The following is a interesting letter written by Girish Chandra Gosh to Swami Abhedananda. Its shows how close the disciples of Thakur were, be it monastic or lay. Girish babu starts with a very candid tone irrespective of his respect to Kali Maharaj…the letter then moves to light notes on the situation in Belur Math, Kolkath etc ….and ends with a sentence “have mercy on me I pray”
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13 Bosepara Lane
Baghbazar, Calcutta
18th April, 1907
Brother ,
What about he homeopathic medicine box and books that you were to send me ? what about your proposal to take the theatre to that country ? Have you put a crown on your head after going to Mathura ? I was on the verge of death. Through the Master’s grace I have recovered. I would have pestered you if I would not have fallen ill.
You must have heard all news about the Math. Everyone is all right inwardly. Rakhal is not keeping good health. Vivekananda’s mausoleum temple is under construction. God knows when it will be completed. Brother Latu is as before, he often comes to me. A nationalist movement is going. Hindus and Muslims are fighting with each other at Comilla – this is the beginning of national unity! According to the press, the magistrate and others are inciting one community against the other-you may have seen this news in the papers of that country also. Price of rice is so high that it is difficult for the common man to have two square meals a day. Everything is costly. We have to buy neem leaves to prepare need soup. Sajina sells at three sticks per pice. The Raja of Darbhanga and Jatindramohan Tagore called a meeting. That was much brief, not doubt, but what fruit it bears is yet to be seen. You may have been working for America with your face flushed with blood-can you find out a way of salvation of your motherland ? The situation is deteriorating day by day. Bengalees have fallen out of the grace of Sahibs (British Rulers). They get no opportunity of employment. No zeal for work is noticeable expect for holding frequent meetings. Again among the speakers there are two parties vilifying each other – this is the position !
How are you ? How is work going on ? if you have time to reply please reply in Bengali as Brother Latu is keen on hearing and I shall be spared the troubles of translating if you write in Bengali. How are the boys who have gone there working ? How is Moti ? Please accept my respectful obeisance. Have mercy on me I pray
Yours G.C
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