103 Why Gandhiji is called 'Mahatma?'-a poem

The Sanskrit word Mahatma means a great soul"

The title was bestowed by Rabindranath Tagore.

       [2]
A royal physician, Jivram Shastri of Gondal State, 

    

 termed him  Mahatma, some people state.                

       [3]
An unknown journalist

 called him Mahatma,

 Saurashtra people claim.

      [4]
But what is in a name?

Does it bring easy fame?

One voice of all, perhaps, will it say

It is really, really tough to earn or make.

    [5]
Gandhiji was a man of high character

A man of principles: truth, non-violence

In South Africa, he fought against "Apartheid"

Due to his movement, people felt relieved.

   [6]
It's not easy to fight for the downtrodden

Timid can not choose the path untrodden.

With the power of patience, hope, and faith

Without any weapon, gun, or grenade

He won  freedom from Britain's tyranny

His qualities made him  Mahatma rather than Karmchand Gandhi.

      [7]

"FREEDOM  was  not  achieved by  charkha or non-violence,
                            People say
But is it a product of utter violence, can we say?

Lakshmana was extremist, and Rama was polite 

Did Lakshmana kill Ravana, should we say? 
      [8]
When  fire breaks out, it is doused with  water

When we ignite the lamp, we sprinkle water

This signifies that ' to handle cruel enemies'

Extremism and politeness are to be catered to.

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                                              by: Nirupma Garg.