The Patriot and the Hooligan Chief

There was a great patriot who conquered everyone’s heart in India, especially the Bengalis. He was known as the leader of great leaders. When he was in college he was a brilliant student. He had always had a fondness for spiritual people. He helped the poor, the sick and the needy whenever he could.

Once when he was a young man, cholera broke out in Calcutta and the rich people left the city. When the epidemic broke out, there was no medical treatment for the poor, so he went to the poorest section of town and treated the sick.

There were many hooligans in that part of town. They threatened him and said, “Don’t come here and bother us. We don’t want you. You’re well educated and come from a rich family, while we are poor and ignorant. Leave us alone.” Bravely, he replied, “Do whatever you want. If you want to kill me, kill me. I’ve come into the world to help the poor and sick. I’ll continue to bring money and food and try to help as much as I can.”

One day the only son of the hooligan leader was stricken with cholera. So the young man went to his house and cared for the son, feeding him and giving him medical treatment. The hooligan leader was deeply moved. “I threatened you and warned you not to come here, and still you come to help my own son. You’re a brave man.”

The young man said, “It’s not a matter of bravery; it’s a matter of necessity. I see God in everyone. When I see someone suffering, I feel it is my duty to help. One must help one’s brother when he is in need.”

The hooligan chief bowed down to the young man and said, “You’re not human. You are divine.”

This matchless leader and patriot was none other than Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

from Garden of the Soul
by Sri Chinmoy

Published by Health Communications