the subject of Swaraj. Chants of ‘Victory to Mother India’ rent the air repeatedly. Women had gathered on one side. Chaudhary finished his speech and sat down. Just as volunteers were beginning to collect contributions for the Swaraj fund, Bhagat leapt in from somewhere, stood in the audience and spoke in a raised voice:
‘Brothers! Don’t be surprised at seeing me here. I’m not an opponent of Swaraj who is so fallen as to ridicule it, but it can’t be achieved through Chaudhary’s means of which you all have become fans. What can panchayats do when there are schisms and fights amongst us? How can addiction be stemmed and liquor stores boycotted if the head is steeped in debauchery? How can cigarette, soap, socks, vests and muslin be given up? How can government schools be abandoned and freedom from foreign education obtained if there is desire for glory and power? There is only one way to Swaraj and that is self-control. Only this panacea will root out all your ills. Strengthen your soul, tame your senses, control your mind. It is thus that you will engender brotherhood. Only then will enmity decline, only then will jealousy and hate be destroyed, only then will your heart turn away from luxury and indulgence, only then can addiction be curbed. Swaraj can never be achieved without self-empowerment. Self-service is the root of all sin. It is this that takes you to court; it is this that has made you a slave to sinful education. Kill this demon through self-empowerment and your wish will be obtained. Everybody knows I’ve been consuming opium for forty years. From today, opium and cow’s blood will be the same for me. I’ve had an enmity with Chaudhary for three generations. From today, I declare Chaudhary to be my brother. From today, if you see me or anybody from my family wearing anything other than cloth made from homespun fabric, punish me as you like. This is all I have to say. May the Almighty fulfil all your wishes.’
Saying this, Bhagat turned homewards and Chaudhary ran to embrace him. The animus of three generations was destroyed in one moment.
That day onwards Chaudhary and Bhagat together started preaching about Swaraj. They developed a strong friendship and it was difficult to tell whom people respected more.
Rivalry was
