Humility….The Jewel of saints

I am going to recount a true story…about a true saint and a great statesman, a rare combination indeed.

This story goes back half a century when India had just secured its tricolor. This is about the first president of the Independent republic, Rajendra Prasad.

Rajendra Babu (as he was affectionately called) was known for his simple lifestyle and modest demeanor. He eschewed the perks of the highest public official as much as he could. Very often he would sneak out to taste the freedom of the common man.

On one of his presidential escapades, he went to meet Pundit Nehru (the first Prime Minister) at his ancestral home in Allahabad. He reached there in the dead of the night when all the members had already resigned to sleep.

The caretaker could not recognize the president & told him that Pundit Nehru is fast asleep. Rajendra Babu asked him for a corner to lie and instructed him not to disturb Nehru.

The drama unfolded in the morning & the whole household was livid at the caretaker…but Rajendra Babu, the statesman he was, managed to save the poor guy’s job.

Everything ended on a good note with the promise from Nehru that story would not leak into the press…So that Rajendra Babu could continue his journey as he liked it……As a Common man & a humble servant of the republic of India!

Don’t we miss Presidents & Prime Ministers like Rajendra Babu!