We arrived in Pune this morning (see map referenced in earlier blog to follow our trail) and spent the afternoon at the place when Mohatma Gandhi was imprisoned along with his wife for about 2 years during India’s QUIT INDIA struggle with the British. I’m going to post a new set of pictures with the following link so you can get the mental picture of this lush, calm palace. A Muslim man by the last name of Agakhan lent his palace to the British so that Gandhi and his wife and secretary would not be forced to enter a real prison, although he had been there before. If you’ve seen Richard Attenborough’s movie GANDHI, then you’ll know the place I’m talking about. BTW, if you have NOT seen this movie, give yourself a real treat and rent it. It’s not to be missed, and is historically quite accurate, according to those who know.
Here is the FLICKR link so you can see what I’m trying to describe.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39413808@N05/sets/72157621133788416/
Upon our arrival at the Palace, we were greeted by women and given a red rose, a picture of Gandhi, and a button commemorating the 2nd of October as International Day of Non-Violence. [Mark that on your calendars and plan a peace day.] There was quite a peaceful atmosphere on the grounds, and we all anticipated that we were about to witness something very special. We were given a tour of Agakhan Palace by a woman who knew Gandhi, and she was quite animated and passionate. She spoke a lot about his wife, Kasturba, known as Ba, as the driving force behind the man. Ba and Bapu (Gandhi) were married 62 years, and after she died, he described himself as a lost man. It was very touching for all us to hear the story and see the pictures of the great dedication and love they had for one another through all their hardship, and made me particularly mindful of the fact that I’m fortunate to have someone with that dedication to me in my life. Thanks, S! Our American history has been altered by the incredible power of this one individual through Martin Luther King, Jr’s study of his nonviolent practices, and now we have a president who is wise enough to continue to draw from Gandhi’s wisdom, so I felt a profound sense of gratitude to this great soul.
As leader of the group, I was asked to give a few words of thanks to the trustees, and it was an honor to represent my colleague of teachers at the memorial of the man who said, “Children are the answer to the problems of the future.”
Hindu Deity: In honor of Gandhi, today we hear the story of Lord Rama, Vishnu’s 7th incarnation. (The photo included is from the Agakhan Palace.) Rama is the great hero of the epic story of the Ramayana, one of the most beloved stories of India. You should read it yourself, but Rama is banished from his rightful kingdom by a wicked stepmother and sent into exile, and during that time his wife is abducted by bad Lord Ravana. Rama sets out on a quest to find his wife, and the adventures begin. Rama is seen as a symbol of loyalty and bravery, and is celebrated in several festivals each year. Rama’s legacy as the ideal man, husband, and king is justly deserved.
Here is the FLICKR link so you can see what I’m trying to describe.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39413808@N05/sets/72157621133788416/
Upon our arrival at the Palace, we were greeted by women and given a red rose, a picture of Gandhi, and a button commemorating the 2nd of October as International Day of Non-Violence. [Mark that on your calendars and plan a peace day.] There was quite a peaceful atmosphere on the grounds, and we all anticipated that we were about to witness something very special. We were given a tour of Agakhan Palace by a woman who knew Gandhi, and she was quite animated and passionate. She spoke a lot about his wife, Kasturba, known as Ba, as the driving force behind the man. Ba and Bapu (Gandhi) were married 62 years, and after she died, he described himself as a lost man. It was very touching for all us to hear the story and see the pictures of the great dedication and love they had for one another through all their hardship, and made me particularly mindful of the fact that I’m fortunate to have someone with that dedication to me in my life. Thanks, S! Our American history has been altered by the incredible power of this one individual through Martin Luther King, Jr’s study of his nonviolent practices, and now we have a president who is wise enough to continue to draw from Gandhi’s wisdom, so I felt a profound sense of gratitude to this great soul.
As leader of the group, I was asked to give a few words of thanks to the trustees, and it was an honor to represent my colleague of teachers at the memorial of the man who said, “Children are the answer to the problems of the future.”
Hindu Deity: In honor of Gandhi, today we hear the story of Lord Rama, Vishnu’s 7th incarnation. (The photo included is from the Agakhan Palace.) Rama is the great hero of the epic story of the Ramayana, one of the most beloved stories of India. You should read it yourself, but Rama is banished from his rightful kingdom by a wicked stepmother and sent into exile, and during that time his wife is abducted by bad Lord Ravana. Rama sets out on a quest to find his wife, and the adventures begin. Rama is seen as a symbol of loyalty and bravery, and is celebrated in several festivals each year. Rama’s legacy as the ideal man, husband, and king is justly deserved.
Thank you, C!(Or GC, as I should now say!).
ReplyDeleteS