I entered Yerawada jail and noticed that an
ordinary prisoner named Dattoba was assigned the duty of cooking food for
Bapu. The poor fellow was suffering from arthritis. He used to limp while
walking. He was an introvert but performed his duty perfectly well. He was
assigned the jobs like heating water for Bapuji, folding his clothes,
warming milk for him and likewise.
Bapuji saw him limping and asked me to enquire
about it. The next morning he asked the Jail Superintendent, Major Martin,
“If you would permit me, I wish to offer him naturopathic treatment. The
doctor in the jail has treated him for six months to no avail.” Major Martin
said, “I won’t object, you may treat him.” Bapuji told him, “I will let him
keep fast for a few days. Then I will put him on a strict regimen.” Dattoba
never had anyone taking so much interest in his well being. He agreed to the
treatment. Nevertheless all this surprised him. Bapuji would ask him to come
everyday. He would change his diet according to the changes in his
condition. He was completely cured in a few days. A limping Dattoba could
run now. No wonder Dattoba started serving Bapuji with more reverence. I was
the first to be released from the jail, then Bapuji and Dattaji in the last,
after completion of his sentence. After a considerable lapse of time Bapuji
came to Bombay at Mani Bhavan. I went there to see him. Unexpectedly Dattaji
too came to see Bapu. I took him to Bapu. Bapu asked him affectionately,
“What is your occupation these days?” He told Bapu that he had set a very
small restaurant near Fort. Bapu was quite busy that day. He said, “Dattoba,
I am busy today. Do come tomorrow, we will meet then.” He said ‘yes’ and
went away but he never came back. Bapuji regretted a lot. He said, “I wished
to give him some money for his business. The poor man has to toil hard to
earn his livelihood. How could he come twice to see me? I should have
offered him money then only.” I thought a lot about it but it was very
difficult to find Dattoba in a crowded city like Bombay!