I am often reminded of Kasturba’s Samadhi at the Aga Khan palace. I often think of it although I no longer live in Pune. I cannot explain its effect on me. It was just outside from it that I bought my first home spun kurta.
The intensity of the feeling I still hold for his near sacred site returned as I read of Gandhi’s words at her funeral:
“At this moment”, he said, “how can I separate myself from my old and faithful companion? I cannot even imagine life without Ba. She was a part and parcel of myself. Her death will leave a permanent void in my life which will never be filled.” Referring to the last moments of Kasturba, he observed, “Ba’s calling me thus at her last moment and her passing away while lying on my lap is really a wonderful thing. Such a kind of relationship between husband and wife does not exist generally among us.
– Life Sketch of Kasturba
Samadhi’s to Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, viewed more as a son than a secretary.
Perhaps, it seem to me, Kasturba Gandhi may have even been a greater example of what it means to be human than her husband. Not perfect, strong minded, serving her husband and country, she needs to be remembered more. She made Gandhiji’s achievements possible.
