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 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.
