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NEHRU-
Glimpses of Greatness
Nothing of the sort ! He had no time for anything
except politics. His dominating passion was to serve his people
with all his might. He gradually realized that it mattered little
if he did not earn as long as there was no urgent need for it. Serving
the country in a big way was far more important than to make money.
Nehru got angry and felt very unhappy when stories of gross administrative
incompetence were brought to his notice. He wanted the administrative
machinery to move smoothly and efficiently. In October 1953, a few
pensioners went to Anand Bhawan to complain to Nehru that they had
not received their pensions for four or five years. The shivering,
emaciated old men attracted a lot of sympathy at Anand Bhawan that
day and almost everybody advised them to place their case before
the Prime Minister. Even the officials, who were present there,
felt somewhat ashamed when they realized that the old men had not
had their pensions for the last few years. One of them said to the
pensioners, “You need not fear anybody. This delay is criminal.
You must bring it to Pandit Nehru’s notice.”
The Prime Minister came out to meet the visitors and when he saw
these old men standing in a corner, he went up to them and politely
enquired, “Kaho Bhai kya bat hai? Acche to ho”. (Tell
me brothers what is the matter ? I hope you are all right.) One
of them almost broke down and with a trembling voice said, “Huzoor
char sal se pension nahi mili. Bhuke mar rahe hain.” (Sir,
we have not received our pensions for four years. We are dying of
hunger.) Nehru was shocked. He exclaimed, “What ? Have you
not had your pensions for the last four years ?” They bowed
respectfully and replied, “Sir, what we are saying is correct.
You can ask the district magistrate.”
This deeply hurt Nehru. The face that had been wreathed in smiles
took on the furrows of irritation. He promptly summoned the district
magistrate, and when he appeared, said to him, “Do you hear
what they say ? This is incredible. What have you to say about it
?” The district magistrate tried to explain things, but Nehru
interrupted, “Explanations will not do. See to it that they
get their pensions without any further delay.” The pensioners
exclaimed with tearful gratitude, “Huzoor salaam. Aap ki meharbani
se bhukhe logon ka pet bhar jayega.” (Thank you, sir. Thanks
to your kindness, hungry men will now have food.) This incident
so upset Nehru that he immediately turned away and was in no mood
to talk to anybody for quite some time.
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