Introduction: Before he became the Mahatma, Mohandas Gandhi was a young boy growing up in the vibrant town of Porbandar, India.
The Fruitful Encounter: One sunny day, as Mohandas was exploring the outskirts of his town, he came across a lush fruit tree heavy with ripe mangoes. The sight of the juicy fruit tempted him.
The Owner’s Permission: Curious but mindful of ownership, Mohandas approached the tree’s owner, an elderly farmer. He asked for permission to pick a few mangoes.
The Elder’s Wisdom: The elderly farmer agreed and shared his wisdom with young Mohandas. He said, “Remember, taking only what you need and asking for permission is a sign of respect for others and the world around you.”
The Lesson in Respect: Mohandas carefully picked a few mangoes, ensuring not to harm the tree or take more than he needed. He understood that respect for others’ property was a fundamental value.
Inspiration to the World: The encounter with the fruit tree and the wise farmer left a lasting impact on Mohandas. It reinforced his belief in the importance of respect, simplicity, and taking only what is necessary.
Conclusion: The story of young Mohandas and the fruit tree exemplifies his early commitment to values of respect, simplicity, and the importance of taking only what is necessary. These qualities remained central to his character and guided his remarkable journey as Mahatma Gandhi, the leader who championed a philosophy of nonviolence and social change.