THE RETURN OF GANDHIJI

Preparations for celebrating Independence Day were in full swing in Champakvan. Children went to school carrying small tricolour flags in their hands. Those without flags wished they had them so they could proudly wave them at school.

- Kumud Kumar

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.