Less is more (Gandhian Philosophy)

Vinita Narula

Less was more, for this half- naked fakir

 Who shunned tuxedo and the barrister’s cloak.

 In bare skin and a self-spun loin cloth he trod the earth.

 Chose frugal meals, 

And goat milk over lavishly laid out spreads 

Remaining almost hungry,

Half-filled stomach before going to bed.

 

He exhorted the people to keep the mind alert,

 use wisdom to find answers to the lone question- 

How to liberate instead. 

Use lower limbs take over the motorized wheels 

Tread the dirt laden rural paths 

in place of gleaming urban good feels. 

Keep away all ego, gain unparalleled inner strength.

 

He himself chose a mere “lathi” 

not grenades or guns to break free of tough barriers, 

and shackles.

Thus became a glow worm

 raising curtains from all -pervasive gloom 

Alleviating deep rooted misery to have populace smile

 and again bloom 

Become an immortal national hero

 an example for the universe. 

A beacon like this “half naked fakir” never before seen. 

A special one of its own kind. 

Proved to one and all 

That less is more 

to regain one’s own happiness

 and very well deserved pride.  

BIO: Dr. Vinita Narula is an acknowledged scholar and author with specialization in Food and Nutrition. She has three academic books to her credit including the bestselling Basic Food Preparation published by Orient Blackswan. Her literary acclaims include her works in more than two dozen National and International anthologies. Her solo debut poetry book “Images” (2022) has not only been Amazon’s bestselling but has also been selected by the ‘Library of Congress’, USA to be placed in seven Ivy League US universities. A humble yet extremely proud recipient of “The Lifetime Achievement Award”, 2019 bestowed on her by the prestigious international literary group The Significant League”. 

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Setu, October 2023 :: Gandhian Philosophy