Jumbo elephant stood out from the crowd. He held a large flag in his trunk, raised high above the others. A group of children gathered behind him, enthusiastically chanting patriotic slogans. While the school programs were still going on, news suddenly spread that Gandhiji had arrived at Charbagh railway station in Lucknow and would address a gathering at Begum Hazrat Mahal Park.
"How is this possible? He died on January 30, 1948," Jumbo said to Jumpy monkey.
"Jumbo, believe it or not, Gandhiji is coming, and I won't miss this opportunity to see and hear him," Jumpy replied.
Upon hearing this, all the children started walking towards Gandhiji, and Jumbo shouted, "Wait, friends, I'm coming too!"
Hearing Jumbo, everyone burst into laughter, as he had initially been the most reluctant to go.
Gandhiji refused to take a taxi and instead walked at a pace no one could match. Some rushed to keep up with him, while others ran.
Gandhiji wore round glasses, held a stick in his hand, and wore wooden sandals instead of shoes. He draped a cloth over his body and tied a loincloth.
Jiffy giraffe raised the slogan, "Long Live Mahatma Gandhi!" Gandhiji smiled at his naivety. The principal, Sher Singh, corrected Jiffy, explaining that "Long Live" is used for the deceased, and for the living, the slogan "Hail" was appropriate. Jiffy then chanted "All Hail Gandhiji!"
Jeetu cheetah, the police officer from Lucknow, was busy with security arrangements. Gandhiji's arrival sparked curiosity among everyone. Even the leaders desired to see Gandhi and followed him.
Gandhiji turned from Vidhansabha Marg towards Hazratganj and directly reached Parivartan Chowk. Adjacent to it was Begum Hazrat Mahal Park. Although meetings were no longer held there, Gandhiji insisted on holding one in this park, known as 'The heart of Lucknow.' The Lucknow administration hastily prepared a stage for him.
This story is from the August Second 2024 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 2024 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 Return Gift
\"Dingo, it's been a long time since we've had a nice party.
Moving to the MOON
In the forest town of Hoshiarpur, there was a mischievous bear named Dabbu.
Tea and the Lizard
Parth's father loved tea and enjoyed several cups throughout the day.
Shera Breaks a Bad Habit
It was December, and a cold wave settled upon Chandanvan. Prime Minister Shera discovered that his once-luxurious velvet quilt was now stained with mildew after being stored in the damp basement.
MANAS AND THE LOST KITTEN
After the half-yearly exams had ended, Manas began to feel bored at home. He insisted that he wanted a pet to keep him company.
The Ghost on the Hill
It had rained a lot in Champakvan that year. There were floods, and Cheeku rabbit and Jumpy monkey's homes had been washed away.
FINDERS, KEEPERS
Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...
A Dog Named DOT
Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...
TARUN'S TALE
\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...
