All of us can learn a lesson in hard work from
the army men. A soldier is respected because he defends the country at the
cost of his life. He is respected for one more reason; his life is governed
by rules and discipline.
The cantonments are extremely clean. Gandhiji
had taught us a lesson in cleanliness. In 1934, there was a Harijan Yatra in
Coorg. We were required to get up very early in the morning and march ahead.
Before leaving the place, Gandhiji came to our room. He saw the trash
scattered all over the room. He said with disgust, “Were you going to leave
the place like this? If an army stays at a place, it makes the place tidier
than before and then leaves. It is a rule. We should also follow the rule.
Whichever place you live in everyday, clean it before leaving. I will not
accept any excuses about it. Mind well, I will keep a watch.”