Gandhi Statue

It is customary to have a Gandhi statue even in small towns in India, prominently placed in a “chowrasta” or crossroads. In a bigger town or city, the number of such statues would be many. Some of these statues could be very artistic, well made, and full of life, true to the image of Gandhiji, while many would be pathetic, and out of proportion, with the pedestal much bigger than the statue itself. The statues were symbolic of our love and affection for the father of the nation and a commitment to uphold his values and follow his teachings. Slowly, over time statues have remained and the ideology behind their laying is becoming hazy.

In our town too, there is a Gandhi Chowk, which is a busy commercial Centre. The place would have been less crowded at the time the statue was laid, but now it is bustling with activity. Gandhiji (statue) is mostly covered with dust raised due to vehicular movement. The statue gets washed and cleaned, perhaps on October 2nd, a garland would be put around its neck by some politician and after that, it has to wait to get attention only after one year. The statue with dried flower garland and dust and the garbage and litter around its base, is a pathetic sight, which I cannot help seeing day in and out as my medical shop is just in one of the corners of the Chowk.

 Opposite my shop in another corner is a wine shop, which is always bustling with activity except for a few hours at night. At night there are drug peddlers and their customers who do a brisk business and get going. Then there are prostitutes occasionally, waiting for

Their clients. In short, the Gandhi Chowk’s surrounding area was a centre for nefarious activities. Whenever I have free time I cannot avoid looking at the statue and imagining how Gandhiji must be feeling if statues had feelings. His spirit must be there residing in the statue. Everything happening around the statue is totally against what he preached and practiced. People are shockingly disrespectful and callous to continue with their activities right beside his statue. I had a strong urge to do something so that Gandhiji would be spared of this disrespect and indifference.

That night after closing the shop I went home, with a heavy heart. As usual, the scene around the statue was the same and I could not help reacting to it. After eating my dinner, I laid down on my bed listening to soothing music, so that I could erase all the unpleasant thoughts. Soon I slipped into sleep as I was tired from the day’s work. In my sleep, I saw the Gandhi Chowk, totally desolated and quiet. Then slowly I saw the figure of Gandhiji true to that of the statue slowly stepping out and walking away from it. Suddenly he turned back and looked at me, gave a smile, and waved his hand. Then he turned around and resumed his walk and disappeared into the darkness of night. I abruptly woke out of my sleep to find that it was late in the morning. I had time since it was a Sunday. I went through my dream, again and again, trying to analyze it. Perhaps it means that the statue of Gandhiji is devoid of spirit but was just a statue. The “Atma “left a long time ago. It was as if Gandhiji himself appeared in my dream to convey this message. This could be true with all the statues in the country. I was humbled and relieved.