BABA
-7. Baba And The Panchayat

On another occasion, a temple priest, Aman, came to see Baba.  After introducing himself, the priest spoke his mind, “Baba, please help me to get back my peace of mind.  Yesterday, I found one of the regular devotees of the temple, Mohanlal, to be very excited.  When I asked him the reason, he told me that he had the privilege of having the darshan of the Lord in his dreams the day before. 

I am aware that many devotees who visit my temple only think about God as long as they are there inside the place of worship.  Thereafter, they get involved in other activities and do not think about him.  I am sure that Mohanlal is one among them.  On the other hand, I spent a major part of my day looking after the temple deity.  Even when I am home, my thoughts rest with him. Still, God reveals himself to Mohanlal and not me. Why?  I am very disturbed by this thought.” 

Baba smiled at him and queried, “What do you know about Mohanlal?” 

“Nothing much except that his family comprises of himself, his aged parents, a wife and a child.”  The priest replied. 

“Please find out more about him.  Your question will be answered.” Baba averred. 

Aman agreed and went away. 

“Baba, I do not think that he has a proper attitude.  A priest should not only pray for the well-being of others but also rejoice in other’s happiness.  Amanji certainly does not fall in this category.  May be God is only putting him to a test in which he is unfortunately not faring well.”  Bhargava conceived. 

“Well said, my boy!  There is more that brother Aman should realize.  That is why I have asked him to find out more about Mohanlal.  In a few days time, we shall again meet him.  Things will be clear then.”  Baba stressed. 

“What now, Baba?” 

“We are going to have another visitor!  We can leave only after meeting him!”  Baba replied. 

As Bhargava wondered who this visitor could be, he found a young boy who would have been older to him by a few years approaching them.

The boy was burly, elegant and slightly dark complexioned.  Baba gestured him to sit beside him. 

“Baba, I am Abhinav and come from a nearby village, Makanda.  I have come here to seek your help.  I am in love with a girl, Pami, who is from a lower caste.  I intend to marry her.  This is sacrilege in our village.  Tomorrow, the Panchayat is going to give its verdict in this matter and I know that it is not going to be in our favour.  We are sure to be punished, may be, even executed.  All along, both of us were aware of the consequences but were so deep in love that we deliberately ignored the future.  Now, I am not worried about my fate but do not want any harm to befall Pami.  Oh Baba!  Can you help us?” the boy implored. 

Baba lovingly touched his head and addressed him fervidly, “Even had you not come here, I would have come to your village tomorrow to fight for you.  Go and rest in peace!  You have done nothing wrong and therefore there should be nothing to worry about.” 

The boy profoundly thanked Baba and took his leave.  Baba glanced at Bhargava who appeared very gloomy after hearing Abhinav’s story.  He made the boy rest on his lap and spoke words of comfort, “I can understand your feelings, Bhargava!  Do not worry!  Tomorrow, we will fight against this injustice successfully.” 

The next day, Baba led Bhargava to the Makanda village where people had gathered to hear the verdict of the Panchayat.  They sat in the last row and from there they could see a boy who was standing right in the front, facing the other side, alongwith a girl.  The boy suddenly looked back and his eyes desperately searched for someone.  When he found Baba smiling at him from the back row he reciprocated back with a slight bow and heaved a sign of relief!  Seeing this, other people also looked behind.  Some of them recognized Baba as they had listened to his preaching.  They too bowed before him and Baba responded with a smile. 

Soon, the Panchayat members arrived and took their seats.  After settling down, one of them who appeared quite elderly and stern spoke up, “The Panchayat, after due consideration, has come to this conclusion that this marriage cannot be allowed to take place.  Both of you must break this relationship and swear to not see each other from this moment.  If you agree, then the Panchayat will not initiate any proceedings against you.  Tell us if you agree.” 

Abhinav spoke with reliance, “Sir, we feel that we have not done anything wrong.  Therefore, there is no question of breaking this relationship.  You may do what you deem fit but we will be committed to each other like before.” 

This unyielding response angered the Panchayat and the elder member thundered, “In that case, you are liable for severe punishment.  We just cannot allow this conduct in our village.”   

“Please permit me to say something.”  As this sonorous voice boomed from behind, everyone turned to find Baba standing up and raising his hand to gain attention.  Taking him to be a sage, all the Panchayat members got up and bowed before him.  Baba was asked to come forward and he did as he was told.  Bhargava stood beside him. 

“Sire, is it right to interfere in such a personal affair like marriage?”  Baba asked politely.  “You are absolutely right, O Sage!  However, this does not mean that people should break customs and norms in the name of marriage.”  came the reply from the Panchayat.  Smiling, Baba continued, “Can any of you give an assurance that if both Abhinav and Pami marry someone from their caste their married life would always be devoid of any sorrow and replete with complete happiness and joy?”