His older brother, Senior Grandpa, as we called him, would glare at him because he was three years older and not born in the independent nation, so he was tired of hearing Grandpa bragging about his birth year like this.
"Was the air different the year Grandpa was born?" Malti asked innocently. "Did he have something to do with the freedom, then?"
“Hah! He was just a newborn baby then,' said Senior Grandpa with a laugh.
"But, yes, the air was fresher with a scent of freedom, as our father would say then. There were lots of sparrows and doves that year. I remember our mother saying so," he said with a smile.
At that, Grandpa's walking group arrived, and they all went to the park together. Mohit, Malti and Robby followed them.
They wanted to know more about the freedom fight and fighters. Mohit had read in the history lessons all about Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sarojini Naidu.
But Malti and Robby knew almost nothing, and if Mohit told them that they had sword fights and whatnot, Malti and Robby would believe him.
But then he thought with awe, there were sword fights!
Grandpa started telling them about an important event called the Dandi March. "The British government made all the rules, and we had to follow all these rules made by them. Those rules were hard and harsh and were for their benefit. And to our disadvantage. Imagine, if someone comes and takes all your remote controls to the video games and starts playing instead of you. How would you feel?"
"I would hate it," said Robby, his cheeks turning red.
"That's how Gandhi felt. He thought long and hard and decided he wanted his country to be free and peaceful. Is that even possible? Some people had doubts. But most people believed in him and his vision. And, fortunately, supported him."
This story is from the August Second 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August Second 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Mighty Mouse
Ricky mouse emerged from his hole and set off for some work. Katie cat spotted him and dashed to catch him.
Halloween Costume Party
Nandu was the first one to reach Soham's house for the Halloween party.
A FAIR EX CHANGE
Mani heard Thatha arguing with his friend as he entered the hall.
Meet the Robotics Marvels
They may look like regular teenagers, but this team of 10 children share a dream of participating in the world's biggest robotics challenge for high schoolers.
THE HOUR OF GHOSTLY VISITS
Bua, our aunt, had come to stay B with us from the village for three days, and I was thrilled because her visits always meant a treasure trove of stories.
THE HOUSE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL
Twilight was setting in the sky.
SPOOKY NIGHT
It was late at night. Dodo deer was returning to the jungle from the city.
The Taste of Coffee
Ginny goat happily entered a field and was -enjoying the green grass when the owner of the field ran after her with a stick. Ginny ran speedily and hid inside a truck parked on the roadside. She had grazed a lot of grass, so she felt lazy and fell asleep.
Ravana Burst with Pomp and Show
The festival of Dussehra was approaching, so the teachers and students were busy preparing for the three-day fair organised every year on this special occasion in the school. This year the responsibility of staging Ramleela in the fair was given to the students of classes 3rd, 4th, and 5th. On the other hand, the children of classes 6th, 7th and 8th were given the responsibility of making Ravana effigies.
Here Comes Gandhi Baba
\"Bapu, where are you going so early in the morning?\" Gandhi Baba's revolutionary companions in Sky Park asked. He smiled.
