Few people know facts about the Mahatma’s life

Jamshedpur, Aug. 12: Gandhiji is a Parsee who always wore a dhoti and “died when he could not walk on his legs.” This is the popular image that Bapuji has left behind on the generations succeeding him.

A survey conducted by The Telegraph on how well the people of steel city know the man who won them freedom, not only left most of the interviewees embarrassed, but some fared so poorly that they requested us to conceal their identity.

While most of them did not know that Mahatma Gandhi ever edited a newspaper, Vijeta Sinha, a senior teacher of a reputed city school says, “That paper does not even exist now. So, why bother? It is a tough one,” and dismisses it.

Asked at what age Bapuji was assassinated, Vijeta quips, “He was old enough to die and could barely walk . I know that for sure.” (correct answer: 79)

Ask Sujoy Agarwal, a chemist shop owner in Jugsalai, and he immediately replies, though not so confident: “At the age of 85.” But after some quick calculations, he settles for 89.

Shazia Arohi, a senior reader of a city-based college, has a more definite answer, “90 plus.” She plays safe. We then asked them who called Gandhiji “the half-naked fakir”, pat came some of the most innovative replies. “Was it Queen Elizabeth,” asks Abhishek Gaurav, a Class XI student of a city school.

Vijeta came close, but had a minor confusion: “Winston Churchill (the right answer) and Mountbatten.” But she was sure that it is someone from England.

But here Tushar Taunk, a reputed businessman, has the most refreshing answer. “Whoever it was, definitely, wasn’t a nice man!” he giggles.

The disappointment peaked when we asked them which profession Bapuji had to give up for the freedom struggle. Rajni Shah, a post-graduate student of a city college pleads: “I wish I had studied History better.”

The final question almost drew a blank. Which group of tribals in Jharkhand did Gandhiji inspire to follow him and struggle for freedom? Vijeta falters, “Did he ever come to Jharkhand. He went to Champaran. Don’t know if he made any visits after that,” she wraps up. (correct answer: Tana Bhagats)