Mahatma Gandhi was a staunch vegetarian and his children were also raised in a similar way. His second son, who was ten years old became very sick. He had succumbed to a severe attack of typhoid and pneumonia. A doctor was called and he advised chicken soup and eggs as medicines would not work. Gandhi explained to the doctor that since they were vegetarians, they could not follow the prescription.

The doctor replied that there was no option as diluted milk did not have sufficient nourishment, there was little choice. He was called by many Hindu families and they followed his prescription unquestioningly. He added that Gandhi was being too hard on his child and he was taking a risk. Gandhi agreed with the doctor, and said that if his son had been older, he would not have decided for him.

However, at this time, his faith was being tested and he believed that eating meat and eggs was not correct. Life cannot be taken to keep one alive. Therefore, he would not give it to his son. Gandhi continued that he would take the chance and he would try some water treatments to bring his fever down. He requested the doctor to periodically examine his son’s pulse, lungs, chest etc and keep him informed of his son’s condition. The doctor conceded to his request.

Gandhi then explained to his son, what had been discussed between the doctor and him. The boy told his father to try the water treatment and he would not partake of the egg and chicken broth. Gandhi was happy with his son’s response but realised that if he had given him the chicken broth and soup, the child would have taken it. The boy had faith in his father’s judgement.

Faith in the divine power

Gandhi started the Kuhne treatment which was fasting, using a hip bath and drinking diluted orange juice. This was done for three days, but the fever did not come down. Now Gandhi started having doubts and he thought what would his elder brother think of him. Should he call another doctor? He was haunted by these thoughts and yet thought that God would be happy that he was doing his best. God had the control; the doctors had said that there was no cure. He must keep his faith in the divine power.

Gandhi was lying with his son on the bed. He decided to give him a cold sponge with sheets. He wrapped him in the wrung-out sheets, only keeping his head out. Then he covered him with two blankets. He applied a wet towel to his head. The boy was burning with fever and the heat from his body had dried the sheets. There was no perspiration.

Gandhi was exhausted and he decided to go for a midnight walk. He left the boy with his mother. He was chanting from the Ramayana, and sought the Lord’s help in this hour of trial. He came back to the room and the son called out to him and said that you are back. Gandhi answered in the affirmative and then the boy said that he was drenched in perspiration. His fever had broken. Gandhi undid the pack, and both of them fell asleep on the bed.

Next morning the fever had really come down and for forty days he was given diluted orange juice and milk. The fever took its time but the boy was on the mend.

Gandhi thanked the Gods and then wrote that everyone has to decide according to one’s faith. Was it the water treatment, and the careful dietary and nursing? Or was it a combination of having faith in God and that he saved Gandhi’s honour?

Gandhi’s belief was that God had saved his son.

Have faith and trust in God.

Aim Hrim Klim

By Unknown author – gandhiserve.org, Public Domain, Link