A Kind Policeman

AT noon, next day, Ram, who is the loving Parent of all, seeing that the Sadhus were going without food, induced a ticket-clerk to ask them to alight at a station between Bezwada and Jagannath Puri. Ramdas does not remember the name of the station. Coming out of the station, they proceeded towards the city and procuring some food, refreshed themselves and, returning in the evening to the same station, spent the night there. Next day, they had to catch the train at the same hour at which they were made to alight the previous day. Well, there was some difficulty to encounter, all, of course, apparent, for Ram’s ways are always mysterious. It was agreed to by both the ticket-clerk and the station-master not to permit these Sadhus to board the train. So, on the arrival of the train when the Sadhus were entering the carriage, both these officers, of course, in strict discharge of their duties, prevented them from doing so, in spite of the entreaties of the Sadhuram. The passengers on the platform had all occupied the carriages. The two Sadhus and the railway officers were alone on the platform. The clerk and the station-master were keenly watching the Sadhus lest they should slip into the train. O Ram, how wonderful Thou art! There was still some time for the train to start. Now, a railway policeman coming up to the Sadhus, asked them to get into a carriage. But the Sadhuram told him that the ticket-clerk would not allow them to go. The policeman then, going to the place where the clerk and the station-master were standing, placed the case of the Sadhus before them saying:

“You see, these Sannyasis deserve to be allowed to get into the train. As regards tickets, they cannot be expected to carry money since money is not their quest, as in the case of worldly people.”

These words did not convince the railway officers. They replied rightly of course:

“It is against rules to permit anybody to travel in the train without a ticket. So, it is useless on your part to plead for them. Moreover, you forget the fact that your suggestion is against the very spirit of your duty as a policeman in the service of the railway company.”

This reply annoyed the policeman considerably. He felt strongly that these Sadhus must, somehow, be allowed to travel by the train.

It was now nearly time for the train to start. The kind policeman was very uneasy. His eyes flared up and there was a glint of a desperate look in them. He swiftly moved towards the train and opening the door of the carriage, beckoned the Sadhus to enter, which they did as told. It was all the work of a moment. But this was observed by the ticket-clerk from a distance, and he ran up to the place at once.

“On what authority did you permit the Sadhus to enter the train?” questioned the clerk in an angry tone.

The policeman, who was tall and stalwart, placed himself in front of the closed door of the carriage, his back leaning against it.

“Look here, brother,” he replied in a cool but firm voice, “in a matter of this kind, there is no higher authority than the dictates of one’s own conscience, which are rightly considered as the promptings of God Himself.”

“This action of yours shall be reported to the higher authorities and you will answer for it!” warned the ticket-clerk.

“Certainly, friend,” replied the policeman, “as a result of your report, even if I be dismissed from the service, I am fully prepared to face all consequences. But neither you nor anybody on earth, shall prevent the Sadhus from travelling by this train.”

The clerk was sorely perplexed at the attitude of the policeman, and was looking for the station-master, who was then busy giving the signal for the departure of the train since the time was up. The whistle went and the train rolled on. The clerk was simply staring at the carriage occupied by the Sadhus, quite helpless. O Ram! What can poor Ramdas, Thy slave, understand by this incident? Why, when Thy omnipotent hands are at work, nothing can stop or obstruct Thee. O kind and loving Protector of the universe! Thy one touch can change in a moment the entire face of the universe! The very policeman, who is stationed on the railway platform, to prevent passengers from breaking the rules of the company, deliberately breaks all such rules himself, and seats two Sadhus in the train, knowing full well that they held no tickets, and this too, in face of bitter opposition and at the risk of losing his job! O Ram, it is now beyond any doubt that Thou art seated in the hearts of all, inducing the whole universe to act and move in strict accordance with Thy sovereign will. Ram! Thou art indeed the true lover of Thy devotees. Thy slave cannot find words to express Thy greatness and Thy love! O tears, flow on! And this is the only way Ramdas can express his feelings.