Mahatma Gandhi Life & Events - - World of Biography, Media Matrix, India

When Gandhiji was seven years of age, his father migrated from Porbandar to Rajkot to become a member of the Rajasthanik court. There, Gandhiji was admitted in a primary school, where his performance was mediocre. Later, he was admitted to a suburban school and after which he attended the high school. By then, Gandhiji was 12 years of age. During this short span of time, Gandhiji never lied to anybody. Actually, he was quite shy and avoided all company. His books and studies were his sole companions. He would go to school on time and would run away home as soon as his classes would get over. As he shy and unassuming, he could not dare to talk to anybody and would run back home. He also feared that the other students would poke fun at him.

An incident, which occurred when Gandhiji was in the high school, is worth illustrating. The education inspector Mr. Giles, had come to inspect the school. He gave the class a dictation test of five words. Gandhiji had mis-spelt the word 'kettle'. The teacher tried to prompt him, but Gandhiji failed to be prompted. He thought that the teacher was there to supervise them. All the students except Gandhiji had spelt every word correctly. Later, when the teacher tried to show Gandhiji as to how stupid he had been by not copying, to any avail, as Gandhiji could never learn the art of copying.

However, this incident did not tarnish the image of the teacher in Gandhiji's eyes. He was blind to the faults of elders.

Two other incidents that occurred in this time period left an indelible impact on Gandhiji. Gandhiji had no taste for reading. He barely managed to read his school lessons, so extra reading was out of question. But one day, he happened to see a book purchased by his father. The book was Shravana Pitrubhakti (a play about Shravana's devotion to his parents).

Gandhiji read the book with great interest. At the same time, a group of traveling showmen happened to perform their show at Rajkot. The story of Shravana touched Gandhiji's heart. One of the pictures depicted Shravana carrying his blind parents.

Gandhiji said to himself, "Here is an example for you to copy." The agony of the parents on the death of Shravana, their only son, always remained ever fresh in Gandhiji's mind. The tune played during the show touched him and he often played it on his concertina."

Gandhiji happened to see a play then, which touched his heart. The play Harishchandra, performed by a drama company that haunted his thoughts. He literally believed in every word talked of in the story of Harishchandra's life. Harishchandra and Shravana were like living characters and whenever he read their plays, he would be emotional.

Gandhiji was betrothed twice but both the girls died. So he was engaged for the third time. At 13, Gandhiji married Kasturbai. Though both were of the same age, Gandhiji very soon assumed the authority of the husband. His passion for truth made him a faithful husband but at the same time, he felt that even Kasturbai should reciprocate. This thought made him a jealous husband. The jealousy led to bitter quarrels between the pair. Kasturbai was a girl of independent thinking. She took no note of the restrictions imposed upon her by Gandhiji. However, their life was not merely full of unhappiness or bitter quarrels. The restrictions imposed on Kasturbai were all based on love. He wanted to make his wife an ideal one living a pure life. By nature, she was simple, independent and persevering and even though she was illiterate, he was passionately fond of her.

On account of marriage and its attendant responsibilities falling on Gandhiji, he lost one year of his academic life, then. When he resumed his studies, his school awarded him certificates of progress and character, every year. In the 5th and 6th standard of his school, he won scholarships worth rupees four and 10 respectively. Gandhiji did not hold his abilities in his regards, but he fiercely guarded his character. The least rebuke from his teacher was intolerable for him.