Bapu's Bathtub

There is a public service announcement that regularly plays on radio stations in Las Cruces—probably when they have a time slot with no paid advertising. It promotes Rotary and tells listeners that Rotarians believe what Gandhi taught: “We must be the change we want to see in the world.” On Monday evening, at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Nagpur North, we learned about a District 3030-wide project called “Heart-to-Heart” that provides surgeries to children with heart defects. The most recent group of patients had just returned to their homes in Pakistan. Rotarians are simultaneously healing the hearts of poor children and helping heal the relationship between these two neighboring countries that has been tense to say the least since they were separated in the tumultuous years following Indian independence from Britain in 1947.

Today, we were hosted by President Vijaylaxmi Diwale and the wonderful members of the Rotary Club of Nagpur Fort. The centerpiece of the day was a visit to the long-time home of Gandhi in Sewagram, about an hour’s drive outside of Nagpur. It was the perfect way to spend our first full day of club experiences, taking us to simple set of buildings where Gandhi spent many years growing his non-violent movement that changed the world. The buildings are beautifully preserved and contain many of his possessions, such as his walking stick, sandals, and the simple clothes that he made himself.

View of the simple house where Gandhi lived

Gandhi (or “Bapu” as he was respectfully known) understood how to make powerful statements through simple acts. He had snakes caught in the area put into wooden box and relocated far away rather than killed. When a misguided supporter bought him a porcelain bathtub imported from Europe, he responded by refusing to use it and instead had a copper bathtub made by Indian craftsmen. Dave and Mike both agreed that the copper bathtub looked like much more comfortable.

Michael and Dave unsure of how much seriousness is required in Gandhi's bathroom (he would likely have enjoyed the dilemma they faced)

 We were pleased when we were given the opportunity to eat lunch at the small conference center that adjoins Gandhi’s home. It was simple but very tasty, and eaten in the traditional way, while seated on woven mats on the floor.

Cristina eating lunch

We came away inspired by how one man, in such simple surroundings in an unprepossessing village in the center of India could have made—and could continue to make—such a difference in the world. Thank you, again, to the Rotary Club of Nagpur Fort for making this extraordinary day possible.