Inspiring Stories from Gandhi's Life

                                           -Uma Shankar Joshi

The night was very dark and Mohan was frightened. He had always been afraid of ghosts. Whenever he was alone in the dark, he was afraid that a ghost lurking in some dark corner would suddenly spring on him. And tonight it was so dark that one could barely see one's own hand. Mohan had to go from one room to another.

As he stepped out of the room, his feet seemed to turn to lead and his heart began to beat like a drum. Rambha, their old maidservant was standing by the door.

"What's the matter, son?" she asked with a laugh. "I am frightened, Dai," Mohan answered."Frightened, child! Frightened of what?" "See how dark it is! I'm afraid of ghosts!" Mohan whispered in a terrified voice.

Rambha patted his head affectionately and said, "Whoever heard of anyone being afraid of dark! Listen to me: Think of Rama and no ghost will dare come near you. No one will touch a hair of your head. Rama will protect you."

Rambha's words gave Mohan courage. Repeating the name of Rama, he left the room. And from that day, Mohan was never lonely or afraid. He believed that as long as Rama was with him, he was safe from the danger.

This faith gave Gandhiji strength throughout his life, and even when he died the name of Rama was on his lips.