Freedom at Midnight

AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
BY THE SAME AUTHORS
O Jerusalem!
Is Paris Burning ?
Or I'll Dress Yu in Murning

!ree"m a# Mi"nig$#

Larr% &llins an"
Dmini'ue La(ierre

TARAN) PAPERBA&*S

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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
ms# (ain,ul an Englis$man
=ul" /e as.e" # un"er#a.e1 #
gi+e i# u(6
Mun#/a##en 2an#e" n (ar# ,
#$e B/6 He en#irel% en"rse" #$e
i"ea #$a# #$e #ime $a" =me ,r
Bri#ain # lea+e In"ia6 His $ear#1
$2e+er1 re/elle" a# #$e #$ug$#
#$a# i# 2ul" /e $e 2$ 2ul"
/e =alle" n # se+er #$e an=ien#
lin.s /in"ing Bri#ain an" #$e
/ul2ar. , $er em(ire6 T
"is=urage A##lee $e $a" #$r2n
u( a 2$le series , "eman"s1
maBr an" minr1 ,rm #$e
num/er , se=re#aries $e'" /e
all2e" # #a.e 2i#$ $im # #$e
air=ra,#1 #$e Yr. M@345 $e'"
em(l%e" in Su#$eas# Asia1
2$i=$ 2ul" /e (la=e" a# $is
"is(sal6 A##lee1 # $is "isma%1
$a" agree" #$em all6 N21
en#ering #$e &a/ine# Rm1 #$e
a"miral s#ill $(e" sme$2 #
resis# A##lee's e,,r#s # ,r=e #$e
In"ian assignmen# n $im6
@i#$ $is sall2 =m(leCin1 $is
in"i,,eren#l% #rimme"
mus#a=$e1 $is s$a(eless #2ee"
sui#s 2$i=$ seeme" /liss,ull%
ignran# , a
8
su/"ue'
(ressing irn's =aress1 #$e man
2ai#ing ,r Mun#/a##en eCu"e"
in $is "emeanur sme#$ing ,
#$a# gre% an" "rear% =i#% #$rug$
2$i=$ #$e a"miral's =ar $a" Bus#
(asse"6LT$a# $e1 a La/ur Prime
Minis#er1 s$ul" 2an# a
glamrus1 (lD(la%ing
mem/er , #$e r%al ,amil% #
,ill #$e ms# =ri#i=al (si#in in
#$e em(ire #$a# La/ur 2as
(le"ge" # "isman#le1 seeme"1 a#
,irs# sig$#1 an in=ngruus i"ea6
T$ere 2as mu=$ mre #
Mun#/a##en1 $2e+er1 #$an $is
(u/li= image in"i=a#e"6 T$e
"e=ra#ins n $is na+al uni,rm
2ere (r, , #$a#6 T$e (u/li=
mig$# =nsi"er $im a (illar ,
#$e Es#a/lis$men#T #$e
Es#a/lis$men# #$emsel+es #en"e"
# regar" Mun#/a##en an" $is
2i,e as "angerus ra"i=als6 His
=mman" in Su#$eas# Asia $a"
gi+en $im a .n2le"ge , Asian
na#inalis# m+emen#s ,e2 in
Englan" =ul" ma#=$6 He $a"
"eal# 2i#$ #$e su((r#ers , H
&$i Min$ in In"D&$ina1
Su.arn in In"nesia1 Aung San
in Burma1 &$inese &mmunis#s
in Mala%a1 unrul% #ra"e uninis#s
in Singa(re6 RealiQing #$e%
re(resen#e" Asia's ,u#ure1 $e $a"
sug$# a==mm"a#ins 2i#$
#$em ra#$er #$an1 as $is s#a,, an"
Allies $a" urge"1 #r%ing #
su((ress #$em6 T$e na#inalis#
m+emen# 2i#$ 2$i=$ $e 2ul"
$a+e # "eal i, $e 2en# # In"ia
2as #$e l"es# an" ms# unusual
, #$em all6 In a 'uar#er , a
=en#ur% , ins(ire" agi#a#in an"
(r#es#1 i#s lea"ers$i( $a" ,r=e"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$is#r%'s grea#es# em(ire # #$e
"e=isin A##lee's Par#% $a" #a.enH
le# Bri#ain lea+e In"ia in g"
#ime ra#$er #$an /e "ri+en u# /%
#$e ,r=es , $is#r% an"
arme" re/eUin
T$e Prime liJinis#er /egan /%
re+ie2ing #$e In"ian s=ene6 T$e
In"ian si#ua#in1 $e sai"1 2as
"e#erira#ing 2i#$ e+er% (assing
"a% an" #$e #ime ,r urgen#
"e=isin 2as a# $an"6 I# 2as ne
, #$e (ara"Ces , $is#r% #$a#
a# #$is =ri#i=al Bun=#ure1 2$en
Bri#ain 2as a# las# rea"% # gi+e
In"ia $er ,ree"m1 s$e =ul" n#
,in" a 2a% # " s6 @$a# s$ul"
$a+e /een Bri#ain's ,ines# $ur in
In"ia seeme" "es#ine" # /e=me
a nig$#mare , unsur(assa/le
$rrr6 S$e $a" =n'uere" an"
rule" In"ia 2i#$ 2$a# 2as1 /%
=lnial s#an"ar"s1 rela#i+el%
li##le /l"s$e"6 Her lea+ing i#
#$rea#ene" # (r"u=e an
eC(lsin , +ilen=e #$a# 2uB"
"2ar, in s=ale an" magni#u"e
an%#$ing In"ia $a" eC(erien=e"
in #$ree an" a $al, =en#uries6
T$e r# , #$e (r/lem 2as #$e
age l" an#agnism /e#2een
In"ia's ?44 millin Hin"us an"
344 millin Mslems6 Sus#aine"
/% #ra"i#in1 /% an#i(a#$e#i=
religins1 /% e=nmi=
"i,,eren=es1 su/#l% eCa=er/a#e"
#$rug$ #$e %ears /%
Bri#aBirrSCi2BnBBBi=%B, Di+i"e
an" Rule1 #$eir =n,li=# $a"
rea=$e"TJiling (in#6 T$e
Mslem lea"ers n2D"eman"e"
#$a# Bri#ain ri( a(ar# #$e uni#%
s$e $a" s (ains#a.ingl% ere=#e"
# gi+e #$em an Islami= s#a#eF ,
#$eir 2n6 T$e =s#
,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
, "en%ing #$em #$eir s#a#e1 #$e%
2arne"1 2ul" /e #$e /l"ies#
=i+il 2ar in Asian $is#r%6
Jus# as "e#ermine" # resis# #$eir
"eman"s 2ere #$e lea"ers , #$e
&ngress Par#% re(resen#ing
ms# , In"ia's ?44 millin
Hin"us6 T #$em1 #$e "i+isin ,
#$e su/D=n#inen# 2ul" /e a
mu#ila#in , #$eir $is#ri=
$melan" alms# sa=rilegius in
i#s na#ure6
Bri#ain 2as #ra((e" /e#2een
#$se #2 a((aren#l%
irre=n=ila/le (si#ins1 sin.ing
sl2l% in# a 'uagmire ,rm
2$i=$ s$e seeme" una/le #
eC#ri=a#e $ersel,6 Time an" again
Bri#is$ e,,r#s # resl+e #$e
(r/lem $a" ,aile"6 S "es(era#e
$a" #$e si#ua#in /e=me1 #$a#
#$e (resen# -i=er%1 an $nes#1
,r#$rig$# sl"ier1 !iel"DMars$al
Sir Ar=$i/al" @a+ell1 $a" Bus#
su/mi##e" # #$e A##lee
g+ernmen# $is las#D"i#=$
re=mmen"a#ins6 S$ul" all
else ,ail1 $e sugges#e" #$e Bri#is$
annun=e '2e (r(se #
2i#$"ra2 ,rm In"ia in ur 2n
me#$" an" in ur 2n #ime an"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2i#$ "ue regar" # ur 2n
in#eres#sT an" #in# 2e 2ill regar"
an% a##em(# # in#er,ere 2i#$ ur
(rgramme as an a=# , 2ar
2$i=$ 2e 2ill mee# 2i#$ all #$e
resur=es a# ur =mman"6'
Bri#ain an" In"ia1 A##lee #l"
Mun#/a##en1 2ere $ea"ing
#2ar"s a maBr "isas#er6 T$e
si#ua#in =ul" n# /e all2e" #
g n6 @a+ell 2as a man ,
(ain,ull% ,e2 2r"s1 an"1 A##lee
sai"1 $e'" /een una/le #
es#a/lis$ an% real =n#a=# 2i#$
$is l'ua=ius In"ian
in#erl=u#rs6J''
A ,res$ ,a=e1 a ,res$ a((ra=$
2as "es(era#el% nee"e" i, a
=risis 2ere # /e a+er#e"6 Ea=$
mrning1 A##lee re+eale"1
/rug$# i#s /a#=$ , =a/les # #$e
In"ia O,,i=e annun=ing an
u#/urs# , 2an#n sa+ager% in
sme ne2 =rner , In"ia6 I#
2as1 $e in"i=a#e"1 Mun#D
/a##en's slemn "u#% # #a.e #$e
(s# $e'" /een ,,ere"6>
A sense , ,re/"ing $a" /een
,illing MUn#/a##en as $e
lis#ene" # #$e Prime Minis#er's
2r"s6 He s#ill #$ug$# In"ia 2as
'an a/slu#el% $(eless
(r(si#in'6 He li.e" an"
a"mire" @a+ell 2i#$ 2$m $e'"
,#en "is=usse" In"ia's (r/lems
"uring $is regular
> Al#$ug$ Mun#/a##en "i"n'#
.n2 i#1 #$e i"ea , sen"ing $im
# In"ia $a" /een sugges#e" #
A##lee /% #$e man a# #$e Prime
Minis#er's si"e1 $is &$an=ellr ,
#$e EC=$e'uer1 Sir S#a,,r"
&ri((s6 I# $a" =me u( a# a
se=re# =n+ersa#in in Ln"n in
De=em/er1 /e#2een &ri((s an"
*ris$na Menn1 an u#s(.en
In"ian le,#D2inger an" in#ima#e
, #$e &ngress lea"er
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru6 Menn $a"
sugges#e" # &ri((s an" Ne$ru
#$a# &ngress sa2 li##le $(e ,
(rgress in In"ia s lng as
@a+ell 2as -i=er%6 In res(nse
# a 'uer% ,rm #$e Bri#is$
lea"er1 $e $a" a"+an=e" #$e
name , a man Ne$ru $el" in #$e
$ig$es# regar"1 Luis
Mun#/a##en6 A2are #$a#
Mun#/al#en's use,ulness 2ul"
/e "es#r%e" i, In"ia's Mslem
lea"ers learne" , #$e genesis ,
$is a((in#men# #$e #2 men
$a" agree" # re+eal #$e "e#ails
, #$eir #al. # n ne6 Menn
re+eale" #$e "e#ails , $is
=n+ersa#in 2i#$ &ri((s in a
series , =n+ersa#ins 2i#$ ne
, #$e au#$rs in Ne2 Del$i in
!e/ruar% 378?1 a %ear /e,re $is
"ea#$6
'A RA&E DESTINED TO
)O-ERN AND SUBDUE' 7
+isi#s # Del$i as Su(reme Allie"
&mman"er in Su#$eas# Asia6
@a+ell $a" ail #$e rig$# i"eas1
Mun#/a##en #$ug$#6 I, $e
=ul"n'# " i#1 2$a#'s #$e (in# ,
m% #r%ing # #a.e i# n? Ye# $e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2as /eginning # un"ers#an"
#$ere 2as n es=a(e6 He 2as
ging # /e ,r=e" # a==e(# a
B/ in 2$i=$ #$e ris. , ,ailure
2as enrmus an" in 2$i=$ $e
=ul" easil% s$a##er #$e /rillian#
re(u#a#in $e'" /rug$# u# ,
#$e 2ar6
I, A##lee 2as ging # ,r=e i# n
$im1 $2e+er1 Mun#/a##en 2as
"e#ermine" # im(se n #$e
Prime Minis#er #$e (li#i=al
=n"i#ins #$a# 2ul" gi+e $im
a# leas# sme $(es , su==ess6
His #al.s 2i#$ @a+ell $a" gi+en
$im an i"ea 2$a# #$e% 2ere6
He 2ul" n# a==e(#1 $e #l" #$e
Prime Minis#er1 unless #$e
g+ernmen# agree" # ma.e an
une'ui+=al (u/li=
annun=emen# , #$e (re=ise
"a#e n 2$i=$ Bri#is$ ri,le in
In"ia 2ul" #ermina#e6 Onl%
#$a#1 FMun#/a##en ,el#1 2ul"
=n+in=e In"ia's Fs=e(#i=al
in#elligen#sia #$a# Bri#ain 2as
reall% lea+ing an" in,use $er
lea"ers 2i#$ #$e sense , urgen=%
nee"e" # ge# #$em in# realis#i=
neg#ia#ins6>
Se=n"1 $e "eman"e" sme#$ing
n #$er -i=er% $a" e+er
"reame" , as.ing1 ,ull (2ers
# =arr% u# $is assignmen#
2i#$u# re,eren=e # Ln"n
an"1 a/+e all1 2i#$u# =ns#an#
in#er,eren=e ,rm Ln"n6 T$e
A##lee g+ernmen# =ul" gi+e
#$e %ung a"miral $is ,inal
"es#ina#in /u# $e1 an" $e alne1
2as ging # se# $is =urse an"
run #$e s$i( alng #$e 2a%6
'Surel%1' A##lee as.e"1 '%u're n#
as.ing ,r (leni(#en#iar%
(2ers a/+e His MaBes#%'s
)+ernmen#1 are %u?'
'I am a,rai"1 Sir1' ans2ere"
Mun#/a##en1 '#$a# #$a# is eCa=#l%
2$a# I am as.ing6 H2 =an I
(ssi/l% neg#ia#e 2i#$ #$e
&a/ine# =ns#an#l% /rea#$ing
"2n m% ne=.?'
A s#unne" silen=e ,ll2e" $is
2r"s6 Mun#/a##en 2a#=$e"
2i#$ sa#is,a=#in as #$e na#ure ,
$is /rea#$#a.ing "eman"
regis#ere" n #$e Prime
Minis#er's ,a=e1 $(ing1 as $e
"i"1 #$a# i# 2ul" (rm(# A##lee
# 2i#$"ra2 $is ,,er6
Ins#ea"1 #$e Prime Minis#er
in"i=a#e" 2i#$ a sig$ $is
2illingness # a==e(# e+en #$a#6
An $ur la#er1 s$ul"ers sagging1
Mun#/a##en emerge" ,rm #$e
(r#al , D2ning S#ree#6 He
.ne2 $e 2as =n"emne" #
/e=me In"ia's las# -i=er%1 #$e
eCe=u#iner1 in a sense1 , $is
=un#r%men's ,n"es# im(erial
"ream6
)e##ing /a=. in# $is =ar1 a
s#range #$ug$# s#ru=. $im6 I#
2as eCa=#l% se+en#% %ears1
alms# # #$e $ur1 ,rm #$e
mmen# $is 2n grea#D
gran"m#$er $a" /een
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(r=laime" Em(ress , In"ia n
a (lain
> @a+ell # $a" re=mmen"e"
a #ime limi# # A##lee "uring a
Ln"n +isi# in De=em/er 37A96
34
,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
u#si"e Del$i6 In"ia's (rin=es1
assem/le" ,r #$e ==asin1 $a"
/egge" #$e $ea+ens #$a# "a% #$a#
Lueen -i=#ria's '(2er an"
s+ereign#%' mig$# 'remain
s#ea",as# ,re+er'6
N21 n #$is Ne2 Year's
mrning ne , $er grea#D
gran"sns $a" ini#ia#e" #$e
(r=ess 2$i=$ 2ul" ,iC #$e "a#e
n 2$i=$ ',re+er' 2ul" =me
# an en"6S Ba-A
> > >
His#r%'s ms# gran"ise
a==m(lis$men#s =an sme#imes
$a+e #$e ms# /anal , rigins6
)rea# Bri#ain 2as se# n #$e ra"
# #$e grea# =lnial a"+en#ure
,r ,i+e misera/le s$illings6 T$e%
re(resen#e" #$e in=rease in #$e
(ri=e , a (un" , (e((er
(r=laime" /% #$e Du#=$
(ri+a#eers 2$ =n#rlle" #$e
s(i=e #ra"e6
In=ense" a# 2$a# #$e% =nsi"ere"
a 2$ll% un2arran#e" ges#ure1
#2en#%D,ur mer=$an#s , #$e
&i#% , Ln"n ga#$ere" n #$e
a,#ernn , 5A Se(#em/er 30771
in a "e=re(i# /uil"ing n
Lea"enD$all S#ree#6 T$eir
(ur(se 2as # ,un" a m"es#
#ra"ing ,irm 2i#$ an ini#ial
=a(i#al , O851444 su/s=ri/e" /%
350 s$are$l"ers6 Onl% #$e
sim(les# , =n=erns1 (r,i#1
ins(ire" #$eir en#er(rise 2$i=$1
eC(an"e" an" #rans,rme"1
2ul" ul#ima#el% /e=me #$e
ms# n#e2r#$% =rea#in , #$e
age , im(erialism1 #$e Bri#is$
RaB6
T$e &m(an% re=ei+e" i#s
,,i=ial san=#in n ?3
De=em/er 30771 2$en Lueen
EliQa/e#$ I signe" a r%al =$ar#er
assigning i# eC=lusi+e #ra"ing
rig$#s 2i#$ all =un#ries /e%n"
#$e &a(e , )" H(e ,r an
ini#ial (eri" , ,i,#een %ears6
Eig$# mn#$s la#er1 a 044D#n
gallenname" #$e He=#r
"r((e" an=$r in #$e li##le (r#
, Sura#1 nr#$ , Bm/a%6 I#
2as 5A Augus# 39446 T$e Bri#is$
$a" arri+e" in In"ia6 T$eir ini#ial
lan"ing 2as a m"es# ne6 I#
=ame in #$e sli#ar% ,igure ,
@illiam Ha2.ins1 &a(#ain , #$e
He=#r1 a "ur l" seaman 2$
2as mre (ira#e #$an eC(lrer6
Ha2.ins mar=$e" ,, in# #$e
in#erir1 (re(are" # ,in" ru/ies
as /ig as (igens' eggsT en"less
s#an"s , (e((er1 ginger1 in"ig1
=innamnT #rees 2$se lea+es
2ere s enrmus #$a# #$e s$a"e
#$e% =as# =ul" =+er an en#ire
,amil%1 (#ins "eri+e" ,rm
ele($an#s' #es#i=les # gi+e $im
e#ernal %u#$6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$ere 2as li##le , #$a# In"ia
alng #$e &a(#ain's mar=$ #
Agra6 T$ere1 $2e+er1 $is
en=un#er 2i#$ #$e grea# Mg$ul
=m(ensa#e" ,r #$e $ar"s$i(s ,
$is Burne%6 He ,un" $imsel,
,a=e # ,a=e 2i#$ a s+ereign
/esi"e 2$m Lueen EliQa/e#$
a((eare" #$e ruler , a (r+in=ial
$amle#6 Reigning +er 84
millin su/Be=#s1 #$e Em(err
Je$angir 2as #$e 2rl"'s ri=$es#
an" ms# (2er,ul mnar=$1 #$e
,ur#$ an" las# , In"ia's grea#
Mg$ul rulers6
T$e ,irs# Englis$man # rea=$
$is =ur# 2as gree#e" 2i#$ a
ges#ure 2$i=$ mig$# $a+e
"is=n=er#e" #$e 350 2r#$%
s$are$l"ers , #$e
su/"ue' 33
Eas# In"ia Tra"ing &m(an%6
T$e Mg$ul ma"e $im a
mem/er , #$e R%al Huse$l"
an" ,,ere" $im as a 2el=ming
gi,# #$e ms# /eau#i,ul girl in $is
$arem1 an Armenian &$ris#ian6
!r#una#el%1 /ene,i#s , a na#ure
mre li.el% # ins(ire $is
em(l%er's es#eem #$an #$e
enri=$men# , $is seC li,e1 als
gre2 u# , &a(#ain Ha2.ins'
arri+al in Agra6 Je$angir signe"
an im(erial ,irman au#$riQing
#$e Eas# In"ia &m(an% # (en
#ra"ing "e(#s nr#$ , Bm/a%6
I#s su==ess 2as ra(i" an"
im(ressi+e6 Sn1 #2 s$i(s a
mn#$ 2ere unla"ing
mun#ains , s(i=es1 gum1 sugar1
ra2 sil. an" Muslin =##n n
#$e "=.s alng #$e T$ames an"
sailing ,, 2i#$ $l"s ,ull ,
Englis$ manu,a=#ures6 A "eluge
, "i+i"en"s1 sme , #$em as
$ig$ as 544 P1 =ame (uring
"2n n #$e ,irm's ,r#una#e
s$are$l"ers6
T$e Bri#is$1 generall%1 2ere
2el=me" /% #$e na#i+e rulers
an" ((ula#in6 Unli.e #$e
Qealus S(aniar"s 2$ 2ere
=n'uering Su#$ Ameri=a in #$e
name , a re"eeming )"1 #$e
Bri#is$ s#resse" #$a# i# 2as in #$e
name , an#$er )"1 Mammn1
#$a# #$e% $a" =me # In"ia6
'Tra"e n# #erri#r%'1 #$e
&m(an%'s ,,i=ers ne+er =ease"
re(ea#ing1 2as #$eir (li=%6
Ine+i#a/l%1 $2e+er1 as #$eir
#ra"ing a=#i+i#ies gre21 #$e
&m(an%'s ,,i=ers /e=ame
enmes$e" in l=al (li#i=s an"
,r=e"1 in r1"er # (r#e=# #$eir
eC(an"ing =mmer=e1 #
in#er+ene in #$e s'ua//les , #$e
(e##% s+ereigns n 2$se
#erri#ries #$e% (era#e"6 T$us
/egan #$e irre+ersi/le (r=ess
2$i=$ 2ul" lea" Englan" #
=n'uer In"ia alms# /%
ina"+er#en=e6 On 5? June 38081
mar=$ing #$rug$ a "ren=$ing
rain,all a# #$e $ea" , 744
Englis$men , #$e ?7#$ !# an"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
5444 In"ian se(%s1 an
au"a=ius general name" R/er#
&li+e ru#e" #$e arm% , a
#ru/lesme Na2a/ in #$e ri=e
(a""ies u#si"e a Bengali +illage
=alle" Plasse%6
&li+e's +i=#r% (ene" #$e ga#es
, nr#$ern In"ia6 @i#$ i#1 #$e
Bri#is$ =n'ues# , In"ia #rul%
s#ar#e"6 T$eir mer=$an#s ga+e
2a% # #$e /uil"ers , em(ireT
an" #erri#r%1 nT #ra"e1 /e=ame
#$e (rimar% =n=ern , #$e
Bri#is$ in In"ia6
T$e =en#ur% #$a# ,ll2e" 2as
ne , =n'ues#6 Al#$ug$ #$e%
2ere s(e=i,i=all% ins#ru=#e" /%
Ln"n # a+i" 's=$emes ,
=n'ues# an" #erri#rial
eC(ansin'1 a su==essin ,
am/i#ius g+ernr generals
relen#lessl% em/ra=e" #$e
((si#e (li=%6 In less #$an a
=en#ur% a =m(an% , #ra"ers
2as me#amr($se" in# a
s+ereign (2er1 i#s a==un#an#s
an" #ra"ers in# generals an"
g+ernrs1 i#s ra=e ,r "i+i"en"s
in# a s#ruggle ,r im(erial
au#$ri#%6 @i#$u# $a+ing se# u#
# " s1 Bri#ain $a" /e=me #$e
su==essr # #$e Mg$ul
Em(errs6
!rm #$e u#se#1 $er in#en# 2as
al2a%s ne "a% # relin'uis$ #$e
35
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(ssessins s$e $a" s
ina"+er#en#l+Sae'uire"6 As earl%
as 3:3:1 #$e Mar'uess ,
Has#ings n#e"H 'A #ime1 n# +er%
rem#e1 2ill arri+e 2$en
Englan" 2ill1 n sun"
(rin=i(les , (li=%1 2is$ #
relin'uis$ #$e "mina#in 2$i=$
s$e $as gra"uall% an"
unin#en#inall% assume" +er
#$is =un#r%6' Em(ires1 $2e+er1
2ere mre na#urall% a='uire"
#$an "is(se" , an" #$e mmen#
,reseen /% Has#ings 2as # /e
=nsi"era/l% mre rem#e #$an
#$e Mar'uess mig$# $a+e
imagine"6
Bri#is$ rule nne#$eless /rug$#
In"ia /ene,i#s , =nsi"era/le
magni#u"e1 PaC Bri#anni=a an"
reasna/le ,a=similes , Bri#ain's
2n legal1 a"minis#ra#i+e an"
e"u=a#inal ins#i#u#ins6 A/+e
all1 i# ga+e In"ia #$e magni,i=en#
gi,# 2$i=$ 2as # /e=me #$e
=mmn /n" , i#s "i+erse
(e(les an" #$e =n"ui# , #$eir
re+lu#inar% as(ira#ins1 #$e
Englis$ language61 S U #
T$e ,irs# mani,es#a#in , #$se
as(ira#ins =ame in #$e sa+age
Mu#in% in 3:086 I#s ms#
im(r#an# resul# 2as an a/ru(#
=$ange in #$e manner in 2$i=$
Bri#ain g+erne" In"ia6 A,#er
50: %ears , ,rui#,ul a=#i+i#ies1
#$e Hnura/le Eas# In"ia
&m(an%'s eCis#en=e 2as
#ermina#e"6DRes(nsi/ili#% ,r
#$e "es#in% , ?44 millin
In"ians 2as #rans,erre" # #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$an"s , a ?7D%earDl" 2man
2$se #u//% ,igure 2ul"
in=arna#e #$e +=a#in , #$e
Bri#is$ ra=e # "mina#e #$e
2rl"1 Lueen -i=#ria6
Hen=e,r#$1 Bri#ain's au#$ri#%
2as # /e eCer=ise" /% #$e
=r2n1 re(resen#e" in In"ia /% a
.in" , nmina#e" .ing ru$ng a
,i,#$ , $umani#%1 #$e -i=er%6
@i#$ #$a# =$ange /egan #$e
(eri" #$e 2rl" 2ul" ms#
,#en ass=ia#e 2i#$ #$e Bri#is$
In"ian eC(erien=e1 #$e -i=#rian
era6 I#s (re"minan# ($ils($%
2as a =n=e(# ,re'uen#l%
enun=ia#e" /% #$e man 2$ 2as
i#s sel,Da((in#e" (e# laurea#e D
Ru"%ar" *i(ling D#$a# 2$i#e
Englis$men 2ere uni'uel% ,i##e"
# rule 'lesser /ree"s 2i#$u# #$e
la2'6 FT$e res(nsi/ili#% ,r
g+erning In"ia1 *i(ling
(r=laime"1 $a" /een '(la=e" /%
#$e ins=ru#a/le "e=ree ,
(r+i"en=e u(n #$e s$ul"ers
, #$e Bri#is$ ra=e'6
Ul#ima#el%1 res(nsi/ili#% 2as
eCer=ise" a# an% gi+en #ime /% a
li##le /an" , /r#$ers1 5444
mem/ers , #$e In"ian &i+il
Ser+i=e1 #$e I&S1 an" 341444
Bri#is$ ,,i=ers , #$e In"ian
Arm%6 T$eir au#$ri#% +er ?44
millin (e(le 2as sus#aine" /%
941444 Bri#is$ sl"iers an"
5441444 men , #$e In"ian
Arm%S N s#a#is#i=s =ul"
measure /e##er #$an #$se #$e
na#ure , Bri#ain's rule in In"ia
a,#er 3:08 r #$e manner in
2$i=$ #$e In"ian masses 2ere
lng (re(are" # a==e(# i#6
T$e In"ia , #$se men 2as #$a#
(i=#ures'ue1 rman#i= In"ia ,
*i(ling's #ales6 T$eirs 2as #$e
In"ia , gen#lemen ,,i=ers in
(lume" s$a.s ri"ing a# #$e $ea"
, #$eir #ur/ane" se(%sT ,
"is#ri=# magis#ra#es ls# in #$e
#rri" 2as#es , #$e De==anT ,
sum(#uus im(erial /alls in #$e
Himala%an summer =a(i#al ,
SimlaT =ri=.e#
'A RA&E DESTINED TO
)O-ERN AND SUBDUE' 3?
ma#=$es n #$e mani=ure" la2ns
, &al=u##a's Bengal &lu/T (l
games n #$e sun/urn# (lains ,
RaBas#$anT #iger $un#s in AssamT
%ung men si##ing "2n #
"inner in /la=. #ies in a #en# in
#$e mi""le , #$e Bungle1
slemnl% (r(sing #$eir #as# in
(r# # #$e *ing Em(err 2$ile
Ba=.als $2le" in #$e "ar.ness
arun" #$emT ,,i=ers in s=arle#
#uni=s (ursuing re/ellius
Pa#$an #ri/esmen in #$e slee# r
un/eara/le $ea# , #$e !rn#ierT
#$e In"ia , a =as#e unassaila/l%
=er#ain , i#s su(eriri#%1 si((ing
2$is.ies an" s"a n #$e
+eran"a , i#s Eur(eans Onl%
&lu/s6 T$se men 2ere1
generall%1 #$e (r"u=#s ,
,amilies , im(e==a/le /ree"ing
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
/u# less =er#ain 2eal#$T #$e
,,s(ring , g" Angli=an
=un#r% =$ur=$menT #alen#e"
se=n" sns , #$e lan"e"
aris#=ra=%T sns ,
s=$lmas#ers1 =lassi=s
(r,essrs an" a/+e all , #$e
(re+ius genera#in , #$e
Bri#is$ in In"ia6 T$e% mas#ere"
n #$e (la%ing ,iel"s an" in #$e
=lassrms , E#n1 Harr21
&$ar#er$use1 Haile%/ur%1 #$e
"is=i(lines #$a# 2ul" ,i# #$em #
rule an em(ireH eC=ellen=e a#
'games'1 a "elig$# in 'manl%
(ursui#s'1 #$e a/ili#% # a/sr/ #$e
2$a=. , a $ea"mas#er's =ane r
"e=laim #$e O"es , Hra=e an"
#$e +erses , Hmer6 'In"ia'1
n#e" James S6 Mill1 '2as a +as#
s%s#em , u#"r relie, ,r
Bri#ain's u((er =lasses6'
I# re(resen#e" =$allenge an"
a"+en#ure1 an" i#s /un"less
s(a=es an arena in 2$i=$
Englan"'s %ung men =ul" ,in"
a ,ul,ilmen# #$eir islan"'s mre
res#ri=#e" s$res mig$# "en%
#$em6 T$e% arri+e" n #$e "=.s
, Bm/a% a# nine#een r
#2en#%1 /arel% a/le # raise a
s#u//le n #$eir =$ins6 T$e%
2en# $me #$ir#%D,i+e r ,r#%
%ears la#er1 #$eir /"ies s=arre"
/% /ulle#s1 /% "isease1 a
(an#$er's =la2s r a ,all n #$e
(l ,iel"1 #$eir ,a=es ra+age" /%
# mu=$ sun an" # mu=$
2$is.%1 /u# (ru" , $a+ing
li+e" #$eir (ar# , a rman#i=
legen"6
A %ung man's a"+en#ure usuall%
/egan in #$e #$ea#ri=al =n,usin
, Bm/a%'s -i=#ria S#a#in6
T$ere1 un"er i#s re" /ri=. neD
)#$i= ar=$es1 $e "is=+ere" ,r
#$e ,irs# #ime #$e ,a=e , #$e
=un#r% in 2$i=$ $e'" =$sen #
s(en" $is li,e6 I# 2as usuall% a
s$=.1 a 2$irl(l , ,ran#i=all%
s=urr%ing1 s$+ing1 s$u#ing
$uman /eings1 "ar#ing in an" u#
amng Bum/les , =ases1 +alises1
/un"les1 sa=.s1 /ales all
s=a##ere" in #$e $alls , #$e
s#a#in 2i#$u# an% a((aren#
regar" ,r r"er6 T$e $ea#1 #$e
=ris( smell , s(i=es an" urine
e+a(ra#ing in #$e sun 2ere
+er2$elming6 Men in sagging
"$#is an" ,la((ing nig$# s$ir#s1
2men in saris1 /are arms an"
,ee# Bangling 2i#$ #$e gl"
/ra=ele#s n #$eir 2ris#s an"
an.les1 Si.$ sl"iers in s=arle#
#ur/ans1 ema=ia#e" sa"$us in
range an" %ell2 lin=l#$s1
"e,rme" =$il"ren an" /eggars
#$rus#ing u# #$eir s#un#e" lim/s
,r /a.s$ees$1 all assaile" $im6
T$e relie, , a %ung lieu#enan#
r ne2l%D

3A

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
su/"ue' 30

a((in#e" ,,i=er , #$e I&S n
/ar"ing #$e "ar. green =ars ,
#$e !rn#ier Mail r #$e
H%"era/a" EC(ress 2as usuall%
enrmus6 Insi"e1 /e$in" #$e
=ur#ains , #$e ,irs#D=lass
=arriages1 a ,amiliar 2rl"
2ai#e"1 a 2rl" , "ee( /r2n
u($ls#ere" sea#s an" a "iningD
=ar 2i#$ ,res$ 2$i#e linen an"
=$am(agne =$illing in sil+er
/u=.e#sT a/+e all1 a 2rl" in
2$i=$ #$e nl% In"ian ,a=e $e
2as li.el% # en=un#er 2as #$a#
, #$e =n"u=#r =lle=#ing $is
#i=.e#s6 T$a# 2as #$e ,irs# lessn
a %ung ,,i=er learne"6 Englan"
ran In"ia1 /u# #$e Englis$ "2el#
a(ar#6
A $ars$ s=$9ling a2ai#e" #$e
em(ire's %ung ser+an#s a# #$e
en" , #$eir ,irs# (assage #
In"ia6 T$e% 2ere sen# # rem#e
(s#s1 =+ere" /% (rimi#i+e
ra"s an" Bungle #ra=.s1
in$a/i#e"1 i, a# all1 /% nl% a ,e2
Eur(eans6 B% #$e #ime #$e%
2ere #2en#%D,ur r #2en#%D,i+e1
#$e% ,#en ,un" #$emsel+es
2i#$ sle res(nsi/ili#% ,r
$an"ing "2n Bus#i=e # an"
a"minis#ering #$e li+es , a
millin r mre $uman /eings1
in areas sme#imes larger #$an
S=#lan"6
His a((ren#i=es$i( in #$se
rem#e "is#ri=#s e+en#uall%
'uali,ie" a %ung ,,i=er # #a.e
$is (ri+ilege" (la=e in ne ,
#$se green an" (leasan# islan"s
,rm 2$i=$ #$e aris#=ra=% ,
#$e RaB ran In"ia1 '=an#nmen#s'1
gl"en g$e##s , Bri#is$ rule
a((en"e" li.e ,reign /"ies #
In"ia's maBr =i#ies6
Ine+i#a/l%1 ea=$ en=la+e
in=lu"e" i#s green eC(anse ,
gar"en1 i#s slaug$#er$use1 i#s
/an.1 i#s s$(s an" a s'ua# s#ne
=$ur=$1 a (ru" li##le re(li=a ,
#$se in Drse# r Surre%6 I#s
$ear# 2as al2a%s #$e sameH an
ins#i#u#in #$a# seeme" # gr2
u( 2$ere+er mre #$an #2
Englis$men ga#$ere"1 a =lu/6
T$ere1 in #$e =l , #$e
a,#ernn1 #$e Bri#is$ , #$e
=an#nmen# =ul" ga#$er # (la%
#ennis n #$eir 2ellD.e(# grass
=ur#s1 r sli( in# 2$i#e ,lannels
,r a =ri=.e# ma#=$6 A# #$e sa=re"
$ur , sun"2n1 #$e% sa# u# n
#$eir =l la2ns r n #$eir
ram/ling +eran"as 2$ile 2$i#eD
r/e" ser+an#s gli"e" (as# 2i#$
#$eir 'sun"2ners'1 #$e ,irs#
2$is.% , #$e e+ening6
T$e (ar#ies an" re=e(#ins in
im(erial In"ia's (rin=i(al =i#ies
DBm/a%1 &al=u##a1 La$re1
Del$i1 Simla D 2ere la+is$
a,,airs6 'E+er%ne 2i#$ an%
s#an"ing $a" a /allrm an" a
"ra2ingDrm a# leas# eig$#% ,ee#
lng1' 2r#e ne gran"e "ame
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$ li+e" in -i=#rian In"ia6 'In
#$se "a%s1 #$ere 2ere nne ,
#$se $rri/le /u,,e#s 2$ere
(e(le g # a #a/le 2i#$ a (la#e
an" s#an" arun" ea#ing 2i#$
2$mse+er #$e% =$se6 T$e
a+erage (ri+a#e "inner 2as ,r
#$ir#%D,i+e r ,r#% 2i#$ a ser+an#
,r ea=$ gues#6 S$(.ee(ers an"
=mmer=ial (e(le 2ere ne+er
in+i#e" nr1 , =urse1 "i" ne
e+er see an In"ian s=iall%1
an%2$ere6
'N#$ing 2as as im(r#an# as
(re=e"en=e an" #$e "ea"l% sin
2as # ignre i#6 A$1 #$e su""en
ar=#i= air #$a# =ul" s2ee( +er a
"inner (ar#% i, #$e 2i,e , an
I&S Bin# se=re#ar% s$ul" ,in"
$ersel, sea#e" /el2 an arm%
,,i=er , ran. in,erir # #$a# ,
$er $us/an"6'
DMu=$ , #$e #ne , -i=#rian
In"ia 2as se# /% #$e
'memsa$i/s'1 #$e Bri#is$ 2i+es6
T a large eC#en#1 #$e s=ial
se(ara#in , #$e Englis$ an" #$e
In"ians 2as #$eir "ing6 T$eir
(ur(se1 (er$a(s1 2as # s$iel"
#$eir men ,rm #$e eC#i=
#em(#a#ins , #$eir In"ian
sis#ers1 a #em(#a#in # 2$i=$ #$e
,irs# genera#ins , Englis$men
in In"ia $a" su==um/e" 2i#$
Qes#1 lea+ing /e$in" a ne2
AnglDIn"ian s=ie#% sus(en"e"
/e#2een #2 2rl"s6
T$e grea# (as#ime , #$e Bri#is$
in In"ia 2as s(r#6 A l+e ,
=ri=.e#1 #ennis1 s'uas$ an"
$=.e% 2ul" /e1 2i#$ #$e
Englis$ language1 #$e ms#
en"uring $eri#age #$e% 2ul"
lea+e /e$in"6 )l, 2as
in#r"u=e" in &al=u##a in 3:571
?4 %ears /e,re i# rea=$e" Ne2
Yr.1 an" #$e 2rl"'s $ig$es#
=urse lai" u# in #$e Himala%as
a# 331444 ,ee#6 N gl, /ag 2as
=nsi"ere" mre =$i= n #$se
=urses #$an ne ma"e , an
ele($an#'s (enis D (r+i"e"1 ,
=urse1 i#s 2ner $a" s$# #$e
/eas# $imsel,6
T$e Bri#is$ (la%e" in In"ia /u#
#$e% "ie" #$ere1 #1 in +er% grea#
num/ers1 ,#en %ung6 E+er%
=an#nmen# =$ur=$ $a" i#s
a"Ba=en# gra+e%ar" # 2$i=$ #$e
li##le =mmuni#% mig$# =arr% i#s
regular ,l2 , "ea"1 +i=#ims ,
In"ia's =ruel =lima#e1 $er
(e=uliar $aQar"s1 $er e(i"emi=s
, malaria1 =$lera1 Bungle ,e+er6
N mre (ignan# a==un# , #$e
Bri#is$ in In"ia 2as e+er 2ri##en
#$an #$a# ins=ri/e" un #$e
#m/s#nes , #$se =eme#eries6
E+en in "ea#$ In"ia 2as ,ai#$,ul
# i#s legen"s6 L# S# J$n S$a2e1
, #$e R%al Hrse Ar#iller%1
'"ie" , 2un"s re=ei+e" ,rm a
(an#$er n 35 Ma% 3:991 a#
&$in"2ara'6 MaB6 Ar=$i/al"
Hi//er#1 "ie" 30 June 37451 near
Rai(ur a,#er '/eing gre" /% a
/isn'1 an" Harris M=Luai" 2as
'#ram(le" /% an ele($an#' a#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Saug$1 9 June 37456 T$mas
Henr% Bu#ler1 an A==un#an# in
#$e Pu/li= @r.s De(ar#men#1
Ju//ul(re1 $a" #$e mis,r#une
in 3:78 # /e 'ea#en /% a #iger in
Tilman !res#'6
In"ian ser+i=e $a" i#s /iQarre
$aQar"s6 Sis#er Mar% , #$e
&$ur=$ , Englan" !reign
Missinar% Ser+i=es "ie" a# #$e
age , ??1 '*ille" 2$ile #ea=$ing
a# #$e Missin S=$l Sin.a
2$en a /eam ea#en #$rug$ /%
2$i#e an#s ,ell n $er $ea"'6
MaBr )eneral Henr% Marin
Duran" , #$e R%al Engineers1
me# $is "ea#$ n Ne2 Year's Da%
3:83 'in =nse'uen=e , inBuries
re=ei+e" ,rm a ,all ,rm a
H2"a$ 2$ile (assing $is
ele($an# #$rug$ Duran" )a#e1
Tn.'6 Des(i#e $is engineering
/a=.grun"1 #$e general $a"
,aile" #$a# mrning # rea=$ a
Bus# a((re=ia#in , #$e
"i,,eren=e in $eig$# /e#2een #$e
ar=$2a% an" $is ele($an#6 T$ere
(r+e" # /e rm un"er i# ,r
#$e ele($an#1 /u# nne ,r $im6

39

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

sui"ue' 38

N sig$# #$se gra+e%ar"s
,,ere" 2as sa""er1 nr mre
(ignan#l% re+ealing , #$e
$uman (ri=e #$e Bri#is$ (ai" ,r
#$eir In"ian a"+en#ure1 #$an #$eir
r2s u(n r2s , un"ersiQe"
gra+es6 T$e% =r2"e" e+er%
=eme#er% in In"ia in a((alling
num/ers6 T$e% 2ere #$e gra+es
, =$il"ren1 =$il"ren an" in,an#s
.ille" in a =lima#e ,r 2$i=$ #$e%
$a" n# /een /re"1 /% "iseases
#$e% 2ul" ne+er $a+e .n2n in
#$eir na#i+e Englan"6
Sme#imes a lne #m/1
sme#imes #$ree r ,ur in a r21
#$se , an en#ire ,amil% 2i(e"
u# /% =$lera r Bungle ,e+er1
#$e e(i#a($s u(n #$se gra+es
2ere a (aren#s' $ear#/rea. ,rQen
in s#neH Tn memr% , (r
li##le @ill%1 #$e /el+e" an" nl%
=$il" , Bm/er @illiam Tal/#
an" Margare# A"elai"e Tal/#1
#$e R%al Hrse Briga"e1 Brn
Del$i 3A De=em/er 3:956 Die"
Del$i 38 Jul% 3:9?6'
In Asigar$1 #2 s#nes si"e /%
si"e ,,er ,r e#erni#% #$e
measure , 2$a# Englan"'s
glrius im(erial a"+en#ure
mean# # man% an r"inar%
Englis$man6 '37 A(ril 3:A06
AleCan"er1 8Dmn#$Dl" sn ,
&n"u=#r J$nsn an" Mar#$a
S=##6 Die" , =$lera1' rea"s #$e
,irs#6 T$e se=n"1 /esi"e i#1
rea"sH '?4 A(ril 3:A01 @illiam
J$n1 AD%earDl" sn ,
&n"u=#r J$nsn an" Mar#$a
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
S=##6 Die" , =$lera6' Un"er
#$em1 n a larger s#ne1 #$eir
grie+ing (aren#s =$iselle" a las#
,are2ellH
One /lessing1 ne sire1 ne
2m/
T$eir /eing ga+e6
T$e% $a" ne mr#al si=.ness
An" s$are ne gra+e
!ar ,rm an Englan" #$e% ne+er
.ne26
O/s=ure =ler.s r "as$ing
/la"es1 #$se genera#ins ,
Bri#ns (li=e" an" a"minis#ere"
In"ia as n ne /e,re #$em $a"6
T$eir rule 2as (a#ernalis#i=1 #$a#
, #$e l" (u/li= s=$lmas#er
"is=i(lining an unrul% /an" ,
/%s1 ,r=ing n #$em #$e
e"u=a#in $e 2as sure 2as g"
,r #$em6 @i#$ an ==asinal
eC=e(#in #$e% 2ere a/le an"
in=rru(#i/le1 "e#ermine" #
a"minis#er In"ia in i#s 2n /es#
in#eres#s D /u# i# 2as al2a%s #$e%
2$ "e=i"e" 2$a# #$se in#eres#s
2ere1 n# #$e In"ians #$e%
g+erne"6
T$eir grea# 2ea.ness 2as #$e
"is#an=e ,rm 2$i=$ #$e%
eCer=ise" #$eir au#$ri#%1 #$e
#erri/le smugness se##ing #$em
a(ar# ,rm #$se #$e% rule"6
Ne+er 2as #$a# a##i#u"e , ra=ial
su(eriri#% summe" u( mre
su==in=#l% #$an /% a ,rmer
,,i=er , #$e In"ian &i+il
Ser+i=e in a (arliamen#ar%
"e/a#e a# #$e #urn , #$e =en#ur%6
T$ere 2as1 $e sai"1 'a =$eris$e"
=n+i=#in s$are" /% e+er%
Englis$man in In"ia1 ,r(m #$e
$ig$es# # #$e l2es#1 /% #$e
(lan#er's assis#an# in $is lnel%
/ungal2 an" /% #$e e"i#r in
#$e ,ull lig$# , $is (resi"en=%
#2n1 ,rm #$e &$ie,
&mmissiner in =$arge , an
im(r#an# (r+in=e # #$e
-i=er% u(n $is #$rne D #$e
=n+i=#in in e+er% man #$a# $e
/elngs # a ra=e 2$i=$ )" $as
"es#ine" # g+ern an" su/"ue'6
T$e massa=re , 9:41444
mem/ers , #$a# ra=e in #$e
#ren=$es , @rl" @ar I 2r#e an
en" # #$e legen" , a =er#ain
In"ia6 A 2$le genera#in ,
%ung men 2$ mig$# $a+e
(a#rlle" #$e !rn#ier1
a"minis#ere" #$e lnel% "is#ri=#s
r gall(e" #$eir (l (nies
"2n #$e lng mai"ans 2as le,#
/e$in" in !lan"ers ,iel"s6 !rm
373: re=rui#ing ,r #$e In"ian
&i+il Ser+i=e /e=ame
in=reasingl% "i,,i=ul#6
In=reasingl%1 In"ians 2ere
a==e(#e" in# #$e ran.s /#$ ,
#$e =i+il ser+i=e an" #$e ,,i=er
=r(s6
On Ne2 Year's Da% 37A81 /arel%
a #$usan" Bri#is$ mem/ers ,
#$e In"ian &i+il Ser+i=e
remaine" in In"ia1 s#ill sme$2
$l"ing A44 millin (e(le in
#$eir a"minis#ra#i+e gras(6 T$e%
2ere #$e las# s#an"ar" /earers ,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an eli#e #$a# $a" u#li+e" i#s
#ime1 =n"emne" a# las# /% a
se=re# =n+ersa#in in Ln"n
an" #$e ineCra/le =urren#s ,
$is#r%6

'2al. alne1 2al. alne'

37

'@al. Alne1 @al. Alne'
Sriram(ur1 Na.$ali1 Ne2 Year's
Da%1 37A8
SiC #$usan" miles ,rm
D2ning S#ree#1 in a +illage ,
#$e )ange#i= Del#a a/+e #$e
Ba% , Bengal1 an el"erl% man
s#re#=$e" u# n #$e "ir# ,lr ,
a (easan#'s $u#6 I# 2as eCa=#l%
#2el+e nn6 As $e "i" e+er%
"a% a# #$a# $ur1 $e rea=$e" u(
,r #$e "ri((ing 2e# =##n sa=.
#$a# an assis#an# ,,ere" $im6
Dar. s(l#=$es , #$e mu"
(a=.e" insi"e i# Qe" #$rug$
#$e /ag's (rus ,l"s6 T$e man
=are,ull% (a##e" #$e sa=. n #
$is a/"men6 T$en $e #. a
se=n"1 smaller /ag an" s#u=. i#
n $is /al" $ea"6
He seeme"1 l%ing #$ere n #$e
,lr1 a ,ragile li##le =rea#ure6 T$e
a((earan=e 2as "e=e(#i+e6 T$a#
2iQene" 88D%earDl" man
/eaming u# ,rm un"er $is
mu"(a=. $a" "ne mre #
#((le #$e Bri#is$ Em(ire #$an
an% man ali+e6 I# 2as /e=ause ,
$im #$a# a Bri#is$ Prime Minis#er
$a" ,inall% /een /lige" # sen"
Lueen -i=#ria's grea#Dgran"sn
# Ne2 Del$i # ,in" a 2a% #
gi+e In"ia $er ,ree"m6
M$an"as *aram=$an" )an"$i
2as an unli.el% re+lu#inar%1
#$e gen#le (r($e# , #$e 2rl"'s
ms# eC#rar"inar% li/era#in
m+emen#6 Besi"e $im1
=are,ull% (lis$e"1 2ere #$e
"en#ures $e 2re nl% 2$en
ea#ing an" #$e s#eelDrimme"
glasses #$rug$ 2$i=$ $e usuall%
(eere" u# a# #$e 2rl"6 He 2as
a #in% man1 /arel% ,i+e ,ee# #all1
2eig$ing 33A (un"sT all arms
an" legs li.e an a"les=en#
2$se #run. $as %e# # ri+al #$e
gr2#$ , $is lim/s6 Na#ure $a"
mean# )an"$i's ,a=e # /e ugl%6
His ears ,lare" u# ,rm $is
+ersiQe" $ea" li.e #$e $an"les
, a sugar /2l6 His nse
/u##resse" /% s'ua#1 ,laring
ns#rils #$rus# i#s $ea+% /ea.
+er a s(arse 2$i#e mus#a=$e6
@i#$u# $is "en#ures1 $is ,ull li(s
=lla(se" +er $is ##$less
gums6 Ye# )an"$i's ,a=e ra"ia#e"
a (e=uliar /eau#% /e=ause i# 2as
=ns#an#l% anima#e"1 re,le=#ing
2i#$ #$e 'ui=.l% s$i,#ing (a##erns
, a magi= lan#ern $is =$anging
m"s an" $is im(is$ $umur6
T a =en#ur% ,raug$# 2i#$
+ilen=e1 )an"$i $a" ,,ere" an
al#erna#i+e1 $is "=#rine ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
a$imsa D nnD+ilen=e6 He $a"
use" i# # m/iliQe #$e masses ,
In"ia # "ri+e Englan" ,rm #$e
su/D=n#inen# 2i#$ a mral
=rusa"e ins#ea" , an arme"
re/ellin1 (ra%ers ins#ea" ,
ma=$ineDgun ,ire1 "is"ain,ul
silen=e ins#ea" , #$e ,ra=as ,
#errris#s' /m/s6
@$ile @es#ern Eur(e $a"
e=$e" # #$e $arangues ,
ran#ing "emaggues an"
s$rie.ing "i=#a#rs1 )an"$i $a"
s#irre" #$e mul#i#u"es , #$e
2rl"'s ms# ((ulus area
2i#$u# raising $is +i=e6 I# 2as
n# 2i#$ #$e (rmise , (2er r
,r#une #$a# $e $a" summne"
$is ,ll2ers # $is /anner1 /u#
2i#$ a 2arningH FT$se 2$ are
in m% =m(an% mus# /e rea"% U
slee( u(n #$e /are ,lr1 2ear
=arse =l#$es1 ge# u( a#
unear#$l% $urs1 su/sis# n
unin+i#ing1 sim(le ,"1 e+en
=lean #$eir 2n #ile#s6' Ins#ea"
, gau"% uni,rms an" Bangling
me"als1 $e $a" "resse" $is
,ll2ers in =l#$es , =arse1
$mes(un =##n6 T$a# =s#ume1
$2e+er1 $a" /een as ins#an#l%
i"en#i,ia/le1 as (s%=$lgi=all%
e,,e=#i+e in 2el"ing #ge#$er
#$se 2$ 2re i#1 as #$e /r2n
r /la=. s$ir#s , Eur(e's
"i=#a#rs6
His means , =mmuni=a#ing
2i#$ $is ,ll2ers @ere
(rimi#i+e6 He 2r#e mu=$ , $is
=rres(n"en=e $imsel, in
lng$an"1 an" $e #al.e"H # $is
"is=i(les1 # (ra%er mee#ings1 #
#$e =au=uses , $is &ngress
(ar#%6 He em(l%e" nne , #$e
#e=$ni'ues ,r =n"i#ining #$e
masses # #$e "i=#a#es , a
"emaggue r a =li'ue ,
i"elgues6 Ye#1 $is message $a"
(ene#ra#e" a na#in /ere,# ,
m"ern =mmuni=a#ins
/e=ause )an"$i $a" a genius ,r
#$e sim(le ges#ure #$a# s(.e #
In"ia's sul6 T$se ges#ures 2ere
all unr#$"C6 Para"Ci=all%1 in
a lan" ra+age" /% =%=li=al
,amine1 2$ere $unger $a" /een a
male"i=#in ,r =en#uries1 #$e
ms# "e+as#a#ing #a=#i= )an"$i
$a" "e+ise" 2as #$e sim(le a=#
, "e(ri+ing $imsel, , ," D a
,as#6 He $a" $um/le" )rea#
Bri#ain /% si((ing 2a#er an"
/i=ar/na#e , s"a6
)"D/sesse" In"ia $a"
re=gniQe" in $is ,rail sil$ue##e1
in #$e ins#in=#i+e /rillian=e , $is
a=#s1 #$e (rmise , a Ma$a#ma D
a )rea# Sul D an" ,ll2e"
2$ere $e'" le"6 He 2as
in"is(u#a/l% ne , #$e gal+ani=
,igures , $is =en#ur%6 T $is
,ll2ers1 $e 2as a sain#6 T #$e
Bri#is$ /ureau=ra#s 2$se $ur
, "e(ar#ure $e'" $as#ene"1 $e
2as a =nni+ing (li#i=ian1 a
/gus Messia$ 2$se nnD
+ilen# =rusa"e al2a%s en"e" in
+ilen=e an" 2$se ,as#s un#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"ea#$ al2a%s s#((e" s$r# ,
"ea#$'s "r6 E+en a man as
.in"D$ear#e" as @a+ell1 "e#es#e"
$im as a 'male+len# l"
(li#i=ian 6 6 6 S$re2"1 /s#ina#e1
"mineering1 "u/leD#ngue"'1
2i#$ 'li##le #rue sain#liness in
$im'6
!e2 , #$e Englis$ 2$'"
neg#ia#e" 2i#$ )an"$i $a"
li.e" $imT ,e2er s#ill $a"
un"ers#" $im6 T$eir
(uQQlemen# 2as un"ers#an"a/le6
He 2as a s#range /len" , grea#
mral (rin=i(les an" 'uir.%
/sessins6 He 2as 'ui#e =a(a/le
, in#erru(#ing #$eir serius
(li#i=al "is=ussins 2i#$ a
"is=urse n #$e /ene,i#s ,
seCual =n#inen=e r a "ail% sal#
an" 2a#er enema6
@$ere+er )an"$i 2en#1 i# 2as
sai"1 #$ere 2as #$e =a(i#al ,
In"ia6 I#s =a(i#al #$is Ne2 Year's
Da% 2as #$e #in% Bengali +illage
, Sriram(ur 2$ere #$e
Ma$a#ma la% un"er $is
mu"(a=.s1 eCer=ising

54

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#


53

$is au#$ri#% +er an enrmus
=n#inen# 2i#$u# #$e /ene,i# ,
ra"i1 ele=#ri=i#% r running
2a#er1 #$ir#% miles /% ,# ,rm
#$e neares# #ele($ne r
#elegra($ line6VJS
T$e regin , Na.$ali in 2$i=$
Sriram(ur 2as se#1 2ai ne ,
#$e ms# ina==essi/le in In"ia1 a
Bigsa2 , #in% islan"s in #$e
2a#erlgge" "el#a ,rme" /% #$e
)anges an" #$e Bra$ma(u#ra
ri+ers6 Barel% ,r#% miles s'uare1
i# 2as a "ense #$i=.e# , #2 an"
a $al, millin $uman /eings1
:4P , #$em Mslems6 T$e%
li+e" =ramme" in# +illages
"i+i"e" /% =anals1 =ree.s an"
s#reams1 rea=$e" /% r2ingD
/a#1 /% $an"D(le" ,erries1 /%
r(e1 lg r /am/ /ri"ges
s2a%ing "angerusl% +er #$e
rus$ing 2a#ers 2$i=$ (ure"
#$rug$ #$e regin6
Ne2 Year's Da% 37A8 in
Sriram(ur s$ul" $a+e /een an
==asin , in#ense sa#is,a=#in
,r )an"$i6 He s#" #$a# "a% n
#$e /rin. , a=$ie+ing #$e gal
$e'" ,ug$# ,r ms# , $is li,eH
In"ia's ,ree"m6
Ye#1 as $e a((ra=$e" #$e
glrius =limaC , $is s#ruggle1
)an"$i 2as a "es(era#el%
un$a((% man6 T$e reasns ,r
$is un$a((iness 2ere
e+er%2$ere mani,es# in #$e li##le
+illage in 2$i=$ $e'" ma"e $is
=am(6 Sriram(ur $a" /een ne
, #$e un(rnun=ea/le names
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,iguring n #$e re(r#s arri+ing
alms# "ail% n &lemen# A##lee's
"es. ,rm In"ia6 In,lame" /%
,ana#i=al lea"ers1 /% re(r#s ,
Hin"us .illing #$eir =D
religinis#s in &al=u##a1 i#s
Mslems1 li.e Mslems all
a=rss Na.$ali1 $a" su""enl%
#urne" n #$e Hin"u minri#%
#$a# s$are" #$e +illage 2i#$
#$em6 T$e% $a" slaug$#ere"1
ra(e"1 (illage"1 an" /urne"1
,r=ing #$eir neig$/urs #6 ea#
#$e ,les$ , #$eir Sa=re" &2s1
sen"ing #$ers ,leeing ,r sa,e#%
a=rss #$e ri=e (a""ies6 Hal, #$e
$u#s in Sriram(ur 2ere
/la=.ene" ruins6 E+en #$e s$a=.
in 2$i=$ )an"$i la% $a" /een
(ar#iall% "es#r%e" /% ,ire6
T$e Na.$ali u#/urs#s 2ere
isla#e" s(ar.s /u# #$e (assins
2$i=$ $a" igni#e" #$em =ul"
easil% /e=me a ,ires#rm # se#
#$e 2$le su/D=n#inen# a/laQe6
T$se $rrrs1 #$e u#/urs#s
2$i=$ $a" (re=e"e" #$em in
&al=u##a an" #$se 2$i=$ $a"
,ll2e" # #$e nr#$2es# in
Bi$ar 2$ere1 2i#$ e'ual
/ru#ali#%1 a Hin"u maBri#% $a"
#urne" n a Mslem minri#%1
eC(laine" #$e anCie#% in A##lee's
=n+ersa#in 2i#$ #$e6 man $e
urgen#l% 2an#e" # "is(a#=$ #
Ne2 Del$i as -i=er%6
T$e% als eC(laine" )an"$i's
(resen=e in Sriram(ur6 T$e ,a=#
#$a#1 as #$eir $ur , #rium($
a((ra=$e"1 $is =un#r%men
s$ul" $a+e #urne" n ea=$ #$er
in =mmunal ,renQ%1 /r.e
)an"$i's $ear#6 T$e% $a"
,ll2e" $im n #$e ra" #
in"e(en"en=e1 /u# #$e% $a" n#
un"ers#" #$e grea# "=#rine $e
$a" enun=ia#e" # ge# #$em #$ere1
nnD+ilen=e6 )an"$i $a" a
(r,un" /elie, in $is nn+ilen#
=ree"6 T$e $l=aus# #$e 2rl"
$a" Bus# li+e"1 #$e s(e=#re ,
nu=lear "es#ru=#in n2
#$rea#ening i#1 2ere # )an"$i
#$e =n=lusi+e (r, #$a# nl%
"nD+ilen=e =ul" sa+e
man.in"6 I# 2as $is "es(era#e
"esire #$a# a ne2 In"ia s$ul"
s$2 Asia an" #$e 2rl" #$is
2a% u# , man's "ilemma6 I, $is
2n (e(le #urne" n #$e
"=#rines $e'" li+e" /% an" use"
# lea" #$em # ,ree"m1 2$a#
2ul" remain , )an"$i's
$(es? I# 2ul" /e a #rage"% #$a#
2ul" #urn in"e(en"en=e in# a
2r#$less #rium($6
An#$er #rage"%1 #1 #$rea#ene"
)an"$i6 T #ear In"ia a(ar# n
religius lines 2ul" /e # ,l% in
#$e ,a=e , e+er%#$ing ,r 2$i=$
)an"$i s#"6 E+er% ,i/re , $is
/eing =rie" u# agains# #$e
"i+isin , $is /el+e" =un#r%
"eman"e" /% In"ia's Mslem
(li#i=ians1 an" 2$i=$ man% ,
i#s Englis$ rulers 2ere n2
rea"% # a==e(#6 In"ia's (e(le
an" ,ai#$s 2ere1 ,r )an"$i1 as
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
ineC#ri=a/l% in#er2+en as #$e
in#ri=a#e (a##erns , an rien#al
=ar(e#6
'Yu s$all $a+e # "i+i"e m%
/"% /e,re %u "i+i"e In"ia1' $e
$a" (r=laime" again an" again6
He $a" =me # #$e "e+as#a#e"
+illage , Sriram(ur in sear=$ ,
$is 2n ,ai#$ an" # ,in" a 2a%
# (re+en# #$e "isease ,rm
engul,ing all In"ia6 T see n
lig$# #$rug$ #$e im(ene#ra/le
"ar.ness1' $e $a" =rie" in
anguis$ as #$e ,irs# =mmunal
.illings $a" (ene" an a/%ss
/e#2een In"ia's Hin"u an"
Mslem =mmuni#ies6 FTru#$
an" nn+ilen=e # 2$i=$ I
s2ear1 an" 2$i=$ $a+e sus#aine"
me ,r ,i,#% %ears1 seem # ,ail #
s$2 #$e a##ri/u#es I $a+e
as=ri/e" # #$em6'
T $a+e =me $ere1' $e #l" $is
,ll2ers1 '# "is=+er a ne2
#e=$ni'ue an" #es# #$e sun"ness
, #$e "=#rine 2$i=$ $as
sus#aine" me an" ma"e m% li,e
2r#$ li+ing6'
!r "a%s1 )an"$i 2an"ere" #$e
+illage1 #al.ing # i#s in$a/i#an#s1
me"i#a#ing1 2ai#ing ,r #$e
=unsel , #$e 'Inner -i=e'
2$i=$ $a" s ,#en illumina#e"
#$e 2a% ,r $im in #imes ,
=risis6 Re=en#l%1 $is a=l%#es $a"
n#i=e" $e 2as s(en"ing mre
an" mre #ime n a =urius
==u(a#inH (ra=#ising =rssing
#$e sli((er%1 ri=.e#%1 lg /ri"ges
surrun"ing #$e +illage6
T$a# "a%1 2$en $e $a" ,inis$e"
2i#$ $is mu"(a=.1 $e =alle" $is
,ll2ers # $is $u#6 His 'Inner
-i=e' $a" s(.en a# las#6 As
n=e an=ien# Hin"u $l% men
$a" =rsse" #$eir =n#inen# in
/a##,,# (ilgrimage # i#s sa=re"
s$rines1 s $e 2as ging # se#
u# n a Pilgrimage , Penan=e
# #$e $a#eD2as#e" +illages ,
Na.$ali6 In #$e neC#
se+eir-ee.s1 2al.ing /are,# as
a sign , $is (eni#en=e1 $e 2ul"
=+er J39 miles1 +isi#ing A8 ,
Na.$ali's +illages6
He1 a Hin"u1 2ul" g amng
#$se enrage" Mslems1 m+ing
,rm +illage # +illage1 ,rm $u#
# $u#1 see.ing # res#re 2i#$
#$e (ul#i=e , $is (resen=e
Na.$ali's s$a##ere" (ea=e6
Be=ause #$is 2as a (ilgrimage ,
(enan=e1 $e "e=ree" $e 2an#e"

55

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#


5?

n #$er =m(anin /u# )"6
Onl% ,ur , $is ,ll2ers 2ul"
a==m(an% $im6 T$e% 2ul"
li+e n 2$a#e+er =$ari#% #$e
in$a/i#an#s , #$e +illages #$e%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
+isi#e" 2ere rea"% # ,,er #$em6
Le# #$e (li#i=ians , $is
&ngress Par#% an" #$e Mslem
League 2rangle +er In"ia's
,u#ure in #$eir en"less Del$i
"e/a#es1 $e sai"6 I# 2as1 as i#
al2a%s $a" /een1 in In"ia's
+illages #$a# #$e ans2ers # $er
(r/lems 2ul" $a+e # /e
,un"6 'T$is1' $e sai"1 '2ul" /e
$is Flas# an" grea#es#
eC(erimen#6F I, $e =ul"
Fre.in"le #$e lam( ,
neig$/urlinessF1 in #$se
+illages =urse" /% /l" an"
/i##erness1 #$eir eCam(le mig$#
ins(ire #$e 2$le na#in6' Here in
Na.$ali1 $e (ra%e"1 $e =ul"
se# alig$# again #$e #r=$ , nnD
+ilen=e an" =nBure a2a% #$e
s(e=#re , =mmunal 2ar,are
2$i=$ 2as $aun#ing In"ia6
His (ar#% se# u# a# "a2n6
)an"$i's (re##% nine#eenD%earD
l" grea#Dnie=e Manu $a" (u#
#ge#$er $is s(ar#an .i#H a (en
an" (a(er1 a nee"le an" #$rea"1
an ear#$en /2l an" a 2"en
s(n1 $is s(inningD2$eel an"
$is #$ree gurus1 a li##le i+r%
re(resen#a#in , #$e #$ree
mn.e%s 2$ '$ear n e+il1 see
n e+il1 s(ea. n e+il'6 S$e als
(a=.e" in a sa=. #$e /.s #$a#
re,le=#e" #$e e=le=#i=ism , #$e
man mar=$ing in# #$e BungleH
#$e B$aga+a"D)l#"1 a *ran1 #$e
Pra=#i=e an" Pre=e(#s , Jesus1
an" a /. , Je2is$ #$ug$#s6
@i#$ )an"$i a# #$eir $ea"1 #$e
li##le /an" mar=$e" +er #$e "ir#
(a#$s1 (as# #$e (n"s an" gr+es
, /e#el an" ==nu# (alms # #$e
ri=e (a""ies /e%n"6 T$e
+illagers , Sriram(ur rus$e" ,r
a las# glim(se , #$is /en# 88D
%earDl" man s#ri"ing ,, 2i#$
$is /am/ s#a+e in sear=$ , a
ls# "ream6
As )an"$i's (ar#% /egan #
m+e u# , sig$# a=rss #$e
$ar+es#e" (a""ies1 #$e +illagers
$ear" $im singing ne ,
Ra/in"rana#$ Tagre's grea#
(ems se# # musi=6 I# 2as ne
, #$e l" lea"er's ,a+uri#es an"
as $e "isa((eare" #$e% ,ll2e"
#$e sun" , $is $ig$D(i#=$e"1
une+en +i=e "ri,#ing /a=.
a=rss #$e (a""ies6 'I, #$e%
ans2er n# %ur =all1' $e sang1
'2al. alne1 2al. alne6' > >
>
T$e ,ra#ernal /l"s$e" )an"$i
$(e" # =$e=. $a" ,r =en#uries
ri+alle" $unger as In"ia's
s#ernes# =urse6 T$e grea# e(i=
(em , Hin"uism1 #$e
Ma$a/$ara#a1 =ele/ra#e" an
a((alling =i+il slaug$#er n #$e
(lains , *uru.s$e#ra1 nr#$D
2es# , Del$i1 5044 %ears /e,re
&$ris#6 Hin"uism i#sel, $a" /een
/rug$# # In"ia /% #$e In"D
Eur(ean $r"es "es=en"ing
,rm #$e nr#$ # 2res# #$e
su/=n#inen# ,rm i#s semiD
a/riginal Dra+i"ian in$a/i#an#s6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
I#s sages $a" 2ri##en #$eir sa=re"
+e"as n #$e /an.s , #$e In"us
=en#uries /e,re &$ris#'s /ir#$6
T$e ,ai#$ , #$e Pr($e# $a"
=me mu=$ la#er1 a,#er #$e
=$r#s , )eng$is *$an an"
Tamerlane $a" /a##ere" #$eir
2a% "2n #$e *$%/er Pass #
2ea.en #$e Hin"u $l" n #$e
grea# )ange#i= (lain6 !r #2
=en#uries1 #$e Mslem Mg$ul
em(errs $a" im(se" #$eir
sum(#uus an" im(la=a/le rule
+er ms# , In"ia1 s(rea"ing in
#$e 2a.e , #$eir legins #$e
message , Alla$1 #$e One1 #$e
Mer=i,ul6
T$e #2 grea# ,ai#$s #$us (lan#e"
n #$e su/D=n#inen# 2ere as
"i,,eren# as =ul" /e ,un"
amng #$e mani,es#a#ins ,
man's e#ernal +=a#in #
/elie+e6 @$ere Islam re(se" n
a man1 #$e Pr($e#1 an" a (re=ise
#eC#1 #$e *ran1 Hin"uism 2as a
religin 2i#$u# a ,un"er1 a
re+eale" #ru#$1 a "gma1 a
s#ru=#ure" li#urg% r a =$ur=$l%
es#a/lis$men#6 !r Islam1 #$e
&rea#r s#" a(ar# ,rm $is
=rea#in1 r"ering an" (resi"ing
+er $is 2r.6 T #$e Hin"u1 #$e
&rea#r an" $is =rea#in 2ere
ne an" in"i+isi/le1 an" )" a
.in" , all (er+a"ing =smi=
s(iri# # 2$se mani,es#a#ins
#$ere 2ul" /e n limi#6
T$e Hin"u1 as a resul#1
2rs$i((e" )" in alms# an%
,rm $e =$seH in animals1
an=es#rs1 sages1 s(iri#s1 na#ural
,r=es1 "i+ine in=arna#ins1 #$e
A/slu#e6 He =ul" ,in" )"
mani,es#e" in sna.es1 ($alli1
2a#er1 ,ire1 #$e (lane#s an" #$e
s#ars6
T #$e Mslem1 n #$e =n#rar%1
#$ere 2as /u# ne )"1 Alla$1
an" #$e *ran ,r/a"e #$e
!ai#$,ul # re(resen# $im in an%
s$a(e r ,rm6 I"ls an" i"la#r%
# #$e Mslem 2ere a/$rren#T
(ain#ings an" s#a#ues
/las($emus6 A ms'ue 2as a
s(are1 slemn (la=e in 2$i=$ #$e
nl% "e=ra#ins (ermi##e" 2ere
a/s#ra=# "esigns an" #$e re(ea#e"
re(resen#a#ins , #$e 77 names
, )"6
I"la#r% 2as Hin"uism's na#ural
,rm , eC(ressin an" a Hin"u
#em(le 2as #$e eCa=# ((si#e ,
a ms'ue6 I# 2as a .in" ,
s(iri#ual s$((ing =en#re1 a
=lu##er , )""esses 2i#$ sna.es
=iling ,rm #$eir $ea"s1 siCD
arme" )"s 2i#$ ,ier% #ngues1
ele($an#s 2i#$ 2ings #al.ing #
#$e =lu"s1 B+ial li##le mn.e%s1
"an=ing mai"ens an" s'ua#
($alli= s%m/ls6
Mslems 2rs$i((e" in a /"%1
(rs#ra#ing #$emsel+es n #$e
,lr , #$e ms'ue in #$e
"ire=#in , Me==a1 =$an#ing in
unisn #$eir *rani= +erses6 A
Hin"u 2rs$i((e" alne 2i#$
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
nl% $is #$ug$#s ,in.ing $im
an" #$e )" $e =ul" sele=# ,rm
a /e2il"ering (an#$en , #$ree
# #$ree an" a $al, millin
"i+ini#ies6 I# 2as a Bungle s
=m(leC #$a# nl% a $an",ul ,
$umans 2$'" "e+#e" #$eir
li+es # i#s s#u"% =ul" ,in" #$eir
2a% #$rug$ i#6 A# i#s =re 2as a
=en#ral #rini#%H Bra$ma1 #$e
&rea#rT S$i+a1 #$e Des#r%erT
-is$nu1 #$e Preser+er D (si#i+e1
nega#i+e1 neu#ral ,r=es1
e#ernall% in sear=$1 as #$eir
2rs$i((ers 2ere su((se" #
/e1 , #$e (er,e=# e'uili/rium1
#$e a##ainmen# , #$e A/slu#e6
Be$in" #$em 2ere

5A

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'2al. alne1 2al. alne>

)"s an" )""esses ,r #$e
seasns1 #$e 2ea#$er1 #$e =r(s1
an" #$e ailmen#s , man li.e
Mar%amma1 #$e small(C
)""ess re+ere" ea=$ %ear in a
ri#ual s#ri.ingl% similar # #$e
Je2is$ Pass+erS
T$e grea#es# /arrier # Hin"uD
Mslem un"ers#an"ing1
$2e+er1 2as n# me#a($%si=al1
/u# s=ial6 I# 2as #$e s%s#em
2$i=$ r"ere" Hin"u s=ie#%1
=as#e6 A==r"ing # -e"i=
s=ri(#ure1 =as#e rigina#e" 2i#$
Bra$ma1 #$e &rea#r6 Bra$mins1
#$e $ig$es# =as#e1 s(rang ,rm
$is mu#$T *s$a#ri%as1 2arrirs
an" rulers1 ,rm $is /i=e(sT
-ais$%asT #ra"ers an"
/usinessmen1 ,rm $is #$ig$T
Su"ras1 ar#isans an" =ra,#smen1
,rm $is ,ee#6 Bel2 #$em1 2ere
#$e u#=as#s1 #$e Un#u=$a/les
2$ $a" n# s(rung ,rm "i+ine
sil6
T$e rigins , #$e =as#e s%s#em1
$2e+er1 2ere n#a/l% less
"i+ine #$an #$se sugges#e" /%
#$e -e"as6 I# $a" /een a s=$eme
em(l%e" /% Hin"uism's Ar%an
,un"ers1 # (er(e#ua#e #$e
ensla+emen# , In"ia's "ar.1
Dra+i"ian ((ula#ins6 T$e 2r"
,r =as#e1 +ama1 mean# =lur1
an" =en#uries la#er1 #$e "ar.
s.ins , In"ia's Un#u=$a/les
ga+e gra($i= (r, , #$e
s%s#em's real rigins6
T$e ,i+e riginal "i+isins $a"
mul#i(lie" li.e =an=er =ells in#
alms# 0444 su/D=as#es1 3::9 ,r
#$e Bra$mins alne6 E+er%
==u(a#in $a" i#s =as#e1
s(li##ing s=ie#% in# a m%ria" ,
=lse" guil"s in# 2$i=$ a man
2as =n"emne" /% $is /ir#$ #
2r.1 li+e1 marr% an" "ie6 S
(re=ise 2ere #$eir "e,ini#ins
#$a# an irn smel#er 2as in a
"i,,eren# =as#e # an irnsmi#$6
Lin.e" # #$e =as#e s%s#em 2as
#$e se=n" =n=e(# /asi= #
Hin"uism1 rein=arna#in6 A
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Hin"u /elie+e" $is /"% 2as
Bus# a #em(rar% garmen# ,r $is
sul6 Ea=$ li,e 2as nl% ne ,
$is sul's man% in=arna#ins in
i#s Burne% #$rug$ e#erni#%1 a
=$ain /eginning an" en"ing in
sme ne/ulus merger 2i#$ #$e
=sms6 T$e *arma1 #$e
a==umula#e" g" an" e+il ,
ea=$ mr#al li,e#ime1 2as a sul's
=n#inuing /ur"en6 I# "e#ermine"
2$e#$er1 in i#s neC# in=arna#in1
#$a# sul 2ul" m+e u( r
"2n in #$e $ierar=$% , =as#e6
&as#e $a" /een a su(er/ "e+i=e
# (er(e#ua#e In"ia's s=ial
ine'ui#ies /% gi+ing #$em "i+ine
san=#in6 As #$e &$ur=$ $a"
=unselle" #$e (easan#s , #$e
Mi""le Ages # ,rge# #$e miser%
, #$eir li+es in #$e
=n#em(la#in , #$e $erea,#er1
s Hin"uism $a" ,r =en#uries
=unselle" #$e misera/le , In"ia
# a==e(# #$eir l# in $um/le
resigna#in as #$e /es# assuran=e
, a /e##er "es#in% in #$eir neC#
in=arna#in6
T #$e Mslems # 2$m Islam
2as a .in" , /r#$er$" , #$e
!ai#$,ul1 #$a# 2$le s%s#em 2as
ana#$ema6 A generus1
2el=ming ,ai#$1 Islam's
,ra#ernal em/ra=e "re2 millins
, =n+er#s # #$e ms'ues ,
In"ia's Mg$ul rulers6
Ine+i#a/l%1 #$e +as# maBri#% ,
#$em 2ere Un#u=$a/les1
see.ing in #$e /r#$er$" ,
Islam an a==e(#an=e #$eir 2n
,ai#$ =ul" ,,er #$em nl% in
sme "is#an# in=arna#in6
@i#$ #$e =lla(se , #$e Mg$ul
Em(ire a# #$e /eginning , #$e
eig$#een#$ =en#ur%1 a mar#ial
Hin"u renaissan=e s(rea" a=rss
In"ia1 /ringing 62i#$ i# a 2a+e ,
Hin"uDMslem /l"s$e"6
Bri#ain's =n'uering (resen=e
$a" ,r=e" i#s PaC Bri#anni=a n
#$e 2arring su/D=n#inen#1 /u#
#$e mis#rus# an" sus(i=in in
2$i=$ #$e #2 =mmuni#ies
"2el# remaine"6 T$e Hin"us "i"
n# ,rge# #$a# #$e mass ,
Mslems 2ere #$e "es=en"an#s
, Un#u=$a/les 2$'" ,le"
Hin"uism # es=a(e #$eir miser%6
&as#e Hin"us 2ul" n# #u=$
," in #$e (resen=e , a
Mslem6 A Mslem en#ering a
Hin"u .i#=$en 2ul" (llu#e i#6
T$e #u=$ , a Mslem's $an"
=ul" sen" a Bra$min s$rie.ing
,, # (uri,% $imsel, 2i#$ $urs
, ri#ual a/lu#ins6
Hin"us an" Mslems s$are" #$e
+illages a2ai#ing )an"$i's +isi#
in Na.$ali1 Bus# as #$e% s$are"
#$e #$usan"s , +illages all
#$rug$ #$e nr#$ern #ier , In"ia
in Bi$ar1 #$e Uni#e" Pr+in=es1
#$e PunBa/6 T$e% "2el#1
$2e+er1 in gegra($i=all%
"is#in=# neig$/ur$"s6 T$e
,rn#ier 2as a ra" r (a#$1
,re'uen#l% =alle" #$e Mi""le
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
@a%6 N Mslem 2ul" li+e n
ne si"e , i#1 n Hin"u n #$e
#$er6
T$e #2 =mmuni#ies miCe"
s=iall%1 a##en"ing ea=$ #$er's
,eas#s1 s$aring #$e (r
im(lemen#s 2i#$ 2$i=$ #$e%
2r.e"6 T$eir in#ermingling
#en"e" # en" #$ere6
In#ermarriage 2as alms#
un.n2n6 T$e =mmuni#ies
"re2 #$eir 2a#er ,rm se(ara#e
2ells an" a =as#e Hin"u 2ul"
=$.e /e,re si((ing 2a#er ,rm
#$e Mslem 2ell (er$a(s %ar"s
,rm $is 2n6 In #$e PunBa/1
2$a# ,e2 s=ra(s , .n2le"ge
Hin"u =$il"ren a='uire" =ame
,rm #$e +illage Pan"i# 2$
#aug$# #$em # 2ri#e a ,e2 2r"s
in PunBa/i in mu" 2i#$ 2$ea#
s#al.s6 T$e same +illage's
Mslem =$il"ren 2ul" ge# #$eir
/are e"u=a#in ,rm a s$ei.$ in
#$e ms'ue re=i#ing #$e *ran in
a "i,,eren# language1 Ur"u6 E+en
#$e (rimi#i+e "rugs , =2's
urine an" $er/s 2i#$ 2$i=$ #$e%
s#ruggle" agains# #$e same
"iseases1 2ere /ase" n "i,,eren#
s%s#ems , na#ural me"i=ine6
T #$se s=ial an" religius
"i,,eren=es1 $a" /een a""e" an
e+en mre "i+isi+e1 mre
insi"ius "is#in=#in1 e=nmi=6
T$e Hin"us $a" /een ,ar s2i,#er
#$an #$e Mslems # seiQe #$e
((r#uni#ies Bri#is$ e"u=a#in
an" @es#ern #$ug$# $a" (la=e"
/e,re In"ia6 As a resul#1 2$ile
#$e Bri#is$ $a" /een s=iall%
mre a# ease 2i#$ #$e Mslems1
i# 2as #$e Hin"us 2$ $a"
a"minis#ere" In"ia ,r #$em6>
T$e% 2ere In"ia's /usinessmen1
,inan=iers1 a"minis#ra#rs1
(r,essinal men6 @i#$ #$e
Parsees1 #$e "es=en"an#s ,
an=ien# Persia's > T$e Mslems
$a" als /een su/#l% (enaliQe" in
#$e #2 r #$ree "e=a"es a,#er
3:08 ,r #$e rle #$eir
=mmuni#% $a" (la%e" in #$e
In"ian Arm% Mu#in%6

59

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#


-

,ireD2rs$i((ing Rras#rians1
#$e% mn(liQe" insuran=e1
/an.ing1 /ig /usiness an" In"ia's
,e2 in"us#ries6S
In #$e #2ns an" small =i#ies1 #$e
Hin"us 2ere #$e "minan#
=mmer=ial =mmuni#%6 T$e
u/i'ui#us rle , #$e
mne%len"er 2as alms#
e+er%2$ere "is=$arge" /%
Hin"us1 (ar#l% /e=ause , #$eir
a(#i#u"e ,r #$e #as.1 (ar#l%
/e=ause , #$e *rani=
(rs=ri(#in (re+en#ing Mslems
,rm (ra=#ising usur%6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$e Mslem u((er =lasses1
man% , 2$m "es=en"e" ,rm
#$e Mg$ul in+a"ers1 $a" #en"e"
# remain lan"lr"s an" sl"iers6
T$e Mslem masses1 /e=ause ,
#$e "ee(l% engraine" (a##erns ,
In"ian s=ie#%1 rarel% es=a(e" in
#$e ,ai#$ , M$amme" #$e rles
#$a# =as#e $a" assigne" #$eir
,re/ears in #$e ,ai#$ , S$i+a6
T$e% 2ere usuall% lan"less
(easan#s in #$e ser+i=e , Hin"us
r Mslems ir6 #$e =un#r%1
la/urers an" (e##% =ra,#smen in
#$e ser+i=e , Hin"u em(l%ers
in #$e =i#%6
T$a# e=nmi= ri+alr%
a==en#ua#e" #$e s=ial an"
religius /arriers /e#2een #$e
#2 =mmuni#ies an" ma"e
=mmunal slaug$#ers su=$ as
#$a# 2$i=$ $a" s$a##ere" #$e
(ea=e , Sriram(ur a regular
==urren=e6 Ea=$ =mmuni#%
$a" i#s (e# (r+=a#ins 2i#$
2$i=$ i# 2ul" laun=$ #$em6
!r #$e Hin"us i# 2as musi=6
Musi= ne+er a==m(anie" #$e
aus#ere ser+i=e , #$e ms'ue
an" i#s s#rains mingling 2i#$ #$e
mum/le , #$e !ai#$,uls' (ra%ers
2as a /las($em%6 T$ere 2as n
surer 2a% ,r #$e Hin"us #
in=i#e #$eir Mslem neig$/urs
#$an # se# u( a /an" u#si"e a
ms'ue "uring !ri"a% (ra%ers6
!r #$e Mslem1 #$e ,a+uri#e
(r+=a#in in+l+e" an animal1
ne , #$e gre%1 s.ele#al /eas#s
l2ing "2n #$e s#ree#s , e+er%
=i#%1 #2n an" +illage in In"ia1
aimlessl% 2an"ering $er ,iel"s1
#$e /Be=# , #$e ms# (er(leCing
, Hin"uism's =ul#s1 #$e Sa=re"
&26
T$e +enera#in , #$e =2 "a#e"
/a=. # Bi/li=al #imes1 2$en #$e
,r#unes , #$e (as#ral In"D
Eur(ean (e(les migra#ing n
# #$e su/D=n#inen# "e(en"e" n
#$e +i#ali#% , #$eir $er"s6 As #$e
ra//is , an=ien# Ju"ea $a"
,r/i""en (ig's ,les$ # #$eir
(e(le # sa+e #$em ,rm #$e
ra+ages , #ri=$insis1 s #$e
sa"l#us , an=ien# In"ia
(r=laime" #$e =2 sa=re" s as
# sa+e ,rm slaug$#er in #imes
, ,amine #$e $er"s n 2$i=$
#$eir (e(les' eCis#en=e
"e(en"e"6
As a resul#1 In"ia $a" in 37A8 #$e
larges# /+ine $sr" in #$e 2rl"1
544 millin /eas#s1 ne ,r e+er%
#2 In"ians1 an u=ima!
((ula#in larger #$an #$e $uman
((ula#in , #$e Uni#e" S#a#es6
34 millin =2s (r"u=e" a
meagre #ri=.le , mil. a+eraging
/arel% ne (in# (er animal (er
"a%6 A4 r 04 millin mre 2ere
/easis l /ur"en1 #ugging #$eir
/ull=. =ar#s an" (lug$s6 T$e
res#1 344DiCi=i millin1 2ere
s#erile1 useless animals raming
,ree #$rug$ #$e ,iel"s1 +illages
an" =i#ies , In"ia6 E+er% "a%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$eir res#less Ba2s =$m(e"
#$rug$ #$e ," #$a# =ul" $a+e
,e" #en millin In"ians li+ing n
#$e e"g#e , s#ar+a#in6
T$e ins#in=# ,r sur+i+al alne
s$ul" $a+e =n"emne" #$se
useless /eas#s6 Ye#1 s #ena=ius
$a" #$e su(ers#i#in /e=me1 #$a#
=2 slaug$#er remaine" an
a/mina#in ,r #$se +er%
In"ians 2$ 2ere s#ar+ing #
"ea#$ s #$a# #$e /eas#s =ul"
=n#inue #$eir ,u#ile eCis#en=e6
E+en )an"$i main#aine" #$a# in
(r#e=#ing #$e =2 i# 2as all
)"'s 2r. #$a# man (r#e=#e"6
T #$e Mslems1 #$e #$ug$# #$a#
a man =ul" s "egra"e $imsel,
as # 2rs$i( a "um/ animal
2as re(ugnan#6 T$e% #. a
(er+erse "elig$# in "ri+ing a
l2ing1 (r#es#ing $er" , =2s
(as# #$e ,rn# "r , a Hin"u
Tem(le en ru#e # #$e slaug$#er
$use6 O+er #$e =en#uries1
#$usan"s , $uman /eings $a"
a==m(anie" #$se animals #
#$eir "ea#$ in #$e ri#s 2$i=$
,#en ,ll2e" ea=$ su=$
ges#ure6
@$ile #$e Bri#is$ rule" In"ia1
#$e% manage" # .ee( a ,ragile
/alan=e /e#2een #$e #2
=mmuni#ies1 a# #$e same #ime
using #$eir an#agnism as an
ins#rumen# # ease #$e /ur"en ,
#$eir rule6 Ini#iall%1 #$e "ri+e ,r
In"ian in"e(en"en=e 2as
=n,ine" # an in#elle=#ual eli#e
in 2$i=$ Hin"us an" Mslems
ignre" =mmunal "i,,eren=es #
2r. si"e /% si"e #2ar"s a
=mmn gal6 Irni=all%T i# 2as
)an"$i 2$ $a" "isru(#e" #$a#
a==r"1 g % W 33 & X
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Mslem min"sH in an
in"e(en"en# In"ia #$e% 2ul" /e
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rule"6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
One (ers(e=#i+e seeme" # ,,er
an es=a(e ,rm #$a# ,a#e1 #$e
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Hum/ers#ne Ra" in &amD

5:

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

'@AL* ALONE1 @AL*
ALONE>

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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
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Ln"n1 Januar% 37A8
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
agreemen# u# #$ere6 I#'s alms#
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?5

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

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!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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#2 grea#Dgran"sns rea=$e" a
(ri+a#e "e=isin6 Luis
Mun#/a##en 2ul" /e=me #$e
agen# , #$eir =mmn as(ira#in
,r #$e &mmn2eal#$'s ,u#ure6
In a ,e2 "a%s1 Mun#/a##en
2ul" insis# #$a# A##lee in=lu"e
in $is #erms , re,eren=e a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s(e=i,i= inBun=#in # main#ain
an in"e(en"en# In"ia1 uni#e"Br
"i+i"e"1 insi"e #$e
&mmn2eal#$ i, a# all (ssi/le6
In #$e 2ee.s a$ea"1 #$ere =ul"
/e n #as. # 2$i=$ In"ia's ne2
-i=er% 2ul" "e+#e mre
#$ug$#1 mre (ersuasi+eness1
mre =unning #$an #$a# ,
main#aining aD lin. /e#2een
In"ia an" $is =usin's =r2n6
In a sense1 n ne mig$# seem
mre na#urall% "es#ine" #
==u(% #$e DmaBes#i= ,,i=e ,
-i=er% , In"ia #$an Luis
Mun#/a##en6 His ,irs# (u/li=
ges#ure $a" ==urre" "uring $is
=$ris#ening 2$en1 2i#$ a 2a+e ,
$is in,an# ,is#1 $e $a" .n=.e"
#$e s(e=#a=les ,rm #$e /ri"ge ,
$is grea#Dgran"m#$er's im(erial
nse6
His ,amil%'s lineage1 2i#$ ne
(assage #$rug$ #$e ,emale line1
2en# /a=. # #$e Em(err
&$arlemagne6 He 2as1 r $a"
/een1 rela#e" /% /l" r
marriage # *aiser @il$elm II1
Tsar Ni=$las II1 Al,ns MJJI ,
S(ain1 !er"inan" I , Rumania1
)us#a+ -I , S2e"en1
&ns#an#ine 3 , )ree=e1 Haa.n
-II , Nr2a% an" AleCan"er I
, Yugsla+ia6 !r Luis
Mun#/a##en1 #$e =rises ,
Eur(e $a" /een ,amil%
(r/lems6
T$rnes1 $2e+er1 $a" /een in
in=reasingl% s$r# su((l% /% #$e
#ime Mun#/a##en 2as eig$#een
a# #$e en" , #$e !irs# @rl" @ar6
T$e ,ur#$ =$il" , -i=#ria's
,a+uri#e gran"D"aug$#er1
Prin=ess -i=#ria , Hesse1 an"
Prin=e Luis , Ba##en/erg1 $er
=usin1 $a" $a" # sa+ur #$e
r%al eCis#en=e a# se=n" $an"1
(la%ing u# #$e summers , $is
%u#$ in #$e (ala=es , $is mre
,a+ure" =usins6 T$e memries
, #$se i"%lli= summers
remaine" "ee(l% e#=$e" in $is
memr%H #ea (ar#ies n #$e la2ns
, @in"sr &as#le a# 2$i=$
e+er% gues# mig$# $a+e 2rn a
=r2nT =ruises n #$e %a=$# ,
#$e TsarT ri"es #$rug$ #$e
,res#s arun" Sain# Pe#ers/urg
2i#$ $is $aem($ilia= =usin1
#$e Tsare+i#=$1 an" #$e
Tsare+i#=$'s sis#er1 #$e )ran"
Du=$ess Marie1 2i#$ 2$m $e
,ell in l+e6
@i#$ #$a# /a=.grun"1
Mun#/a##en =ul" $a+e enB%e"
a m"es# in=me1 #.en ser+i=e
un"er #$e =r2nT #$e (leasan#
eCis#en=e , a $an"sme
em/eDis$men# # #$e
=eremnials , a "e=lining =as#e6
He $a" =$sen 'ui#e i "i,,eren#
=urse1 $2e+er1 an" $e s#"
#$is 2in#er mrning a# #$e
(inna=le , a remar.a/le =areer6
Mun#/a##en $a" Bus# /e=me A?
2$en1 in #$e au#umn , 37A?1
@ins#n &$ur=$ill sear=$ing ,r
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
'a %ung an" +igrus rnin"'1
$a" a((in#e" $im Su(reme
Allie" &mman"er Su#$eas#
Asia6 T$e au#$ri#% an"
res(nsi/ili#% #$a# =mman"
(la=e" n $is %u#$,ul

EA

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

?0

s$ul"ers $a" nl% ne
=un#er(ar#1 #$e Su(reme Allie"
&mman" , D2ig$#
Eisen$2er6 One $un"re" an"
#2en#%Deig$# millin (e(le
a=rss a +as# s2ee( , Asia ,ell
un"er $is =$arge6 I# 2as a
=mman" 2$i=$ a# #$e #ime i#
2as ,rme"1 $e 2ul" la#er
re=all1 $a" $a" 'n +i=#ries an"
n (riri#ies1 nl% #erri/le
mrale1 a #erri/le =lima#e1 a
#erri/le ,e an" #erri/le "e,ea#s'6
Man% , $is su/r"ina#es 2ere
#2en#% %ears an" #$ree r ,ur
ran.s $is senir6 Sme #en"e" #
l. n $im as a (la%/% 2$
use" $is r%al =nne=#in # sli(
u# , $is "inner Ba=.e# in# a
na+al uni,rm an" #em(raril%
a/an"n #$e6 "an=e ,lr , #$e
&a,e "e Paris ,r #$e /a##le,iel"6
He res#re" $is men's mrale
2i#$ (ersnal #urs # #$e ,rn#T
asser#e" $is au#$ri#% +er $is
generals /% ,r=ing #$em # ,ig$#
#$rug$ Burma's #erri/le
mnsn rainsT =aBle"1 /ullie"
an" =$arme" e+er% un=e ,
su((lies $e =ul" ge# ,rm $is
su(erirs in Ln"n an"
@as$ing#n6
B% 37A01 $is n=e "isrganiQe"
an" "emraliQe" =mman" $a"'
2n #$e grea#es# lan" +i=#r%
e+er 2rug$# +er a Ja(anese
Arm%6 Onl% #$e "r((ing , #$e
a#mi= /m/ (re+en#e" $im
,rm =arr%ing u# $is gran"
"esign1 'O(era#in Ri((er'1 #$e
lan"ing , 5041444 men ,rm
(r#s 5444 miles a2a% n #$e
Mala% Peninsula1 an am($i/ius
(era#in sur(asse" in siQe nl%
/% #$e Nrman"% lan"ing6
As a /%1 Mun#/a##en $a"
=$sen a na+al ,,i=er's =areer #
emula#e $is ,a#$er 2$ $a" le,#
$is na#i+e )erman% a# ,ur#een
an" risen # #$e (s# , !irs# Sea
Lr" , #$e R%al Na+%6
Mun#/a##en $a" /arel% /egun
$is s#u"ies as a =a"e#1 $2e+er1
2$en #rage"% s$a##ere" $is
a"re" ,a#$er's =areer6 He 2as
,r=e" # resign /% #$e 2a+e ,
an#iD)erman $%s#eria 2$i=$
s2e(# Bri#ain a,#er #$e u#/rea.
, @rl" @ar I6 His $ear#/r.en
,a#$er =$ange" $is ,amil% name
,rm Ba##en/erg # Mun#/a##en
a# *ing )erge -'s re'ues# an"
2as =rea#e" Mar'uess , Mil,r"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Ha+en6 T$e !irs# Sea Lr"'s
e'uall% a,,e=#e" sn +2e" #
,ill ne "a% #$e (s# ,rm 2$i=$
an unBus# u#=r% $a" "ri+en $is
,a#$er6
During #$e lng %ears /e#2een
#$e 2ars1 $2e+er1 $is =areer
$a"S ,ll2e" #$e sl21
uns(e=#a=ular (a#$ , a
(ea=e#ime ,,i=er6 I# 2as in
#$er1 less mar#ial ,iel"s #$a# #$e
%ung Mun#/a##en $a" ma"e
$is im(ressin n #$e (u/li=6
@i#$ $is =$arm1 $is remar.a/le
g" l.s1 $is in,e=#ius gaie#%1
$e 2as nV i , #$e "arlings ,
Bri#ain's (enn% (ress1 =a#ering #
a 2rl" "es(era#e ,r glamur
a,#er #$e $rrrs , 2ar6 His
marriage # E"2ina As$le%1 a
/eau#i,ul an" 2eal#$% $eiress1
2i#$ #$e Prin=e , @ales as $is
/es# man1 2as #$e s=ial e+en# ,
37556
Rare 2ere #$e Sun"a% (a(ers
+er #$e neC# %ears #$a# "i" + Z,
=n#ain a ($#gra($ r sme
men#in , Luis an" E"2ina
Mun#/a##en1 #$e Mun#/a##ens
a# #$e #$ea#re 2i#$ Nel &2ar"1
#$e Mun#/a##ens a# #$e R%al
En=lsure a# As=#1 "as$ing
%ung Lr" Luis 2a#erDs.iing
in #$e Me"i#erranean r
re=ei+ing a #r($% 2n (la%ing
(l6
T$e% =ns#i#u#e" an image
Mun#/a##en ne+er "enie"T $e
re+elle" in e+er% "an=e1 (ar#%
an" (l ma#=$6 Bu# /enea#$ #$a#
(u/li= image #$ere 2as an#$er
,igure , 2$i=$ #$e (u/li= 2as
una2are6 I# emerge" 2$en #$e
"an=ing 2as +er6
T$e glamrus %ung man $a"
n# ,rg##en $is /%$" +26
Mun#/a##en 2as an in#ensel%
serius1 am/i#ius1 an"
"e"i=a#e" na+al ,,i=er6 He
(ssesse" an a2esme =a(a=i#%
,r 2r.1 a #rai# 2$i=$ 2ul"
lea+e $is su/r"ina#es gas(ing
all $is li,e6 &n+in=e" #$a# ,u#ure
2ar,are 2ul" /e (a##erne" /%
#$e "i=#a#es , s=ien=e an" 2n
/% su(erir =mmuni=a#ins1
Mun#/a##en es=$e2e" #$e mre
s=ial =areer , a "e=. ,,i=er #
s#u"% signals6
He =ame u# #( , #$e Na+%
Hig$er @ireless &urse in 37581
#$en sa# "2n # 2ri#e #$e ,irs#
=m(re$ensi+e manual ,r all
#$e 2ireless se#s use" /% #$e
Na+%6 He 2as ,as=ina#e" /% #$e
,as#DeC(an"ing $riQns ,
#e=$nlg% an" (lunge" $imsel,
in# #$e s#u"% , ($%si=s1
ele=#ri=i#% an" =mmuni=a#ins
in e+er% ,rm6 Ne2 #e=$ni'ues1
ne2 i"eas1 2ere $is (assins an"
$is (la%#$ings6
He /#aine" ,r #$e R%al Na+%
#$e 2r.s , a /rillian# !ren=$
r=.e#r% eC(er#1 R/er# Esnaul#
Pel#erie6 T$eir (ages ga+e
Bri#ain an eeril% a==ura#e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,re=as# , #$e -D/m/1 gui"e"
missiles an" e+en man's ,irs#
,lig$# # #$e mn6 In
S2i#Qerlan"1 $e ,erre#e" u# a
,as#D,iring an#iDair=ra,# gun
"esigne" # s#( #$e S#u.a "i+e
/m/erT #$en s(en# mn#$s
,r=ing #$e relu=#an# R%al Na+%
# a"(# i#6
He $a" ,ll2e" #$e rise ,
Hi"er an" )erman rearmamen#
2i#$ gr2ing a((re$ensin6 He
$a" als 2a#=$e" 2i#$ (aine"
/u# (er=e(#i+e e%es #$e e+lu#in
, #$e s=ie#% #$a# $a" "ri+en $is
/el+e" un=le Ni=$las II ,rm
#$e #$rne , #$e Tsars6
In=reasingl%1 as #$e #$ir#ies 2re
n1 Mun#/a##en an" $is 2i,e
s(en# less an" less #ime n #$e
"an=e ,lr1 an" mre an" mre
in a =rusa"e # a2a.en ,rien"s
an" (li#i=ians # #$e =n,li=#
/#$ sa2 2as =ming6
On 50 Augus# 37?71 a (ru"
Mun#/a##en #. =mman" , a
ne2l% =mmissine" "es#r%er1
HMS *ell%6 A ,e2 $urs la#er
#$e ra"i annun=e" Hi#ler an"
S#alin $a" signe" a nnD
aggressin (a=#6 T$e *ell%'s
=a(#ain un"ers#" #$e im(r# ,
#$e annun=emen# imme"ia#el%6
Mun#/a##en r"ere" $is =re2 #
2r. "a% an" nig$# # re"u=e #$e
#$ree 2ee.s nee"e" # rea"% #$e
s$i( ,r sea6
Nine "a%s la#er1 2$en 2ar /r.e
u#1 #$e =a(#ain , #$e *ell% 2as
slung +er #$e s$i('s si"e in a
(air , "ir#% +eralls1 sls$ing

?9

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

'LEA-E INDIA TO )OD'

?8

(ain# n $er $ull alng 2i#$ $is
a/le seamen6 T$e neC# "a%1
$2e+er1 #$e *ell% 2as in a=#in
agains# a )erman su/marine6
T 2ill ne+er gi+e #$e r"er
FA/an"n s$i(F1' Mun#/a##en
(rmise" $is =re26 FT$e nl%
2a% 2e 2ill e+er lea+e #$is s$i(
is i, s$e sin.s un"er ur ,ee#6'
T$e *ell% es=r#e" =n+%s
#$rug$ #$e =$annel1 $un#e" UD
/a#s in #$e Nr#$ Sea1 "as$e"
#$rug$ ,g an" )erman
/m/ers # $el( res=ue siC
#$usan" sur+i+rs , #$e Nar+i.
eC(e"i#in a# #$e $ea" , #$e
Namss !ir" in Nr2a%6 Her
s#ern 2as "amage" a# #$e mu#$
, #$e T%ne an" $er /iler rm
"e+as#a#e" /% a #r(e" in #$e
Nr#$ Sea6 Or"ere" # s=u##le1
Mun#/a##en re,use"1 s(en# a
nig$# alne n #$e "ri,#ing
2re=.1 #$en1 2i#$ eig$#een
+lun#eers1 /rug$# $er $me
un"er #26
A %ear la#er1 in Ma% 37A3 ,,
&re#e1 #$e *ell%'s lu=. ran u#6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
S$e #. a /m/ in $er
magaQine an" 2en# "2n in
minu#es6 !ai#$,ul # $is +21
Mun#/a##en s#a%e" n $er
/ri"ge un#il s$e rlle" +er1 #$en
,ug$# $is 2a% # #$e sur,a=e6
!r $urs1 $e $el" #$e ilD
s(a##ere" sur+i+rs arun" a
single li,e ra,#1 lea"ing #$em in
singing 'Rll Ou# #$e Barrel'
2$ile )erman (lanes s#ra,e"
#$em6 Mun#/a##en 2n #$e
DSO ,r $is eC(li#s n #$e
*ell% an" #$e s$i( a /i# ,
immr#ali#% in #$e ,ilm In @$i=$
@e Ser+e1 ma"e /%
Mun#/a##en's ,rien" Nel
&2ar"6
!i+e mn#$s la#er1 &$ur=$ill1
sear=$ing ,r a /l" %ung
,,i=er # $ea" &m/ine"
O(era#ins1 #$e =mman" ,r=e
=rea#e" # "e+el( #$e #a=#i=s an"
#e=$nlg% #$a# 2ul"
e+en#uall% /ring #$e Allies /a=.
# #$e =n#inen#1 =alle" n
Mun#/a##en6 T$e assignmen#
(r+e" i"eal ,r $is /len" ,
"as$ an" s=ien#i,i= =urisi#%6
-2ing $e 2as a man 2$
2ul" ne+er sa% n # an i"ea1
$e (ene" $is =mman" # a
(ara"e , in+en#rs1 s=ien#is#s1
#e=$ni=ians1 geniuses an"
mun#e/an.s6 Sme , #$eir
s=$emes1 li.e an i=e/erg
=m(se" , ,rQen sea 2a#er
miCe" 2i#$ ,i+e (er =en# 2"
(ul( # ser+e as a ,la#ing an"
unsin.a/le air,iel"1 2ere 2il"
,an#asies6 Bu# #$e% als (r"u=e"
Plu#1 #$e un"er2a#er #ransD
=$annel (i(eline1 #$e Mul/err%
ar#i,i=ial $ar/urs an" #$e
lan"ing an" r=.e# =ra,# "esigns
#$a# ma"e #$e Nrman"%
in+asin (ssi/le6 !r #$eir
lea"er1 #$e% ul#ima#el% (r"u=e"
$is eC#rar"inar% ele+a#in #
Su(reme &mman" , Su#$D
Eas# Asia a# #$e age , A?6
N2 (re(aring # #a.e n #$e
ms# =$allenging #as. , $is
=areer1 Mun#/a##en 2as a# #$e
(ea. , $is ($%si=al an"
in#elle=#ual (2ers6 T$e 2ar a#
sea an" $ig$ =mman" $a"
gi+en $im a =a(a=i#% ,r 'ui=.
"e=isin an" /rug$# u# $is
na#ural #alen# ,r lea"ers$i(6 He
2as n# a ($ils($er r an
a/s#ra=# #$in.er1 /u# $e
(ssesse" an in=isi+e1 anal%#i=al
min" $ne" /% a li,e#ime , $ar"
2r.6 He $a" nne , #$e AnglD
SaCn a,,e=#in ,r #$e rle ,
#$e g" lser6 He /elie+e" in
2inning6 As a %ung ,,i=er1 $is
=re2s $a" n=e s2e(# #$e ,iel"
in a na+% rega##a /e=ause $e $a"
#aug$# #$em an im(r+e" r2ing
#e=$ni'ue6 &ri#i=iQe" la#er ,r #$e
s#%le $e'" in#r"u=e"1 $e $a"
a=i"l% /ser+e" #$a# $e #$ug$#
#$e im(r#an# #$ing 2as '=rssing
#$e ,inis$ing line ,irs#'6
His %u#$,ul gaie#% $a" ma#ure"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
in# an eC#rar"inar% =$arm an"
a remar.a/le ,a=ili#% ,r
/ringing (e(le #ge#$er6
'Mun#/a##en1' remar.e" a man
2$ 2as n# ne , $is a"mirers1
'=ul" =$arm a +ul#ure ,, a
=r(se i, $e se# $is min" # i#6'
A/+e all1 Mun#/a##en 2as
en"2e" 2i#$ an en"less
reser+ir , sel,D=n,i"en=e1 a
'uali#% $is "e#ra=#rs (re,erre"
# la/el =n=ei#6 @$en &$ur=$ill
$a" ,,ere" $im $is Asian
=mman"1 $e $a" as.e" ,r 5A
$urs # (n"er #$e ,,er6
'@$%1' snarle" &$ur=$ill1 '"n'#
%u #$in. %u =an " i#?'
'Sir1' re(lie" Mun#/a##en1 'I
su,,er ,rm #$e =ngeni#al
2ea.ness , /elie+ing I =an "
an%#$ing6'
-i=#ria's grea#Dgran"sn 2ul"
nee" e+er% /i# , #$a# sel,D
=n,i"en=e in #$e 2ee.s a$ea"6
Peni#en#'s Prgress I
A# e+er% +illage1 $is ru#ine 2as
#$e same6 As sn as $e arri+e"1
#$e ms# ,amus Asian ali+e
2ul" g u( # a $u#1 (re,era/l%
a Mslem's $u#1 an" /eg ,r
s$el#er6 I, $e 2as #urne" a2a%1
an" sme#imes $e 2as1 )an"$i
2ul" g # an#$er "r6 'I,
#$ere is n ne # re=ei+e me1' $e
$a" sai"1 T s$all /e $a((% # res#
un"er #$e $s(i#a/le s$a"e , a
#ree6'
On=e ins#alle"1 $e li+e" n
2$a#e+er ," $is $s#s =ul"
,,erH manges1 +ege#a/les1
ga#'s =ur"s1 green ==nu# mil.6
E+er% $ur , $is "a% iu ea=$
+illage 2as rigrusl%
(rgramme"6 Time 2as ne ,
)an"$i's /sessins6 Ea=$
minu#e1 $e $el"1 2as a gi,# ,
)" # /e use" in #$e ser+i=e ,
man6 His 2n "a%s 2ere r"ere"
/% ne , $is ,e2 (ssessins1 a
siC#eenD%earDl"1 eig$#Ds$illing
Ingersll 2a#=$ #$a# 2as al2a%s
#ie" # $is 2ais# 2i#$ a (ie=e ,
s#ring6 He g# u( a# #2 '=l=.
in #$e mrning # rea" $is )i#a
an" sa% $is mrning (ra%ers6
!rm #$en un#il "a2n $e
s'ua##e" in $is $u#1 (a#ien#l%
ans2ering $is =rres(n"en=e
$imsel, in lng$an" /% (en=il6
He use" ea=$ (en=il rig$# "2n
# an ungri((a/le s#u/ /e=ause1
$e $el"1 i# re(resen#e" #$e 2r.
, a ,ell2 $uman /eing an" #
2as#e i# 2ul" in"i=a#e
in"i,,eren=e # $is la/urs6
E+er% mrning a# a rigi"l%
a((in#e" $ur1 $e ga+e $imsel,
a sal# an" 2a#er enema6 A "e+u#
/elie+er in na#ure =ures1 )an"$i
2as =n+in=e" #$a# 2as #$e

A4

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
A3

(lain near Del$i6 !r )an"$i1
#$a# gran"ise =eremn% 2as
al2a%s ass=ia#e" 2i#$ a Bingle
$e an" $is (la%ma#es $a"
=$an#e" # mar. #$e e+en# in $is
$me #2n , Pr/an"ar1 844
miles ,rm Del$i n #$e Ara/ian
SeaH
Be$l" #$e mig$#% Englis$man!
He rules #$e In"ian small
Be=ause /eing a mea# ea#er He is
,i+e =u/i#s #all6
T$e /% 2$se s(iri#ual ,r=e
2ul" ne "a% $um/le #$se
,i+eD=u/i# Englis$men an" #$eir
enrmus em(ire =ul" n#
resis# #$e =$allenge in #$e Bingle6
@i#$ a ,rien"1 $e =.e" an" a#e
a ,r/i""en (ie=e , ga#'s mea#6
T$e eC(erimen# 2as "isas#rus6
T$e eig$#D%earD?l" )an"$i
(rm(#l% +mi#e" u( #$e ga#
an" s(en# #$e nig$# "reaming #$e
animal 2as =a+r#ing in $is
s#ma=$6
)an"$i's ,a#$er 2as #$e
$ere"i#ar% "i2an1 (rime
minis#er1 , a Hin% s#a#e n #$e
*a#$ia2ar (eninsula near
Bm/a% an" $is m#$er m
in#ensel% "e+u# 2man gi+en #
lng religius ,as#s6
&uriusl%1 )an"$i1 "es#ine" #
/e=me In"ia's grea#es# s(iri#ual
ea"er , m"ern #imes1 2as n#
/rn in# #$e Bra$min =as#e #$a#
+as su((se" # (r+i"e
Hin"uism 2i#$ i#s $ere"i#ar%
($ils($i=al in" religius eli#e6
His ,a#$er 2as a mem/er ,
#$e+ms$%as1#$e =as#e I,
s$(.ee(ers an" (e##% #ra"esmen
2$i=$ s#" $al,2a% u( #$e
iin"u s=ial s=ale1 a/+e
Un#u=$a/le an" su"ras1
ar#isans1 /u# [l2 Bra$mins an"
.s$a#ri%as1 2arrirs6
A# #$ir#een1 )an"$i1 ,ll2ing
#$e In"ian #ra"i#in , #$e "a%1 iD
as marrie" # an illi#era#e
s#ranger name" *as#ur/a6 T$e
%u#$ J$ 2as la#er # ,,er #$e
2rl" a s%m/l , as=e#i= (uri#%
re+elle" a #$e =nse'uen#
"is=+er% , seC6
!ur %ears la#er1 )an"$i an" $is
2i,e 2ere in #$e mi"s# , enB%D
ig i#s (leasures 2$en a ra( n
#$e "r in#erru(#e" #$eir l+eD
la.ing6 I# 2as a ser+an#6 )an"$i's
,a#$er1 $e annun=e"1 $a" Bus#
ie"6
)an"$i 2as $rri,ie"6 He 2as
"e+#e" # $is ,a#$er6 Mmen#s
e,re $e'" /een /% #$e /e" n
2$i=$ $is ,a#$er la% "%ing1
(a#ienU% iassaging $is legs6 An
urgen# /urs# , seCual "esire $a"
seiQe" $im i" $e'" #i(#e" ,rm
$is ,a#$er's rm # 2a.e u( $is
(regnan# i,e6 T$e B% , seC
/egan # ,a"e ,r )an"$i6 An
in"eli/le s#am( i" /een le,# n
$is (s%=$e6
As a resul# , $is ,a#$er's "ea#$1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
)an"$i 2as sen# # Englan" #
u"% la2 s $e mig$# /e=me
(rime minis#er , a (rin=el%
s#a#e6 I# is an enrmus
un"er#a.ing ,r a "e+u# Hin"u
,amil%6 N memDHr , )an"$i's
,amil% $a" e+er gne a/ra"
/e,re6 )an"$i 2as slemnl%
(rnun=e" an u#=as# ,rm $is
s$(.ee(ers' =as#e1 /e=ause1 #
$is Hin"u el"ers1 $is +%age
a=rss #$e seas 2ul" lea+e $im
=n#amina#e"6 illO/S=i
)an"$i 2as 2re#=$e"l% un$a((%
in Ln"n6 He 2as s
"es(era#el% s$% #$a# # a""ress a
single 2r" # a s#ranger 2as a
(ain,ul r"ealT # (r"u=e a ,ull
sen#en=e agn%6 P$%si=all%1 a#
nine#een $e 2as a (a#$e#i= li##le
=rea#ure in #$e s($is#i=a#e"
2rl" , #$e Inns , &urU His
=$ea(1 /a"l%D=u# Bm/a%
=l#$es ,l((e" +er $is
un"ersiQe" /"% li.e lse sails
n a /e=alme" s$i(6 In"ee"1 $e
2as s small1 s unremar.a/le1
$is ,ell2 s#u"en#s sme#imes
#. $im ,r an erran" /%6
T$e lnel%1 misera/le )an"$i
"e=i"e" #$e nl% 2a% u# , $is
agn% 2as # /e=me an Englis$
gen#leman6 He #$re2 a2a% $is
Bm/a% =l#$es an" g# a ne2
2ar"r/e6 I# in=lu"e" a sil. #(D
$a#1 an e+ening sui#1 (a#en#D
lea#$er /#s1 2$i#e gl+es an"
e+en a sil+erD#i((e" 2al.ing
s#i=.6 He /ug$# $air l#in #
(las#er $is un2illing /la=. $air
n # $is s.ull6 He s(en# $urs in
,rn# , a mirrr =n #em(la#ing
$is a((earan=e an" learning #
#ie a #ie6 T 2in #$e s=i6u
a==e(#an=e $e lnge" ,r1 $e
/ug$# a +ilin1 Bine" a "an=ing
=lass1 $ire" a !ren=$ #u#r an" an
el=u#in #ea=$er6
T$e resul#s , #$a# (ignan# li##le
=$ara"e 2ere as "isas#rus as $i$
earlier en=un#er 2i#$ ga#'s
mea#6 T$e nl% sun" $e learne"
34 =aC ,rm $is +ilin 2as a
"issnan# 2ail6 His ,ee# re,use"
# a=.n2le"ge #$reeD'uar#er
#ime1 $is #ngue #$e !ren=$
language1 an" n amun# ,
el=u#in lessns 2ere ging #
,ree #$e s(iri# s#ruggling #
es=a(e ,rm un"er $is =ri((ling
s$%ness6 E+en a +isi# # a /r#$el
2as a ,ailure6 )an"$i =ul"n'#
ge# (as# #$e (arlur6
He ga+e u( $is e,,r#s # /e=me
an Englis$man an" 2en# /a=. #
/eing $imsel,6 @$en ,inall% $e
2as =alle" # #$e /ar1 )an"$i
rus$e" /a=. # In"ia 2i#$
un"isguise" relie,S
His $me=ming 2as less #$an
#rium($an#6 !r mn#$s1 $e $ung
arun" #$e Bm/a% =ur#s
l.ing ,r a =ase # (lea"6 T$e
%ung man 2$se +i=e 2ul"
ne "a% ins(ire ?44 millin
In"ians (r+e" in=a(a/le ,
ar#i=ula#ing #$e ($rases
ne=essar% # im(ress a single
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
In"ian magis#ra#e6
T$a# ,ailure le" # #$e ,irs# grea#
#urning (in# in )an"$i's li,e6
His ,rus#ra#e" ,amil% sen# $im #
Su#$ A,ri=a r unra+el #$e legal
(r/lems , a "is#an# .insman6
His #ri( 2as # $a+e las#e" a ,e2
mn#$sT $e s#a%e" a 'uar#er , a
=en#ur%6 T$ere1 in #$a# /lea. a i"
$s#ile lan"1 )an"$i ,un" #$e
($ils($i=al (rin=i(les #$a#
#rans,rme" $is li,e an" In"ian
$is#r%6
N#$ing a/u# #$e %ung )an"$i
2al.ing "2n a gang(lan. in
Dur/an $ar/ur in Ma% 3:7?1
$2e+er1 in"i=a#e" a +=a#in
,r

A5

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g">

A?

as=e#i=ism r sain#liness6 T$e
,u#ure (r($e# , (+er#% ma"e
$is ,rmal en#r% n # #$e sil ,
Su#$ A,ri=a in a $ig$ 2$i#e
=llar an" #$e ,as$ina/le ,r=.
=a# , a Ln"n Inner Tem(le
/arris#er1 $is /rie, =ase =ramme"
2i#$ "=umen#s n #$e ri=$
In"ian /usinessman 2$se
in#eres#s $e'" =me # "e,en"6
)an"$i's real in#r"u=#in #
Su#$ A,ri=a =ame a 2ee. a,#er
$is arri+al n an +ernig$# #rain
ri"e ,rm Dur/an # Pre#ria6
!ur "e=a"es la#er )an"$i 2ul"
s#ill remem/er #$a# #ri( as #$e
ms# ,rma#i+e eC(erien=e , $is
li,e6 Hal,2a% # Pre#ria a 2$i#e
man s#al.e" in# /is ,irs#D=lass
=m(ar#men# an" r"ere" $im
in# #$e /aggage =ar6 )an"$i1
2$ $el" a ,irs#D=lass #i=.e#1
re,use"6 A# #$e neC# s#( #$e
2$i#e =alle" a (li=eman an"
)an"$i 2i#$ $is luggage 2as
un=eremniusl% #$r2n ,, #$e
#rain in #$e mi""le , #$e nig$#6
All alne1 s$i+ering in #$e =l"
/e=ause $e 2as # s$% # as.
#$e s#a#in mas#er ,r #$e
+er=a# l=.e" in $is luggage1
)an"$i (asse" #$e nig$# $u""le"
in #$e un,i# railra" s#a#in1
(n"ering $is ,irs# /ru#al
=n,rn#a#in 2i#$ ra=ial
(reBu"i=e6 Li.e a me"ie+al %u#$
"uring #$e +igil , $is
.nig$#$"1 )an"$i sa# (ra%ing
# #$e )" , #$e )i#a ,r
=urage an" gui"an=e6 @$en
"a2n ,inall% /r.e n #$e li##le
s#a#in , Mari#Q/urg1 #$e #imi"1
2i#$"ra2n %u#$ 2as a =$ange"
(ersn6 T$e li##le la2%er $a"
rea=$e" #$e ms# im(r#an#
"e=isin , $is li,e6 M$an"as
)an"$i 2as ging # sa% 'n'1
A 2ee. la#er1 )an"$i "eli+ere"
$is ,irs# (u/li= s(ee=$ #
Pre#ria's In"ians6 T$e a"+=a#e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$'" /een s (ain,ull% s$% in
#$e =ur#rms , Bm/a% $a"
/egun # ,in" $is #ngue6 He
urge" #$e In"ians # uni#e #
"e,en" #$eir in#eres#s an"1 as a
,irs# s#e(1 # learn $2 # " i# in
#$eir ((ressrs' Englis$ #ngue6
T$e ,ll2ing e+ening1 2i#$u#
realiQing i#1 )an"$i /egan #$e
2r. #$a# 2ul" ul#ima#el% /ring
In"ia ,ree"m /% #ea=$ing
Englis$ grammar # a /ar/er1 a
=ler. an" a s$(.ee(er6 Sn $e
$a" als 2n #$e ,irs# , #$e
su==esses 2$i=$ 2ul" /e $is
+er #$e neC# $al,D=en#ur%6 He
2rung ,rm #$e rail2a%
au#$ri#ies #$e rig$# ,r 2ellD
"resse" In"ians # #ra+el ,irs#D r
se=n"D=lass n Su#$ A,ri=a's
rail2a%s6
)an"$i "e=i"e" # s#a% n in
Su#$ A,ri=a 2$en #$e =ase
2$i=$ $a" ren# $im #$ere $a"
/een resl+e"6 He /e=ame /#$
#$e =$am(in , Su#$ A,ri=a's
In"ian =mmuni#% an" a $ig$l%
su==ess,ul la2%er6
63 # #$e Bri#is$ Em(ire "es(i#e
i#s ra=ial inBus#i=e1 $e e+en le" an
am/ulan=e =r(s in #$e Ber
@ar6
Ten sears a,#er $is arri+al in
Su#$ A,ri=a1 an#$er lng #rain
ri"e (r+.e" #$e se=n" grea#
#urning (in# in )an"$i's ,i,e6 As
$e /ear"e" #$e J$annes/urgD
Dur/an #rain ne e+ening in
374A1 an ' #i(B'su ,rien" (asse"
)an"$i a /. # rea" n #$e
lng #ri(1 J$n ,#u.in'i Un# T$is
Las#6
All nig$# )an"$i sa# u( rea"ing
as $is #rain rlle" #$rug$ #$e
Su#$ A,ri=an +el"#6 I# 2as $is
re+ela#in n #$e ra" #
Damas=us6 B% #$e #ime $is #rain
rea=$e" Dur/an #$e ,ll2ing
mrning1 )an"$i $a" ma"e an
e(i= +2H $e 2as ging #
renun=e all $is ma#erial
(ssessins an" li+e $is li,e
a==r"ing # Rus.in's i"eals6
Ri=$es1 Rus.in 2r#e1 2ere Bus#
a #l # se=ure (2er +er men6
A la/urer 2i#$ a s(a"e ser+e"
s=ie#% as #rul% as a la2%er 2i#$
a /rie,1 an" #$e li,e , la/ur1 ,
#$e #iller , #$e sil1 is #$e li,e
2r#$ li+ing6
)an"$i's "e=isin 2as all #$e
mre remar.a/le /e=ause $e
2as1 a# #$a# mmen#1 a 2eal#$%
man earning +er O0444 a %ear
,rm $is la2 (ra=#i=e1 an
enrmus sum in #$e Su#$
A,ri=a , #$e #ime6
!r #2 %ears1 $2e+er1 "u/#s
$a" /een ,ermen#ing in )an"$i's
min"6 He 2as $aun#e" /% #$e
B$aga+a" )i#a's "=#rine ,
renun=ia#in , "esire an"
a##a=$men# # ma#erial
(ssessins as #$e essen#ial
s#e((ingDs#ne # a s(iri#ual
a2a.ening6 He $a" alrea"% ma"e
eC(erimen#s , $is 2nH $e $a"
s#ar#e" # =u# $is 2n $air1 " $is
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
laun"r%1 =lean $is 2n #ile#6 He
$a" e+en "eli+ere" $is las# =$il"6
His "u/#s ,un" #$eir
=n,irma#in in Rus.in's (ages6
Barel% a 2ee. la#er1 )an"$i
se##le" $is ,amil% an" a gru( ,
,rien"s n a $un"re"Da=re ,arm
near P$eniC1 ,ur#een
miles>,rm Dur/an6 T$ere1 n a
sa"1 s=ru//% si#e =nsis#ing , a
ruine" s$a=.1 a 2ell1 sme
range1 mul/err% an" mang
#rees1 an" a $r"e , sna.es1
)an"$i's li,e #. n #$e (a##ern
#$a# 2ul" rule i# un#il $is "ea#$H
a renun=ia#in , ma#erial
(ssessins an" a s#ri+ing #
sa#is,% $uman nee"s in #$e
sim(les# manner1 =u(le" 2i#$ a
=mmunal eCis#en=e in 2$i=$ all
la/ur 2as e'uall% +alua/le an"
a$ g"s 2ere s$are"6
One las#1 (ain,ul renun=ia#in
remaine"1 $2e+er1 # /e ma"e6
I# 2as #$e +2 ,
Bra$ma=liar%a1 #$e (le"ge ,
seCual =n#inen=e an" i# $a"
$aun#e" )an"$i ,r %ears6
T$e s=ar le,# /% $is ,a#$er's
"ea#$1 a "esire # $a+e n mre
=$il"ren1 $is rising religius
=ns=iusness all "r+e $im
#2ar"s $is "e=isin6 One
summer e+ening in 3749 )an"$i
slemnl% annun=e" # $is 2i,e1
*as#ur/a1 #$a# $e $a" #a.en #$e
+2 , Bra$ma=$ar%a1 Begun in
a B%us ,renQ% a# #$e age ,
#$ir#een1 #$e seCual li,e ,
M$an"as )an"$i $a" rea=$e"
i#s =n=lusin a# #$e age , ?86
T )an"$i1 $2e+er1
Bra$ma=$ar%a mean>1 mre #$an
Bus# #$e =ur/ing , seCual
"esires6 I# 2as #$e =n#rl , all
#$e senses6 I# menn# res#rain# in
em#in1 "ie#1 an" s(ee=$1 #$e
su((ressin , anger1 +ilen=e
an" $a#e1 #$e a##ainmen# , a
"esireless s#a#e "se # #$e )i#a's
i"eal , nnD(ssessin6 I# 2as
$is "e,ini#i+e engagemen# n #$e
as=e#i='s (a#$1 #$e ul#ima#e a=# ,
sel,D#rans,=rma#in6 Nne , #$e
+2s )an"$i #. in $is li,e
2ul" ,r=e u(n $im su=$

AA

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in#ense in#ernal s#ruggle as $is
+2 , =$as#i#%6 I# 2as a s#ruggle
2$i=$1 in ne ,rm r an#$er1
2ul" /e 2i#$ $im ,r #$e res# ,
$is li,e6
I# 2as1 $2e+er1 in #$e ra=ial
s#ruggle $e'" un"er#a.en "uring
$is ,irs# 2ee. in Su#$ A,ri=a
#$a# )an"$i enun=ia#e" #$e #2
"=#rines 2$i=$ 2ul" ma.e
$im 2rl"D,amusH nnD+ilen=e
an" =i+il "is/e"ien=e6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
I# 2as a (assage ,rm #$e Bi/le
2$i=$ $a" ,irs# se# )an"$i
me"i#a#ing n nnD+ilen=e6 He
$a" /een +er2$elme" /%
&$ris#'s a"mni#in # $is
,ll2ers # #urn #$e #$er =$ee.
# #$eir aggressrs6 T$e U#ile
man $a" alrea"% a((lie" #$e
"=#rine $imsel,1 s#i=all%
su/mi##ing # #$e /ea#ings ,
numerus 2$i#e aggressrs6 T$e
($ils($% , an e%e ,r a$ e%e
le" nl% # a 2rl" , #iie\/lin"1
$e reasne"6 Yu "n'# =$ange a
man's =n+i=#ins /% =$((ing
,, $is $ea" r in,use $is $ear#
2i#$ a ne2 s(iri# /% (u##ing a
/ulle# #$rug$ i#6 -ilen=e nl%
/ru#aliQes #$e +ilen# an"
em/i##ers i#s +i=#ims6 )an"$i
sug$# a "=#rine #$a# 2ul"
,r=e =$ange /% #$e eCam(le ,
#$e g"1 re=n=ile men 2i#$ #$e
s#reng#$ , )" ins#ea" ,
"i+i"ing #$em /% #$e s#reng#$ ,
manS
T$e Su#$ A,ri=an g+ernmen#
,urnis$e" $im an ((r#uni#% #
#es# $is s#ill $al,D,rmula#e"
#$eries in #$e au#umn , 37496
T$e ==asin 2as a la2 2$i=$
2ul" $a+e ,r=e" all In"ians
+er #$e age , eig$# # regis#er
2i#$ #$e g+ernmen#1 /e
,inger(rin#e" an" =arr% s(e=ial
i"en#i#% =ar"s6 On 33 Se(#em/er1
/e,re a ga#$ering , angr%
In"ians in #$e Em(ire T$ea#re in
J$annes/urg1 )an"$i #. #$e
s#an" # (r#es# agains# #$e la26
]
T /e% i#1 $e sai"1 2ul" lea" #
#$e "es#ru=#in , #$eir =mD
muni#%6 FT$ere is nl% ne
=urse (en # me1' $e "e=lare"1
'# "ie
/u# n# # su/mi#D# #$e la26' !r
#$e ,irs# #ime in $is li,e $e le" a
(u/li= assem/l% in a slemn
+2 /e,re )" # resis# an
unBus# la21
2$a#e+er #$e =nse'uen=es6
)an"$i "i" n# eC(lain # $is
au"ien=e
$2 #$e% 2ul" resis# #$e la26
Pr/a/l% $e $imsel, "i" n#
.n26
Onl% ne #$ing 2as =learT i#
2ul" /e resis#e" 2i#$u#
+ilen=e6 U
T$e ne2 (rin=i(le , (li#i=al
an" s=ial s#ruggle /rn in #$e
Em(ire T$ea#re sn $a" a
name1 Sa#%agra$a1 Tru#$ !r=e6
)an"$i rganiQe" a /%=## ,
#$e regis#ra#in (r=e"ures an"
(ea=e,ul (i=.e#ing , #$e
regis#ra#in =en#res6 His a=#ins
earne" $im #$e ,irs# , $is li,e's
numerus Bail sen#en=es6
@$ile in Bail1 )an"$i
en=un#ere" #$e se=n" , #$e
se=ular 2r.s 2$i=$ 2ul"
"ee(l% in,luen=e $is #$ug$#1
Henr% T$reau's essa% On &i+il
Dis/e"ien=e'> Pr#es#ing
agains# a US g+ernmen# #$a#
> T$e #$ir" 2as Le Tls#%'s
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$e *ing"m , )" is @i#$in
Yu6 He a"mire" Tls#%'s
insis#en=e n a((l%ing $is mral
(rin=i(les in $is "ail% li,e6
=n"ne" sla+er% an" 2as
,ig$#ing an unBus# 2ar in
MeCi=1 T$reau asser#e" #$e
in"i+i"ual's rig$# # ignre unBus#
la2s an" re,use $is allegian=e #
a g+ernmen# 2$se #%rann% $a"
/e=me un/eara/le6 T /e rig$#1
$e sai"1 2as mre $nura/le
#$an # /e la2Da/i"ing6
T$reau's essa% 2as a =a#al%s# #
#$ug$#s alrea"% s#irring in
)an"$i6 Release" ,rm Bail1 $e
"e=i"e" # a((l% #$em in (r#es#
agains# a "e=isin , #$e
Trans+aal # =lse i#s /r"ers #
In"ians6 On 9 N+em/er 373?1
54?8 men1 358 2men1 an" 08
=$il"ren1 )an"$i a# #$eir $ea"1
s#age" a nnD+ilen# mar=$ n
#$e Trans+aal's ,rn#iers6 T$eir
=er#ain "es#in% 2as Bail1 #$eir
nl% sure re2ar" a ,rig$#,ul
/ea#ing6
@a#=$ing #$a# (a#$e#i=1
/e"raggle" #r( 2al.ing
=n,i"en#l% alng /e$in" $im1
)an"$i eC(erien=e" an#$er
illumina#ing re+ela#in6 T$se
2re#=$es $a" n#$ing # l.
,r2ar" # /u# (ain6 Arme"
2$i#e +igilan#es 2ai#e" a# #$e
/r"er1 (er$a(s # .ill #$em6 Ye#
,ire" /% ,ai#$ in $im an" #$e
=ause # 2$i=$ $e'" =alle" #$em1
#$e% mar=$e" in $is ,#s#e(s1
rea"%1 in )an"$i's 2r"s1 #
'mel# #$eir enemies' $ear#s /%
sel,Dsu,,ering'6
)an"$i su""enl% sense" in #$eir
'uie# reslu#in 2$a# mass1
nn+ilen# a=#in mig$# /e=me6
T$ere n #$e /r"ers , #$e
Trans+aal $e realiQe" #$e
enrmus (ssi/ili#ies in$eren#
in #$e m+emen# $e'" (r+.e"6
T$e ,e2 $un"re"s /e$in" $im
#$a# N+em/er "a% =ul"
/e=me $un"re"s , #$usan"s1
a #i"e ren"ere" irresis#i/le /% an
uns$a.ea/le ,ai#$ in #$e nnD
+ilen# i"eal6
Perse=u#in1 ,lgging1 Bailing1
e=nmi= san=#ins ,ll2e"
#$eir a=#in1 /u# #$e% =ul" n#
/rea. #$e m+emen#6 His
A,ri=an =rusa"e en"e" in alms#
##al +i=#r% in 373A6 He =ul"
g $me a# las#6
T$e )an"$i 2$ le,# Su#$
A,ri=a in Jul% 373A 2as a ##all%
"i,,eren# (ersn ,rm #$e #imi"
%ung la2%er 2$'" lan"e" in
Dur/an6 He $a" "is=+ere" n
i#s in$s(i#a/le sil $is #$ree
#ea=$ers1 Rus.in1 Tls#% an"
T$reau6 !rm $is eC(erien=e $e
$a" e+l+e" #$e #2 "=#rines1
nnD+ilen=e an" =i+il
"is/e"ien=e1 2i#$ 2$i=$1 +er
#$e neC# #$ir#% %ears1 $e 2ul"
$um/le #$e ms# (2er,ul
em(ire in #$e 2rl"6
An enrmus =r2" ga+e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
)an"$i a $er's 2el=me 2$en
$is "iminu#i+e ,igure (asse"
un"er #$e s(ans , Bm/a%'s
)a#e2a% , In"ia n 7 Januar%
37306 T$e s(are sui#=ase , #$e
lea"er (assing un"er #$a#
im(erial ar=$2a% =n#aine" ne
signi,i=an# i#em6 I# 2as a #$i=.
/un"le , (a(er =+ere" 2i#$
)an"$i's $an"2ri##en (rse6 I#s
#i#le Hin" S2araB D 'In"ian Hme
Rule'1 ma"e ne #$ing =learS ^
T$e #2 men $el" remar.a/l%
similar +ie2s n nnD+ilen=e1
e"u=a#in1 "ie#1 in"us#rialiQa#in1
an" =rres(n"e" /rie,l% /e,re
Tls#%'s "ea#$6

A9

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

A8

A,ri=a1 ,r )an"$i1 $a" /een
nl% a #raining grun" ,r #$e
real /a##le , $is li,e6
)an"$i se##le" near #$e in"us#rial
=i#% , A$me"a/a" n #$e /an.s
, #$e Sa/anna#i Ri+er 2$ere $e
,un"e" an as$ram1 a =mmunal
,arm similar # #$se $e'"
,un"e" in Su#$ A,ri=a6 As
al2a%s1 )an"$i's ,irs# =n=ern
2as ,r #$e (r6 He rganiQe"
#$e in"ig ,armers , Bi$ar
agains# #$e ((ressi+e eCa=#ins
, #$eir Bri#is$ lan"lr"s1 #$e
(easan#s , #$e "rug$#Ds#ri=.en
(r+in=e , Bm/a% agains#
#$eir #aCes1 #$e 2r.ers in
A$me"a/a"'s #eC#ile mills
agains# #$e em(l%ers 2$se
=n#ri/u#ins sus#aine" $is
as$ram6 !r #$e ,irs# #ime1 an
In"ian lea"er 2as a""ressing
$imsel, # #$e miseries , In"ia's
masses6 Sn Ra/in"rana#$
Tagre1 In"ia's N/el
PriQe2inner1 =n,erre" n
)an"$i #$e a((ella#in $e 2ul"
=arr% ,r #$e res# , $is li,e1
'Ma$a#ma'6 T$e )rea# Sul in
Beggar's )ar/1' $e =alle" $im6
Li.e ms# In"ians1 )an"$i 2as
l%al # Bri#ain in @rl" @ar I1
=n+in=e" Bri#ain in re#urn
2ul" gi+e a s%m(a#$e#i=
$earing # In"ia's na#inalis#
as(ira#ins6 )an"$i 2as 2rng6
Bri#ain ins#ea" (asse" #$e
R2la## A=# in 37371 # re(ress
agi#a#in ,r In"ian ,ree"m6 !r
2ee.s )an"$i me"i#a#e"1
see.ing a #a=#i= 2i#$ 2$i=$ #
res(n" # Bri#ain's reBe=#in ,
In"ia's $(es6 T$e i"ea ,r a
re(l% =ame # $im in a "ream6 I#
2as /rillian#l%1 s#unningl%
sim(le6 In"ia 2ul" (r#es#1 $e
"e=ree"1 2i#$ silen=e1 a s(e=ial
eerie silen=e6 He 2ul" "
sme#$ing n ne $a" e+er
"reame" , "ing /e,reT $e
2ul" imm/iliQe all In"ia in
#$e 'uie# =$ill , a "a% ,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
murning1 a $ar#al1S6 +U I4 S6
Li.e s man% , )an"$i's
(li#i=al i"eas1 #$e (lan re,le=#e"
$is ins#in=#i+e genius ,r #a=#i=s
#$a# =ul" /e enun=ia#e" in ,e2
2r"s1 un"ers#" /% #$e
sim(les# min"s1 (u# in# (ra=#i=e
2i#$ #$e ms# r"inar% ges#ures6
T ,ll2 $im1 $is su((r#ers
"i" n# $a+e # /rea. #$e la2 r
/ra+e (li=e =lu/s6 T$e% $a"
nl% # " n#$ing6 B% =lsing
#$eir s$(s1 lea+ing #$eir
=lassrms1 ging # #$eir
#em(les # (ra% r Bus# s#a%ing a#
$me1 In"ians =ul" "emns#ra#e
#$eir sli"ari#% 2i#$ $is (r#es#
=all6 He =$se 8 A(ril 3737 as
#$e "a% , $is $ar#al6 I# 2as $is
,irs# +er# a=# agains# #$e
)+ernmen# , In"ia6 Le# In"ia
s#an" s#ill1 $e urge"1 an" le#
In"ia's ((ressrs lis#en # #$e
uns(.en message , $er silen#
masses6
Un,r#una#el%1 #$se masses
2ere n# e+er%2$ere silen#6
Ri#s eru(#e"6 T$e ms# serius
2ere in Amri#sar in #$e PunBa/6
T (r#es# agains# #$e res#ri=#ins
=lam(e" n #$eir =i#% as a resul#1
#$usan"s , In"ians ga#$ere" n
3? A(ril1 ,r a (ea=e,ul /u#
illegal mee#ing in a s#neD an"
"e/risDli##ere" =m(un" =alle"
Jallian2alla Bag$6
T$ere 2as nl% ne en#ran=e #
#$e =m(un" "2n a narr2
alle% /e#2een #2 /uil"ings6
T$rug$ i#1 Bus# a,#er #$e mee#ing
$a"
# /egun1 mar=$e"
Amri#sar's Mar#ial La2
&mman"er1 Briga"ier
R6 E6 D%er1 a# #$e $ea" , ,i,#%
sl"iers6 He s#a#ine" $is men n
ei#$er si"e , #$e en#r% an"1
2i#$u# 2arning1 (ene" ,ire
2i#$ ma=$ineDguns n #$e
"e,en=eless In"ians6 !r #en ,ull
minu#es1 2$ile #$e #ra((e"
In"ians s=reame" ,r mer=%1 #$e
sl"iers ,ire"6 T$e% ,ire" 3904
run"s6 T$eir /ulle#s .ille" r
2un"e" 3039 (e(le6
&n+in=e" $e'" '"ne a Bll%
g" #$ing'1 D%er mar=$e" $is
men /a=. u# , #$e Bag$6
His 'Bll% g" #$ing' 2as a
#urning (in# in #$e $is#r% ,
AnglDIn"ian rela#ins1 mre
"e=isi+e e+en #$an #$e In"ian
Mu#in% 9? %ears /e,re6> !r
)an"$i i# 2as #$e ,inal /rea=$ ,
,ai#$ /% #$e em(ire ,r 2$i=$ $e
$a" =m(rmise" $is (a=i,is#
(rin=i(les6 He #urne" all $is
e,,r#s # #a.ing =n#rl , #$e
rganiQa#in 2$i=$ $a" /e=me
s%nn%mus 2i#$ In"ia's
na#inalis# as(ira#ins6
T$e i"ea #$a# #$e &ngress Par#%
mig$# ne "a% /e=me #$e ,=al
(in# , mass agi#a#in agains#
Bri#is$ rule in In"ia 2ul"
surel% $a+e $rri,ie" #$e
"igni,ie" Englis$ =i+il ser+an#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$ $a" ,un"e" #$e (ar#% in
3::06 A=#ing 2i#$ #$e /lessings
, #$e -i=er%1 O=#a+ian Hume
$a" sug$# # =rea#e an
rganiQa#in 2$i=$ 2ul"
=analiQe #$e (r#es#s , In"ia's
sl2l% gr2ing e"u=a#e" =lasses
in# a m"era#e1 res(nsi/le
/"% (re(are" # engage in
gen#lemanl% "ialgue 2i#$
In"ia's Englis$ rulers6
T$a# @as eCa=#l% 2$a# &ngress
2as 2$en )an"$i arri+e" n #$e
(li#i=al s=ene6 De#ermine" #
=n+er# i# in# a mass m+emen#
a##une" # $is nnD+ilen# =ree"1
)an"$i (resen#e" #$e (ar#% 2i#$
a (lan , a=#in in &al=u##a in
37546 I# 2as a"(#e" /% an +erD
IS 2$elming maBri#%6 !rm #$a#
mmen# un#il $is "ea#$1 2$e#$er
$e $el" ran. in #$e (ar#% r n#1
)an"$i 2as &ngress's
=ns=ien=e an" i#s gui"e1 #$e
un'ues#ine" lea"er , #$e
in"e(en"en=e s#ruggle6
Li.e $is earlier =all ,r a
na#inal $ar#al1 )an"$i's ne2
#a=#i= 2as
I ele=#ri,%ingl% sim(le1 a
ne 2r" (rgramme ,r
(li#i=al re+lu#inH
nnD=D(era#in6 In"ians1 $e
"e=ree"1 2ul" /%=## 2$a#e+er
2as
Bri#is$H s#u"en#s 2ul" /%=##
Bri#is$ s=$lsT la2%ers1 Bri#is$
=ur#sT em(l%ees1 Bri#is$ B/sT
sl"iers1 Bri#is$ $nurs6 )an"$i
$imsel, ga+e #$e lea" /%
re#urning # #$e -i=er% #$e #2
me"als $e'"
earne" 2i#$ $is am/ulan=e
/riga"e in #$e Ber @ar6
U+KUU
> D%er 2as re(riman"e" ,r $is
a=#ins an"Das.e" # resign ,rm
#$e arm%6 He 2as1 $2e+er1
all2e" # re#ain ,ull (ensin
/ene,i#s an" #$er rig$#s "ue
$im6 His "emns#ra#in 2as
a((lau"e" /% ms# , #$e Bri#is$
in In"ia6 In =lu/s all a=rss #$e
=un#r% $is a"miring
=un#r%men #. u( a =lle=#in
n $is /e$al,1 amas6ing #$e #$en
(r"igius sum , O591444 #
ease #$e rigurs , $is (rema#ure
re#iremen#6


A7

rem#e =rners , In"ia
(rea=$ing $is message6 S(ea.ing
,i+e r siC #imes a "a%1 $e +isi#e"
#$usan"s , +illages6
I# 2as an eC#rar"inar%
s(e=#a=le6 )an"$i 2ul" lea" #$e
mar=$1 /are,#1 2ra((e" in $is
lin=l#$1 s(e=#a=les sli"ing ,rm
$is nse1 =lm(ing alng 2i#$
#$e ai" , a /am/ s#a+e6
Be$in" $im =ame $is ,ll2ers
in i"en#i=al 2$i#e lin=l#$s6
&lsing #$e mar=$1 $is# li.e
sme #rium($an# #r($% +er a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,ll2er's $ea"1 r"e #$e
Ma$a#ma's (r#a/le #ile#1 a
gra($i= remin"er , #$e
im(r#an=e $e a##a=$e" # sun"
sani#a#in6
His =rusa"e 2as an
eC#rar"inar% su==ess6 T$e
=r2"s rus$e" # see #$e man
alrea"% .n2n as a ')rea# Sul'6
His +lun#ar% (+er#%1 $is
sim(li=i#%1 $is $umili#%1 $is
sain#l% air ma"e $im a .in" ,
Hl% Man1 mar=$ing u# ,
sme "is#an# In"ian (as# #
li/era#e a ne2 In"ia6
In #$e #2ns $e #l" #$e =r2"s
#$a#1 i, In"ia 2as # 2in sel,D
rule1 s$e 2ul" $a+e # renun=e
,reign =l#$ing6 He as.e" ,r
+lun#eers # #a.e ,, #$eir
=l#$es an" #$r2 #$em in a $ea(
a# $is ,ee#6 S$es1 s=.s1
#rusers1 s$ir#s1 $a#s1 =a#s
=as=a"e" in# #$e (ile un#il sme
men s#" s#ar. na.e" /e,re
)an"$i6 @i#$ a "elig$#e" smile
)an"$i #$en se# #$e (ile a/laQe1 a
/iQarre /n,ire , 'Ma"e in
Englan"' =l#$ing6
T$e Bri#is$ 2ere 'ui=. # rea=#6
I, #$e% $esi#a#e" # arres# )an"$i
,r ,ear , ma.ing $im a mar#%r1
#$e% s#ru=. $ar" a# $is ,ll2ers6
T$ir#% #$usan" (e(le 2ere
arres#e"1 mee#ings an" (ara"es
/r.en u( /% ,r=e1 &ngress
,,i=es ransa=.e"6 On 3 !e/ruar%
37551 )an"$i =ur#eusl% 2r#e
# #$e -i=er% # in,rm $im $e
2as in#ensi,%ing $is a=#in6 NnD
=D(era#in 2as # /e es=ala#e"
# =i+il "is/e"ien=e6 He
=unselle" (easan#s # re,use #
(a% #aCes1 =i#% "2ellers # ignre
Bri#is$ la2s an" sl"iers # s#(
ser+ing #$e =r2n6 I# 2as
)an"$i's nnD+ilen# "e=lara#in
, 2ar n In"ia's =lnial
g+ernmen#6
FT$e Bri#is$ 2an# us # (u# #$e
s#ruggle n #$e (lane ,
ma=$ineDguns 2$ere #$e% $a+e
#$e 2ea(ns an" 2e " n#1' $e
2arne"6 'Our nl% assuran=e ,
/ea#ing #$em is (u##ing #$e
s#ruggle n a (lane 2$ere 2e
$a+e #$e 2ea(ns an" #$e% $a+e
n#6'
T$usan"s , In"ians ,ll2e"
$is =all an" #$usan"s mre
2en# ,, # Bail6 T$e /eleaguere"
g+ernr , Bm/a% =alle" i#
'#$e ms# =lssal eC(erimen# in
2rl" $is#r% an" ne 2$i=$
=ame 2i#$in an in=$ ,
su==ee"ing'6
I# ,aile" /e=ause , an u#/urs#
, /l"% +ilen=e in a li##le
+illage , Uni#e" Pr+in=es1
U)AINST #$e 2is$es , alms#
$is en#ire &ngress $ierar=$%
)an"$i =alle" ,, #$e m+emen#
/e=ause $e ,el# $is ,ll2ers "i"
n# %e# ,ull% un"ers#an" nnD
+ilen=e6

108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
04

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

03

Sensing #$a# $is =$ange ,
a##i#u"e $a" ren"ere" $im less
"angerD
us1 #$e Bri#is$ arres#e" $im6
)an"$i (lea"e" guil#% # #$e
=$arge ,
se"i#in1 an" in a m+ing a((eal
# $is Bu"ge1 as.e" ,r #$e
maCimum
(enal#%6 He 2as sen#en=e" # siC
%ears in Yera+"a (risn near
Pna6
He $a" n regre#s6 '!ree"m1' $e
2r#e1 'is ,#en # /e ,un"
insi"e a
(risn's 2alls1 e+en n a
gall2sT ne+er in =un=il
=$am/ers1 =ur#s
an" =lassrms6' Si# W& J
OS 6
)an"$i 2as release" /e,re #$e
en" , $is sen#en=e /e=ause ,
illD$eal#$6 !r #$ree %ears1 $e
#ra+elle" an" 2r#e1 (a#ien#l%
#raining $is ,ll2ers1
in=ul=a#ing #$e (rin=i(les , nnD
+ilen=e # a+i" a re=urren=e ,
#$e u#/urs# #$a# $a" s$=.e"
$im /e,re $is arres#6
B% #$e en" , 37571 $e 2as
rea"% ,r an#$er m+e ,r2ar"6
In La$re1 a# #$e s#r.e ,
mi"nig$#1 as #$e "e=a"e eC(ire"1
$e le" $is &ngress in a +2 ,r
s2araB1 n#$ing less #$an
=m(le#e in"e(en"en=e6 T2en#%D
siC "a%s la#er1 in ga#$erings all
a=rss In"ia1 millins ,
&ngressmen re(ea#e" #$e
(le"ge6
A ne2 =n,rn#a#in /e#2een
)an"$i an" #$e Bri#is$ 2as
ine+i#a/le6 )an"$i (n"ere" ,r
"a%s 2ai#ing ,r $is 'Inner -i=e'
# =unsel $im n #$e (r(er
,rm , #$a# =n,rn#a#in6 T$e
ans2er (r(se" /% $is 'Inner
-i=e' 2as #$e ,ines# ,rui# , $is
=rea#i+e genius6 S sim(le 2as
#$e #$ug$#1 s "rama#i= i#s
eCe=u#in1 i# ma"e )an"$i
2rl"D,amus +ernig$#6
Para"Ci=all%1 i# 2as /ase" n a
s#a(le #$e Ma$a#ma $a" gi+en u(
%ears /e,re in $is e,,r#s #
re(ress $is seCual "esires as (ar#
, $is +2 , =$as#i#%H sal#6
I, )an"$i s(urne" i#1 in In"ia's
$# =lima#e i# 2as an essen#ial
ingre"ien# in e+er% man's "ie#6 I#
la% in grea# 2$i#e s$ee#s alng
#$e s$reDlines1 #$e gi,# , #$e
e#ernal m#$er1 #$e sea6 I#s
manu,a=#ure an" sale1 $2e+er1
2as #$e eC=lusi+e mn(l% ,
#$e s#a#e1 2$i=$ /uil# a #aC in#
i#s selling (ri=e6 I# 2as a small
#aC1 /u# ,r a (r (easan# i#
re(resen#e"1 ea=$ %ear1 #2
2ee.s' in=me6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
On 35 Mar=$ 37?41 a# 96?4 in
#$e mrning1 $is /am/ s#a+e
in $is $an"1 $is /a=. slig$#l%
/en#1 $is ,amiliar lin=l#$
arun" $is $i(s1 )an"$i mar=$e"
u# , $is as$ram a# #$e $ea" , a
=r#ege , 87 "is=i(les an"
$ea"e" ,r #$e sea1 5A3 miles
a2a%6 T$usan"s , su((r#ers
,rm A$me"a/a" line" #$e 2a%
an" s#re2e" #$e ru#e 2i#$ green
lea+es6
Ne2smen rus$e" ,rm all +er
#$e 2rl" # ,ll2 #$e (rgress
, $is s#range =ara+an6 !rm
+illage # +illage #/e =r2"s
.nel# /% #$e ra"si"e as )an"$i
(asse"6 His (a=e 2as a
"eli/era#el% #an#aliQing a((ra=$
# $is =limaC6 T #$e Bri#is$1 i#
2as in,uria#ingl% sl26 T$e
2eir"1 alms# &$a(lines'ue
image , a li##le1 l"1 $al,Dna.e"
man =lu#=$ing a /am/ (le1
mar=$ing "2n # #$e sea #
=$allenge #$e Bri#is$ Em(ire1
"mina#e" #$e ne2sreels an"
(ress , #$e 2rl" "a% a,#er "a%6
On 0 A(ril1 a# siC '=l=. in #$e
e+ening1 )an"$i an" $is (ar#%
,inall% rea=$e" #$e /an.s , #$e
In"ian O=ean near #$e #2n ,
Dan"i6 A# "a2n #$e neC#
mrning1 a,#er a nig$# , (ra%er1
#$e gru( mar=$e" in# #$e sea
,r a ri#ual /a#$6 T$en )an"$i
2a"e" as$re an"1 /e,re
#$usan"s , s(e=#a#rs1 rea=$e"
"2n # s=( u( a (ie=e ,
=a.e" sal#6 @i#$ a gra+e an"
s#ern mien1 $e $el" $is ,is# # #$e
=r2"1 #$en (ene" i# # eC(se
in $is (alms #$e 2$i#e =r%s#als1
#$e ,r/i""en gi,# , #$e sea1 #$e
ne2es# s%m/l in #$e s#ruggle
,r In"ian in"e(en"en=e6
@i#$in a 2ee. all In"ia 2as in
#urmil6 All +er #$e =n#inen#
)an"$i's ,ll2ers /egan #
=lle=# an" "is#ri/u#e sal#6 T$e
=un#r% 2as ,l"e" 2i#$
(am($le#s eC(laining $2 #
ma.e sal# ,rm sea 2a#er6 !rm
ne en" , In"ia # an#$er1
/n,ires , Bri#is$ =l#$ an"
eC(r#s s(ar.le" in #$e s#ree#s6
T$e Bri#is$ re(lie" 2i#$ #$e ms#
massi+e run"Du( in In"ian
$is#r%1 s2ee(ing (e(le # Bail
/% #$e #$usan"s6 )an"$i 2as
amng #$em6 Be,re re#urning #
#$e =n,ines , Yera+"a (risn1
$2e+er1 $e manage" # sen" a
las# message # $is ,ll2ers6
'T$e $nur , In"ia1' $e sai"1
'$as /een s%m/liQe" /% a ,is#,ul
, sal# in #$e $an" , a man ,
nnD+ilen=e6 T$e ,is# 2$i=$
$el" #$e sal# ma% /e /r.en1 /u#
i# 2ill n# %iel" u( i#s sal#6'
Ln"n1 3: !e/ruar% 37A8
!r #$ree =en#uries1 #$e 2alls ,
#$e Huse , &mmns $a"
e=$e" # #$e "e=lara#ins , #$e
$an",ul , men 2$ $a"
assem/le" an" gui"e" #$e Bri#is$
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Em(ire6 T$eir "e/a#es an"
"e=isins $a" ,iCe" #$e "es#in%
, $al, a /illin $uman /eings
s=a##ere" arun" #$e gl/e an"
$el(e" im(se #$e "mina#in ,
a 2$i#e1 &$ris#ian1 Eur(ean
eli#e n +er a #$ir" , #$e ear#$'s
in$a/i#a/le lan" sur,a=e6
N21 #ensel% eC(e=#an#1 #$e
mem/ers , #$e Huse ,
&mmns s$i+ere" in #$e
melan=$l% s$a"2s s#re#=$ing
u# in "ar. (ls ,rm #$e
=rners , #$eir un$ea#e" $all #
$ear #$eir lea"er (rnun=e a
,uneral ra#in ,r #$e Bri#is$
Em(ire6 His /ul.% ,igure
s2a#$e" in a /la=. +er=a#1
@ins#n &$ur=$ill slum(e"
"es(n"en#l% n #$e O((si#in
/en=$es6 !r ,ur "e=a"es1 sin=e
$e $a" Bine" #$e &mmns1 $is
+i=e $a" gi+en u##eran=e in #$a#
$all # Bri#ain's im(erial "ream1
Bus# as1 ,r #$e (as# "e=a"e1 i#
$a" /een #$e ga" , Englan"'s
=ns=ien=e1 #$e =a#al%s# , $er
=urage6
He 2as a man , rare
=lair+%an=e /u# in,leCi/le in
man% , $is =n+i=#ins6 He
glrie" in e+er% =rner , #$e
realm /u# ,r nne ,


0?

"ra,#e"6 I# "e,ine" #$e ne2
-i=er%'s #as. in sim(le #erms6
A/+e all1 i# =n#aine" #$e ne2
an" salien# (in# Mun#/a##en
$a" main#aine" 2as essen#ial i,
#$ere 2as # /e an% $(e ,
/rea.ing #$e In"ian lgBam6 He
$a" 2res#le" 2i#$ A##lee ,r siC
2ee.s # nail i# "2n 2i#$ #$e
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annun=emen#6 'His MaBes#%'s
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#rans,eren=e , (2er in#
res(nsi/le In"ian $an"s /% a
"a#e n# la#er #$an June 37A:6'
A s#unne" silen=e ,ll2e" as
$is 2r"s s#ru=. $me # #$e
men in #$e &mmns6 T$a# #$e%
2ere #$e ine+i#a/le resul# ,
$is#r% an" Bri#ain's 2n
a+2e" =urse in In"ia "i" n#
mi#iga#e #$e sa"ness (r"u=e" /%
#$e realiQa#in #$a# /arel%
,ur#een mn#$s remaine" # #$e
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2as en"ing6 @$a# #$e
Man=$es#er )uar"ian 2ul" =all
#$e ,ll2ing mrning '#$e
grea#es# "isengagemen# in
$is#r%' 2as a/u# # /egin6
T$e /ul.% ,igure slum(e" n $is
/en=$ rse 2$en $is #urn =ame
# (r#es#1 # $url u# ne las#
el'uen# (lea ,r em(ire6
S$a.ing slig$#l% ,rm =l" an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
em#in1 &$ur=$ill "e=lare" #$a#
#$e 2$le /usiness 2as 'an
a##em(# /% #$e g+ernmen# #
ma.e use , /rillian# 2ar ,igures
in r"er # =+er u( a
melan=$l% an" "isas#rus
#ransa=#in'6
B% ,iCing a "a#e ,r
in"e(en"en=e A##lee 2as
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s=a##erD/raine" /ser+a#ins D
FLea+e In"ia # )"F6'
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lamen#e"1 '#$a# I 2a#=$ #$e
=la##ering "2n , #$e Bri#is$
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all #$e ser+i=es i# $as ren"ere"
man.in"6 Man% $a+e "e,en"e"
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=an "e,en" $er agains# $ersel, 666
le# us n# a"" /% s$ame,ul ,lig$#1
/% a (rema#ure1 $urrie" s=u##le D
a# leas# le# us n# a"" # #$e
(angs , srr2 s man% , us
,eel1 #$e #ain# an" sneer ,
s$ame6'
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ra#r1 /u# #$e% 2ere als a ,u#ile
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sun6 @$en #$e "i+isin /ell rang1
#$e &mmns a=.n2le"ge" #$e
"i=#a#e , $is#r%6 B% an
+er2$elming maBri#%1 i# +#e"
# >Hn" Bri#is$ rule in In"ia n
la#er #$an June 37A:6
Peni#en#'s Prgress I,
T$e "ee(er $is li##le (ar#%
(ene#ra#e" in# Na.$ali's
/a%us1 #$e mre "i,,i=ul#
)an"$i's missin /e=ame6 T$e
su==ess $e'" enB%e"

0A

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

00

2i#$ #$e Mslems in #$e ,irs#
+illages #$rug$ 2$i=$ $e'"
(asse" $a" aler#e" #$e lea"ers in
#$se #$a# la% a$ea"6 Sensing in
i# a =$allenge # #$eir 2n
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#$e ((ula=e's $s#ili#% # #$e
Ma$a#ma an" $is missin6
T$is mrning1 $is (ilgrim's ru#e
#. $im (as# a Mslem s=$l
2$ere se+enD an" eig$#D%earDl"
=$il"ren sa# arun" #$eir s$ei.$
in in (enDair =lassrm6
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#$e %ungs#ers6 T$e s$ei.$ lea(#
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(aine" /% #$eir ,lig$#1 )an"$i
s#" /e,re lie "r2a% , #$e
s$ei.$'s $u#1 ma.ing sa" li##le
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2a+es , $is $an" < #$e =$il"ren
2$se ,a=es $e =ul" ma.e u#
in #$e s$a"2s6 Dar. %es 2i"e
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/am/ su((r# $l"ing u( a
ri=.e#% /ri"ge , /am/ Jes
+er 2$i=$ )an"$i 2as "ue #
=rss6 !r#una#el%1 i# $a" /een
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(ar#% #um/ling in# #$e mu""%
2a#ers #en ,ee# /el26 On
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/am/ an" Hnu# #rees6 E+er%
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a /anner =laiming slgans li.e
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n #$e 2 (a#$ alng 2$i=$ $is
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2$i=$ $e # 2al. /are,# 2i#$
s$ar"s , glass an" lum(s ,
$uman Hmen#6 Tran'uill%1 )an"$i
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E
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mas#er ra#r , #$e Huse ,
&mmns6 @ins#n &$ur=$ill
$a" u##ere" in $is lng =areer
enug$ memra/le ($rases #
,ill a +lume , (rse1 /u# ,e2 ,
#$em $a" im(rin#e" #$emsel+es
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
as ,irml% n #$e (u/li='s
imagina#in as #$se 2i#$ 2$i=$
$e $a" "es=ri/e" )an"$i Bus#
siC#een %ears earlier1 in !e/ruar%
37?3H '$al,Dna.e" ,a.ir'6
T$e ==asin #$a# (rm(#e"
&$ur=$ill's u#/urs# ==urre" n
38 !e/ruar% 37?36 One $an"
$l"ing $is /am/ s#a+e1 #$e
#$er =lu#=$ing #$e e"ges , $is
2$i#e s$a2l1 Ma$a#ma )an"$i
$a" #$a# mrning s$u,,le" u( #$e
re" san"s#ne s#e(s # -i=er%'s
Huse1 Ne2 Del$i6 He 2as s#ill
2an ,rm $is 2ee.s in a Bri#is$
(risn /u# #$e man 2$ $a"
rganiQe" #$e Sal# Mar=$ "i" n#
=me # #$a# $use as a su((lian#
,r #$e -i=er%'s ,a+urs6 He
=ame as In"ia6
@i#$ $is ,is#,ul , sal# an" $is
/am/ s#a+e1 )an"$i $a" ren#
#$e +eil , #$e #em(le6 S
2i"es(rea" $a" su((r# ,r $is
m+emen# /e=me1 #$a# #$e
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a=.n2le"ge" lea"er , #$e
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A,ri=an an" Asian lea"ers 2$
in #$e "e=a"es # =me 2ul"
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(risn # a Bri#is$ =n,eren=e
=$am/er6
@ins#n &$ur=$ill $a" =rre=#l%
rea" #$e (r#en#s , #$e mee#ing6
He $a" assaile" '#$e nausea#ing
an" $umilia#ing s(e=#a=le , #$is
ne#ime Inner Tem(le la2%er1
n2 se"i#ius ,a.ir1 s#ri"ing
$al,Dna.e" u( #$e s#e(s , #$e
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#$e *ing Em(err'6
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=lair+%an=e #$a# ,res$a"2e"
$is s(ee=$ siC#een %ears la#er1
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Ne2 Del$i6 T$ese =+ere" eig$#
mee#ings +er #$ree 2ee.s an"
(r"u=e" 2$ai /e=ame .n2n as
#$e )an"$iDIr2in (a=#6 I#s #eC#
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s+ereign (2ers1 an" #$a# 2as
#$e measure , )an"$i's
#rium($6 Un"er i#1 Ir2in agree"
# release ,rm Bail #$e #$usan"s
, )an"$i's ,ll2ers 2$'"
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,, $is m+emen# an"
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imme"ia#e /ene,i=iar% , #$e
(a=# #$an a %ung Si.$ s#u"en#
name" )ur=$aran Sing$6 Arms
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P6M6 &
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

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,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g">

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@i#$ #$e a((ra=$ , @rl" @ar
LT1 )an"$i /e=ame mre =nD
in=e" #$an e+er #$a# #$e nnD
+ilen=e 2$i=$ $a" /een #$e
gui"ing rin=i(le , In"ia's
"mes#i= s#ruggle 2as #$e nl%
($ils($% a(a/le , sa+ing man
,rm sel,D"es#ru=#in6
@$en Musslini +erran
E#$i(ia1 $e urge" #$e
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
lea"ers$i( , $is 2n &nDis
m+emen# #$a# (a=i,ism 2as #$e
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"e,ea#6 I# =n#aine"1 $2e+er1 in
re=gni#in , #$e Mslem
League's in=reasingl% s#ri"en#
=alls ,r an Islami= s#a#e1 a
(r+isin 2$i=$ =ul"
e+en#uall% a==mm"a#e #$eir
"eman"6
!r#%Deig$# $urs a,#er $is
arri+al1 )an"$i #l" &ri((s #$a#
#$e ,,er 2as una==e(#a/le
/e=ause i# =n#em(la#e" #$e
'(er(e#ual +i+ise=#in , In"ia'6
Besi"es1 #$e Bri#is$ 2ere
,,ering In"ia ,u#ure
in"e(en"en=e # se=ure
imme"ia#e In"ian =D(era#in
in #$e +ilen# "e,en=e , In"ian
sil6 T$a# 2as n# an agreemen#
=al=ula#e" # s2a% #$e a(s#le ,
nnD+ilen=e6 I, #$e Ja(anese
2ere # /e resis#e"1 i# =ul" /e
nl% in ne 2a% ,r )an"$i1
nnD+ilen#l%6
T$e Ma$a#ma =$eris$e" a se=re#
"ream6 He 2as n# ((se" #
#$e s(illing , =eans , /l"1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(r+i"e" i# 2as "ne in a Bus#
=ause6 He sa2 ran. n serrie"
ran. , "is=i(line"1 nnD+ilen#
In"ians mar=$ing u# # "ie n
#$e /a%ne#s , #$e Ja(anese
un#il #$a# =a#al%#i= ins#an# 2$en
#$e enrmi#% , #$eir sa=ri,i=e
2ul" +er2$elm #$eir ,es1
+in"i=a#e nnD+ilen=e1 an"
=$ange #$e =urse , $uman
$is#r%6
&$ur=$ill's (lan1 $e "e=ree"1 2as
'a (s#D"a#e" =$e'ue n a ,ailing
/an.'6 I, $e $a" n#$ing else #
,,er1 )an"$i #l" &ri((s1 $e
mig$# as 2ell '#a.e #$e neC#
(lane $me'6>
T$e "a% a,#er &ri((s' "e(ar#ure
2as a Mn"a%1 )an"$i's '"a% ,
silen=e'1 a ri#ual $e $a" /ser+e"
n=e a 2ee. ,r %ears #
=nser+e $is +=al =$r"s an"
(rm#e a sense , $armn% in
$is /eing6
> &ri((s "i" n# lea+e
imme"ia#el%6 He nearl%
su==ee"e" in ge##ing #$e
&ngress lea"ers$i( # /rea.
2i#$ #$e Ma$a#ma6 T$e issue
2as #$e "egree # 2$i=$ #$e%
2ul" /e all2e" # su(er+ise
In"ia's 2ar e,,r#s6 On=e again1 i#
2as &$ur=$ill 2$ (re+en#e" an
agreemen# /eing rea=$e"6
,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
Un$a((il% ,r )an"$i an" ,r
In"ia1 $is 'Inner -i=e'1 #$e +i=e
, $is ns=ien=e1 2as n#
/ser+ing a similar +igil6 I#
s(.e # )an"$i an" #$e a"+i=e
i# u##ere" (r+e" "isas#rus6
I# =ame "2n # #2 2r"s1 #$e
#2 2r"s 2$i=$ /e=ame #$e
slgan , )an"$i's neC# s#ruggleH
'Lui# In"ia'6 T$e Bri#is$ s$ul"
"r( #$e reins , (2er in In"ia
imme"ia#el%1 )an"$i (r(se"6
Le# #$em 'lea+e In"ia # )" r
e+en anar=$%'6 I, #$e Bri#is$ le,#
In"ia # i#s ,a#e #$e Ja(anese
2ul" $a+e n reasn # a##a=.6
Jus# a,#er mi"nig$#1 : Augus#
37A51 in a s#i,ling $# Bm/a%
mee#ing $all1 )an"$i1 na.e" #
#$e 2ais#1 sen# u# a =all # arms
# $is ,ll2ers , #$e All In"ia
&ngress &mmi##ee6 His +i=e
2as 'uie# an" =m(se"1 /u# #$e
2r"s $e u##ere" =arrie" a
(assin an" ,er+ur
un=$ara=#eris#i= , )an"$i6
FI 2an# ,ree"m imme"ia#el%1'
$e sai"1 '#$is +er% nig$#1 /e,re
"a2n i, i# =an /e $a"6'
'Here is a man#ra1 a s$r# ne I
gi+e %u1' $e #l" $is ,ll2ers6 '
FD r "ieF6 @e s$all ei#$er ,ree
In"ia r "ie in #$e a##em(#T 2e
s$all n# li+e # see #$e
(er(e#ua#in , ur sla+er%6'
@$a# )an"$i g# /e,re "a2n
2as n# ,ree"m /u# an#$er
in+i#a#in # a Bri#is$ Bail6 In a
=are,ull% (re(are" m+e #$e
Bri#is$ s2e(# )an"$i an" #$e
en#ire &ngress lea"ers$i( in#
(risn ,r #$e "ura#in , #$e
2ar6 A /rie, u#/urs# , +ilen=e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,ll2e" #$eir arres# /u#1 2i#$in
#$ree 2ee.s1 #$e Bri#is$ $a" #$e
si#ua#in un"er =n#rl6
)an"$i's #a=#i= (la%e" in# #$e
$an"s , #$e Mslem League /%
s2ee(ing $is &ngress lea"ers
,rm #$e (li#i=al s=ene a# a
=ru=ial mmen#6 @$ile #$e%
languis$e" in Bail1 #$eir Mslem
ri+als su((r#e" Bri#ain's 2ar
e,,r#1 earning /% #$eir a##i#u"e a
=nsi"era/le "e/# , gra#i#u"e6
N# nl% $a" )an"$i's (lan
,aile" # ge# #$e Englis$ # 'ui#
In"iaT i# $a" g"ne a lng 2a% #
ma.ing sure #$a#1 /e,re lea+ing
#$e =un#r%1 #$e% 2ul" ,eel
=m(elle" # "i+i"e i#6
T$is 2ul" /e )an"$i's las#
sBurn in a Bri#is$ (risn6 B%
#$e ime i# en"e" #$e l" man
2ul" $a+e s(en# a ##al , 5??:
"a%s in ail1 5A7 in Su#$ A,ri=a1
54:7 in In"ia6 )an"$i's .ee(ers
=n,ine" im n# # #$e ,amiliar
grun"s , #$e Yera+"a Bail
2$ere $e $a" $ea"% s(en# s
mu=$ #ime /u# in #$e near/%
(ala=e , #$e Aga $an6 !i+e
mn#$s a,#er $is (risn #erm
/egan1 )an"$i annun=e" H 2as
ging # un"er#a.e a 53D"a% ,as#6
T$e reasns /e$in" i# 2ere <
s=ure1 /u# #$e Bri#is$ 2ere in n
m" # =m(rmise6 &$ur=$ill
,rme" Ne2 Del$i #$a#1 i,
)an"$i 2an#e" # s#ar+e $imsel,
# a#$1 $e 2as ,ree # g a$ea"
an" " s6
Mi"2a% #$rug$ #$e ,as#1
)an"$i /egan # sin.6
Un%iel"ing1 #$e i#is$ s#ar#e"
"is=ree# (re(ara#ins ,r $is
"ea#$6 T2 Bra$min es#s 2ere
/rug$# # #$e (risn an" $el" in
rea"iness # ,,i=ia#e
93
'lea+e in"ia # g">
a# #$e =rema#in6 Un"er #$e
=+er , "ar.ness #$e
san"al2" ,r $is ,uneral (%re
2as se=re#l% #a.en in# #$e
(ala=e6 E+er%ne 2as rea"% ,r
$is "ea#$ eC=e(# #$e 8AD%earDl"
)an"$i6 He $a" 2eig$e" less
#$an 334 (un"s 2$en #$e ,as#
/egan6 Ye# 53 "a%s n a "ie# ,
2a#er miCe" 2i#$ sal# an"1an
==asinal "r( , lemn an"
msDam/i Bui=e =ul"n'# .ill $is
#2ering s(iri#6 He sur+i+e" $is
sel,Dim(se" r"eal6
An#$er ne a2ai#e" $im1
$2e+er6 T$e san"al2" #$a#
$a" /een "es#ine" ,r $is
=rema#in 2ul" ,ee" #$e ,lames
, an#$er ,uneral (%re1 $is
2i,e's6 On 55 !e/ruar% 37AA #$e
2man $e $a" marrie" as an
illi#era#e1 #$ir#eenD%earDl" =$il"
"ie"1 $er $ea" res#ing in
)an"$i's la(6 )an"$i $a" n#
/een (re(are" # "isa+2 a
(rin=i(le # sa+e $er li,e6 He
/elie+e" in na#ure =ures an" $e
als ' /elie+e" #$a# # a"minis#er
me"i=ine /% $%("ermi= nee"le
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(er,rme" a +ilen# a=#in u(n
#$e $uman /"%6 A2are #$a# $is
2i,e 2as "%ing ,rm a=u#e
/rn=$i#is1 #$e Bri#is$ ,le2 a
su((l% , rare an" (re=ius
(eni=illin # #$e (risn6 Bu# a#
#$e las# minu#e1 2$en )an"$i
learne" #$e "rug 2$i=$ =ul"
$a+e sa+e" $is "%ing 2i,e 2ul"
$a+e # /e a"minis#ere"
in#ra+enusl%1 $e $a" re,use" $er
"=#rs (ermissin # gi+e i# #
$er6SS-g1
A,#er $er "ea#$1 )an"$i's 2n
$eal#n ,aile" ra(i"l%6 He
=n#ra=#e" malaria1 $.2rm
an" ame/i= "%sen#er%6 In $is
2ea.ene" an" "e(resse" s#a#e1 i#
2as =lear $e 2ul" n# sur+i+e
lng6 A relu=#an# &$ur=$ill 2as
,inall% (re+aile" n # release
$im s $e 2ul" n# "ie in a
Bri#is$ Bail6
He 2as n# ging # "ie in a
Bri#is$ In"ia1 ei#$er6 Ens=n=e"
in a $u# n #$e /ea=$,rn# es#a#e
, a 2eal#$% su((r#er near
Bm/a%1 )an"$i sl2l%
re=+ere" $is $eal#$6 As $e "i"
s1 &$ur=$ill1 2$ $a" n#
/#$ere" # re(l% # $is -i=er%'s
urgen# =a/les n In"ia's gr2ing
,amine1 sen# Ne2 Del$i a
(e#ulan# =a/le6 @$%1 $e as.e"1
$a"n'# )an"$i "ie" %e#?
A ,e2 "a%s la#er1 )an"$i's $s#
en#ere" $is $u# # ,in" ne , #$e
Ma$a#ma's ,ll2ers s#an"ing n
$is $ea"1 an#$er in
#rans=en"en#al me"i#a#in1 a
#$ir" aslee( n #$e ,lr an" #$e
Ma$a#ma $imsel, n $is (en
#ile# s#aring ra(#l% in# s(a=e6
He /urs# in# gales , laug$#er6
@$%1 )an"$i as.e" as $e
emerge" ,rm $is #ile#1 2as $e
laug$ing?
'A$ Ba(u1' laug$e" $is $s#1
'l. a# #$is rmH ne man
s#an"ing n $is $ea"1 an#$er
me"i#a#ing1 a #$ir" slee(ing1 %u
n %ur #ile# Dan" #$ese are #$e
(e(le 2$ are ging # ma.e
In"ia ,ree!'

95

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'lea+e in"ia # g"'

Nrl$l# Air(r#1 54 Mar=$ 37A8
T$e air=ra,# 2ai#e" in #$e earl%
mrning lig$# n #$e run2a% ,
Nr#$l# air(r# 2$ere1 #2 an"
a $al, mn#$s earlier1 Luis
Mun#/a##en $a" lan"e" n Ne2
Year's Da%6 &$arles Smi#$1 $is
+ale#1 $a" alrea"% s#2e" n
/ar" #$e Mun#/a##ens'
(ersnal luggage1 99 (ie=es1 a
=lle=#in s =m(le#e i#
in=lu"e" a se# , sil+er as$#ra%s
2i#$ #$e ne2 -i=er%'s ,amil%
=res#6 His 2i,e $a" =asuall%
(la=e" in #$e +er$ea" ra=. an
l" s$eD/C6 !in"ing i# 2ul"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=ause a mmen# , (ani= n #$e
,lig$# (u#6 Pa=.e" insi"e 2as a
,amil% $eirlm1 a "iamn" #iara
La"% Mun#/a##en 2ul" 2ear
2$en s$e 2as (r=laime"
-i=ereine6
S#2e" a2a% als 2ere all #$e
"=umen#s1 #$e /rie,s1 #$e
(si#in (a(ers #$e ne2 -i=er%
an" $is s#a,, 2ul" $a+e # gui"e
#$em in #$e mn#$s a$ea"6 T$e
ms# im(r#an# amng #$em
=+ere" nl% #2 (ages an" 2as
signe" /% &lemen# A##lee6 I# se#
u# #$e #erms , Mun#/a##en's
missin6 N -i=er% $a" e+er
re=ei+e" a man"a#e li.e i#6
Mun#/a##en $a"1 ,r all
(ra=#i=al (ur(ses1 2ri##en i#
$imsel,6 I#s #erms 2ere =lear an"
sim(le6 He 2as # ma.e e+er%
e,,r# # arrange ,r #$e #rans,er
, Bri#is$ s+ereign#% in In"ia #
a single1 in"e(en"en# na#in
2i#$in #$e &mmn2eal#$ /% ?4
June 37A:6 As a gui"e $e 2as #
,ll2 as ,ar as (ssi/le a (lan
,rmula#e" eig$# mn#$s earlier
/% a =a/ine# missin sen# # Ne2
Del$i un"er #$e =$airmans$i( ,
Sir S#a,,r" &ri((s6 I# (r(se"1
as a =m(rmise 2i#$ #$e
Mslem "eman" ,r Pa.is#an1 a
,e"era#e" In"ia 2i#$ a 2ea.
=en#ral g+ernmen#6 T$ere 2as1
$2e+er1 n 'ues#in , ,r=ing
an agreemen# u# , In"ia's
2arring (li#i=ians6 I, /% 3
O=#/er1 siC mn#$s a,#er #a.ing
(2er1 Mun#/a##en sa2 n 2a%
, ge##ing #$em # agree n a
(lan ,r a uni#e" In"ia1 #$en $e
2as # re=mmen" $is
al#erna#i+e slu#in # In"ia's
"ilemma6
As $is Yr. M@345> 2en#
#$rug$ i#s ,inal =$e=.s1 Mun#D
> Mun#/a##en 2as (ar#i=ularl%
a##a=$e" # #$e =n+er#e"
Lan=as#er /m/er6 I# $a" ,l2n
$im n =un#less missins
"uring $is "a%s as Su(reme
&mman"er Su#$DEas# Asia6 He
$a" ,i##e" i# u# 2i#$ /un.s ,r a
relie, =re2 2$i=$ 2ul" s$r#en
#$e #ime re'uire" ,r #$e
Ln"nDDel$i Burne% /%
elimina#ing =re2s ?es# s#(s n
#$e grun"6
T$e (lane1 in ,a=# +er% nearl%
.e(# $im ,rm ging # In"ia a#
all6 One "a%1 Mun#/a##en
$a((ene" # /e in $is Ln"n
,,i=e 2$en an RA! )ru(
&a(#ain aile" $is AD&1 L#D&l
Pe#er H2es1 # a"sise $im $a#
#$e Yr. M@ 345 +ul" n# /e
a+aila/le ,r use /% #$e ne2
-i=er%6 Mun#/a##en #. #$e
($ne rm $is AD&s $an"s6
')ru( &a(#ain1' $e sai"1 'I 2is$
# #$an. %u6'
T$an. me?' sai" #$e (er(leCe"
,,i=er6
'Yes1' =n#inue" Mun#/a##en6
'Yu see 2$en I a==e(#e" #$is
a((in#men#1 I /a##en (a=e" #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#arma= alngsi"e 2i#$ #2 , $is
l" 2ar#ime =mra"es 2$ 2ere
ging ,, # In"ia 2i#$ $im6
&a(#6 Rnal" Br=.man1 $ea" ,
$is (ersnal s#a,,1 an" L#D
&mman"er Pe#er H2es1 $is
senir AD&6 On $2 man% #ri(s1
Br=.man #$ug$#1 $a" #$a#
=n+er#e" Lan=as#er /m/er
=arrie" Mun#/a##en # ,rn#Dline
(s#s in #$e Bungles , Burma1 #
#$e grea# =n,eren=es , #$e 2ar6
Besi"e $im1 #$e usuall% e/ullien#
A"miral 2as m"% an"
in#rs(e=#i+e6 T$e =re2man
annun=e" #$e ,lig$# 2as rea"%6
'@ell1' sig$e" Mun#/a##en1
'2e're ,, # In"ia6 I "n'# 2an# #
g6 T$e% "n'# 2an# me u#
#$ere6 @e'll (r/a/l% =me $me
2i#$ /ulle#s in ur /a=.s6'
T$e #$ree men mun#e" #$e
air=ra,#6 T$e engines =ame #
li,e6 T$e Yr. ,le" "2n #$e
run2a%1 =u# a=rss #$e sun an"
(in#e" eas# # In"ia # =lse #$e
grea# a"+en#ure &a(#6 Ha2.ins
$a" /egun /% sailing eas# in $is
gallen #$e He=#r1 #$ree an" a
$al, =en#uries earlier6
s#i(ula#e" as ne , m%
=n"i#ins #$a# I s$ul" /e
all2e" # #a.e #$e Yr. # Del$i
2i#$ me6 Yu #ell me I =ann#
$a+e #$is air=ra,# an" I am ms#
gra#e,ul # %u6 I "i" n# 2an# #
/e -i=er% , In"ia an" n2
%u'+e sa+e" me ,rm #$e B/6'
A s#unne" silen=e se##le" +er
#$e rm as $e $ung u(6 @i#$in
minu#es $e $a" $is (lane6

a las# #a## ,r #$e "%ing raB

90

A
A Las# Ta## ,r #$e D%ing RaB
Peni#en#'s Prgress III
##$ing =ul" s#( $im6 !ire" /%
$is un'uen=$a/le s(iri#1 #$e l"
#an "r+e $is /are an" a=$ing
,ee# ,rm +illage # +illage1
a((l%ing le /alm , $is l+e #
In"ia's sres6 Sl2l%1 #$e 2un"s
/egan # sal6 In #$e 2a.e ,
)an"$i's 2an an" /en#
sil$ue##e1 #$e (assins Ile"6
Timi"l%1 un=er#ainl%1 (ea=e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s(rea" i#s man#le +er #$e /l"D
ren=$e" mars$es , Na.$ali6
I#s re#urn "i" n# en" )an"$i's
su,,ering1 $2e+er6 A (ri+a#e
Dama $a" a==m(anie" $im n
$is mar=$ alng #$se $a#eD,ille"
i#(a#$s1 a "rama 2$se
"imensins 2ul" e+en#uall%
s=an"aliQe ime , $is l"es#
ass=ia#es1 alarm millins ,
In"ians1 an" /a,,le e $is#rians
2$ 2ul" ne "a% a##em(# #
=m(re$en" all #$e =e#s ,
M$an"as )an"$i's =m(leC
=$ara=#er6 I# 2ul" als "u=e
ne , #$e gra+es# (ersnal =rises
in #$e ,i,e , #$e 88D%earD" man
2$ 2as #$e =ns=ien=e , In"ia6
Ye# i#s r#s 2ere in n 2a%
sun. in #$e grea# (li#i=al
s#ruggle , /i=$ $e'" /een #$e
(rin=i(al ,igure ,r a 'uar#er , a
=en#ur%1 le% la% in #$a# ,r=e
2$i=$ )an"$i $a" s#ruggle" #
su/lima#e an" n#rl ,r ,r#%
%ears1 seC6 I#s l=us 2as a
nine#eenD%earDl" gVrl1 an"$i's
grea#Dnie=e1 Manu6 Manu $a"
/een raise" /% )an"$i an" 0
2i,e as #$eir 2n gran""aug$#er6
S$e $a" nurse" *as#ur/ai in"$i
n $er "ea#$/e" an"1 /e,re
"%ing1 *as#ur/a $a" =n,i"e" r
# $er $us/an"'s =are6
'I'+e /een a ,a#$er # man%1'
)an"$i (rmise" #$e girl1 '# %u
I l a m#$er6' He ,usse" +er $er
li.e a m#$er1 su(er+ising $er1
Tss1 $er "ie#1 $er e"u=a#in1 $er
religius #raining6 T$e (r/lem
li=$ arse in Na.$ali $a" /egun
in a =n+ersa#in /e#2een #$em
i# /e,re )an"$i se# u# n $is
(ilgrimage6 @i#$ #$e s$%ness ,
a ung girl =n,essing sme#$ing
# $er m#$er1 Manu $a"
a"mi##e" )an"$i s$e $a" ne+er
,el# #$e seCual im(ulses nrmal
in a girl , r age6
T )an"$i1 2i#$ $is =n+lu#e"
($ils($% , seC1 $er 2r"s $a"
>ial im(r#an=e6 Sin=e $e $a"
s2rn $is 2n +2 , =$as#i#%1
n"$i $a" main#aine" #$a# seCual
=n#inen=e 2as #$e ms# imDr#an#
"is=i(line $is #rul% nnD+ilen#
,ll2ers1 male an" ,emale1 i #
mas#er6 His i"eal nnD+ilen#
arm% 2ul" /e =m(se" , less
sl"iers /e=ause #$er2ise1
)an"$i ,eare"1 #$eir mral sng#$
2ul" "eser# #$em a# a =ri#i=al
mmen#6
)an"$i sa2 in Manu's 2r"s #$e
=$an=e # ma.e , $er #$e
(er,e=# ,emale +#ar%6 'I, u# ,
In"ia's niillins , "aug$#ers1 I
=an #rain e+en ne in# an i"eal
2man /% /e=ming an i"eal
m#$er # %u1' $e #l" $er1 'I
s$all $a+e ren"ere" a uni'ue
ser+i=e # 2man.in"6' Bu# ,irs#1
$e ,el# $e $a" # /e sure s$e 2as
#elling #$e #ru#$6 Onl% $is =lses#
=lla/ra#rs 2ere
a==m(an%ing $im in Na.$ali1
$e in,rme" $er1 /u# s$e 2ul"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
/e 2el=me (r+i"e" s$e
su/mi##e" # $is "is=i(line an"
2en# #$rug$ #$e #es# # 2$i=$
$e mean# # su/Be=# $er6
T$e% 2ul"1 $e "e=ree"1 s$are
ea=$ nig$# #$e =ru"e s#ra2 (alle#
2$i=$ (asse" ,r $is /e"6 He
regar"e" $imsel, as a m#$erT
s$e $a" sai" s$e ,un" n#$ing
/u# a m#$er's l+e in $im6 I,
#$e% 2ere /#$ #ru#$,ul1 i, $e
remaine" ,irm in $is an=ien# +2
, =$as#i#% an" s$e $a" ne+er
.n2n seCual arusal1 #$en #$e%
2ul" /e a/le # lie #ge#$er in
#$e inn=en=e , a m#$er an"
"aug$#er6 I, ne , #$em 2as n#
/eing #ru#$,ul1 #$e% 2ul" sn
"is=+er i#6
I,1 $2e+er1 Manu 2as /eing
#ru#$,ul #$en1 )an"$i /elie+e"1
s$e 2ul" ,luris$ un"er $is
=lse an" =ns#an# su(er+isin6
His 2n seCless s#a#e 2ul"
s#i,le an% resi"ual "esire s#ill
lur.ing in $er6 P%gmalinDli.e1 a
#rans,rma#in 2ul" =me +er
$er6 S$e 2ul" "e+el( =lari#% ,
#$ug$# an" ,irmness , s(ee=$6
A ne2 s(iri# 2ul" su,,use #$e
girl1 gi+ing $er a (ure1
=r%s#alline "e+#in # #$e grea#
#as. 2$i=$ a2ai#e" $er6
Manu $a" a==e(#e" an" $er li#$e
,igure $a" ,ll2e" )an"$i's
#ra=es a=rss #$e s2am(Dlan"s ,
Na.$ali6 As )an"$i $a" .n2n
i# 2ul"1 $is "e=isin $a"
imme"ia#el% (r+.e" #$e
=ns#erna#in , $is li##le (ar#%6
FT$e% #$in. all #$is is a sign ,
in,a#ua#in n m% (ar#1' $e #l"
Manu a,#er a ,e2 nig$#s #ge#$er6
'I laug$ a# #$eir ignran=e6 T$e%
" n# un"ers#an"6'
-er% ,e2 (e(le 2ul"6 Onl% #$e
(ures# , )an"$i's ,ll2ers
2ul" /e a/le # ,ll2 #$e
=m(leC reasning /e$in" #$is
la#es# mani,es#a#in , a grea#
s(iri#ual s#ruggle1 2$i=$ ,r
)an"$i1 2en# all #$e 2a% /a=. #
#$a# e+ening in Su#$ A,ri=a in
3749 2$en $e $a" annun=e" #
$is 2i,e $is "e=isin # #a.e #$e
+2 , Bra$ma=$ar%a1 =$as#i#%6
In s2earing #$a# (le"ge1>
)an"$i 2as se##ing u# n a (a#$
alms# as l" as Hin"uism i#sel,6
!r =un#less =en#uries1 a
Hin"u's ru#e # sel,DrealiQa#in
$a" (asse" /% #$e su/lima#in ,
#$a# +i#al
> T$e im(ulses #$rus#ing )an"$i
# #a.e $is +2 2ere n# Hin"u
alne6 As &$ris#'s "i=#um ,
#urning #$e #$er =$ee. $a" /een
+i#al in $el(ing $im ,rmula#e
$is nnD+ilen# i"eal1 s Jesus's
2r"s re,erring # '#$se 2$
/e=me eunu=$s ,r m% sa.e 666
,r l+e , #$e *ing"m ,
Hea+en'1 $a" ins(ire" $im in
#a.ing $is an=ien# Hin"u (le"ge6
99 ,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
,r=e res(nsi/le ,r #$e =rea#in
, li,e6 Onl% /% ,r=ing $is
seCual energ% in2ar" # ,uel #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,urna=e , $is s(iri#ual ,r=e1 #$e
Hin"u an=ien#s main#aine"1
=ul" a man a=$ie+e #$e s(iri#ual
in#ensi#% ne=essar% # sel,D
realiQa#in6
T ai" men s2rn # lea" #$e
=$as#e li,e1 #$se Hin"u sages
$a" lai" "2n a ="e , =n"u=#
,r Bra$ma=$ar%a =alle" #$e
nineD,l" 2all , (r#e=#in6 A
#rue Bra$ma=$ari 2as n#
su((se" # li+e amng 2men1
animals r eunu=$s6 He 2as n#
all2e" # si# n #$e same ma#
2i#$ a 2man r e+en gaQe u(n
an% (ar# , a 2man's /"%6 He
2as =unselle" # a+i" #$e
sensual /lan"is$men#s , a $#
/a#$1 an "% massage r #$e
allege" a($r"isia= (r(er#ies ,
mil.1 =ur"s1 g$ee r ,a##% ,"s6
)an"$i $a" n# /e=me =$as#e
s as # li+e in a Himala%an
=a+e1 $2e+er6 T$a# .in" ,
=$as#i#% in+l+e" li##le sel,D
"is=i(line r mral meri#1 $e
main#aine"6 He $a" #a.en $is
+2 /e=ause $e ,irml% /elie+e"
#$e su/lima#in , $is seCual
energies 2ul" gi+e $im #$e
mral an" s(iri#ual (2er #
a==m(lis$ $is missin6 His .in"
, Bra$ma=$ari 2as a man 2$
$a" s su((resse" $is seCual
urge #$a# $e =ul" m+e
nrmall% in #$e s=ie#% ,
2men 2i#$u# ,eeling an%
seCual "esire in $imsel, r
arusing i# in #$em6 A
Bra$ma=$ari1 $e 2r#e1 '"es n#
,lee #$e =m(an% , 2men1'
/e=ause ,r $im '#$e "is#in=#in
/e#2een man an" 2man alms#
"isa((ears'6
T$e real Bra$ma=$ari's 'seCual
rgans 2ill /egin # l.
"i,,eren#'1 )an"$i "e=lare"6
FT$e% remain as mere s%m/ls
, $is seC an" $is seCual
se=re#ins are su/lima#e" in# a
+i#al ,r=e (er+a"ing $is 2$le
/eing6' T$e (er,e=# Bra$ma=$ari
in )an"$i's min" 2as a man 2$
=ul" 'lie /% #$e si"e e+en , a
-enus in all $er na.e" /eau#%1
2i#$u# /eing ($%si=all% r
men#all% "is#ur/e"'6
I# 2as an eC#rar"inar% i"eal an"
)an"$i's ,ig$# # a##ain i# 2as
"u/l% "i,,i=ul# /e=ause #$e seC
"ri+e $e 2as s#ruggling #
su((ress $a" /een s#rngl% an"
"ee(l% r#e"6 !r %ears a,#er
#a.ing $is +21 )an"$i
eC(erimen#e" 2i#$ "i,,eren#
"ie#s1 l.ing ,r ne 2$i=$
2ul" $a+e #$e slig$#es# (ssi/le
im(a=# n $is seCual rgans6
@$ile #$usan"s , In"ians
sug$# u# eC#i= ,"s #
s#imula#e #$eir "esires1 )an"$i
s(urne" in #urn1 s(i=es1 green
+ege#a/les1 =er#ain ,rui#s1 in $is
e,,r#s # s#i,le $is6
T$ir#% %ears , "is=i(line1 (ra%er
an" s(iri#ual eCer=ise 2ere
nee"e" /e,re )an"$i rea=$e"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e (in# a# 2$i=$ $e ,el# $e $a"
r#e" u# all seCual "esire ,rm
$is min" an" /"%6 His
=n,i"en=e in $is a=$ie+emen#
2as s$a##ere" ne nig$# in
Bm/a% in 37?91 in 2$a# $e
re,erre" # as 'm% "ar.es# $ur'6
T$a# nig$#1 a# #$e age , 981
#$ir#% %ears a,#er $e'" s2rn $is
Bra$ma=$ari's +21 )an"$i
a2.e ,rm a "ream 2i#$ 2$a#
2ul" $a+e /een # ms# men ,
#$a# age a sur=e
98
, sme sa#is,a=#in1 /u# 2as #
)an"$i a =alami#%1 an ere=#in6
T$ere1 'ui+eringZ/e#2een $is
lins1 2as (r, $e $a" s#ill n#
rea=$e" #$e i"eal #2ar"s 2$i=$
$e'" /een s#ri+ing ,r #$ree
"e=a"es6 )an"$i 2as s
+er2$elme" /% anguis$ a# '#$is
,rig$#,ul eC(erien=e'1 #$a# $e
s2re a +2 , ##al silen=e ,r
siC 2ee.s6
He (n"ere" ,r mn#$s +er #$e
meaning , $is 2ea.ness1
"e/a#ing 2$e#$er $e s$ul"
re#rea# in# a .in" , Himala%an
=a+e , $is 2n ma.ing6 He
,inall% =n=lu"e" $is $rri/le
nig$#mare 2as a =$allenge # $is
s(iri#ual ,r=e #$r2n u( /% #$e
,r=es , e+il6 He "e=i"e" #
a==e(# #$e =$allenge1 # (ress n
# $is gal , eC#ir(a#ing #$e las#
#ra=es , seCuali#% ,rm $is
/eing6
As $is =n,i"en=e in #$e mas#er%
, $is "esires =ame /a=.1 $e
gra"uall% eC#en"e" #$e range ,
($%si=al =n#a=# $e all2e"
$imsel, 2i#$ 2men6 He nurse"
#$em 2$en #$e% 2ere ill an"
all2e" #$em # nurse $im6 He
#. $is /a#$ in ,ull +ie2 , $is
,ell2 as$rami#es1 male an"
,emale6 He $a" $is "ail%
massage +ir#uall% na.e"1 2i#$
%ung girls ms# ,re'uen#l%
ser+ing as $is masseuses6 He
,#en ga+e in#er+ie2s r
=nsul#e" #$e lea"ers , $is
&ngress Par#% 2$ile #$e girls
massage" $im6 He 2re ,e2
=l#$es an" urge" $is "is=i(les1
male an" ,emale1 # " li.e2ise
/e=ause =l#$es $e sai"1 nl%
en=urage" a ,alse sense ,
m"es#%6 T$e nl% #ime $e e+er
a""resse" $imsel, "ire=#l% #
@ins#n &$ur=$ill 2as in re(l%
# $is ,amus ($rase '$al,Dna.e"
,a.ir'6 He 2as #r%ing # /e /#$1
)an"$i sai"1 /e=ause #$e na.e"
s#a#e re(resen#e" #$e #rue
inn=en=e ,r 2$i=$ $e 2as
s#ri+ing6 !inall%1 $e "e=ree" #$a#
#$ere 2ul" /e n (r/lem in
men an" 2men 2$ 2ere
,ai#$,ul # #$eir +2 , =$as#i#%
slee(ing in #$e same rm a#
nig$#1 i, #$e% $a((ene"1 in #$e
(er,rman=e , #$eir "u#ies1 #
,in" #$emsel+es #ge#$er a#
nig$#,all6
T$e "e=isin # $a+e Manu s$are
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$is (alle# s $e =ul" gui"e mre
##all% $er s(iri#ual gr2#$ 2as1
# )an"$i1 a na#ural u#gr2#$
, #$a# ($ils($%6 During #$e
agniQing "a%s , $is (eni#en#'s
(ilgrimage1 $er "eli=a#e ,igure
2as rarel% u# , $is sig$#6 !rm
+illage # +illage1 s$e s$are" #$e
=ru"e s$el#ers ,,ere" $im /% #$e
(easan#s , Na.$ali6 S$e
massage" $im1 (re(are" $is
mu"/a#$s1 =are" ,r $im 2$en
$e 2as s#ri.en 2i#$ "iarr$ea6
S$e sle(# an" rse 2i#$ $im1
(ra%e" /% $is si"e1 s$are" #$e
=n#en#s , $is /eggar's /2L
One /i##er !e/ruar% nig$# s$e
a2.e # ,in" #$e l" man
s$a.ing +ilen#l% /% $er si"e6
S$e massage" $im1 $ea(e" n
$is s$i+ering ,rame 2$a#e+er
s=ra(s , =l#$ s$e =ul" ,in" in
#$e $u#6 !inall%1 )an"$i "Qe"
,, an"1 s$e la#er n#e"1 '2e sle(#
=sil% in ea=$ #$er's 2arm#$
un#il (ra%er #ime>6
!r )an"$i1 se=ure in $is 2n
=ns=ien=e1 #$ere 2as n#$ing
im(r(er r e+en rem#el%
seCual in $is rela#ins 2i#$
Manu6
,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
i"ee"1 i# is alms# in=n=ei+a/le
#$a# #$e ,ain#es# #remr , seCu?!
rusal (asse" /e#2een #$em6 T
#$e Ma$a#ma1 #$e reasning
2$i=$ i" le" $im # (er,rm
2$a# 2as1 ,r $im1 a "u#% #
Manu1 2as i,,i=ien# Bus#i,i=a#in
,r $is a=#in6 Per$a(s1 $2e+er1
"ee( in $is i/=ns=ius1 #$er
,r=es $e ignre" $el(e" (r(el
$im # i#6 In #$e #2ilig$# , $is
li,e1 )an"$i 2as a lnel% man6
He $a" ls# a 2i,e an" =lses#
,rien" in 2ar#ime (risn6 He 2as
lsing #$e su(D<r# , sme , $is
l"es# ,ll2ers6 He ris.e"
lsing #$e "ream $e'" irsue" ,r
"e=a"es6 He $a" ne+er $a" a
"aug$#er an"1 (er$a(s1 #$e le
,ailure in $is li,e $a" /een in $is
rle as a ,a#$er6 His el"es# sn1
a/i##ere" /e=ause $e'" ,el# $is
,a#$er's "e+#in # #$ers $a"
#(ri+e" $im , $is s$are ,
(a#ernal a,,e=#in1 2as a
$(eless al=DIli= 2$ $a"
s#aggere" "run. # $is "%ing
m#$er's /e"si"e6 T2
/is #$er sns 2ere in Su#$
A,ri=a an" rarel% in =n#a=# 2i#$
an"$i6 Onl% 2i#$ $is %unges#
sn "i" $e enB% a nrmal ,a#$erD
n rela#in6 In an% e+en#1
2$a#e+er #$e eC(lana#in1 a
"ee(1 s(iri#ual In" 2as "es#ine"
# lin. #$e Ma$a#ma an" #$e s$%1
"e+#e" girl
anCius # s$are $is miser%
"uring #$e =lsing mn#$s , $is
e6
As 2r" , 2$a# 2as $a((ening
s(rea" /e%n" $is en#urage1 a
m(aign , =alumnies1 s(rea" /%
#$e lea"ers , #$e Mslem
League1 s2 u( a/u# )an"$i6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$e ne2s rea=$e" Del$i1
s(rea"ing in#ense =. amng #$e
lea"ers , &ngress 2ai#ing #
/egin #$eir =ri#i=al I.s 2i#$
In"ia's ne2 -i=er%6
)an"$i ,inall% =n,rn#e" #$e
rumurs in an e+ening (ra%er
se#ing6 Assailing #$e 'small #al.1
2$is(ers an" innuen" arun"
n'1 $e #l" #$e =r2" #$a# $is
grea#Dnie=e Manu s$are" $is /e"
#$ $im ea=$ nig$# an" eC(laine"
2$% s$e 2as #$ere6 His 2r"s
Ime" $is imme"ia#e =ir=le1 /u#
2$en $e sen# #$em # $is
ne2s(a(er +iBan # /e (u/lis$e"1
#$e s#rm /r.e again6 T2 ,
#$e e"i#rs i# in (r#es#6 I#s
#rus#ees1 ,ear,ul , a s=an"al1 "i"
sme#$ing s% $a" ne+er "reame"
, "ing /e,re6 T$e% re,use" #
(u/lis$ a T# 2ri##en /% #$e
Ma$a#ma6
r$e =risis rea=$e" i#s =limaC in
Haim=$ar1 #$e las# s#( n
m"$i's #ur6 T$ere1 )an"$i
re+eale" $is in#en#in # =arr%
$is ssin # #$e (r+in=e , Bi$ar
2$ere1 #$is #ime1 $e 2ul" 2r.
#$ $is ,ell2 Hin"us 2$ $a"
.ille" #$e mem/ers , a Mslem
nri#% in #$eir mi"s#6
His 2r"s alarme" #$e &ngress
lea"ers$i( in Del$i 2$ ,eare" s
e,,e=# $is rela#ins$i( 2i#$ Manu
=ul" $a+e n Bi$ar's r#$"C
n"u =mmuni#%6 A series ,
emissaries "is=ree#l% as.e" $im
# an"n i# /e,re lea+ing ,r
Bi$ar6 He re,use"6 !inall%1 i# 2as
Manu $ersel,1 (er$a(s (r""e"
/% ne , #$se
a las# #a## ,r #$e "%ing raB 97
emissaries1 2$ gen#l%
sugges#e" # #$e el"erl%
Ma$a#ma #$a# #$e%
sus(en" #$eir (ra=#i=e6 S$e
remaine" a/slu#el% a# ne 2i#$
$im1 s$e
(rmise"6 S$e 2as renun=ing
n#$ing , 2$a# #$e% 2ere #r%ing
#
a=$ie+e6 T$e =n=essin s$e
(r(se" 2as nl% #em(rar%1 a
=nD
=essin # #$e smaller min"s
arun" #$em 2$ =ul" n#
un"ers#an"
#$e gals $e sug$#6 S$e 2ul"
s#a% /e$in" 2$en $e le,# ,r
Bi$ar6
Sa""ene"1 )an"$i agree"6 S 1
1
AJ> ;436
Ne2 Del$i1 Mar=$DA(ril 37A8
In $is imma=ula#e 2$i#e na+al
uni,rm1 '$e l.e" li.e a ,ilm
s#ar' # #$e 5?D%earDl" =a(#ain ,
#$e )rena"ier )uar"s Bus#
a((in#e" ne , $is AD&s6
Serene an" smiling1 $is 2i,e a#
$is si"e1 Luis Mun#/a##en r"e
u( # -i=er%'s Huse in a gil"e"
lan"au /uil# $al, a =en#ur% /e,re
,r #$e r%al (rgress #$rug$
Del$i , $is un=le1 )erge -6 A#
#$e ins#an# $is es=r# rea=$e" #$e
(ala=e's gran" s#air=ase1 #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
/ag(i(es , #$e R%al S=#s
!usiliers s.irle" u# a (lain#i+e
2el=me # In"ia's las# -i=er%6
A ,ain#1 sa" smile n $is ,a=e1
#$e u#ging -i=er%1 Lr"
@a+ell1 2ai#e" a# #$e $ea" , #$e
s#air=ase6 T$e +er% (resen=e in
Ne2 Del$i , #$se #2 men
re(resen#e" a /rea. 2i#$
#ra"i#in6 Nrmall%1 an u#ging
-i=er% saile" 2i#$ "ue (m(
,rm #$e )a#e2a% , In"ia 2$ile
#$e neC# s#eamer /re /is
su==essr #2ar"s i#s s(ans1 #$us
s(aring In"ia #$e em/arrassmen#
, $a+ing #2 )"s u(n i#s sil
a# #$e same #ime6 Mun#/a##en
$imsel, $a" insis#e" n #$is
/rea=$ , =us#m s $e =ul"
#al. 2i#$ #$e man # 2$m $e
,rmall% /2e" $is $ea" as $e
rea=$e" #$e #( , #$e s#airs6
!r a mmen#1 in #$e in#ermi##en#
glare , ,las$/ul/s1 #$e #2 men
s#" =$a##ing6 T$e% 2ere a
(ignan#l% =n#ras#ing (airH
Mun#/a##en #$e glamrus 2ar
$er1 eCu"ing =n,i"en=e an"
+i#ali#%T @a+ell1 #$e neDe%e"
l" sl"ier1 a"re" /% /is
su/r"ina#es1 /rus'uel% sa=.e"
/% #$e (li#i=ians1 a man 2$
$a" sa"l% n#e" in $is "iar% n#
lng /e,re #$a#1 ,r #$e (as# $al,
"e=a"e1 $is $a" /een #$e
un$a((% ,a#e '# =n"u=#
2i#$"ra2als an" mi#iga#e
"e,ea#s'6>
@a+ell es=r#e" Mun#/a##en
#$rug$ #$e $ea+% #ea. "rs #
#$e -i=er%'s s#u"% an" $is ,irs#
"ire=# =n,rn#a#in 2i#$ #$e
a2esme (r/lems a2ai#ing
$im6
> T$e A##lee g+ernmen# $a"
#rea#e" @a+ell in (ar#i=ularl%
/ru#al ,as$in6 He $a" /een in
Ln"n 2$en Mun#/a##en 2as
as.e" # re(la=e $im1 /u# gi+en
n $in# $e 2as a/u# # /e
sa=.e"6 He learne" #$e ne2s
nl% $urs /e,re A##lee ma"e i#
(u/li=6 I# 2as nl% n
Mun#/a##en's insis#en=e #$a#
A##lee n=r"e" $im #$e
ele+a#in in $is ran. in #$e
(eerage 2$i=$ #ra"i#inall% 2as
,,ere" a "e(ar#ing -i=er%6

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#


83

'I am srr% in"ee" #$a# %u'+e
/een sen# u# $ere in m% (la=e1'
a+ell /egan6
'@ell1' sai" Mun#/a##en1
sme2$a# #a.en a/a=.1 '#$a#'s
/eing in"i"6 @$%? Dn'# %u
#$in. I'm u( # i#?'
'N1 i#'s n# #$a#1' re(lie" @a+ell1
'in"ee"1 I'm +er% ,n" , %u1 i#
%u'+e /een gi+en an im(ssi/le
#as.6 I'+e #rie" e+er%#$ing I l2
# sl+e #$is (r/lem an" I =an
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
see n lig$#6 T$ere is Bus# n a%
, "ealing 2i#$ i#6 N# nl% $a+e
2e $a" a/slu#el% n $el( m
@$i#e$all1 /u# 2e'+e n2
rea=$e" a =m(le#e im(asse
$ere6'
Pa#ien#l%1 @a+ell re+ie2e" $is
e,,r#s # rea=$ a slu#in6 T$en
$e " u( an" (ene" $is sa,e6
L=.e" insi"e 2ere #$e nl% #2
i#ems T =ul" /e'uea#$ $is
su==essr6 T$e ,irs# s(ar.le" n
"ar. +el+e# Il"s insi"e a 2"en
/C6 I# 2as #$e "iamn"D
en=rus#e" /a"ge , le )ran"
Mas#er ', #$e Or"er , #$e S#ar
, In"ia1 #$e em/lem ,
lun#/a##en's ne2 ,,i=e1 2$i=$1
,r#%Deig$# $urs $en=e1 $e
2ul" ang arun" $is ne=. ,r
#$e =eremnial 2$i=$ 2ul"
,,i=iall% ins#all im as -i=er%6
T$e se=n" 2as a manilla ,ile n
2$i=$ 2as 2ri##en #$e 2r"s
O(era#in Ma"$use'6 I#
=n#aine" #$e nl% slu#in #$e
a/le l"ier $a" # (r(se #
In"ia's "ilemma6 Sa"l%1 $e #.
i# u# , $e sa,e an" lai" i# n $is
"es.6
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eC(laine"1 '/e=ause i# is a
(r/lem r a ma"$use6 Alas1 I
=an see n #$er 2a% u#6'
I# =alle" ,r #$e Bri#is$
e+a=ua#in , In"ia1 (r+in=e /%
(r+in=e1 2men an" =$il"ren
,irs#1 #$en =i+ilians1 #$en
sl"iers1 a m+e li.el%1 in
)an"$i's 2r"s1 # 'lea+e In"ia
# =$as'6
'I#'s a #erri/le slu#in1 /u# i#'s #$e
nl% ne I =an see1> @a+ell
sig$e"6 He (i=.e" u( #$e ,ile
,rm $is "es. an" ,,ere" i# #
$is s#unne" su==essr6
'I am +er%1 +er%1 +er% srr%1' $e
=n=lu"e"1 '/u# #$is is all I =an
/e'uea#$ %u6'
As #$e ne2 -i=er% =n=lu"e"
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a/+e @a+ell's s#u"% 2as
re=ei+ing a mre (i'uan#
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rea=$ing #$eir 'uar#ers1 E"2ina
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,r a ,e2 s=ra(s ,r #$e #2
seal%$ams6 MiQQen an" Ji/1
2$i=$ #$e Mun#/a##ens $a"
/rug$# u# ,rm Ln"n6 T $er
amaQemen#1 #$ir#% minu#es la#er1
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2$i=$ 2as lai" se+eral sli=es ,
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$a" n# seen ," li.e i# in #$e
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/ar.ing a# $er ,ee#1 #$en /a=. a#
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# gi+e (e# su=$ nuris$men#6
')i+e me #$a#1' s$e r"ere"6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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, =$i=.en1 s$e mar=$e" in# #$e
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> > >
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s#r% 2as a/u# # /egin6 In a
,e2 minu#es n #$is mrning ,
5A Mar=$ 37A81 #$e las#
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re(resen#a#i+e , a (res#igius
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-ersailles an" #$e Pe#er$, , #$e
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una/as$e"l% im(erial1 -i=er%'s
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su=$ (ala=e men 2ul" e+er
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in #$e #2en#ie#$ =en#ur%6
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Barauli1 #$e /uil"ing /l=.s ,
#$e Mg$uls 2$se mnumen#s
i# $a" su==ee"e"6 @$i#e1 %ell21
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an" 2alls6 S lng 2ere i#s
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ser+an#s r"e ,rm ne en" ,
#$e /uil"ing # #$e #$er n
/i=%=les6
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2ere gi+ing a las# (lis$ # #$e
mar/le1 #$e 2"2r.1 #$e /rass
, i#s ?8 salns an" i#s ?A4
rms6 Ou#si"e1 in #$e ,rmal
Mg$ul gar"ens1 A3: gar"eners1
mre #$an Luis MI- $a"
em(l%e" a# -ersailles1 la/ure"
# (r+i"e a (er,e=# #rim # i#s
in#ri=a#e maQe , grass s'uares1
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a2a% #$e /ir"s6 In #$eir s#a/les1
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-i=er%'s /"%guar" a"Bus#e"
#$eir 2$i#e an" gl" #uni=s as
#$e% (re(are" # mun# #$eir
su(er/ /la=. $rses6 T$rug$u#
#$e $use1 gl" an" s=arle#
#ur/ans ,laring a/+e #$eir
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,re$ea"s1 #$eir 2$i#e #uni=s
alrea"% em/ri"ere" 2i#$ #$e
ne2 -i=er%'s =a# , arms1
#$er ser+an#s s=urrie" "2n #$e
=rri"rs n a ,inal erran"6 !r
#$e

las# #ime1 #$e% all1 gar"eners1
=$am/erlains1 =.s1 s#e2ar"s1
/earers1 $rsemen1 all #$e
re#ainers , #$a# ,eu"al ,r#ress
ls# in #$e #2en#ie#$ =en#ur%1
Bine" in (re(aring #$e
en#$rnemen# , ne , #$a#
sele=# =m(an% , men ,r
2$m i# $a" /een /uil#1 a
-i=er% , In"ia6
In ne , #$e (ri+a#e =$am/ers ,
#$e grea# $use1 a man
=n#em(la#e" #$e 2$i#e ,ullD
"ress a"miral's uni,rm $is
em(l%er 2ul" 2ear # #a.e
(ssessin , -i=er%'s Huse's
maBes#i= (re=in=#s6 N ,laring
#ur/an gra=e" /is $ea"6 &$arles
Smi#$ 2as n# a (r"u=# , #$e
PunBa/ r RaBas#$an1 /u# , a
=un#r% +illage in #$e su#$ ,
Englan"6
@i#$ a me#i=ulus regar" ,r
"e#ail a='uire" +er a 'uar#er ,
a =en#ur% , ser+i=e in
Mun#/a##en's em(l%1 Smi#$
sli((e" #$e =rn,l2erD/lue sil.
sas$ , #$e 2rl"'s ms#
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#$e )ar#er1 #$rug$ #$e rig$#
e(aule##e an" s#re#=$e" i# #au#
a=rss #$e uni,rm's /reas#6 T$en
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#$is mrning ,rm #$eir +el+e#
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ga+e a las# (lis$ # #$eir
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,rmsH #$e Or"er , #$e )ar#er1
#$e Or"er , #$e S#ar , In"ia1
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Or"erI1
T$se r2s , ri//ns an"
=rsses mar.ing #$e miles#nes
, Luis Mun#/a##en's =areer
2ere1 in #$eir s(e=ial ,as$in1 #$e
miles#nes alng #$e =urse ,
&$arles Smi#$'s li,e as 2ell6
Sin=e $e $a" Bine"
Mun#/a##en's ser+i=e as #$ir"
,#man a# #$e age , eig$#een1
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man's s$a"26 In #$e grea#
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#$e na+al s#a#ins , em(ire1 in
#$e =a(i#als , Eur(e1 $is
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#rium($s1 $is +i=#ries1 $is
srr2s1 $is grie,s6 During #$e
2ar1 $e $a" Bine" #$e ser+i=e
an" e+en#uall% ,ll2e"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Mun#/a##en # Su#$DEas# Asia6
T$ere1 ,rm a s(e=#a#r's sea# in
#$e &i#% Hall , Singa(re1
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#ears , (ri"e ,illing $is e%es as
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$e'" (re(are"1 $a" e,,a=e" #$e
2rs# $umilia#in Bri#ain $a"
e+er en"ure" /% #a.ing #$e
surren"er , alms# #$reeD
'uar#ers , a millin Ja(anese
sl"iers1 sailrs an" airmen6
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=n#em(la#e $is 2r.6 N ne in
#$e 2rl" 2as mre "eman"ing
2$en i# =ame # "ressing a
uni,rm #$an Mun#/a##en1 an"
#$is 2as n# a mrning # ma.e a
mis#a.e6 Smi#$ un/u##ne" #$e
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n 2$i=$ i# res#e" He ease" i#
+er $is 2n s$ul"ers an"
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=$e=.6 T$ere1 ,r a /rie, an"
(ignan# mmen# /e,re #$a#
mirrr1 $e 2as u# , #$e
s$a"2s6 !r Bus# a se=n"1
&$arles Smi#$1 #1 =ul" "ream
$e 2as #$e -i=er% , In"ia6
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la" , r"ers an" "e=ra#ins1
+er $is #rs1 Luis
Mun#/a##en =ul" n# $el(
#$in.ing , #$se magi= 2ee.s a
'uar#er , a =en#ur% earlier 2$en
$e'" "is=+ere" In"ia /% #$e si"e
, $is =usin1 #$e Prin=e ,
@ales6 B#$ , #$em $a" /een
"aQQle" /% #$e maBes#i= air
surrun"ing #$e -i=er% , In"ia
as $e (resi"e" +er $is em(ire6
S mu=$ (m(1 s mu=$ luCur%1
su=$ $mage seeme" #
a==m(an% $is slig$#es# ges#ure
#$a# #$e Prin=e , @ales $imsel,
$a" remar.e"1 T ne+er
un"ers#" $2 a .ing s$ul"
li+e un#il I sa2 #$e -i=er% ,
In"ia6'
Mun#/a##en remem/ere" $is
2n %u#$,ul amaQemen# a# #$e
(an(l% , im(erial (2er #$a#
,=use" n #$e (ersn , ne
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re=alle" $is a2e a# #$e manner in
2$i=$ #$e +i=eregal
es#a/lis$men# $a" /len"e" #$e
gli##er , a Eur(ean =ur#1 an"
#$e ,ain#l% "e=a"en# aura , #$e
,eas#s , #$e Orien#6 N21
agains# $is 2ill1 #$a# +i=eregal
#$rne 2i#$ all i#s (m( an"
s(len"ur 2as a/u# # /e $is6
His -i=er%al#%1 alas1 2ul" /ear
li##le resem/lan=e # #$a# ga%
run" , =eremnies an" $un#ing
#$a# $a" s#irre" $is %u#$,ul
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am/i#ins 2ere # /e ,ul,ille"1
/u# in #$e real 2rl"1 n# #$e
,air%D#ale 2rl" , 37536
A .n=. n #$e "r in#erru(#e"
$is me"i#a#in6 He #urne"6 T$e
rigrusl% unem#inal
Mun#/a##en s#ar#e" a# #$e sig$#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,rame" in #$e "r2a% , $is
/e"rm6 I# 2as $is 2i,e1 a
"iamn" #iara gli##ering in $er
/r2n $air1 $er 2$i#e sil. g2n
=linging # #$e =ur+es , a ,igure
as slim an" su((le as i# $a" /een
#$a# "a% s$e $a" 2al.e" u# ,
S# Margare#'s1 @es#mins#er1 n
$is arm6
Li.e $er $us/an"1 E"2ina
Mun#/a##en seeme" # $a+e
/een sug$# u# ,r #$e /lessings
, a =a(ri=ius Pr+i"en=e6 S$e
$a" /eau#%6 S$e (ssesse" a ,ine
in#elle=#1 mre (ene#ra#ing sme
#$ug$# #$an $er $us/an"'s6 S$e
$a" in$eri#e" grea# 2eal#$ ,rm
$er ma#ernal gran",a#$er1 Sir
Ernes# &assel1 an" s=ial
(si#in ,rm $er ,a#$er's ,amil%
2$se ,re/ears in=lu"e"
Englan"'s grea# nine#een#$D
=en#ur% Prime Minis#er1 Lr"
Palmers#n1 an" #$e ,amus
($ilan#$r(i= (li#i=ian1 #$e
se+en#$ Earl , S$a,#es/ur%6
T$ere $a" /een =lu"s in $er
(ara"ise6 An in#ensel% un$a((%
=$il"$" a,#er $er m#$er's
earl% "ea#$ $a" le,# $er 2i#$ an
in#r+er#e" na#ure6 S$e 2as
easil% $ur# an" .e(# #$e (ain ,
#$se $ur#s l=.e" insi"e $er
2$ere #$e% =rr"e" #$e linings
, $er /eing6 Small #$ings (aine"
$er6
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2$ ne+er $esi#a#e" # =ri#i=iQe
an%#$ing #$a# "is(lease" $im an"
a==e(#e" =ri#i=ism 2i#$ l,#%
a(lm/1 E"2ina Mun#/a##en
#. ,,en=e easil%6 'Yu =ul"
#ell Lr" Mun#/a##en 2$a# %u
2an#e"1 an% 2a% %u 2an#e" #1'
re=alle" ne , #$eir senir ai"es6
'@i#$ La"% Luis1 %u $a" #
(r=ee" 2i#$ #$e u#ms# =are6>
S$e $a" l=.e" $er s$%ness1 $er
in#r+er#e" na#ure in# #$e s#rai#D
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sme#$ing 2$i=$ na#ure $a" n#
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in (u/li= ,r a "e=a"e1
sme#imes #2 r #$ree #imes a
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maBr s(ee=$1 $er $an"s s$.
alms# un=n#rlla/l%6 Her
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(r=elain +ase6 S$e su,,ere"
alms# "ail% ,rm #$e =ruel
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2ea.ness 2as n# sme#$ing s$e
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=ul" /as# $e 'ne+er1 ne+er
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=ns#an#l%6 @$ile $e sle(#
imme"ia#el% an" sun"l%1 slee('s
sla=e =ame # $er nl% as a (illD
in"u=e" #r(r6
T2 "is#in=#l% se(ara#e (eri"s
$a" mar.e" #$e Mun#/a##ens'
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
'uar#er , a =en#ur% #ge#$er6
During #$e ,irs# ,ur#een %ears ,
#$eir marriage1 2$ile Luis
Mun#/a##en 2as sl2l% m+ing
u( #$e na+al la""er1 $e $a"
insis#e" #$e% eC=lu"e $er 2eal#$
an" #$eir s=ial (si#in ,rm #$e
na+al en+irnmen# in 2$i=$ #$e%
s(en# mu=$ , #$eir #ime6 A2a%
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in Ln"n1 Paris an" n #$e
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s=ial /u##er,l%'1 a Qealus (ar#%D
gi+er an" (ar#%Dger1 /laQing
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in#ensi#% , a !i#Qgeral" $erine6
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sug$# #$e s#imula#in ,
a"+en#ureH =$ar#ering a =(ra
s=$ner in #$e Su#$ Pa=i,i=1
,l%ing n #$e ,irs# ,lig$# ,rm
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Burma Ra"6
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n# # /e ,ull% ==u(ie" /% #$e
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(li#i=al g"6 T$e gi""% $eiress
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s=ial /u##er,l% a =n=erne"
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J$n Am/ulan=e Briga"e 2i#$
i#s 941444 mem/ers6 @$en Ja(an
surren"ere"1 $er $us/an"
urgen#l% re'ues#e" $er # #ur #$e
Ja(anese (risnerD,D2ar =am(s
s as # rganiQe #$e =are an"
e+a=ua#in , #$eir ms#
"es(era#e inma#es6
A LAST TATTOO !OR THE
DYIN) RAJ
Be,re #$e ,irs# sl"iers , $is
=mman" $a" se# ,# n #$e
Mala< Peninsula1 E"2ina
Mun#/a##en1 arme" nl% 2i#$ a
le##er ,rm! $us/an"1 $er nl%
es=r# a se=re#ar%1 #$ree , $er
$us/an"'s si ,,i=ers an" an
In"ian AD&1 (lunge" in#
#erri#r% s#ill urn Ja(anese
=n#rl6 S$e =n#inue" all #$e
2a% # Bali.(an1 Mar an" Hng
*ng1 ,earlessl% /era#ing #$e
Ja(anese1 ,r=ing #$em (r+i"e
," an" me"i=ine ,r #$eir
(risners un#il Allie" $el( =
arri+e6 T$usan"s , s#ar+ing1
2re#=$e"l%Dill men 2ere sa+e"
/% 3 a=#ins6
Li.e $er $us/an"1 s$e en"e" #$e
2ar 2i#$ a =$es#,ul , 2 earne"
"e=ra#ins6 N2 s$e 2as #
(la% a# $is si"e a +i#al rle Ne2
Del$i6 S$e 2ul" /e $is ,irs# an"
ms# #rus#e" =n,i"an#e1 "is=ree#
an" (ri+a#e emissar% in mmen#s
, =risis1 $is ms# e,,e=#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
am/assa"r # #$e In"ian lea"ers
2i#$ 2$m $e 2ul" $a+e # "i
Li.e $er $us/an"1 s$e1 #1
2ul" lea+e /e$in" in In"ia #$e i
(rin# , $er s#%le an" =$ara=#er6
A 2man , eC#rar"inar% S
sa#ili#%1 E"2ina Mun#/a##en
2ul" /e a/le in an e+ening #
(res +er a ,rmal /an'ue# ,r
344 in a sil. e+ening "ress1 a
"iam= #iara gli##ering in $er $air1
an"1 #$e ,ll2ing mrning1 in a
sim uni,rm1 2al. #$rug$ mu"
u( # $er an.les # =ra"le in $er
la( $ea" , a =$il" "%ing ,
=$lera in #$e ,il#$ , an In"ian
$+el6! 2ul" "is(la% in #$se
mmen#s a $uman =m(assin
sme ,i la=.ing in $er $us/an"6
Hers 2as n# #$e =n"es=en"ing
ges#ure = grea# la"% (er,un=#ril%
a=.n2le"ging #$e miser% , #$e
(r1 a $ear#,el# srr2 ,r
In"ia's su,,erings6 T$e In"ians
2ul" see sin=eri#% , E"2ina
Mun#/a##en's ,eelings an"
res(n" in #un $er as #$e% $a"
ne+er res(n"e" /e,re # an
Englis$2manS
As $is 2i,e a"+an=e" a=rss #$e
rm #2ar"s $im1 Mun#/al
=ul" n# $el( #$in.ing 2$a# a
s#range reslu#in #$is "a% 2aT
#$eir "es#inies6 Less #$an a mile
se(ara#e" #$e /e"rm in 2l
#$e% s#" =n#em(la#ing ea=$
#$er an" #$e s(# n 2$i=$ $e
as.e" E"2ina As$le% # marr%
$im a 'uar#er , a =en#ur% /e,n
2as 3A !e/ruar% 37551 an" #$e%
$a" /een si##ing u# #$e ,i,#$ "a
, a -i=er%'s /all in $nur ,
#$e Prin=e , @ales6 T$eir $s
#$a# e+ening1 #$e -i=ereine1 La"%
Rea"ing1 $a" n# /een +erB= a#
#$e ne2s6 T$e %ung
Mun#/a##en1 s$e $a" 2ri##en #
$is i ,ian=ee's aun#1 "i" n# $a+e
mu=$ , a =areer /e,re $im6
Mun#/a##en remem/ere" $er
2r"s n26 Una/le # su((re
smile1 $e #. $is 2i,e's arm an"
se# u# # ins#all $er n L
Rea"ing's gl" an" =rimsn
#$rne6

In"ia 2as al2a%s a lan" ,
=eremnial s(len"ur an" n
#$a# Mi

mrning1 2$en Luis
Mun#/a##en 2as # /e ma"e
-i=er%1 #$e /len" , -i=#rian
(m( an" Mg$ul muni,i=en=e
#$a# $a" s#am(e" #$e ri#es , #$e
RaB 2as s#ill in#a=#6 S(rea"
/e,re #$e /ra" s#air=ase
lea"ing # #$e Dur/ar Hall1 #$e
$ear# , -i=er%'s Huse1 2ere
$nur guar"s ,rm #$e In"ian
Arm%1 Na+% an" Air !r=e6
Sa/res g$##ering in #$e mrning
sunlig$#1 Mun#/a##en's
/"%guar"1 in s=arle# an" gl"
#uni=s1 2$i#e /ree=$es an"
glis#ening /la=. lea#$er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Ba=./#s line" $is mar=$ # #$e
$all6
Insi"e1 un"er i#s 2$i#e mar/le
"me1 #$e eli#e , In"ia 2ai#e"H
$ig$ =ur# Bu"ges1 #$eir /la=.
r/es an" =urling 2igs as Bri#is$
as #$e la2 #$e% a"minis#ere"T #$e
Rmans , #$e RaB1 senir
,,i=ers , #$e In"ian &i+il
Ser+i=e1 #$e (ale (uri#% , #$eir
AnglDSaCn (r,iles lea+ene"
/% a sma##ering , mre sm/re
In"ian ,a=esT a "elega#in ,
ma$araBas gleaming li.e gil"e"
(ea==.s in #$eir sa#in an"
Be2elsT an"1 a/+e all1
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru an" $is
=lleagues in )an"$i's &ngress1
#$eir rug$ $mes(un =##n
.$a"i $ar/ingers , #$e
nrus$ing ,u#ure6
@$en #$e ,irs# mem/ers ,
Mun#/a##en's =r#ege s#e((e"
in# #$e $all1 ,ur #rum(e#ers
=n=eale" in ni=$es arun" #$e
/ase , #$e "me /egan a mu#e"
,an,are1 #$eir n#es rising as #$e
(r=essin m+e" ,r2ar"6 T$e
lig$#s , #$e grea# $all1 "imme"
a# ,irs#1 rse in r$%#$m # #$e
#rum(e#s' ga#$ering =res=en"6
A# #$e ins#an# In"ia's ne2
-i=er% an" -i=ereine (asse"
#$rug$ #$e grea# "r2a%1 #$e%
/laQe" # an in=an"es=en# glare1
an" #$e #rum(e#s sen# a
#rium($an# s2irl , sun"
re+er/era#ing arun" #$e +aul#e"
"me6 Slemn an" unsmiling1
#$e Mun#/a##ens sl2Dmar=$e"
"2n #$e =ar(e#e" aisles #2ar"s
#$eir 2ai#ing #$rnes6
A .in" , a((re$ensin1 a rising
#ensin n# unli.e #$a# $e $a"
n=e .n2n n #$e /ri"ge , #$e
*ell% in #$e un=er#ain mmen#s
/e,re /a##le1 =r2"e" in n
Mun#/a##en6 Ea=$ ges#ure
measure" # #$e gran"eur , #$e
mmen#1 $e an" $is 2i,e m+e"
un"er #$e =rimsn +el+e# =an(%
s(rea" +er #$eir gil"e" #$rnes
an" #urne" # ,a=e #$e assem/l%6
T$e &$ie, Jus#i=e s#e((e"
,r2ar" an"1 $is rig$# $an"
raise"1 Mun#/a##en slemnl%
(rnun=e" #$e a#$ #$a# ma"e
$im In"ia's las# -i=er%6
As $e (rnun=e" i#s =n=lu"ing
2r"s1 #$e rum/le , #$e =annn
, #$e R%al Hrse Ar#iller%
u#si"e rlle" #$rug$ #$e $all6
A# #$a# same ins#an# all a=rss
#$e su/D=n#inen#1 #$er =annns
#. u( #$e (n"erus ?3Dgun
salu#e6 A# Lan"i *#al a# #$e
$ea" , #$e *$%/er PassT !r#
@illiam in &al=u##a 2$ere &li+e
$a" se# Bri#ain n #$e ra" # $er
In"ian Em(ireT #$e Lu=.n2
Resi"en=e 2$ere #$e Unin Ja=.
2as ne+er s#ru=. in $nur ,
#$e men an" 2men 2$ $a"
"e,en"e" i# in #$e Mu#in% ,
3:08T &a(e &mrin1 (as#
2$se m=aQi#e san"s #$e
gallens , Lueen EliQa/e#$ I
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$a" saile"T ! S#6 )erge in
Ma"ras 2$ere #$e Eas# In"ia
&m(an% $a" i#s ,ir lan" gran#
ins=ri/e" n a (la#e , gl"T in
Pna1 Pes$a2ar ai SimlaT
e+er%2$ere #$ere 2as a mili#ar%
garrisn in In"ia1 #r(s V
(ara"e (resen#e" arms as #$e
,irs# gun eC(l"e" in Del$i6
!rn#i !r=e Ri,les1 #$e )ui"es
&a+alr%1 H"sn's an" S.inner's
Hn Si.$s an" Dgras1 Ja#s an"
Pa#$ans1 )ur.$as an" Ma"ras
(ise" 2$ile #$e =annn
#$un"ere" u# #$eir las# #a## ,r
# Bri#is$ RaB6
As #$e sun" , #$e las# re(r#
,a"e" #$rug$ #$e "me , Dur#
Hall1 #$e ne2 -i=er% s#e((e" #
#$e mi=r($ne6 T$e si#ua#in
,a=e" 2as s serius #$a#1 agains#
#$e a"+i=e , $is s#a,,1 Mun#/a#l
$a" "e=i"e" # /rea. 2i#$
#ra"i#in /% a""ressing #$e
ga#$eri /e,re $im6
'I am un"er n illusin a/u# #$e
"i,,i=ul#% , m% #as.1' $e sai"
s$all nee" #$e grea#es# g"2ill
, #$e grea#es# (ssi/le num/er1
a I am as.ing In"ia #"a% ,r
#$a# g"2ill6'
As $e ,inis$e" #$e guar"s #$re2
(en #$e massi+e Assam #V
"rs , #$e Hall6 Be,re
Mun#/a##en 2as #$e /rea#$D
#a.ing +i , *ings2a% an" i#s
glis#ening (ls1 (lunging "2n
#$e $ear# Ne2 Del$i6 O+er$ea"
#$e #rum(e#s sen# u# an#$er
s#ri"en# = Su""enl%1 2al.ing
/a=. "2n #$e aisle1
Mun#/a##en ,el# a((re$ensin
sli( a2a%6 T$a# /rie, =eremn%1
$e realiQe"1 $a" #un $im in# ne
, #$e ms# (2er,ul men n
ear#$6
!r#%D,i+e minu#es la#er1 /a=. in
=i+ilian =l#$es1 Mun#/al
se##le" a# $is "es.6 As $e "i"1 $is
Bama"ar =$a(rasis1 $is ,,i=e ,V
man1 2al.e" in in $is gl"
#ur/an /earing a green lea#$er
"es(a /C 2$i=$ $e
=eremniusl% se# in ,rn# , #$e
-i=er%6 Mi /a##en (ene" i#
an" (ulle" u# #$e "=umen#
insi"e6 I# 2as a si =n,irma#in
, #$e (2er 2$i=$ $e $a" Bus#
in$eri#e"1 #$e 3 a((eal ,r mer=%
, a man =n"emne" # "ea#$6
!as=ina#e" $rri,ie"1
Mun#/a##en rea" $is 2a%
#$rug$ ea=$ "e#ail6 T$e
in+l+e" a man 2$ $a"
sa+agel% /ea#en $is 2i,e # "ea#$
in , , a =r2" , 2i#nesses6 I#
$a" /een s #$rug$l% =m/e"1
(a #$rug$ s man% a((eals1 #$a#
#$ere 2ere n eC#enua#ing #ire
s#an=es # /e ,un"6
Mun#/a##en $esi#a#e" ,r a lng
minu#e6 T sa"l%1 $e #. a (en
an" (er,rme" #$e ,irs# ,,i=ial
a=# , $is S r%al#%6
'T$ere are n grun"s ,r #$e
eCer=ise , #$e R%al (rergT ,
mer=%1' $e n#e" n #$e =+er6
Be,re se##ing u# # im(se $is
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
i"eas n In"ia's (li#i=al lea
Luis Mun#/a##en sense" $e
$a" ,irs# # im(se $is 2n
(ersr n In"ia6 In"ia's las#
-i=er% mig$#1 as $e $a" gluml%
(re"i=#e" a# Nr#$l# Air(r#1
=me $me 2i#$ a /ulle# in $is
/a=.1 /u# $e 2ul" /e a -i=er%
unli.e an% #$er In"ia $a" seen6
Mun#/a##en ,irml% /elie+e"1 'i#
2as im(ssi/le # /e -i=er%
2i#$u# (u##ing u( a grea#1
/rillian# s$26' He $a" /een sen#
# Ne2 Del$i # ge# #$e Bri#is$
u# , In"ia1 /u# $e 2as
"e#ermine" #$e% 2ul" g in a
s$immer , s=arle# an" gl"1 all
#$e l" glries , #$e RaB $ne"
# #$e $ig$es# (i#=$ ne las# #ime6
He r"ere" all #$e =eremnial
#ra((ings su((resse" "uring #$e
2ar # /e res#re"H AD&s in
"aQQling ,ullD"ress1 guar"D
mun#ing =eremnies1 /an"s
(la%ing1 sa/res ,las$ing1 '#$e l#'6
He l+e" e+er% s(len"i" mmen#
, i#1 /u# a ,ar s$re2"er =n=ern
#$an $is 2n "elig$# in
(agean#r% un"erla% i#6
T$e (m( an" (an(l% 2as
"esigne" # gi+e $im a +i=eregal
aura , glamur an" (2er1 #
(r+i"e $i` a ,rame2r. 2$i=$
2ul" gi+e $is a=#ins an a""e"
"imensin6 He in#en"e" #
re(la=e #$e 'O(era#in
Ma"$use' , $is (re"e=essr /%
an 'O(era#in Se"u=#in' , $is
2n1 a miniDre+lu#in in s#%le
"ire=#e" as mu=$ #2ar"s In"ia's
masses as #$e lea"ers 2i#$ 2$m
$e 2ul" $a+e # neg#ia#e6 I#
2ul" /e a s$re2" /len" ,
=n#ras#ing +alues1 , (a#ri=ian
(m( an" =mmn #u=$1 , #$e
l" s(e=#a=les , #$e "%ing RaB
an" ne2 ini#ia#i+es (reD,iguring
#$e In"ia , #mrr26
S#rangel%1 Mun#/a##en /egan
$is re+lu#in 2i#$ #$e s#r.e ,
a (ain# /rus$6 T #$e $rrr ,
$is ai"es1 $e r"ere" #$e glm%
2"en (anels , #$e +i=eregal
s#u"% in 2$i=$ s man%
neg#ia#ins $a" ,aile"1 # /e
=+ere" 2i#$ a lig$#1 =$eer,ul
=a# , (ain# mre a(# # relaC
#$e In"ian lea"ers 2i#$ 2$m
$e'" /e "ealing6 He s$.
-i=er%'s Huse u# , #$e
leisurel% ru#ine i# $a"
"e+el(e"1 #urning i# in# a
$umming1 'uasiDmili#ar%
$ea"'uar#ers6 He ins#i#u#e" s#a,,
mee#ings1 sn .n2n as
'mrning (ra%ers'1 as #$e ,irs#
,,i=ial a=#i+i#% , ea=$ "a%6
Mun#/a##en as#nis$e" $is ne2
I&S su/r"ina#es 2i#$ #$e agili#%
, $is min"1 $is =a(a=i#% # ge# a#
#$e r# , a (r/lem an"1 a/+e
all1 $is alms# /sessi+e =a(a=i#%
,r 2r.6 He (u# an en" # #$e
(ara"e , =$a(rasis 2$
#ra"i#inall% /re #$e -i=er% $is
(a(ers ,r $is (ri+a#e
=n#em(la#in in green lea#$er
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
"es(a#=$ /Ces6 He "i" n#
(r(se # 2as#e $is #ime
l=.ing an" unl=.ing /Ces an"
(enning $an"2ri##en n#es n
#$e margins , (a(ers in #$e
slemn isla#in , $is s#u"%6 He
(re,erre" #au#1 +er/al /rie,ings6
'@$en %u 2r#e Fma% I s(ea.?F
n a (a(er $e 2as # rea"1' ne
, $is s#a,, re=alle"1 >%u =ul"
/e sure %u'" s(ea.1 an" %u'"
/e##er /e rea"% # sa% 2$a# 2as
n %ur min" a# an% #ime1
/e=ause #$e =all =ul" =me a#
#2 '=l=. in #$e mrning6'
I# 2as a/+e all #$e (u/li= image
Mun#/a##en 2as #r%ing # =rea
,r $imsel, an" $is ,,i=e #$a#
re(resen#e" a ra"i=al =$ange6 !r
+ a =en#ur%1 #$e -i=er% ,
In"ia1 l=.e" in #$e =eremnial
s(len"u , $is ,,i=e1 $a"
ri+alle" #$e Dalai Lama as #$e
ms# rem#e )" Asia's
(an#$en6 T2 unsu==ess,ul
assassina#in a##em(#s $a" 3V
$im enr/e" in a ==n ,
se=uri#%1 isla#ing $im ,rm all
=n#a 2i#$ #$e masses $e rule"6
@$ene+er #$e -i=er%'s 2$i#e
an" g #rain m+e" a=rss #$e
+as# s(a=es , In"ia1 guar"s 2ere
(s#e" e+e 344 %ar"s alng i#s
ru#e 5A $urs in a"+an=e , i#s
an#+al6 Hun"re , /"%guar"s1
(li=e an" se=uri#% men
,ll2e" ea=$ , $is m+# I, $e
(la%e" gl,1 #$e ,air2a%s 2ere
=leare" an" (li=e (s#e" ali
#$em /e$in" alms# e+er% #ree6 I,
$e 2en# ri"ing1 a s'ua"rn , #l
-i=er%'s /"%guar" an"
se=uri#% (li=e Bgge" alng
a,#er $im6
Mun#/a##en 2as "e#ermine" #
s$a##er #$a# s=reen6 !irs#1 3
annun=e" $e an" $is 2i,e r
"aug$#er 2ul" #a.e #$eir mrnii
ri"es unes=r#e"6 His 2r"s sen#
a 2a+e , $rrr #$rug$ #$e
$uT an" i# #. $im sme #ime
# ge# $is 2a%6 Bu# $e "i"1 an"
su""en #$e In"ian +illagers alng
#$e ru#e , #$eir mrning ri"es
/egan 2i#ness a s(e=#a=le s
un/elie+a/le as # seem a
mirageH #$e -i=en an" -i=ereine
, In"ia #r##ing (as# #$em1
2a+ing gra=iusl%1 ali an"
un(r#e=#e"6
T$en1 $e an" $is 2i,e ma"e an
e+en mre re+lu#inar% ges#ui
He "i" sme#$ing n -i=er%
$a" "eigne" # " in #2 $un"n
%earsH +isi# #$e $me , an
In"ian 2$ 2as n# ne , a
$an",ul (ri+ilege" (rin=es6 T
#$e as#nis$men# , all In"ia1 #$e
+i=ereg =u(le 2al.e" in# a
gar"en (ar#% a# #$e sim(le Ne2
Del$i resi"en , Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru6 @$ile Ne$ru's ai"es
l.e" n "um/ 2i#$ " /elie,1
Mun#/a##en #. Ne$ru /% #$e
el/2 an" s#rlle" ,, ami #$e
gues#s1 =asuall% =$a##ing an"
s$a.ing $an"s6
T$e ges#ure $a" a s#unning
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
im(a=#6 FT$an. )"1' Ne$ru #l"
3 sis#er #$a# e+ening1 '2e'+e
,inall% g# a $uman /eing ,r a
-.en an" n# a s#u,,e" s$ir#6'
AnCius # "emns#ra#e #$a# a
ne2 es#eem ,r #$e In"ian (e(
n2 reigne" in -i=er%'s Huse1
Mun#/a##en a==r"e" #$e In"i
mili#ar%1 #2 millin , 2$m
$a" ser+e" un"er $im in Su#$D
Ea Asia1 a lng +er"ue $nur6
He $a" #$ree In"ian ,,i=ers
a##a=$ # $is s#a,, as AD&s6
NeC#1 $e r"ere" #$e "rs ,
-i=er%'s Hu # /e (ene" #
In"ians1 nl% a $an",ul , 2$m
$a" /een in+i#i in# i#s (re=in=#s
/e,re $is arri+al6 He ins#ru=#e"
$is s#a,, #$a# #$e 2ere # /e n
"inner (ar#ies in #$e -i=er%'s
Huse 2i#$u# In"i gues#s6 N#
Bus# a ,e2 #.en gues#sT
$en=e,r#$1 $e r"ere"1 a# le# $al,
#$e ,a=es arun" $is #a/le 2ere
# /e In"ian6
His 2i,e /rug$# an e+en mre
"rama#i= re+lu#in # #$e +ie
regal "ining #a/le6 Ou# , res(e=#
,r #$e =ulinar% #ra"i#ins , $er
In"ian gues#s1 s$e r"ere" #$e
$use's .i#=$ens # s#ar#
(re(aring "is$es 2$i=$1 in a
=en#ur% , im(erial $s(i#ali#%1
$a" ne+er /een ,,ere" in
-i=er%'s Huse1 In"ian
+ege#arian ,"6 N# nl% #$a#1
s$e r"ere" #$e ," # /e ser+e"
n ,la# In"ian #ra%s an" ser+an#s
2i#$ #$e #ra"i#inal 2as$ /asins1
Bugs an" #2els # s#an" /e$in"
$er gues#s s #$e% =ul"1 i, #$e%
=$se1 ea# 2i#$ #$eir ,ingers a#
#$e -i=er%'s #a/le1 #$en 2as$
#$eir #$ra#s 2i#$ a ri#ual gargle6
T$a# /arrage , ges#ures large
an" small1 #$e e+i"en# an"
genuine a,,e=#in #$e
Mun#/a##ens "is(la%e" ,r #$e
=un#r% in 2$i=$ #$eir 2n l+e
a,,air $a" $a" i#s /eginnings1 #$e
.n2le"ge #$a# #$e ne2 -i=er%
2as a "eli+erer an" n# a
=n'uerr1 #$e res(e=# , #$e
men 2$'" ser+e" un"er $im in
AsiaT all =m/ine" # (r"u=e a
remar.a/le aura a/u# #$e
=u(le6
N# lng a,#er #$eir arri+al #$e
Ne2 Yr. Times n#e"1 'n
-i=er% in $is#r% $as s
=m(le#el% 2n #$e =n,i"en=e1
res(e=# an" li.ing , #$e In"ian
(e(le6' In"ee"1 2i#$in a ,e2
2ee.s1 #$e su==ess , 'O(era#in
Se"u=#in' 2ul" /e s
remar.a/le #$a# Ne$ru $imsel,
2ul" #ell #$e ne2 -i=er% nl%
$al, B.ingl% #$a# $e 2as
/e=ming a "i,,i=ul# man #
neg#ia#e 2i#$1 /e=ause $e 2as
'"ra2ing larger =r2"s #$an
an%/"% in In"ia'6
T$e 2r"s 2ere s #erri,%ing
#$a# Luis Mun#/a##en a# ,irs#
"i" n# /elie+e #$em6 T$e% ma"e
e+en #$e "rama#i= s.e#=$ , #$e
In"ian s=ene &lemen# A##lee $a"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(ain#e" $im n Ne2 Year's Da%
seem li.e a "es=ri(#in , sme
#ran'uil =un#r%si"e6 Ye# #$e man
u##ering #$em in #$e (ri+a=% ,
$is s#u"% $a" a re(u#a#in ,r
/rillian=e an" an un"ers#an"ing
, In"ia unsur(asse" in #$e
+i=eregal es#a/lis$men#6 A #ri(le
/lue an" a ,irs# a# OC,r"1
)erge A/ell $a" /een #$e ms#
in#ima#e =lla/ra#r ,
Mun#/a##en's (re"e=essr6
In"ia1 $e #l" Mun#/a##en 2i#$
s#ar. sim(li=i#%1 2as $ea"ing ,r
a =i+il 2ar6 Onl% /% ,in"ing #$e
ra(i"es# , reslu#ins # $er
(r/lems 2as $e ging # sa+e
$er6 T$e grea# a"minis#ra#i+e
ma=$ine g+erning In"ia 2as
=lla(sing6 T$e s$r#age ,
Bri#is$ ,,i=ers =ause" /% #$e
"e=isin # s#( re=rui#ing "uring
#$e 2ar an" #$e rising
an#agnism /e#2een i#s Hin"u
an" Mslem mem/ers1 mean#
#$a# #$e rule , #$a# +aun#e"
ins#i#u#in1 #$e In"ian &i+il
Ser+i=e1 =ul" n# sur+i+e #$e
%ear6 T$e #ime ,r "is=ussin an"
"e/a#e 2as (as#6 S(ee"1 n#
"eli/era#in1 2as nee"e" #
a+i" a =a#as#r($e6
&ming ,rm a man , A/ell's
s#a#ure1 #$se 2r"s ga+e #$e
ne2 -i=er% a "ismal s$=.6 Ye#
#$e% 2ere nl% #$e ,irs# in a
s#ream , re(r#s 2$i=$ engul,e"
$im "uring $is ,irs# ,r#nig$# in
In"ia6 He re=ei+e" an e'uall%
grim anal%sis ,rm #$e man $e'"
(i=.e" # =me 2i#$ $im as $is
&$ie, , S#a,,1 )eneral Lr"
Isma%1 @ins#n &$ur=$ill's &$ie,
, S#a,, ,rm 37A4 # 37A06 A
+e#eran , #$e su/=n#inen# as
,,i=er in #$e In"ian Arm% an"
mili#ar% se=re#ar% # an earlier
-i=er%1 Isma% =n=lu"e"1 'In"ia
2as a s$i( n ,ire in mi"D=ean
2i#$ ammuni#in in $er $l"6'
T$e 'ues#in1 $e #l"
Mun#/a##en1 2asH =ul" #$e%
ge# #$e ,ire u# /e,re i# rea=$e"
#$e ammuni#in ?
T$e ,irs# re(r# Mun#/a##en
re=ei+e" ,rm #$e Bri#is$
)+ernr , #$e PunBa/ 2arne"
$im '#$ere is a =i+il 2ar
a#ms($ere #$rug$u# #$e
(r+in=e'6 One insigni,i=an#
(aragra($ , #$a# re(r# ,,ere" a
s#ar#ling illus#ra#in , #$e
a==ura=% , #$e )+ernr's
2r"s6 I# men#ine" a re=en#
#rage"% in a rural "is#ri=# near
Ra2al(in"i6 A Mslem's 2a#er
/u,,al $a" 2an"ere" n # #$e
(r(er#% , $is Si.$ neig$/ur6
@$en i#s 2ner sug$# #
re=laim i#1 a ,ig$#1 #$en a ri#1
eru(#e"6 T2 $urs la#er1 a
$un"re" $uman /eings la% in #$e
surrun"ing ,iel"s1 $a=.e" #
"ea#$ 2i#$ s=%#$es an" .ni+es
/e=ause , #$e +agran# $umurs
, a 2a#er /u,,al6
!i+e "a%s a,#er #$e ne2 -i=er%'s
arri+al in=i"en#s /e#2een Hin"us
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an" Mslems #. 77 li+es in
&al=u##a6 T2 "a%s la#er1 a
similar =n,li=# /r.e u# in
Bm/a% lea+ing A3 mu#ila#e"
/"ies n i#s (a+emen#s6
&n,rn#e" /% #$ese u#/urs#s ,
+ilen=e1 Mun#/a##en =alle"
In"ia's senir (li=e ,,i=er #
$is s#u"% an" as.e" i, #$e (li=e
2ere =a(a/le , main#aining la2
an" r"er in In"ia6
'N1 Yur EC=ellen=%1' 2as #$e
re(l%1 '2e =ann#6' S$a.en1
Mun#/a##en (u# #$e same
'ues#in # !iel"DMars$al Sir
&lau"e Au=$inle=.1
&mman"erDinD&$ie, , #$e
In"ian Arm%6 He g# #$e same
ans2er6
Mun#/a##en 'ui=.l% "is=+ere"
#$a# #$e g+ernmen# 2i#$ 2$i=$
$e 2as su((se" # g+ern
In"ia1 a =ali#in , #$e &ngress
Par#% an" #$e Mslem League
(u# #ge#$er 2i#$ enrmus
e,,r# /% $is (re"e=essr1 2as in
,a=# an assem/l% , enemies s
/i##erl% "i+i"e" #$a# i#s mem/ers
/arel% s(.e # ne an#$er6 I#
2as =learl% ging # ,all a(ar#1
an" 2$en i# "i"1 Mun#/a##en
2ul" $a+e # assume #$e
a((alling res(nsi/ili#% ,
eCer=ising "ire=# rule $imsel,
2i#$ #$e a"minis#ra#i+e ma=$ine
re'uire" ,r #$e #as. =lla(sing
un"ernea#$ $im6
&n,rn#e" /% #$a# grim i
rs(e=#1 assaile" n e+er% si"e
/% re(r#! , +ilen=e1 /% #$e
2arnings , $is ms# seasne"
a"+isers1 Mun# /a##en rea=$e"
2$a# 2as (er$a(s #$e ms#
im(r#an# "e=isin $i 2ul"
ma.e in $is ,irs# #en "a%s in
In"ia6 I# 2as # =n"i#in e+er
#$er "e=isin , $is -.er%al#%6
T$e "a#e , June 37A:
es#a/lis$N in Ln"n ,r #$e
Trans,er , P2er1 #$e "a#e $e
$imsel, $a" urge

n A##l6ee1 $a" /een 2il"l%
(#imis#i=6 @$a#e+er slu#in $e
2as # rea=$ ,r In"ia's ,u#ure1
$e 2as ging # $a+e # rea=$ i#
in 2ee.s1
a# mn#$s6 1 1
T$e s=ene $ere1' $e 2r#e in $is
,irs# re(r# # #$e A##lee
g+ernmen# n 5 A(ril 37A81 'is
ne , unrelie+e" glm666 I =an
see li##le grun" n 2$i=$ #
/uil" an% agree" slu#in ,r #$e
,u#ure , In"ia
A,#er "es=ri/ing #$e =un#r%'s
unse##le" s#a#e1 #$e %ung
a=#a#ral issue" an anguis$e"
2arning # #$e man 2$ $a" sen#
$im # In"ia6 T$e nl%
=n=lusin I $a+e /een a/le #
=me #1' $e 2r#e1 is #$a# unless
I a=# 'ui=.l%1 I 2ill ,in" #$e
/eginnings , a =i+il 2ar n m%
$an"s6'

108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
s#ri.ing a ,igure as In"ia's ne2
-i=er%6 T$e sensual ,ea#ures ,
a ,a=e 2$se eC(ressin =ul"
=$ange in an ins#an# ,rm angeli=
s,#ness # "aemni= 2ra#$ 2ere
,#en #inge" 2i#$ a glimmer ,
sa"ness6 @$ile Mun#/a##en's
,ea#ures 2ere alms# al2r6%s
=m(se"1 Ne$ru's rarel% 2ere6
His m"s an" $umurs sli((e"
a=rss $is ,a=e li.e s$a"2s
(assing a=rss #$e 2a#ers , a
la.e6
He 2as #$e nl% ne , #$e
In"ian lea"ers #$a# Mun#/a##en
alrea"% .ne26 T$e #2 men $a"
me# a,#er #$e 2ar 2$en Ne$ru
2as n a +isi# # Singa(re1
2$ere Mun#/a##en $a" $is
SEA& $ea"'uar#ers6 Ignring $is
a"+isers1 2$'" =unselle" $im
# $a+e n#$ing # " 2i#$ a
re/el 2$se s$es s#ill /re #$e
"us# , a Bri#is$ (risn %ar"1
Mun#/a##en $a" me# #$e In"ian
lea"er6> T$e #2 imme"ia#el%
s%m(a#$iQe" 2i#$ ea=$ #$er6
Ne$ru re"is=+ere" in #$e
=m(an% , Mun#/a##en an" $is
2i,e an Englan" $e $a" n#
.n2n ,r ,r#% %ears1 #$e
Englan" $is %ears in Bri#is$ Bail
$a" alms# era"i=a#e" ,rm $is
memr%1 #$a# (en an"
2el=ming Englan" $e $a"
.n2n as a s=$l/%6 T$e
Mun#/a##ens "elig$#e" in
Ne$ru's =$arm1 $is =ul#ure1 $is
'ui=. $umur6 T #$e $rrr ,
$is s#a,,1 Mun#/a##en $a" e+en
s(n#aneusl% "e=i"e" # ri"e
#$rug$ Singa(re's s#ree#s in $is
(en =ar 2i#$ Ne$ru a# $is si"e6
His a=#in1 $is a"+isers $a"
2arne"1 2ul" nl% "igni,% an
an#iDBri#is$ re/el6
'Digni,% $im?' Mun#/a##en $a"
re#r#e"6 'I#'s $e 2$ 2ill "igni,%
me6 One "a% #$is man 2ill /e
Prime Minis#er , In"ia6'
N21 $is (r($e=% $a" /een
realiQe"6 I# 2as # $is (si#in as
Prime Minis#er , In"ia's in#erim
g+ernmen# #$a# Ne$ru 2e" #$e
$nur , /eing #$e ,irs# ,
In"ia's ,ur lea"ers # en#er
Mun#/a##en's s#u"%6
!r Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru1 #$e
=n+ersa#in /eginning in #$e
-i=er%'s s#u"% 2as Bus# #$e
la#es# e(is"e in a =n#inuing
"ialgue 2i#$ $is =un#r%'s
=lniQers #$a# $a" ==u(ie"
ms# , $is li,e6 Ne$ru $a" /een
a (am(ere" gues# in #$e /es#
=un#r% $uses in Englan"6 He
$a" "ine" ,, #$e gl" ser+i=e ,
Bu=.ing$am Pala=e an" #$e #in
(la#es , a Bri#is$ (risn6 His
in#erl=u#rs $a" in=lu"e"
&am/ri"ge "ns1 Prime
Minis#ers1 -i=er%s1 #$e *ing
Em(err D an" BailD.ee(ers6
Brn in# an eas#ern aris#=ra=%
as l" an" as (ru" as an%
(r"u=e" /% In"ia's Bri#is$
rulers1 #$a# , #$e *aslimiri
Bra$mins1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
> On 55 Januar% 37AA1 2$ile
+isi#ing $is ??r" Arm% &r(s in
A$me"nagar1 Mun#/a##en $a"
learne" Ne$ru 2as "e#aine" in
#$e =i#%6 N#ing $e $a" +er a
millin In"ian sl"iers un"er $is
=mman"1 $e re'ues#e"
(ermissin # +isi# #$e In"ian
lea"er6 His re'ues# 2as "enie"6
Ne$ru $a" /een sen# # Englan"
a# siC#een # ,inis$ $is e"u=a#i
He s(en# se+en glriusl% $a((%
%ears #$ere1 learning La#in +e
an" =ri=.e# a# Harr21 s#u"%ing
s=ien=e1 Nie#Qs=$e an" &$au=ei
&am/ri"ge1 a"miring #$e
reasning , Bla=.s#ne a# #$e
Inns &ur#6 @i#$ $is gen#le
=$arm1 elegan# manners1 ra(i"l%
eC(an= =ul#ure1 $e $a" enB%e"
an eC#rar"inar% s=ial su==ess
2$ere+ei 2en#6 He m+e" easil%
#$rug$ #$e "ra2ingDrms ,
Englis$ s= a/sr/ing 2i#$ #$e
s(nge , $is s#ill mallea/le
(ersnali#% +alues an"
mannerisms $e ,un" #$ere6 S
=m(le#e 2as #$e #rT ,rma#in
2rea.e" /% #$se se+en %ears in
Englan" #$a#1 n $is rei #
Alla$a/a"1 $is ,amil% an"
,rien"s ,un" $im =m(le#el%
In"ianiQe"6
T$e %ung Ne$ru sn
"is=+ere"1 $2e+er1 #$e limi#s
, $is In"ianiQa#in6 He 2as
/la=./alle" 2$en $e a((lie" ,r
mem/er in #$e l=al Bri#is$
&lu/6 He mig$# $a+e /een a
(r"u=# , HaB an" &am/ri"ge1
/u# # #$e all 2$i#e1 all Bri#is$ D
an" "e+l mi""leD=lass D
mem/ers$i( , #$e &lu/1 $e 2as
s#ill a /la=. In"ii T$e /i##erness
=ause" /% #$a# reBe=#in $aun#e"
Ne$ru ,r T an" $as#ene" $im
#2ar"s #$e =ause 2$i=$ /e=ame
$is li,e's + #$e s#ruggle ,r In"ian
in"e(en"en=e6 He Bine" #$e
&ngress P an" $is agi#a#in n
i#s /e$al, sn 'uali,ie" $im ,r
a"missi= #$e ,ines# (li#i=al
#raining s=$l in #$e Bri#is$
Em(ire1 Bri#is$ 2$ere Ne$ru
s(en# nine %ears , $is li,e6 In
#$e sli#u"e , $is a (risn
=ur#%ar"s 2i#$ $is ,ell2
&ngress lea"ers1 $e $a" s# $is
+isin , #$e In"ia , #mrr26
An i"ealis# immerse" iH "=#rines
, s=ial re+lu#in1 Ne$ru
"reame" , re=n=iling sil ,
In"ia $is #2 (li#i=al (assinsH
#$e (arliamen#ar% "e ra=% ,
Englan" an" #$e e=nmi=
s=ialism , *arl Man "reame"
, an In"ia ,ree" ali.e , #$e
s$a=.les , (+er#% a
su(ers#i#in1 un/ur"ene" ,
=a(i#alism1 an In"ia in 2$i=$ #$e
s s#a=.s , ,a=#ries rea=$e" u#
,rm $er =i#ies1 an In"ia enB%u
(leni#u"e , #$a# In"us#rial
Re+lu#in # 2$i=$ $er
=lniQe! "enie" $er a==ess6
N ne mig$# $a+e seeme" a
mre unli.el% =an"i"a#e # lea"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#2ar"s #$a# +isin #$an
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru6 Un"er #$e
=##n $e 2re in "e,eren=e #
#$e "i=#a#es , &ngress1 $e
remain 'uin#essen#ial Englis$
gen#leman6 In a lan" , m%s#i=s1
$e 2as ra#inalis#6 T$e min" #$a#
$a" eCul#e" in #$e "is=+er% ,
s=ie &am/ri"ge ne+er =ease" #
/e a((alle" /% $is ,ell2 In"iar
re,use" # s#ir ,rm #$eir $mes
n "a%s (r=laime" inaus(i=i
#$eir ,a+uri#e as#rlgers6 He
2as a (u/li=l% "e=lare" agn= #$e
ms# in#ensel% s(iri#ual area in
#$e 2rl"1 an" $e ne+er =eB
(r=laim #$e $rrr #$e 2r"
'religin' ins(ire" in $im6

"es(ise" In"ia's (ries#s1 $er
sa"$6#s1 $er =$an#ing mn.s an"
(ius s$ei.$s6 T$e% $a" nl%
ser+e"1 $e ,el#1 # im(e"e $er
(rgress1 "ee(en $er "i+isins
an" ease #$e #as. , $er ,reign
rulers6
An" %e#1 #$e In"ia , #$se
sa"$us an" #$e su(ers#i#inD
$aun#e" masses $a" a==e(#e"
Ne$ru6 !r #$ir#% %ears $e $a"
#ra+elle" a=rss In"ia $aranguing
#$e mul#i#u"es6 &linging # #$e
r,s an" si"es , #ram2a%s #
es=a(e #$e slums , In"ia's =i#ies1
n ,# an" /% /ull=. =ar# in
#$e =un#r%si"es1 $is =un#r%men
$a" =me /% #$e $un"re"s ,
#$usan"s # see an" $ear $im6
Man% in #$se =r2"s =ul" n#
$ear $is 2r"s nr un"ers#an"
#$em 2$en #$e% "i"6 !r #$em1 i#
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see1 +er #$e =ean , $ea"s
arun" #$em1 $is ,rail an"
ges#i=ula#ing sil$ue##e6 T$e%
$a" #a.en "ars$an1 a .in" ,
s(iri#ual =mmunin re=ei+e"
,rm /eing in #$e (resen=e , a
grea# man an" #$a# $a" su,,i=e"6
He 2as a su(er/ ra#r an"
2ri#er1 a man 2$ #reasure"
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Anin#e" earl% /% )an"$i1 $e
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#$e ran.s , &ngress e+en#uall%
# (resi"e +er i# #$ree #imes6
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#$a# i# 2as n $is s$ul"ers #$a#
$e 2is$e" $is man#le # ,all6
!r Ne$ru1 )an"$i 2as a genius6
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$a" reBe=#e" alms# all ,
)an"$i's grea# m+esH =i+il
"is/e"ien=e1 #$e Sal# Mar=$1
Lui# In"ia6 Bu# $is $ear# $a" #l"
$im # ,ll2 #$e Ma$a#ma an"
$is $ear#1 $e 2ul" la#er a"mi#1
$a" /een rig$#6
)an"$i $a" /een1 in a sense1
Ne$ru's guru6 I# 2as $e 2$ $a"
reDIn"ianiQe" Ne$ru1 sen"ing
$im in# #$e +illages # ,in" #$e
real ,a=e , $is $melan"1 # le#
#$e ,ingers , $is sul #u=$
In"ia's su,,erings6 @$ene+er #$e
#2 men 2ere in #$e same (la=e1
Ne$ru 2ul" s(en" a# leas# $al,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an $ur si##ing a# 'Ba(uBi's' ,ee#1
sme#imes #al.ing1 sme#imes
lis#ening1 sme#imes Bus# l.ing
an" #$in.ing6 T$se 2ere1 ,r
Ne$ru1 mmen#s , in#ense
s(iri#ual sa#is,a=#in1 (er$a(s #$e
=lses# /rus$ $is ai$eis#'s $ear#
2ul" e+er $a+e 2i#$ religin6
Ye#1 s mu=$ se(ara#e" #$emH
Ne$ru1 #$e religinD$a#ing
a#$eis#T )an"$i1 # 2$m an
uns$a.ea/le /elie, in )" 2as
#$e +er% essen=e , /eingH
Ne$ru1 2$se $# #em(er $a"
ma"e $im a n#a/l% im(er,e=#
sl"ier , nnD+ilen=e1 a man
2$ a"re" li#era#ure an"
(ain#ing1 s=ien=e an" #e=$nlg%1
#$e +er% #$ings )an"$i ignre"
r "e#es#e" as /eing res(nsi/le
,r mu=$ , man.in"'s miser%6
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,a#$erDsn rela#in gre2 u(1
anima#e" /% all #$e #ensins1
a,,e=#ins an" re(resse" guil#
su=$ a rela#ins$i( im(lie"6 All
$is li,e1 Ne$ru $a" $a" an
ins#in=#i+e nee" ,r a "minan#
(ersnali#% near $im1 sme
s#ea"%ing in,luen=e # 2$m $e
=ul" #urn in #$e =rises
engen"ere" /% $is +la#ile
na#ure6 His ,a#$er1 a /lu,,1 B+ial
/arris#er 2i#$ a (en=$an# ,r
g" S=#=$ an" BrD

=un#r% uni#e"1 $e 2as ging #
$a+e # (ersua"e #$em # "i+i"e
i#6 )an"$i's unremi##ing $s#ili#%
# (ar#i#in =ul" (la=e an
insurmun#a/le /arrier in $is
(a#$6 His nl% $(e in #$a# e+en#
2ul" /e # (ersua"e #$e lea"ers
, &ngress # /rea. 2i#$ #$eir
lea"er an" agree # "i+i"e In"ia
as #$e nl% slu#in # #$eir
=un#r%'s "ilemma6 Ne$ru 2ul"
/e #$e .e% i, #$a# $a((ene"6 He
2as #$e ne all% Mun#/a##en
$a" # $a+e6 Onl% $e1
Mun#/a##en #$ug$#1 mig$#
$a+e #$e au#$ri#% # s#an" u#
agains# #$e Ma$a#ma6
N2 $is 2r"s $a" re+eale" #$e
"is=r" /e#2een )an"$i an" $is
(ar#% =$ie,s6 Mun#/a##en mig$#
/e ,r=e" # 2i"en an" eC(li#
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(ar 2i#$ &$ris# an" Bu""$a'6
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=nsi"ere" #$is ,irs# mee#ing i
)an"$i #$a# $e $a" 2ri##en # #$e
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/e,re #$e =eremn% en#$rning
$im as -i=er%6 )an"$i "ra,#e"
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a =$u=.le1 #l" an a '2ai# a
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in #$e mail6 I "n'# 2an# %ung
man # #$in. I'm "%ing ,r $is
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74
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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an un.n2n $an" $a" (lu=.e"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,rm $im in #$a# =nges#e"
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#$eir rninimum "eman"s an"
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AN OLD MAN AND
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SHATTERED DREAM
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a /ne2$i#e =$ina ser+i=e
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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ra#$er g"1' $e sai"1 '" #r% #$is6'
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AN OLD MAN AND
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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HIS SHATTERED
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7:
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND HIS
SHATTERED DREAM 77
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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344
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
/ar6 Unli.e )an"$i $2e+ei $a"
=me /a=. ,rm Ln"n an
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=lass # a+i" #$em6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
@$ere $is ri+al ma"e a ,e#is$ ,
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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rule" /% i#s Hin"u maBri#%6 H2
#$en Bus#i,% #a.ing #$e Hin"u
minri#ies , Bengal an" #$e
PunBa/ in# a Mslem s#a#e? I,
Jinna$ insis#e" n "i+i"ing In"ia
# ge# $is Islami= s#a#e1 #$en #$e
+er% lgi= $e'" use" # ge# i#
2ul" =m(el Mun#/a##en #
"i+i"e #$e PunBa/ an" Bengal as
(ar# , #$e /argain6
Jinna$ (r#es#e"6 T$a# 2ul"
gi+e $im an e=nmi=all%
un+ia/le1 'm#$Dea#en Pa.is#an'6
Mun#/a##en1 2$ "i"n'# 2an# #
gi+e $im an% Pa.is#an a# all1 #l"
#$e Mslem lea"er1 #$a# i, $e ,el#
#$e na#in $e 2as # re=ei+e 2as
as 'm#$Dea#en' as all #$a#1 $e'"
(re,er $e "i"n'# #a.e i#
'A$1' Jinna$ 2ul" =un#er1 'Yur
EC=ellen=% "esn'# un"ers#an"6 A
man is a PunBa/i r a Bengali
/e,re $e is Hin"u r Mslem6
T$e% s$are a =mmn $is#r%1
language1 =ul#ure an" e=nm%6
Yu mus# n# "i+i"e #$em6 Yu
2ill =ause en"less /l"s$e" an"
#ru/le6'
'Mr Jinna$1 I en#irel% agree6'
'Yu "?'
'O, =urse1' Mun#/a##en 2ul"
=n#inue6 'A man is n# r
PunBa/i r Bengali /e,re $e is a
Hin"u r a Mslem1 $e is an In
/e,re all else6 Yu $a+e
(resen#e" #$e unans2era/le
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
argumem In"ian uni#%6'
'Bu# %u "n'# un"ers#an" a# all1'
Jinna$ 2ul" =un#er1 an=
"is=ussins 2ul" s#ar# arun"
#$e mul/err% /us$ again6
Mun#/a##en 2as s#unne" /% #$e
rigi"i#% , Jinna$'s (si 'I ne+er
2ul" $a+e /elie+e"1' $e la#er
re=alle"1 '#$a# an in#elli man1
2ellDe"u=a#e"1 #raine" in #$e
Inns , &ur# 2as =a(a/l sim(l%
=lsing $is min" as Jinna$ "i"6 I#
2asn'# #$a# $e "i"n'# se (in#6 He
"i"1 /u# a .in" , s$u##er =ame
"2n6 He 2as #$e genius in #$e
2$le #$ing6 T$e #$ers =ul" /e
(ersua"e"1 /u# Jinna$6 @$ile $e
2as ali+e n#$ing =ul" /e
"ne6'
T$e =limaC # #$eir #al.s =ame
n 34 A(ril1 less #$an #$ree 2
a,#er Mun#/a##en's arri+al in
In"ia6 !r #2 $urs $e
/ea =aBle"1 argue"1 an" (lea"e"
2i#$ Jinna$ # .ee( In"ia uni#e"6'
all #$e el'uen=e $e =ul"
=mman"1 $e (ain#e" a (i=#ure
H grea#ness In"ia =ul" a=$ie+e1
A44 millin (e(le , "i,,eren#H
an" =ree"s1 /un" #ge#$er /% a
&en#ral Unin )+ernmen#1 all
#$e e=nmi= s#reng#$ #$a#
2ul" a==rue # #$em ,rm in=n
in"us#rialiQa#in1 (la%ing a grea#
(ar# in 2rl" a,,airs as #$e
(rgressi+e1 single en#i#% in #$e
!ar Eas#6 Surel%1 Mr Jinna$ "iV
2an# # "es#r% all #$a#1 #
=n"emn #$e su/D=n#inen# #=
eCis#en=e , a #$ir"Dra#e (2er ?
Jinna$ remaine" unm+e"6 He
2as1 Mun#/a##en sa"l% =n=li 'a
(s%=$(a#$i= =ase1 $ell /en# n
#$is Pa.is#an6'
Me"i#a#ing alne in $is s#u"%
a,#er Jinna$'s "e(ar#ure1 Mi
/a##en realiQe" $e 2as (r/a/l%
ging # $a+e # gi+e $im 2$
2an#e"6 His ,irs# /liga#in in
Ne2 Del$i 2as # #$e na#in #$a
sen# $im #$ere1 Bri#ain6 He
lnge" # (reser+e In"ia's uni#%1
/+ a# #$e eC(ense , $is =un#r%
/e=ming $(elessl% en#ra((e"
In"ia =lla(sing in =$as an"
+ilen=e6
He $a" # $a+e a slu#in1 $e
$a" # $a+e i# ,as#1 an" $e =ul
im(se i# /% ,r=e6 Mili#ar%
=mman" $a" gi+en Mun#/a#
(en=$an# ,r ra(i"1 "e=isi+e
a=#ins1 su=$ as #$e ne $e n2
#V ,u#ure %ears1 $is =ri#i=s
2ul" assail $im ,r $a+ing
rea=$e" i 'ui=.l%1 ,r a=#ing li.e
an im(e#uus sailr an" n# a
s#a#es Mun#/a##en1 $2e+er1
2as n# ging # 2as#e an% mre
#in 2$a# $e 2as =er#ain 2ul" /e
,u#ile argumen#s6 He =ul" argue
Jinna$1 $e =n=lu"e"1 un#il $ell
,rQe +er1 an" $ell in In"ia U /e
#$e nl% =nse'uen=e6
He 2as (re(are" # a=.n2le"ge
2i#$ /lun# realism #$a# O(ei
Se"u=#in $a" ,aile" # ma.e an
im(a=# n #$e Mslem lea"ei

AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM

349

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

AN OLD MAN AND HIS
SHATTERED DREAM

34'

(ar#i#in , In"ia seeme"
in=reasingl% #$e nl% es=a(e6 I#
n2 remaine" ,r Mun#/a##en
# ge# Ne$ru an" Pa#el # a==e(#
#$e (rin=i(le an" # ,in" a (lan
,r i# 2$i=$ =ul" 2in #$eir
su((r#
T$e ,ll2ing mrning $e
re+ie2e" $is #al. 2i#$ Jinna$ ,r
$is s#a,,6 T$en1 sa"l%1 $e #urne"
# $is &$ie, , S#a,,1 Lr" Isma%6
T$e #ime $a" =me1 $e sai"1 #
/egin "ra2ing u( a (lan ,r #$e
(ar#i#in , In"ia6
> > >
Ine+i#a/l%1 Mun#/a##en's
"e=isin 2ul" lea" # ne , #$e
grea# "ramas , m"ern $is#r%6
@$a#e+er #$e manner in 2$i=$ i#
2as eCe=u#e"1 i# 2as /un" #
en" in #$e mu#ila#in , a grea#
na#in 2$se uni#% 2as #$e ms#
im(sing resul# , #$ree an" a
$al, =en#uries , Bri#is$
=lniQa#in6 T sa#is,% #$e
eCigen# "eman"s , M$amme"
A$ Jinna$1 #2 , In"ia's ms#
"is#in=#i+e en#i#ies1 #$e PunBa/
an" Bengal1 2ul" $a+e # /e
=ar+e" u(6 T$e resul# 2ul"
ma.e Pa.is#an a gegra($i=
a/erra#in1 a na#in , #2 $ea"s
se(ara#e" /% 784 miles ,
Himala%an (ea.s an" In"ian
#erri#r%6 T2en#% "a%s1 mre
#ime #$an 2as re'uire" # sail
,rm *ara=$i # Marseilles1
2ul" /e nee"e" # ma.e #$e sea
#ri( arun" #$e su/=n#inen#
,rm ne $al, , Pa.is#an # #$e
#$er6 A nnDs#( ,lig$# /e#2een
i#s #2 (ar#s 2ul" re'uire a
,'irDengine" air=ra,#1 ma=$ines
2$i=$ 2ul" (r+e eC(ensi+e
luCuries ,r #$e ne2 s#a#e6
I, #$e gegra($i=al "is#an=e
"i+i"ing #$e #2 $al+es ,
Pa.is#an 2ul" /e grea#1
$2e+er1 #$e (s%=$lgi=al
"is#an=e /e#2een #$e #2
(e(les in$a/i#ing #$em 2ul"
/e s#aggering6 A(ar# ,rm a
=mmn ,ai#$ in Alla$ #$e One1
#$e Mer=i,ul1 PunBa/is an"
Bengalis s$are" n#$ing6 T$e%
2ere as "i,,eren# as !inns an"
)ree.s6 T$e Bengalis 2ere
s$r#1 "ar. an" agile1 ra=iall% a
(ar# , #$e masses , Asia6 T$e
PunBa/is1 in 2$se +eins ,l2e"
#$e /l" , #$ir#% =en#uries ,
=n'uerrs1 2ere s=ins , #$e
s#e((es , &en#ral Asia1 an" #$eir
Ar%an ,ea#ures /re #$e #ra=es ,
Tur.es#an1 Russia1 Persia1 #$e
"eser#s , Ara/ia6 Nei#$er
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$is#r% nr language nr =ul#ure
,,ere" a /ri"ge /% 2$i=$ #$se
#2 (e(les mig$# =mmuni=a#e6
T$eir marriage in #$e =mmn
s#a#e , Pa.is#an 2ul" /e a
unin=rea#e" agains# all #$e
"i=#a#es , lgi=6
T$e PunBa/ 2as #$e =r2n Be2el
, In"ia6 Hal, #$e siQe , !ran=e1
i# ran ,rm #$e In"us Ri+er in #$e
nr#$D2es# all #$e 2a% # #$e
u#s.ir#s , Del$i6 I# 2as a lan"
, s(ar.ling ri+ers an" gl"en
,iel"s , 2$ea#1 grea# ri=$ ,iel"s
rlling "2n # a "is#an# /lue
$riQn1 an asis /lesse" /% #$e
)"s in #$e mi"s# , In"ia's ari"
,a=e6 I#s name mean# '&un#r% ,
!i+e Ri+ers'1 a,#er #$e ,i+e
#rren#s # 2$se 2a#ers #$e
PunBa/ 2e" i#s na#ural ,er#ili#%6
T$e ms# ,amus , #$em 2as
ne , #$e grea# ri+ers ,; #$e
gl/e1 #$e In"us1 2$i=$ $a"
gi+en i#
name # #$e In"ian su/D
=n#inen#6 DI
!i+e #$usan" %ears ,
#umul#uus $is#r% $a"
,as$ine" #$V PunBa/'s =$ara=#er
an" gi+en i# i#s i"en#i#%6 I#s (lains
$a" resun"2 # #$e gall(ing
$+es , Asia's =n'uering
$r"es6 I# 2as in #$V PunBa/ #$a#
#$e =eles#ial sng , Hin"uism's
sa=re" /.1 #$i B$aga+a" )ila1
$a" /een ins(ire" /% a m%s#i=
"ialgue /e#2eei Lr" *ris$na
an" #$e 2arrir .ing ArBuna6 T$e
Persian legins Darius an"
&%rus1 #$e Ma=e"nians ,
AleCan"er #$e )rea# $a= =am(e"
n i#s (lains6 Maur%as1
S=%#$ians1 Par#$ians $a"
==u(ie= #$em /e,re /eing
"is(erse" /% 2a+es , Huns an"
#$e &ali($s Islam /ringing
#$eir mn#$eis#i= ,ai#$ # In"ia's
(l%#$eis#i= Hin"i millins6
T$ree =en#uries , Mg$ul
"mina#in /rug$# In"ia #V #$e
a(gee , i#s (2er an"1
s(rin.le" i# 2i#$ i#s (ri=eless
$eri#age mnumen#s6 !inall%
#$e PunBa/'s in"igenus Si.$s1
2i#$ #$eir rlle= /ear"s an" #$eir
un=u# $air (a=.e" in #$eir mul#iD
=lure" #ur/ans =n'uere" #$e
(r+in=e in #$eir #urn /e,re
su==um/ing # i#s la#es
==u(an#s1 #$e Bri#is$6
T$e PunBa/ 2as a /len" as su/#le
an" =m(leC as #$e msai=
"e=ra#ing #$e mnumen#s , i#s
glrius Mg$ul (as#6 T "i+i"e
i 2ul" ,r=e an irre(ara/le
2un" u(n i#s ((ula#in6
!i,#eei millin Hin"us1 siC#een
millin Mslems an" ,i+e
millin Si.$ s$are" i#s 3817?5
#2ns an" +illages6 Al#$ug$
"i+i"e" /% religin #$e% s(.e a
=mmn language1 =lung #
=mmn #ra"i#ins1 an" ai e'ual
(ri"e in #$eir "is#in=#i+e PunBa/i
(ersnali#%6 T$eir e=nmii =D
eCis#en=e 2as ,as$ine" e+en
mre in#ri=a#el%6 T$e area's (rs
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(eri#% res#e" u(n a manDma"e
mira=le 2$i=$1 /% i#s +er% na#ure
=ul" n# /e "i+i"e"T #$e
immense ne#2r. , irriga#in
=anals /uil /% #$e Bri#is$ 2$i=$
$a" ma"e #$e PunBa/ #$e granar%
, In"ia Running ,rm eas# #
2es# a=rss #$e en#ire (r+in=e1
#$eir nuris$ ing ,ingers $a"
/rug$# +as# s#re#=$es , ari"
"eser# un"er =ul#i+a#ii an"
enri=$e" #$e eCis#en=e ,
millins , PunBa/is6 T$e
(r+in=e'! (ru" ne#2r. ,
rail2a%s an" ra"s "esigne" #
"eli+er #$e Pun Ba/'s (r"u=#s #
#$e res# , In"ia1 ,ll2e" #$e
same (a##ern @$ere+er i# 2en#1
#$e ,rn#ier , a (ar#i#ine"
PunBa/ 2ul" $a+i # run ,rm
nr#$ # su#$1 sli=ing #$e
(r+in=e's +as=ular s%s#em ii
#26 Nr =ul" an% ,rn#ier /e
"ra2n #$a# 2ul" n# =u# #$e
(ru= an" /elli=se Si.$
=mmuni#% in $al,1 lea+ing a#
leas# #2 millii Si.$s1 2i#$ #$e
ri=$ lan"s #$e% $a" re=laime"
,rm #$e "eser# an= sme , #$eir
ms# sa=re" si#es1 insi"e a
Mslem s#a#e6
In"ee"1 2$ere+er #$e /un"ar%
line 2en#1 ##Ka resul# 2as =er#aii
# /e nig$#mare ,r millins ,
$uman /eings6 Onl% an
in#er=$ang> , ((ula#ins n a
s=ale ne+er realiQe" /e,re in
$is#r+ =ul" sn u# #$e $a+=
i# 2ul" 2rea.6 !rm #$e In"us
# #$e /ri"ges , Del$i1 ,r +er
044 miles1 #$ere 2as n# a single
#2n1 n# a single +illage1 =##n
gr+e r 2$ea# ,iel" 2$i=$
2ul" n# sme$2 /e
#$rea#ene" i, #$e (ar#i#in (lan
Lr" Isma% $a" /een r"ere" #
(re(are 2as =arrie" u#6
T$e "i+isin , Bengal a# #$e
#$er en" , #$e su/D=n#inen#
$el" u# #$e (ssi/ili#ies ,
an#$er #rage"%6 Har/uring
mre (e(le #$an )rea# Bri#ain
an" Irelan" =m/ine"1 Bengal
=n#aine" ?0 millin Mslems
an" ?4 millin Hin"us in an
eC(anse , lan" running ,rm
#igerDs#al.e" Bungles a# #$e ,#
, #$e Himala%as # #$e s#eaming
mars$es #$rug$ 2$i=$ #$e
#$usan" ,ingers , #$e )anges
an" Bra$ma(u#ra ri+ers "raine"
in# #$e Ba% , Bengal6 Des(i#e
i#s "i+isin in# #2 religius
=mmuni#ies1 Bengal1 e+en mre
#$an #$e PunBa/1 2as a "is#in=#
en#i#% , i#s 2n6 @$e#$er
Hin"us r Mslems1 Bengalis
s(rang ,rm #$e same ra=ial
s#=.1 s(.e #$e same language1
s$are" #$e same =ul#ure6 T$e%
sa# n #$e ,lr in a =er#ain
Bengali manner1 r"ere" #$e
sen#en=es #$e% s(.e in a
(e=uliar Bengali =a"en=e1 ea=$
rising # a ,inal =res=en"1
=ele/ra#e" #$eir 2n Bengali
Ne2 Year n 30 A(ril6 I#s (e#s1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
li.e Tagre1 2ere regar"e" 2i#$
(ri"e /% all Bengalis6
T$e% 2ere #$e "es=en"an#s , a
=ul#ure 2$se r#s 2en# /a=. in
#ime # #$e (reD&$ris#ian era
2$en a Bu""$is# =i+iliQa#in
,luris$e" in Bengal6 O/lige" #
renun=e #$eir Bu""$is# ,ai#$ /%
a Hin"u "%nas#% in #$e ,irs#
=en#uries a,#er &$ris#1 #$e
Bengalis , #$e eas# gree#e" #$e
arri+al , M$umme"'s 2arrirs
alng #$eir ,rn#ier as a release
,rm Hin"u ((ressin an"
eagerl% em/ra=e" Islam6 Sin=e
#$en1 Bengal $a" /een "i+i"e"
in# religius $al+es1 Mslems
# #$e eas#1 Hin"us # #$e 2es#6
In 37401 Lr" &urQn1 ne , #$e
ms# a/le -i=er%s # rule In"ia1
#rie" # #a.e a"+an#age , #$a#
religius s(li# # "i+i"e Bengal
in# #2 a"minis#ra#i+el% mre
managea/le $al+es6 His e,,r#s
en"e" in ,ailure siC %ears la#er
2$en a /l"% re+l# (r+e" #$e
Bengalis mre (rne #
na#inalis# sen#imen#s #$an
religius (assins6
I, #$e PunBa/ seeme" single" u#
,r #$e /lessings , #$e Di+ine1
Bengal a((eare" #$e /Be=# , i#s
male"i=#in6 A lan" seare" /%
"rug$#s al#erna#ing 2i#$
,rig$#ening #%($n ,l"s1
Bengal 2as a .in" , immense1
s#eaming s2am( in 2$se
$umi" a#ms($ere ,luris$e" #$e
#2 =r(s # 2$i=$ i# 2e" a
(re=arius (rs(eri#%1 ri=e an"
Bu#e6 T$e =ul#i+a#in , #$se #2
=r(s ,ll2e" #$e (r+in=e's
religius ,rn#iers1 ri=e # #$e
Hin"u 2es#1 Bu#e # #$e Mslem
eas#6
T$e .e% # Bengal's eCis#en=e1
$2e+er1 la% n# in i#s =r(s6 I#
2as a =i#%1 #$e =i#% 2$i=$ $a"
/een #$e s(ring/ar" ,r
Bri#ain's =n'ues# , In"ia1 #$e
se=n" =i#%1 a,#er Ln"n1 , #$e
Em(ire1 an" ,irs# ( , Asia1
&al=u##a1 si#e , #$e #erri/le
l"llings , Augus# 37A96
E+er%#$ing in Bengal1 ra"s1
rail2a%s1 ra2 ma#erials1 in"us#
,unnelle" in# &al=u##a6 I,
Bengal 2as s(li# in# i#s eas#ern
a 2es#ern $al+es1 &al=u##a1
/e=ause , i#s ($%si=al l=a#in1
seen =er#ain # 2in" u( in #$e
Hin"u 2es#1 2$i=$ 2ul"
=n"emn i Mslem eas# # sl2
/u# ineCra/le as($%Cia#in6 I,
alms# all , i 2rl"'s Bu#e gre2
in Eas# Bengal1 all #$e ,a=#ries
2$i=$ #rans,rn i# in# r(e1
sa=.s1 an" =l#$ 2ere =lus#ere"
arun" &al=u##a in @ Bengal6
T$e Mslem eas# 2$i=$
(r"u=e" #$e Bu#e gre2 alms#
," a# all1 an" i#s millins
sur+i+e" n #$e ri=e gr2n in #$e
HirB 2es#6
In A(ril 37A81 Bengal's las#
Bri#is$ )+ernr1 Sir !re"er
Burr2s1 an eCDsergean# in #$e
)rena"ier )uar"s an" rail2a%s
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#n unin lea"er1 (re"i=#e" #$a#
Eas# Bengal1 "es#ine" # /e=me
= "a% Bangla"es$1 2as
=n"emne"1 in #$e e+en# ,
In"ia's (ar#i#i # #urn in# '#$e
grea#es# rural slum in $is#r%'6
N as(e=# , (ar#i#in1 $2e+er1
2as mre illgi=al #$an #$e ,
#$a#1 e+en i, Jinna$'s Pa.is#an
2as ,ull% realiQe"1 i# 2ul" s#ill
"eli /arel% $al, , In"ia's
Mslems ,rm #$e allege"
ine'ui#ies , Hii maBri#% rule
2$i=$ Bus#i,ie" #$e s#a#e in #$e
,irs# (la=e6 T$e rema ing
Mslems 2ere s s=a##ere"
#$rug$u# #$e res# , In"ia #$a
2as $umanl% im(ssi/le #
se(ara#e #$em6 Islan"s in a
Hin"u s #$e% 2ul" /e #$e ,irs#
+i=#ims , a =n,li=# /e#2een #$e
=un#ri In"ia's Mslem $s#ages
# Pa.is#an's g" /e$a+iur6
In"ee"1 eU a,#er #$e am(u#a#in1
In"ia 2ul" s#ill $ar/ur alms#
04 mill Mslems1 a ,igure 2$i=$
2ul" ma.e $er #$e #$ir" larges#
Msl na#in in #$e 2rl"1 a,#er
In"nesia an" #$e ne2 s#a#e
"ra2n ,n $er 2n 2m/6
> > >
I, Luis Mun#/a##en1
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru1 r Ma$a#ma
)an"$i 3 /een a2are in A(ril
37A8 , ne eC#rar"inar% se=re#1
#$e "i+isi #$rea#ening In"ia
mig$# $a+e /een a+i"e"6 T$a#
se=re# 2as ,rT n # #$e gre%
sur,a=e , a (ie=e , ,ilm1 a ,ilm
2$i=$ =ul" $i u(se# #$e In"ian
(li#i=al e'ua#in an" 2ul"
alms# =er#ainl% $i =$ange" #$e
=urse , Asian $is#r%6 Ye# s
(re=ius 2as #$e se= #$a# e+en
#$e Bri#is$ &LD1 ne , #$e ms#
e,,e=#i+e in+es#iga# agen=ies in
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334

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AN OLD MAN AND HIS
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108
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335

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AN OLD MAN AND HIS
SHATTERED DREAM

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Nanga Par/a# ,ille" #$e run"
2in"2s , #$e +i=eregal Yr.6
I# #$rus# i#s s=ul(#e" (ea. 501444
,ee# in# #$e air a $un"re" miles
nr#$ , #$e air=ra,#6 !rm ne
en" , #$e $riQn # an#$er1 #$e
(lane's (assengers =ul" ,ll2
#$e "ar. sn2D=a((e" 2alls ,
#$e grea# mun#ain range #
2$i=$ i# /elnge"1 #$e Hin"u
*us$1 #$e /arrier # #$se
"esla#e1 ,rQen rea=$es .n2n
as #$e R, , #$e @rl"6 T$e
Yr. #2is#e" su#$1 ,le2 a/+e
#$e ser(en#ine =ils , #$e In"us
an" /egan i#s a((ra=$ +er #$e
mu"D2alle"1 # (en ,ire6 T$e
resul#ing slaug$#er 2ul" /e
a((alling6 I# 2ul" "es#r%
Mun#/a##en1 $is $(es ,
,in"ing a slu#in1 an" $is -i=eD
r%al#% in a si=.ening /l"/a#$6
T$e 2rrie" g+ernr sugges#e"
#$ere 2as nl% ne 2a% u#1 an
i"ea =n"emne" /% $is (li=e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an" arm% =mman"er as s$eer
ma"ness6 Mun#/a##en mig$#
eC(se $imsel, # #$e =r2"s1
$(ing a glim(se , $im 2ul"
sme$2 mlli,% #$em6
Mun#/a##en (n"ere" a ,e2
mmen#s6 'All rig$#1' $e sai"1 'I'll
#a.e a =$an=e an" see #$em6' T
#$e "es(air , &are an" $is
se=uri#% ,,i=ers1 $is 2i,e
E"2ina insis#e" n =ming 2i#$
$im6
A ,e2 minu#es la#er1 a Bee(
"e(si#e" #$e +i=eregal =u(le
an" #$e g+ernr a# #$e ,# ,
#$e rail2a% em/an.men#6 On #$e
#$er si"e , #$a# (re=arius
"%.e1 3441444 $#1 "ir#%1 angr%
(e(le 2ere s$u#ing #$eir
,rus#ra#in6 Mun#/a##en #. $is
2i,e /% #$e $an" an" =lam/ere"
u( #$e em/an.men#6 As #$e%
rea=$e" #$e #(1 #$e% "is=+ere"
#$emsel+es nl% ,i,#een ,ee#
a2a% ,rm #$e surging 2a+es ,
a sea , #ur/ans6 T$e grun"
un"er #$eir ,ee# s$. 2i#$ #$e
im(a=# , #$e gigan#i= =r2"
s#am(e"ing ,r2ar" in ,rn# ,
#$em6 Be,re #$a# #erri,%ing
=ean , $uman /eings1
in=arna#ing in #$eir s$rie.s an"
ges#i=ula#ins #$e enrmi#% an"
#$e (assins , #$e masses ,
In"ia1 #$e Mun#/a##ens ,r an
ins#an# 2ere "iQQ%6 @$irling
s(irals , "us# s#irre" /%
#$usan"s , rus$ing ,ee# =l##e"
#$e air6 T$e nise , #$e =r2"
2as an alms# #angi/le la%er ,
air =rus$ing "2n n #$em6 I#
2as a "e=isi+e ins#an# in
O(era#in Se"u=#in1 an ins#an#
2$en an%#$ing 2as (ssi/le6
@a#=$ing #$eir sil$ue##es as
#$e% s#are" un=er#ainl% u# a# #$e
=r2"1 Sir Ola, &are ,el# an
a((re$ensi+e s$u""er6 In #$a#
=r2" 2ere #2en#%1 #$ir#%1 ,r#%
#$usan" ri,les6 An% ma"man1
an% /l"#$irs#% ,l1 =ul"
s$# #$e Mun#/a##ens 'li.e
"u=.s n a (n"'6 !r #$e ,irs#
se=n"s #$e% s#" #$ere1 &are
sense" #$e =r2" 2as in an ugl%
m"6 'I#'s ging # g 2rng1'
$e #$ug$# ,r a ,lee#ing ins#an#6
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# "6 He =ul"n'# ar#i=ula#e a
s%lla/le , Pus$#u1 #$e =r2"'s
#ngue6 As $e (n"ere"1 an
uneC(e=#e" ($enmenn /egan
# s#ill #$e m/ as i, $%(n#iQe"T
s#((ing (er$a(s 2i#$ i#s s#range
+i/ra#ins an assassin's $an"6
!r #$is en#irel% un(lanne"
mee#ing 2i#$ #$e Em(ire's ms#
ren2ne" 2arrirs1 Mun#/a##en
$a((ene" # /e 2earing #$e
s$r#Dslee+e"1 lseD,i##ing /us$
Ba=.e# $e $a" 2rn as Su(reme
Allie" &mman"er in Burma6
One as(e=# , i# s#ru=. #$e
=r2"6 I# 2as i#s =lur1 green6
)reen 2as #$e =lur , Islam1
#$e /lesse" green , #$e HaBis1
#$e $l% men 2$ $a" ma"e #$e
(ilgrimage # Me==a6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Ins#in=#i+el%1 #$se #ens ,
#$usan"s rea" in #$a# green
uni,rm a

an" /urne" ali+e li.e #r=$es6
T#all% u# , =n#rl1 #$e ,ire
s2e(# in# #$e Mslem 'uar#er
an" =m(le#e" #$e "es#ru=#in ,
*a$u#a6 A ,e2 Hin"u 2men1
$aule" ,rm #$eir /e"s # /e
ra(e" an" =n+er#e" # Islam1
sur+i+e"T #$ers $a" /r.en
a2a% ,rm #$eir =a(#rs an"
$urle" #$emsel+es /a=. in# #$e
,ire # (eris$ 2i#$ #$eir ,amilies6
'Un#il I 2en# # *a$u#a1'
Mun#/a##en re(r#e" /a=. #
Ln"n1 T $a" n# a((re=ia#e"
#$e magni#u"e , #$e $rrrs #$a#
are ging n6'
His =n,rn#a#in 2i#$ #$e =r2"
in Pes$a2ar1 #$e a#r=ius
s(e=#a=le , ne "e+as#a#e"
PunBa/i +illage1 2ere #$e las#
(r,s Mun#/a##en nee"e"6 T$e
Bu"gmen# $e'" ma"e a,#er #en
"a%s , mee#ings in $is airD
=n"i#ine" Ne2 Del$i s#u"%
2as sun"6 S(ee" 2as #$e ne
+er2$elming im(era#i+e1 i,
In"ia 2as # /e sa+e"6 I, $e "i"
n# m+e imme"ia#el%1 In"ia 2as
ging # =lla(se an" #$e Bri#is$
RaB an" $is -i=er%al#% 2ul"
=lla(se in "isarra% alng 2i#$
$er6 An" i, s(ee" 2as essen#ial1
#$en #$ere 2as nl% ne 2a% u#
, #$e im(asse1 #$e slu#in ,rm
2$i=$ $e (ersnall% re=ile"1
/u# 2$i=$ In"ia's (li#i=al
si#ua#in "i=#a#e" D (ar#i#in6
T$e las#1 (ain,ul ($ase in #$e
(ilgrimage , Ma$a#ma )an"$i
/egan n #$e e+ening , 3 Ma%
37A81 in #$e same s(are $u# in
Ne2 Del$i's s2ee(ers' =ln% in
2$i=$ a ,r#nig$# /e,re $e $a"
unsu==ess,ull% urge" $is
=lleagues # a==e(# $is (lan #
$l" In"ia #ge#$er6 &rssD
legge" n #$e ,lr1 a 2a#erD
sa.e" #2el (las#ere" n=e
again # $is /al" $ea"1 )an"$i
,ll2e" 2i#$ srr2 #$e "e/a#e
, #$e men arun" $im1 #$e $ig$
=mman" , #$e &ngress Par#%6
T$e ,inal (ar#ing , #$e 2a%s
/e#2een )an"$i an" #$se men1
,res$a"2e" in #$eir earlier
mee#ing1 $a" /een rea=$e"6 All
)an"$i's lng %ears in Bail1 $is
(ain,ul ,as#s1 $is $ar#als an" $is
/%=##s1 $a" /een (a+ing s#nes
n #$e ra" # #$is mee#ing6 He
$a" =$ange" #$e ,a=e , In"ia
an" enun=ia#e" ne , #$e
riginal ($ils($ies , $is
=en#ur% # /ring $is =un#r%men
# in"e(en"en=e #$rug$ nnD
+ilen=eT an" n2 $is su/lime
#rium($ #$rea#ene" # /e=me a
#erri/le #rage"%6 His ,ll2ers1
#$eir #em(ers 2rn1 #$eir
(a#ien=e eC$aus#e"1 2ere rea"%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
# a==e(# #$e "i+isin , In"ia as
#$e las#1 ines=a(a/le s#e( #
in"e(en"en=e6
)an"$i "i" n# ((se (ar#i#in
sim(l% u# , sme m%s#i=al
"e+#in # In"ian uni#%6 His
%ears in #$e +illages , In"ia $a"
gi+en $im an in#ui#i+e ,eeling ,r
#$e sul , $is =un#r%6 Par#i#in1
#$a# in#ui#in #l" $im1 2as n#
ging # /e #$e 'surgi=al
(era#in' Jinna$ $a" (rmise"
Mun#/a##en6 I# 2ul" /e a
si=.ening slaug$#er E #$a# 2ul"
#urn ,rien" n ,rien"1 neig$/ur
n neig$/ur1 s#ranger n
s#ranger1 in #$usan"s , #$se
+illages $e .ne2 s 2ell6 T$eir
/l" 2ul" /e s$e" # a=$ie+e
an a/$rren#1 useless en"1 #$e
"i+isin , #$e su/D=n#inen# in#
#2 an#agnis#i= (ar#s
=n"emne", gna2 a# ea=$
#$er's en#rails6 )enera#ins ,
In"ians ,r "e=a"es # =me1
)an"$i /elie+e"1 2ul" (a% #$e
(ri=e , #$e errr #$e% 2ere
(re(aring # =mmi#6
)an"$i's #rage"% 2as #$a# $e $a"
#$a# e+ening n real al#erna#i+e
# (r(se /e%n" $is ins#in=#1
#$e ins#in=# #$se men $a" s
,#en ,ll2e" /e,re6 T$is
nig$#1 $2e+er1 $e 2as n lnger
a (r($e# T$e% =all me a
Ma$a#ma1' $e /i##erl% #l" a
,rien" la#er1 '/u# I #ell %u I am
n# e+en #rea#e" /% #$em as a
s2ee(er6'
Li.e Mun#/a##en1 Ne$ru1 Pa#el
an" #$e #$ers all ,el# a
=a#as#r($e mena=e" In"ia an"
(ar#i#in1 $2e+er (ain,ul i#
mig$# /e1 2as #$e nl% 2a% #
sa+e #$e =un#r%6 )an"$i
/elie+e" 2i#$ all $is $ear# an"
sul #$a# #$e% 2ere 2r=ng6 E+en
i, #$e% 2ere rig$#1 $e 2ul" $a+e
(re,erre" =$as # (ar#i#in6
Jinna$1 $e #l" $is ,ll2ers1
2ill ne+er ge# Pa.is#an unless
#$e Bri#is$ gi+e i# # $im6 T$e
Bri#is$ 2ul" ne+er " #$a# in
#$e ,a=e , #$e &ngress
maBri#%'s un%iel"ing ((si#in6
T$e% $a" a +e# +er an% a=#in
Mun#/a##en (r(se"6 Tell #$e
Bri#is$ # g1 $e /egge"1 n
ma##er 2$a# #$e =nse'uen=es ,
#$eir "e(ar#ure mig$# /e6 Tell
#$em # lea+e In"ia '# )"1 #
=$as1 # anar=$%1 i, %u 2is$1
/u# lea+e'6
'@e 2ill g #$rug$ ,ire1' $e
/elie+e"1 '/u# #$e ,ire 2ill (uri,%
us6'
He 2as a +i=e =r%ing in #$e
2il"erness6 E+en $is #2 $an"D
(i=.e" "e(u#ies 2ere n# rea"%
# $ee" ne las# #ime #$e +i=e
#$a# $a" s ,#en gi+en +##eran=e
# #$eir Bin# as(ira#ins6
Pa#el $a" /een (re(are" #
=n=e"e (ar#i#in e+en /e,re
Mun#D/a##en's arri+al6 He 2as
ageing1 $e'" su,,ere" #2 $ear#
a##a=.s1 an" $e 2an#e" # ge# n
2i#$ i#1 # en" #$ese =easeless
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"e/a#es an" ge# "2n # #$e #as.
, /uil"ing an in"e(en"en#
In"ia6 )i+e Jinna$ $is s#a#e1 $e
argue"1 i# 2ul"n'# sur+i+e
an%2a%6 In ,i+e %ears1 #$e
Mslem League 2ul" /e
.n=.ing a# #$eir "r /egging
,r In"ia's reuni,i=a#in6
Ne$ru 2as a #rn an" anguis$e"
man1 =aug$# /e#2een $is "ee(
l+e ,r )an"$i an" $is ne2
a"mira#in an" ,rien"s$i( ,r #$e
Mun#/a##ens6 )an"$i s(.e #
$is $ear#1 Mun#/a##en # $is
min"6 Ins#in=#i+el%1 Ne$ru
"e#es#e" (ar#i#in1 %e# $is
ra#inal s(iri# #l" $im i# 2as #$e
nl% ans2er6 Sin=e rea=$ing $is
2n =n=lusin #$a# #$ere 2as
n #$er =$i=e1 Mun#/a##en
$aJ Seen em(l%ing all #$e
=$arm an" (ersuasi+eness ,
O(era#in Se"u=#in # /ring
Ne$ru # $is +ie2(in#6 One
argumen# 2as +i#al6 @i#$ Jinna$
ene6 Hin"u In"ia =ul" $a+e #$e
s#rng =en#ral g+ernmen# Ne$ru
2ul" nee" i#' $e 2as ging #
/uil" #$e s=ialis# s#a#e , $is
"reams6 Ul#ima#el%1 $e1 #1
s#" u# agains# #$e man $e'"
,ll2e" s lng6
@i#$ #$ese #2 +i=es in ,a+ur1
#$e res# , #$e $ig$ =mman"
'ui=.l% ,ell in# line6 Ne$ru 2as
au#$riQe" # in,rm #$e -i=er%
#$a#1 2$ile &ngress remaine"
'(assina#el% a##a=$e" # #$e i"ea
, a Uni#e" In"ia'1 i# 2ul"
a==e(# (ar#i#in (r+i"e" #$e #2
grea# (r+in=es , PunBa/ an"
Bengal 2ere "i+i"e"6 T$e man
2$ $a" le" #$em # #$eir
#rium($ 2as le,# alne 2i#$ $is
#arnis$e" +i=#r% an" $is /r.en
"ream6
A# 3:644 #$e ,ll2ing "a%1 5
Ma%1 eCa=#l% A4 "a%s a,#er i# $a"
lan"e" in Ne2 Del$i1 #$e
+i=eregal Yr. M@345 #. ,,
,rm Palam air(r# ,r Ln"n6
T$is #ime1 i#s ms# im(r#an#
(assenger 2as Mun#/a##en's
&$ie, , S#a,, Lr" Isma% an" $e
=arrie" 2i#$ $im ,r su/missin
# His MaBes#%'s )+ernmen# a
(lan ,r #$e "i+isin , In"ia6
All Mun#/a##en's $(es $a"
,un"ere"1 ,inall%1 n #$e r=. ,
Jinna$'s in#ransigen=e6 He 2as
ignran# , #$e ne ,a=#r in #$e
e'ua#in 2$i=$ mig$# $a+e
=$ange" #$ings1 Jinna$'s illness6
!r #$e res# , $is li,e1
Mun#/a##en 2ul" l. /a=. n
$is ,ailure # m+e Jinna$ as #$e
single grea# "isa((in#men# ,
$is =areer6 His (ersnal anguis$
a# #$e (rs(e=# , ging "2n in
$is#r% as #$e man @$ "i+i"e"
In"ia =ul" /e measure" /% a
"=umen# ,l%ing /a=. # Ln"n
2i#$ Isma%1 Mun#/a##en's ,i,#$
(ersnal re(r# # #$e A##lee
g+ernmen#6
Par#i#in1 Mun#/a##en 2r#e1 'is
s$eer ma"ness1' an" 'n ne
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2ul" e+er in"u=e me # agree
# i# 2ere i# n# ,r #$is ,an#as#i=
=mmunal ma"ness #$a# $as
seiQe" e+er%/"% an" lea+es n
#$er =urse (en'6
'T$e res(nsi/ili#% ,r #$is ma"
"e=isin1' $e 2r#e1 mus# /e
(la=e" 's'uarel% n In"ian
s$ul"ers in #$e e%es , #$e
2rl"1 ,r ne "a% #$e% 2ill
/i##erl% regre# #$e "e=isin #$e%
are a/u# # ma.e6'
T$e )en#le Pr($e# , a Nn+il
Re+lu#in
T a =en#ur% ,raug$# 2i#$
+ilen=e6 )an"$i ,,# al#erna#i+e
bnn+ilen=e an" =i+il
"is/e"ien=e6In &$# ,amus
($rase1 a F$al,Dna.e" ,a.irF6
)an"$i =riss=rsH na#in n ,#
an" in #$ir"D=lass rail2a% =ars #
s#r i"en#i#% 2i#$ #$e
im(+eris$e" masses6 He #.
Bu=.ing$am Pala=e 2i#$ #$e
*ingDEm(err1 "resse"
$mes(un =##n s$ee# #$a# 2as
$is uni,rm1 an" (r1 a li,e ,
s(ar#an sim(li=i#%6 T$e s%m/l
, $is =$allenge Age ,
Im(erialism 2as #$e (rimi#i+e
2"en s(inning n 2$i=$ $e
la/re" religiusl% e+er% "a%6

FA Ra=e Des#ine" # )+ern ar
Su/"ueF
@$e#$er eCer=ise" /% a "is#ri=#
,,i=er li.e #$e %u in $is
/ungal2 ;/el2<1 =ir=a 3:806
r Lr" Mun amng a ,e2 ,
$is ser+an#s ;#( ((si#e<1
Bri#is$ In"ia in #$e -i=#rian
Age 2as =$ara=#eriQe" /% i#s r6
i#s rigr1 i#s $nes#% an" #$e
enrmus s=ial ga( 2l In"ia's
rulers a(ar# ,rm #$e masses #$e%
rule"6 A##er s=res , #ur/ane"
ser+an#s1 #$e ,,i=ers , #$e In"ia
;((si#e /##m< F"ine" inF in
slemn s(len"r n=e a mn#$

T$e Las# &rusa"e , #$e
Li/era#r , In"ia
His $an"s res#ing u(n #$e
s$ul"ers , $is F2al.ing
s#i=.sF1 $is grea#Dnie=es A/$a
;le,#< an" Manu ;rig$#<6 )an"$i
se#s ,, ,r #$e las# =rusa"e , $is
li,eH # res#re (ea=e an" l+e in
#$e +illages , Bengal #rn /%
$a#e an" mur"er6
T$e Da% an Age En"e"

F@i#$ N J% in M% Hear#F
His (ersnal em/lem1 a ,res$l%
(lu=.e" rse1 in #$e /u##n$le
, $is #uni=1 a (ensi+e Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru (ses ,r a mmen# in #$e
gar"en , #$e -i=er%'s $use
;/el2<6 AnCius # re=n=ile n
In"ian sil #$e (arliamen#ar%
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"em=ra=% , Bri#ain an" #$e
e=nmi= s=ialism , *arl
MarC1 Ne$ru agree" 2i#$
Mun#/a##en #$a# #$e nl%
al#erna#i+e # "i+i"ing In"ia 2as
=i+il 2ar6 Relu=#an#l% $e #urne"
$is /a=. n $is l" lea"er1
)an"$i1 an" F2i#$ n B% in m%
$ear#F =mmen"e" #$e -i=er%'s
(lan # (ar#i#in In"ia1 # $is
=un#r%men6
Bu# In"ia's ,ree"m 2as 2n a#
a #erri/le (ri=e6 Par#i#in $urle"
#en millin 2re#=$e" (e(le n#
#$e ra"s1 #$e rail2a%s an" #$e
un$ar+es#e" ,iel"s , #$e PunBa/
in #$e grea#es# migra#in in
$uman $is#r% ;((si#e<6

T$e Ina"+er#en# Ar=$i#e=# , a
Trage"% an" Sme , His
-i=#ims
Surrun"e" /% ,ur , #$e In"ian
assessrs 2$ 2ere su((se" #
ai" $im6 Sir &%ril Ra"=li,,e
;2$i#e sui#1 /el2< (ses in #$e
PunBa/1 ne , #$e #2 In"ian
(r+in=es i# 2as $is un$a((% l#
# "i+i"e6 Brn in In"ia , a Si.$
,a#$er an" an a/"u=#e" Mslem
2man6 Tan+ier B#a Sing$
;/##m le,#< 2as ne , #$e 34
millin In"ians # lse $er
$me6 Si.$ Burnalis# *6S6
Duggal ;/##m rig$#< an"
Muslim me"i=al s#u"en# Ais$a
Ali6 als ls# #$eir $me6 Bu#
,un" l+e6 T$e% marrie" an"
are #"a% li+ing in Ne2 Del$i6

Sea#e"1 le,# # rig$#1 Nara%an
A(#e6 ?A b$ange"T -eV
Sa+ar.ar Da='ui##e"T Na#$uram
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ne2s(a(erman b$ange"T
-is$nu *ar.are6 ?A6 ar Mslem
(r(rie#r , a #a2"r% #ra+ellers'
$#el bli,e im(risV men#6
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a='ui##e" n a((ealT )(al
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li,e im(risnmen#T Ma"anlal
Pa$2a6 546 a PunB re,ugee 2$'"
s2rn # a+enge $is mu#ila#e"
,a#$erDim(risnmen#T Digam/er
Ba"ge6 ?86 #$e arms (e""ler +
"isguise" $imsel, as a $l% man
b#urne" s#a#e's 2i#ne release"6
;O((si#e< (li=e ($#s

In"ia's Hl% Man Die"
Prnun=ing #$e Name , )"

As $e $a" $(e" $e 2ul"6
)an"$i "ie" =r%ing FHe RamF
;FO$ )" IF< 2i#$ $is las#
/rea#$6 !a=e ,rQen in #$e s#ill
sereni#% , "ea#$1 In"ia's
mur"ere" Ma$a#ma ,,ers $is
+isage # $is =un#r%men ,r an
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
ul#ima#e an" (a#$e#i= "ars$an6
His ,ll2ers' (ar#ing #ri/u#e1 a
s$2er , rse (e#als1 li##ers $is
2in"ing s$ee#1 ma"e , =##n $e
$a" s(un $imsel, n $is 2"en
s(inning 2$eel6
A Pre=ius Li##le Pla=e
Simla1 Ma% 37A8
Luis Mun#/a##en $a" n nee"
,r airD=n"i#ining n26 T$
+ie2 ,rm $is s#u"%'s 2in"2
alne 2as enug$ # =l $imH #$
sn2D#i((e" =res#s , #$e 2rl"'s
$ig$es# mun#ain =$ain1 #$
Himala%as1 #$e gla=ial 2all
"i+i"ing In"ia ,rm Ti/e# an"
&$inT N lnger "i" $is e%es
re=il a# /lea. lan"s=a(es
2i#$ering in In"ia remrseless
/ea#6 T$e +isin /e,re $im n2
2as ne , unremi##ir greenT
emeral" la2ns1 saring s#an"s ,
,ir1 "eli=a#e =lum(s V mun#ain
,ern6 EC$aus#e" /% 2ee.s ,
un=easing s#rain1 Mun /a##en
$a" ,ll2e" a #ra"i#in lai"
"2n /% $is (re"e=essrs6 4
Isma%'s "e(ar#ure ,r Ln"n1 $e
$a" a/an"ne" Del$i ,r #$e m
/iQarre (r"u=# , #$e Bri#is$
RaB1 a s#rangel% anmalus1 =i
summa#el% Englis$ =rea#in
(lan#e" in #$e Himala%an
,#$ills1 #l li##le #2n , Simla6
!i+e mn#$s u# , e+er% %ear
,r +er a =en#ur% #$a# minia#ui
SusseC $amle# 8?44 ,ee# $ig$
#u=.e" Bus# /el2 #$e r, ,
#$eD2rl $a" /e=me a grea#
im(erial =a(i#al1 #$e si#e ,rm
2$i=$ #$e Bri#iH rule" #$eir
In"ian Em(ire an" i#s ass=ia#e"
sa#elli#es ,rm #$e R; Sea #
Burma6 I# 2as a (re=ius li##le
(la=e1 2i#$ i#s =#agnal /am
s#an" rimme" 2i#$ /lue an"
2$i#e s#ri(e" (illars1 i#s /ra"
es(lai a"es1 imma=ula#e gar"ens1
#$e Tu"r /el,r% , &$ris# &$ur=
&a#$e"ral1 i#s /ells =as#1 in #$e
mus=ular #ra"i#in , -i=#rU
&$ris#iani#%1 ,rm #$e /rass ,
=annns =a(#ure" "uring #$e Sil
2ars6 A #$usan" miles ,rm #$e
sea1 ser+e" /% ne narr2Dgau_
rail2a%1 a gruelling Burne% /%
=ar1 Simla (ise" "is"ain,ull%
a/ #$e s=r=$e" an" +erD
((ula#e" (lains , In"ia1 =l1
green a# unmis#a.a/l% Englis$6
Ea=$ %ear in mi"DA(ril 2$en #$e
2arm 2ea#$er arri+e"1 #$e -i=
r%'s "e(ar#ure ,r Simla in $is
2$i#e an" gl" +i=eregal #ra
signalle" #$a# #$e mun#ain
=a(i#al's seasn $a" /egun6 T$e
R ,ll2e"H /"%guar"s1
se=re#aries1 AD&s1 generals1
am/assa"rs ai #$eir s#a,,s1 e+er%
maBr I&S ,un=#inar% , In"ia's
=en#ral a"minis#i #in6 Be$in"
=ame a =$r# , #ailrs1
$air"ressers1 /# an" sa"=
ma.ers1 sil+ersmi#$s /%
a((in#men# # HE #$e -i=er%1
2ine ai s(iri# mer=$an#s1
memsa$i/s 2i#$ #$eir mun"s ,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
luggage1 #$; ,l=.s , "mes#i=s
an" #$eir #ur/ulen# (rgen%6
Un#il 374?1 #$e ra ra" line
en"e" A5 miles a2a% a# *al.a
an" #$ere #$a# 2$le i =re"i/le
=$r# #rans,erre" # #2D$rse
#ngas ,r #$e eig$#D$ #ri(1u(
#$e $ills # Simla6 Baggage
,ll2e" /% /ull=. =ar# an" #$e
/a=.s , men6 Lng lines ,
=lies /re u(n #$eir 2r.D
/en# s(ines an in#ermina/le ,l2
, =ases ,ull , (##e" s$rim(s1
,ie gras1 sausages1 Br"eauC1
=$am(agne # su((l% #$e
/an'ue#s 2$i=$ ga+e Simla's
seasn an elegan=e un(arallele"
in In"ia6
T$e =lies 2ere ne=essar%
/e=ause1 in Simla1 #$e =la( ,
$+es an" #$e /ar. , #$e
in#ernal =m/us#in engine 2as
re(la=e" /% #$e s,# (i#D(a# ,
$uman ,ee#6 An l" #ra"i#in
insis#e" #$a# nl% #$ree =arriages1
an" la#er =ars1 2ere all2e" in
Simla1 #$se , #$e -i=er%1 #$e
In"ian Arm% an" #$e )+ernr
, #$e PunBa/6 )"1 sai" a l=al
B.e1 $a" a((lie" ,r (ermissin
# $a+e a =ar in Simla /u# 2as
re,use"6 Simla's s#an"ar"
=n+e%an=e un#il #$e Bri#is$ le,#
In"ia 2as #$e ri=.s$a26 T$e%
2ere g"DsiQe"1 re=alle" ne
2ner1 'n# #$se 2re#=$e" li##le
#$ings #$a# s#i=. in %ur ri/s'1
an" ,ur men 2ere re'uire" #
(ull ea=$ ne u( an" "2n
Simla's (re=i(i#us sl(es6 A
,i,#$ ran alngsi"e # relie+e #$e
#$ers6
B% #ra"i#in #$e% "i" n# 2ear
s$es6 T$eir em(l%ers
=m(ensa#e" #$em1 $2e+er1 /%
#$e sum(#uusness , #$eir
uni,rms6 !amilies =m(e#e" #
$a+e #$e ms# elegan#l% #urne"D
u# =lies6 T$e -i=er%'s $a"
#$e eC=lusi+e rig$# # s=arle#6
One S=# (u# $is in .il#s6
An#$er resi"en# $a" #2 se#s ,
uni,rms ,r $is1 ne ,r
"a%#ime1 ne ,r #$e e+ening6 All
usuall% 2re n #$e /reas# ,
#$eir uni,rms #$e =%($ers r #$e
=a# , arms , #$e ,amil% in
2$se ser+i=e #$e% 2ere
eC(en"ing #$eir lungs6 Alms#
2i#$u# eC=e(#in #$se =lies
, Simla su,,ere" ,rm
#u/er=ulsis6
T$e ,eas#s #2ar"s 2$i=$ #$e%
/re #$eir em(l%ers 2ere
/rillian# an" #$e ms# /rillian# ,
all #. (la=e in -i=eregal
L"ge6 T$e ri=.s$a2s , #$e
#2n's aris#=ra=% /re re"
rse##es 2$i=$ en#i#le" #$em #
use #$e -i=er%'s (ri+a#e en#r%
,r gran" /alls an" gar"en
(ar#ies6 T$e #$ers /re 2$i#e
rse##es an" use" #$e (u/li=
en#ran=e6 @$a#e+er #$e =lur ,
#$eir rse##es1 #$e ri=.s$a2's
==u(an#s =ul" ,eel sure , ne
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$ingH n=e insi"e1 2i#$ #$e
eC=e(#in , a ma$araBa r #21
#$e% 2ul" n# $a+e # ru/
s$ul"ers 2i#$ an% =i#iQens ,
#$e =un#r% #$e% g+erne"6
'Yu sim(l% =ann# imagine #$e
/rillian=e , a /all a# -i=eregal
L"ge in #$e l" "a%s1' muse"
ne 2man1 '#$e lng lines , #$e
ri=.s$a2s in #$e nig$# m+ing
sl2l% u( #$e $ill1 ea=$ 2i#$ i#s
li##le il lam( gli##ering in #$e
"ar.ness an" #$e nl% sun" #$e
s,# (a##er , $un"re"s , /are
,ee#6'
T$e #$er =en#re , Simla's
s=ial li,e 2as &e=il's H#el1 a
$s#elr% 2$se $s(i#ali#% 2as D
la+is$ as an% in #$e 2rl"6 Ea=$
e+ening a# :630 a #ur/ane" /u#ler
mar=$e" "2n i#s =ar(e#e"
=rri"rs #lling a "inner gng
as #$ug$ i# 2as a P G O
s#eamer6 T$e gues#s1 /la=. #ie
an" e+ening "resses1 =ame "2n
# "ine a# #a/les =+en 2i#$ Iris$
linen1 Ma((in an" @e//
sil+er2are1 Dul#n (r=ela an"
)erman B$emian =r%s#al1
glasses ,r =$am(agne1 2$is.%1
2in (r# an" 2a#er a# ea=$ (la=e6
Simla's $ear# 2as #$e Mall1 a
/ra" a+enue running ,rm ne
er , #$e ri"ge in 2$i=$ #$e #2n
2as se# # #$e #$er1 an eC=lusi+e
Englis$ (resen=e , #ea s$(s1
/an.s an" s#res1 i#s sur,a=e as
=lean s=ru//e" as #$e -i=er%'s
(r=elain6 A# ne en" s#"
&$ris# &$un &a#$e"ral in#
2$i=$ #$e &mman"erDinD&$ie,1
in ,ull uni,rm1 le #$e =ln%
e+er% Sun"a%1 #$ere # lis#en # 'a
(r(er =$ir D a Englis$ +i=es'6
Un#il @rl" @ar One1 In"ians
2ere n# all2e" 3 2al. n #$e
Mall6
T$a# (r$i/i#in $a" re(resen#e"
#$e essen=e , Simla6 T$e annu
m+e # i#s $eig$#s 2as mre
#$an Bus# a seasnal es=a(e ,rm
#l $ea#6 I# 2as a su/#le
rea,,irma#in , Bri#ain's ra=ial
su(eriri#%1 V #$e sli"i#% ,
#$se +ir#ues 2$i=$ se# #$e
Bri#is$ a(ar# ,rm #l (ullula#ing
/r2n millins s2el#ering a#
#$eir ,ee# n #$e (ar=$, rea=$es
, In"ia6
Mu=$ , #$a# l" Simla 2as
alrea"% gne /% #$e #ime Lu
Mun#/a##en arri+e" in earl%
Ma% 37A86 N2 an In"ian =ul"
e+e 2al. "2n #$e Mall D
(r+i"ing $e 2as n# 2earing
#$e na#in "ress , $is =un#r%6>
Mun#/a##en ma% $a+e /een
eC$aus#e" /% $is in#ensi+e
neg#ii #ins1 /u# $e 2as als in
an eCu/eran#1 =n,i"en# m"6
He $a"1 a,#i all1 a=$ie+e" in siC
2ee.s 2$a# $is (re"e=essrs $a"
,aile" # ai =m(lis$ in %ears6 He
$a" "eli+ere" # 34 D2ning
S#ree# a (la #$a# ,,ere" Bri#ain
an $nura/le eCi# ,rm In"ia
an" # #l In"ians a slu#in1
$2e+er (ain,ul1 # #$eir
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
im(asse6
Be=ause $e $a" /een a/le #
2ring (leni(#en#iar% (2ers
u# ; A##lee /e,re lea+ing
Ln"n1 $e $a" n# /een /lige"
# se=ure #l
> Simla =$ange" 2i#$ an easil%
,reseen ra(i"i#% a,#er
in"e(en"en=e6 Ti In"ians1
/e=ause , i#s =nn#a#ins1
a/an"ne" i# as #$eir summer
=a(i#al6 FTl nl% #$ing 2$i=$
remains , #$e l" Simla1' M6 S6
O/eri1 2ner , &e=il's H# an"
=$airman , O/eri's H#els L#"1
lamen#e" in 378?1 'is #$e
=lima#e6' Oi Englis$ sur+i+r ,
Simla's gran" "a%s s#ill li+es in
#$e #2n1 an :8D%earDT 2i"2
name" Mrs Henr% Perm
Mn#ague6 S$e li+es alne n2
in #$e "ar. a# melan=$l%
-i=#rian mansin , $er
ma#ernal un=le1 #$e !inan=e
Mem/er i Lr" &urQn's
-i=eregal &un=il1 surrun"e"
/% sue "gs1 ,i+e =a#s1 ,ur
ser+an an" a $use ,ull ,
memra/ilia6 Mrs Penn
Mn#ague1 2$ s(ea.s siC
language rises e+er% "a% a# ,ur
in #$e a,#ernn6 Brea.,as# is
,ll2e" /% $ig$ #ea i sunse#
a,#er 2$i=$ Mrs Mn#ague
re#ires # a rm s$e $as
e'ui((e" 2i#$ Reni#$
Trans=eani= ra"i6 T$ere1 2$ile
Simla slee(s1 Mrs Penn Mn#agi
lis#ens # $er ra"i un#il "a2n1
ea+es"r((ing n #$e 2rl"6 A#
A644 a6m6T $en (er$a(s #$e nl%
lig$# /urning /e#2een Simla an"
Ti/e#

,rmal agreemen# , #$e In"ian
lea"ers # $is (lan /e,re
sen"ing i# /a=. # Englan"6 He
$a" nl% # assure #$e A##lee
g+ernmen# #$a# #$e% 2ul"
a==e(# i# 2$en i# 2as (u# /e,re
#$em6
His (lan 2as a "is#illa#in ,
2$a# Mun#/a##en $a" learne" in
#$e (ri+a=% , $is s#u"%6 I#
re(resen#e" $is =are,ul
e+alua#in1 /ase" n $is
.n2le"ge , ea=$ lea"er's
in#ima#e sen#imen#s an"
=n+i=#ins1 , 2$a# #$e% 2ul"
a==e(# 2$en #$e =$i(s 2ere
"2n6 S =n,i"en# 2as $e ,
$is Bu"gmen# #$a# Bus# /e,re
lea+ing ,r Simla $e $a"
,rmall% annun=e" $is in#en#in
# (resen# i# # #$em n $is
re#urn n 38 Ma%6
Simla's /ris. =lima#e1 i#s
Ol%m(ian =alm1 $2e+er1
ins(ire" re,le=#in an"
un=$ara=#eris#i= "u/#s /egan #
gna2 a# #$e -i=er%6 Sin=e #$e
(lan $a" rea=$e" Ln"n1 $e $a"
/een inun"a#e" /% a s#ream ,
=a/les ,rm #$e A##lee
g+ernmen# (r(sing #eC#ual
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
m"i,i=a#ins 2$i=$1 2$ile #$e%
2ul" n# al#er i#s su/s#an=e1
2ul" =$ange i#s #ne6
Mre serius1 $2e+er1 2as #$e
real =n=ern 2$i=$ un"erla% $is
gr2ing a((re$ensin6 I, #$e
im(li=a#ins in #$e (lan $e $a"
sen# # Ln"n 2ere ,ull%
realiQe"1 i# 2as n# in# #2
in"e(en"en# na#ins #$a# #$e
grea# In"ian su/D=n#inen# 2ul"
/e "i+i"e"1 /u# #$ree6
Mun#/a##en $a" inser#e" in #$e
(lan a =lause 2$i=$ 2ul" all2
an In"ian (r+in=e # /e=me
in"e(en"en# i, a maBri#% , /#$
i#s =mmuni#ies 2is$e" #6 T$a#
=lause 2as in#en"e" # (r+i"e
#$a# #$e siC#%D,i+e millin
Hin"us an" Mslems , Bengal
=ul" Bin in# ne +ia/le
=un#r% 2i#$ #$e grea# sea(r# ,
&al=u##a as #$eir =a(i#al6
T$e i"ea $a" /een (la=e" /e,re
Mun#/a##en /% &al=u##a's
Mslem lea"er1 S$a$ee"
Su$ra2ar"%1 a nig$#=lu/D an"
=$am(agneDl+ing (li#i=ian
2$1 #en mn#$s earlier1 $a"
unleas$e" #$e #errrs , Dire=#
A=#in Da% n $is =i#%6 T$e
-i=er% li.e" i#6 &n#ras#e" #
Jinna$'s a/erran#1 #2D$ea"e"
s#a#e1 i# seeme" an en#i#% li.el%
# en"ure6 T $is sur(rise1 $e $a"
"is=+ere" Bengal's &ngress
Hin"u Jea"ers in#rigue" /% #$e
(rBe=#6 He $a" 'uie#l%
en=urage" #$eir in#eres#6 He $a"
e+en "is=+ere" Jinna$ 2ul"
n# ((se #$e i"ea6 He $a" n#1
$2e+er1 eC(se" i# # Ne$ru
an" Pa#el1 an" i# 2as #$is
+ersig$# #$a# "is#ur/e" $im
n26 @ul" #$e%1 in ,a=#1 a==e(#
a (lan #$a# mig$# =s# #$em #$e
grea# (r# , &al=u##a 2i#$ i#s
/el# , #eC#ile mills 2ne" /% #$e
in"us#rialis#s 2$ (r+i"e" #$eir
(ar#%'s (rin=i(al ,inan=ial
su((r#? I, #$e% "i"n'#1
Mun#/a##en1 a,#er all #$e
assuran=es $e'" gi+en Ln"n1
2as ging # l. a /l"% ,l
in #$e e%es , In"ia1 Bri#ain an"
#$e 2rl"6
A su""en ins(ira#in s#ru=. $im6
He 2ul" reassure $imsel, /%
(ri+a#e "is=ussins 2i#$ #$e
In"ian lea"er1 2$m1 # #$e
"is#res $is s#a,,1 $e'" in+i#e" #
s(en" a $li"a% 2i#$ $im in
Simla6 U! #$an e+er1 Mun#/a##en
sa2 $is rela#ins$i( 2i#$ #$e
gra=ius elegan# Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru as #$e (rime su((r# ,
$is 2n (li in In"ia1 an" #$e
(rime $(e , a 2arm
un"ers#an"ing /e#2 Bri#ain an"
$er l" In"ian Em(ire in #$e
%ears # =me6
His 2i,e's ,rien"s$i( 2i#$ #$e
In"ian Prime Minis#er $a" gr=
#6 @men li.e E"2ina
Mun#/a##en 2ere rare in #$e
2rl" T rarer s#ill in #$e In"ia ,
37A86 N ne $a" /een /e##er
a/le # "H Ne$ru ,rm $is s$ell
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2$en "u/#s an" "e(ressin
gri((e" $im #l #$e a##ra=#i+e
aris#=ra# 2$ ra"ia#e" s mu=$
=m(assin1 in ligen=e an"
2arm#$6 O,#en1 +er #ea1 a s#rll
in #$e Mg$ul )ar"e r a s2im
in #$e +i=eregal (l1 s$e $a"
/een a/le # =$arm Nel u# ,
$is glm1 re"ress a si#ua#in
an" su/#l% en=urage $er $
/an"'s e,,r#s6
De#ermine" # ,ll2 $is
ins#in=#1 Mun#/a##en =alle" #$e
me /ers , $is s#a,, # $is s#u"%
an" eC(laine" $is i"ea # #$em6
T$ 2ere $rri,ie"6 T s$2 #$e
(lan # Ne$ru 2i#$u# eC(sing
i# Jinna$ 2ul" /e a =m(le#e
/rea=$ , ,ai#$ 2i#$ #$e Mslem
lea"i #$e% (in#e" u#6 I, $e
"is=+ere" i#1 Mun#/a##en's
2$le (si#i 2ul" /e "es#r%e"6
!r a lng #ime1 Mun#/a##en sa#
silen#l% "rumming #$e #a/le#
2i#$ $is ,inger#i(s6
'I'm srr%1' $e ,inall% annun=e"6
'Yur argumen#s are a/slu##
sun"6 Bu# I $a+e a $un=$ #$a# I
mus# s$2 i# # Ne$ru1 an" I
ging # ,ll2 m% $un=$6'>
T$a# nig$#1 Mun#/a##en in+i#e"
Ne$ru # $is s#u"% ,r a glass
(r#6 &asuall%1 $e (asse" #$e
&ngress lea"er a =(% , #$e
(lan i# $a" /een amen"e" /%
Ln"n1 as.ing $im # #a.e i# #
$is /e"r
> I# 2as n# #$e ,irs# #ime
Mun#/a##en $a" gne agains#
#$e =m/ine" a"+ , $is s#a,,6 In
!e/ruar% 37A31 lea"ing ,ur ,
$is ,l#illa , *D=lass "es#r%i
#$rug$ #$e Ba% , Bis=a% en
ru#e # )i/ral#ar1 $e re=ei+e" a
,las$ ,rm # !irs# Sea Lr"
in,rming $im #$a# #$e )erman
(=.e# /a##les$i(s S=$arn$1 an"
)neisenau $a" Bus# /een sig$#e"
s#eering ,r Sain#DNaQaire1 an"
r"ering $i # (r=ee" #
in#er=e(# #$em6 I# 2as sunse#6
Mun#/a##en r"ere" $is ,l#illa
s#eer a =urse ,r Bres#6 His s#a,,
rus$e" # #$e /ri"ge (r#es#ing
#$a# #$e% /een r"ere" # ma.e
,r Sain#DNaQaire1 n# Bres#6 N1
Mun#/a##en sai #$e%'" /een
r"ere" # in#er=e(# #$e #2
)erman s$i(s an" $e $a" a
$un=$1 $e 2ere #$e A"miral
=mman"ing #$se #2 s$i(s1 $e
sai"1 $e 2ul" n# i s#eering n
$is #rue =urse a# sunse# 2$en
#$e las# re=nnaissan=e (lanes ,
#l "a% 2ere u#6 T$e ,a=# #$e%
2ere s(##e" $ea"ing ,r Sain#D
NaQaire mean# #$e real
"es#ina#in 2as Bres#6 T$e%
2ul" s#a% n #$e =urse $e'"
assigne" #$ei Mun#/a##en's
$un=$ #urne" u# # /e =rre=#6
T$e #2 s$i(s 2ere in"eV
$ea"ing ,r Bres#6 Un,r#una#el%1
al#$ug$ $is "es#r%ers ra=e" ,r
Bres# i ?5 .n#s1 #$e )ermans'
$ea"s#ar# 2as # grea#6 T$e%
rea=$e" #$e !ren=$ ( sa,el%6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an" rea" i#6 T$en1 (er$a(s1
Ne$ru mig$# le# $im .n2
in,rmall% 2$a# re=e(#in i# 2as
li.el% # ge# ,rm &ngress6
!la##ere" an" $a((%1 Ne$ru
agree"6
A ,e2 $urs la#er1 2$ile
Mun#/a##en "e+#e" $imsel, #
$is regular e+ening relaCa#in1
=ns#ru=#ing $is ,amil%'s
genealgi=al #a/le1 Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru /egan # s=ru#iniQe #$e
#eC# "esigne" # =$ar# $is
=un#r%'s ,u#ure6 He 2as
$rri,ie" /% 2$a# $e rea"6 T$e
+isin , #$e In"ia #$a# emerge"
,rm #$e (lan's (ages 2as a
nig$#mare1 an In"ia "i+i"e"1 n#
in# #2 (ar#s1 /u# ,ragmen#e"
in# a "Qen (ie=es6 T$e "r
Mun#/a##en $a" le,# (en ,r
Bengal 2ul" /e=me1 Ne$ru
,resa21 a 2un" #$rug$ 2$i=$
#$e /es# /l" , In"ia 2ul"
(ur6 He sa2 In"ia "e(ri+e" ,
i#s lungs1 #$e (r# , &al=u##a
alng 2i#$ i#s mills1 ,a=#ries1
s#eel 2r.sT *as$mir1 $is
/el+e" *as$mir1 an
in"e(en"en# s#a#e rule" /% a
"es(# $e "es(ise"T H%"era/a"
/e=me an enrmus1
in"iges#i/le Mslem /"%
(lan#e" in #$e /ell% , In"iaT $al,
a "Qen #$er (rin=el% s#a#es
=lamuring # g ,, n #$eir
2n6 T$e (lan1 $e /elie+e"1
2ul" eCa=er/a#e all In"ia's
,issi(arus #en"en=ies D "iale=#1
=ul#ure1 ra=e D # #$e (in# a#
2$i=$ #$e su/D=n#inen# 2ul"
ris. eC(l"ing in# a msai= ,
2ea.1 $s#ile s#a#es6 T$e Bri#is$
$a" run In"ia ,r #$ree =en#uries
2i#$ #$e /%2r" 'Di+i"e an"
Rule'6 T$e% (r(se" # lea+e i#
n a ne2 neH '!ragmen# an"
Lui#'6 @$i#eD,a=e"1 s$a.ing 2i#$
rage1 Ne$ru s#al.e" in# #$e
/e"rm , $is =n,i"an#
*ris$na Menn 2$'"
a==m(anie" $im # Simla6 @i#$
a ,urius ges#ure1 $e $urle" #$e
(lan n # $is /e"6
'I#'s all +er!' $e s$u#e"6
Mun#/a##en g# $is ,irs#
in#ima#in , $is ,rien"'s +ilen#
rea=#in in a le##er earl% #$e
,ll2ing mrning6 !r #$e
=n,i"en# -i=er%1 i# 2as 'a
/m/s$ell'6 As $e rea" i#1 #$e
2$le s#ru=#ure $e $a" s
=are,ull% ere=#e" "uring #$e (as#
siC 2ee.s =ame #um/ling "2n
li.e a $use , =ar"s6 T$e
im(ressin $is (lan le,#1 Ne$ru
2r#e1 2as ne , ',ragmen#a#in
an" =n,li=# an" "isr"er'6 I#
,rig$#ene" $im an" 2as =er#ain
# /e 'resen#e" an" /i##erl%
"isli.e" /% #$e &ngress Par#%'6
Rea"ing Ne$ru's 2r"s1 #$e
(ise"1 sel,Dassure" -i=er% 2$
" (ru"l% annun=e" # #$e
2rl" #$a# $e 2as ging #
(resen# a slu#in # In"ia's
"ilemma in #en 1"a%s #ime1
su""enl% realiQe" $e $a" n
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
slu#in a# all6 T$e (lan #$e
Bri#is$ &a/ine# 2as "is=ussing
#$a# +er% "a%1 #$e (lan $e'"
assure" A##lee 2ul" 2in In"ian
a==e(#an=e1 2ul" ne+er ge# (as#
#$e ne elemen# in In"ia #$a# $a"
# a==e(# i#1 #$e &ngress Par#%6
Mun#/a##en's =ri#i=s mig$#
a==use $im , +erD=n,i"en=e1
/u# $e 2as n# a man # /r"
+er se#/a=.s6 Ins#ea" ,
"es(n"i Ne$ru's rea=#in1
Mun#/a##en =ngra#ula#e"
$imsel, n s$e $im #$e (lan1 an"
se# u# # re(air #$e "amage6
!r#una#el% ,= -i=er%1 $is
,rien"s$i( 2i#$ Ne$ru 2ul"
sur+i+e #$e s$" Mun#/a##en's
/e$es#1 Ne$ru agree" # s#a% n
an#$er nig$# #= $im #ime # "ra,#
a re+ise" (lan 2$i=$ mig$# /e
a==e(#a/le # gress6 I# 2ul"
$a+e # =lse #$e l($les #$a#
$a" s "is#r Ne$ru6 T$e ne2 (lan
2ul" ,,er In"ia's (r+in=es
an" (rin=es ne =$i=e D In"ia r
Pa.is#an6
T$e "ream , an in"e(en"en#
Bengal 2as gne6 Mun#/
remaine" =n+in=e"1 $2e+er1
#$a# Jinna$'s #2D$ea"e" s#a#e V
n# sur+i+e6 Sme #ime la#er1 $e
(re"i=#e" # #$e man 2$ 2ul=
=ee" $im in -i=er%'s Huse1 &6
R6 RaBag(ala=$ari1 #$a# Eas# Bi
2ul" /e u# , Pa.is#an in a
'uar#er , a =en#ur%6 T$e Bangl>
2ar , 3783 2as # =n,irm $is
(re"i=#in 2i#$ Bus# ne %ear # s
T re"ra,# $is (lan1 Mun#/a##en
=alle" in# $is s#u"% #$e $i
ran.ing In"ian in $is +i=eregal
es#a/lis$men#6 I# 2as a su( irn%
#$a# a# #$a# =ri#i=al Bun=#ure #$e
In"ian # 2$m Mun#/ #urne"
$a" n# e+en en#ere" #$a#
+aun#e" a"minis#ra#i+e eli#e
In"ian &i+il Ser+i=e6 N "egree
,rm OC,r" r &am/ri"ge gi
$is ,,i=e 2alls6 N ,amil% #ies
$a" $as#ene" $is rise6 -6 P6 M
2as an in=ngruus ""i#% in #$e
rari,ie" air , -i=er%'s Hi sel,D
ma"e man6
El"es# sn in a ,amil% , #2el+e1
Menn $a" 'ui# s=$ 3? # 2r.
su==essi+el% as a =ns#ru=#in
2r.er1 =al miner1 ,a $an"1
s#.er n #$e Su#$ern In"ian
Rail2a%s1 unsu==ess,ul =V
/r.er an" s=$l#ea=$er6
!inall%1 $a+ing #aug$# $imsel, #
2i#$ #2 ,ingers1 $e #al.e" $is
2a% in# a B/ as a =ler. in #$e Ii
a"minis#ra#in in Simla in
37576>
@$a# ,ll2e" 2as (r/a/l% #$e
ms# me#eri= rise in #$a
minis#ra#in's $is#r%6 B% 37A81
i# $a" =arrie" Menn # ne =
ms# senir (s#s n #$e
-i=er%'s s#a,,1 2$ere $e $a"
'ui=.l% Mun#/a##en's
=n,i"en=e an" la#er a,,e=#in6
Mun#/a##en in,rme" Menn
#$a#1 /% #$a# e+ening1 $e + $a+e
# re"ra,# #$e =$ar#er #$a# 2ul"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
gi+e In"ia $er in"e(en"
> @$en Menn arri+e" in Del$i
en ru#e # Simla1 $e "is=+ere"
e+er% $e 2ne" $a" /een s#len6
Des(airing1 $e ,inall%
a((ra=$e" an el"er! #inguis$e"
Si.$1 eC(laine" $is (lig$# an"
as.e" ,r a lan , IS ru(ees1 #
$is ,are # Simla6 T$e Si.$ ga+e
$im #$e mne%6 @$en Menn
as.e" , a""ress s $e =ul" (a%
i# /a=.1 #$e Si.$ sai"H 'N1 un#il
#$e "a% %u "ii 2ill al2a%s gi+e
#$a# sum # an% $nes# man 2$
as.s %ur $el(6' SiC /e,re $is
"ea#$1 $is "aug$#er re=alls1 a
/eggar =ame # #$e ,amil% $i
Bangalre6 Menn sen# $is
"aug$#er ,r $is 2alle#1 #. u#
,i,#een ru(eeT ga+e i# # #$e man6
He 2as s#ili re(a%ing $is "e/#
I#s essen#ial (#in1 (ar#i#in1
$a" # remain an" i# mus# a/+e
all =n#inue # (la=e #$e
res(nsi/ili#% ,r ma.ing #$e
=$i=e u(n #$e In"ians
#$emsel+es #$rug$ #$e +#e ,
#$eir (r+in=ial assem/lies6
Menn ,inis$e" $is #as. in
a==r"an=e 2i#$ Mun#/a##en's
ins#ru=#ins6 Be#2een lun=$ an"
"inner1 $e $a" (er,rme" a #ur
"e ,r=e6 T$e man 2$ $a"
/egun $is =areer as a #2D,inger
#%(is# =ulmina#e" i# /%
re"ra,#ing1 in /arel% siC $urs n
an ,,i=e (r=$ l.ing u# n
#$e Himala%as1 a (lan 2$i=$ 2as
ging # reDr"er #$e su/D
=n#inen# an" al#er #$e ma( ,
#$e 2rl"6
K > >
S#ri=.en 2i#$ a +ilen# a##a=. ,
a((en"i=i#is1 Manu's slen"er
,igure s$. un"er #$e /lan.e#s
$er grea#Dun=le $a" $ea(e" +er
$er6 Her e%es 2ere "ulle" /% a
ra=.ing ,e+er6 Her /"% 2as
$un=$e" in# a ,e#al (si#in in
an ins#in=#i+e e,,r# # minimiQe
#$e #erri/le (ain in $er a/"men6
Silen# an" 2rrie"1 )an"$i
$+ere" a# $er si"e6
On=e again $e ,a=e" a =$allenge
# $is ,ai#$6 )an"$i $a" $a" a
"ee(Dr#e" /elie, in na#ure
=ures6 He "enun=e" m"ern
me"i=ine ,r i#s em($asis n #$e
/"%'s ($%si=al as(e=#s a# #$e
eC(ense , #$e s(iri#1 ,r
=unselling (ills an" "rugs 2$en
2$a# 2as nee"e" 2as res#rain#
an" sel,D"is=i(line1 ,r /eing #
=n=erne" 2i#$ mne%6 T$e
,iel"s , In"ia1 $e main#aine"1
2ere ,ille" 2i#$ na#ural1
me"i=inal $er/s (la=e" #$ere /%
)" # =ure #$e na#in's ill6 T
)an"$i1 na#ure =ure 2as an
eC#ensin , $is nnD+ilen#
($ils($%6 I# 2as ,r #$a#
reasn $e $a" re,use" # all2
$is 2i,e's /"% # /e su/Be=#e" #
#$e +ilen=e , a $%("ermi=
nee"le as s$e la% "%ing in #$e
Aga *$an's (ala=e6
@$en Manu $a" /egun #
=m(lain , a (ain in $er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
a/"men1 )an"$i (res=ri/e" #$e
#rea#men# na#ure =ure "i=#a#e"H
mu"(a=.s1 a s#ri=# "ie# an"
enemas6
Her =n"i#in 2rsene"6 N21
?9 $urs la#er1 a =risis 2as a#
$an"6 !r all $is ,ai#$ in na#ure
=ures1 )an"$i $a" als s#u"ie"
me"i=ine a# grea# leng#$6 He
.ne2 +er% 2ell 2$a# mala"%
2as gri((ing $is grea#Dnie=e6
As i# $a" /een in Na.$ali1 $er
,ai#$ in $im 2as ##al6 S$e $a"
=n,i"e" $ersel, en#irel% # $is
$an"s1 rea"% # " 2$a#e+er $e
2an#e"6 )an"$i 2as in agn%6
His na#ure #rea#men# $a" ,aile"6
T $im i#s ,ailure1 Manu's
illness1 2ere mani,es#a#ins ,
#$eir s(iri#ual im(er,e=#ins6
Bu#1 as $e 2ul" la#er n#e1 $e
"i" n# '$a+e #$e =urage # le# a
girl en#rus#e" # me "ie li.e #$a#'6
He /r.e "2n an" a"mi##e"
"e,ea#6 '@i#$ #$e u#ms#
relu=#an=e1' #$e man 2$ $a"
"enie" $is "%ing 2i,e #$e +ilen#
#$era(% , a $%("ermi= nee"le
"e=i"e" # all2 /is "%ing grea#D
nie=e #$e +ilen=e , #$e
surgen's s=al(el6 Manu 2as
rus$e" # #$e $s(i#al ,r an
emergen=% a(_ "e=#m%6
As s$e sli((e" un"er #$e
anaes#$e#i=1 )an"$i gen#l%
(la=e" (alm n $er /r26 'Hl"
n # Ramanama1' $e #l" $er1
'an" all /e 2ell6'
Hurs la#er1 ne , $er "=#rs1
s$=.e" a# )an"$i's $agB regar"1
#. #$e Ma$a#ma asi"e6 Res#1 $e
/egge" )an"$i1 ease s#rain n
$is /eing6 FT$e (e(le nee" %ur
ser+i=es mre #$an eS
)an"$i l.e" a# $im 2i#$
"is=nsla#e e%es6 'Nei#$er #$e
(eV nr #$se in (2er $a+e an%
use ,r me1' $e sa"l% re(lie"6
'M% V 2is$ is # "ie in $arness1
#a.ing #$e name , )" 2i#$ m%
/rea#$6'

Pala=es an" Tigers1 Ele($an#s
an" Je2els
Ne2 Del$i1 Ma% 37A8
T$e #ur/ane" ser+an# a"+an=e"
in re+eren# silen=e #2ar"s #$e
mamm#$ ,igure , $is mas#er6
&aressing 2i#$ $is /are ,ee# #$e
#iger1 (an#$er an" an#el(e s.ins
#$a# li##ere" $is lng mar=$
a=rss #$e rm1 $e /re # $is
em(l%er's /e"si"e a sil+er #ra%
r"ere" in Ln"n in 3753 #
mar. #$e #ur , In"ia , His
R%al Hig$ness #$e Prin=e ,
@ales6 T$e +ermeil #ea(# se#
u(n i# ga+e ,, #$e "eli=ius
,ragran=e , #$e s(e=ial /len"
simmering insi"e1 a miC#ure
,l2n #2i=e a mn#$ ,rm
Ln"n alng 2i#$ #$e /is=ui#s
a==m(an%ing i#1 /% #$e ,irm ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
!r#num an" Masn6 On #$e
2alls , #$e /e"rm1 in i#s
s$a"2% =rners1 2ere #$e
s#u,,e" animal $ea"s an" a $s#
, sil+er #r($ies garnere" /% i#s
==u(an# 2i#$ $is lngD/re
ri,le1 $is (l s#i=. r $is =ri=.e#
/a#1 all , 2$i=$ $e 2iel"e" 2i#$
a gen#leman's s.ilL
T$e ser+an# se# #$e #ra% n a
/e"si"e #a/le an" /en# "2n #
$is mas#er6 T$e man 2as a Si.$
an" $is /la=. /ear"1 #ig$#l%
rlle" in a sil. ne#1 =ir=le" $is
slee(ing ,a=e li.e an e/n%
=llar6
'Be" #ea1> #$e ser+an# 2$is(ere"
2i#$ /se'uius s,#ness6
T$e siCD,#D,urDin=$ ,igure
/el2 $im s#re#=$e" 2i#$ a lng
an" ,eline ges#ure6 As $e s2ung
# $is ,ee#1 an#$er ser+an#
emerge" ,rm #$e s$a"2s #
=+er $is mus=ular s$ul"ers
2i#$ a sil. r/e6 S$a.ing #$e
slee( ,rm $is e%es1 His Ms#
)ra=ius Hig$ness Ya"a+in"ra$
Sing$1 #$e eig$#$ Ma$araBa ,
#$e In"ian S#a#e , Pa#iala1 gaQe"
u# n an#$er "a%6
Ya"a+in"ra$ Sing$ (resi"e"
+er #$e ms# remar.a/le /"%
in #$e 2rl"1 an assem/l% unli.e
an% #$er man $a" e+er s(a2ne"
r 2as li.el% # s(a2n in #$e
,u#ure6 He 2as #$e &$an=ellr ,
#$e &$am/er , In"ian Prin=es6
On #$is Ma% mrning1 alms#
#2 %ears a,#er #$e =%=lne ,
Hirs$ima an" #$e en" , a 2ar
#$a# $a" s$a.en #$e 2rl"'s
,un"a#ins1 #$e 090 ma$araBas1
na2a/s1 raBas an" rulers
=m(sing #$a# =$am/er s#ill
reigne" as a/slu#e1 $ere"i#ar%
s+ereigns +er ne #$ir" ,
In"ia's lan" sur,a=e an" a 'uar#er
, $er ((ula#in6 T$e% re,le=#e"
#$e ,a=# #$a# un"er #$e Bri#is$
#$ere $a" /een #2 In"ias1 #$e
In"ia , i#s (r+in=es1
a"minis#ere" /% #$e =en#ral
g+ernmen# in Del$i1 an" #$e
se(ara#e In"ia , $er (rin=es6
T$e (rin=es' ana=$rnis#i=
si#ua#in "a#e" ,rm Bri#ain's
$a($aQar" =n'ues# , In"ia
2$en rulers 2$ re=ei+e" #$e
Englis$ 2i#$ (en arms r
(r+e" 2r#$% ,es n #$e
/a##le,iel"1 2ere all2e" #
remain n #$eir #$rnes (r+i"e"
#$e% a=.n2le"ge" Bri#ain as
(aramun# (2er6 T$e s%s#em
2as ,rmaliQe" in a series , #rea
/e#2een #$e in"i+i"ual rulers
an" #$e Bri#is$ =r2n6 T$e (rir
$a" re=gniQe" #$e
'Paramun#=%' , #$e *ing
Em(err as reB sen#e" in Ne2
Del$i /% #$e -i=er% an" =e"e"
# $im =n#rl #$eir ,reign
a,,airs an" "e,en=e6 T$e%
re=ei+e" in re#urn Bri#a
guaran#ee , #$eir =n#inuing
au#nm% insi"e #$eir s#a#es6
&er#ain (rin=es li.e #$e NiQam ,
H%"era/a" r #$e Ma$ai ,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
*as$mir rule" +er s#a#es 2$i=$
ri+alle" in siQe r ((ula#in
na#ins , @es#ern Eur(e6
O#$ers li.e #$se in #$e *a#$ia
(eninsula near Bm/a% li+e" in
s#a/les an" g+erne" "mains
larger #$an Ln"n's Ri=$mn"
Par.6 T$eir ,ra#erni#% em/ra=e"
ri=$es# man in #$e 2rl" an"
(rin=es s (r #$a# #$eir en#ire .
"m 2as a =2 (as#ure6 O+er
,ur $un"re" (rin=es rule" s#
smaller #$an #2en#% s'uare
miles6 A g" num/er , #$em
,,> #$eir su/Be=#s an
a"minis#ra#in ,ar /e##er #$an
#$a# #$e Bri (r+i"e"6 A ,e2
2ere (e##% "es(#s mre
=n=erne" 2i#$ s'uan ing #$eir
s#a#e's re+enues # sla.e #$eir
2n eC#ra+agan# "esires 3 2i#$
im(r+ing #$e l# , #$eir
(e(les6
@$a#e+er #$eir (li#i=al
(r=li+i#ies1 $2e+er1 #$e ,u#ure
, InV ruling (rin=es1 2i#$ #$eir
a+erage , 33 #i#les1 0D: 2i+es1
35D9 =$ile 7D5 ele($an#s1 5D:
(ri+a#e rail2a% =ars1 ?DA RllsD
R%=es an" #igers .ille"1 (se" a
gra+e (r/lem in #$e s(ring ,
37A86 slu#in # #$e In"ian
e'ua#in 2ul" 2r. i, i# ,aile"
# "eal #$eir (e=uliar si#ua#in6
!r )an"$i1 Ne$ru an" #$e
&ngress #$e ans2er 2as
e+i"en#1 (rin=es' reign s$ul" /e
#ermina#e" an" #$eir s#a#es
merge" in# in"e(en"en# In"ia6
T$a# 2as $ar"l% a slu#in
"esigne" # a((e Ya"a+in"ra$
Sing$ an" men li.e $im6 His
s#a#e , Pa#iala iC $ear# , #$e
PunBa/ 2as ne , #$e ri=$es# in
In"ia an" $e $a arm% #$e siQe ,
an in,an#r% "i+isin1 /ul2ar.e"
/% &en#i #an.s1 # "e,en" i# i,
ne=essar%6
An a#ms($ere , =n=ern an"
#ensin $ung a/u# #$e &$an= ,
#$e &$am/er , In"ian Prin=es
as $e si((e" $is #ea6 He 3
sme#$ing n #$is Ma% mrning
#$a# #$e -i=er% , In"ia "ie
.n26 He .ne2 #$a#1 9444 miles
,rm $is PunBa/i s#a#e1 in L# a
man 2as ma.ing a "es(era#e
(lea s #$a# $is ,u#ure an" #$a# V
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2as g" ,r In"ia 2as 2$a#
2as g" ,r $er (rin=es6 He
la#$e" #$eir enemies1 Ne$ru an"
&ngress1 2i#$ a ,er+ur a# leas#
e'ual # #$eirs6
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ri(ening ,rien"s$i( 2i#$ Ne$ru1
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se=ure $is (rin=es a /e##er "eal
#$an $e #$ug$# Mun#/a##en
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a rm ren"ere" uni'ue in
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HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
em #$e larges# , 2$i=$ 2eig$e"
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, #$e Ma$araBa , Pa#iala #
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allian=e 2i#$ na#ure's ,r=es6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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measure" in #$e num/er1 #$e age
an" #$e siQe , #$e animals
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an" gl"1 (ara"e" #$rug$ #$e
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s#rnges# /ull ele($an# 2en# #$e
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#$e Ma$araBa1 a (e"es#al ,
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
($an#s # =eremnial1 ra#$er #$an
,un=#inal #as.s6 T$e ,irs# au#
m/ile im(r#e" in# In"ia in
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garage , #$e Ma$araBa , Pa#ia
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li=en=e (la#e D 'O'6 T$e NiQam ,
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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rail2a%6
Dgs 2ere #$e (e=uliar (assin
, #$e Na2a/ , Junagi a
(rin=i(ali#% nr#$ , Bm/a%6
His ,a+uri#e (e#s 2ere assignN
a(ar#men#s e'ui((e" 2i#$
#ele($nes1 ele=#ri=i#% an" "mV
ser+an#s1 $a/i#a#ins , a s#%le
an" =m,r# +as#l% su(erir # ,
all /u# a #in% $an",ul , $is
su/Be=#s6 T$e% 2ere /rne ,
mar/le mausleums in a =anine
gra+e%ar" # #$e s#rains , &$(
,uneral mar=$6
He mar.e" #$e '2e""ing' , $is
,a+uri#e /i#=$ Rs$ana I
La/ra"r name" B//% 2i#$ a
=eremn% s gran"ise #$a# $e
+i#e" e+er% (rin=e1 =ele/ri#% an"
"igni#ar% in In"ia1 in=lu"ing
-i=er%1 # a##en"6 T /is
=$agrin1 #$e -i=er% "e=line"6 0
3041444 (e(le =r2"e" #$e
ru#e , #$e nu(#ial =r#ege
2$i=$ le" /% #$e (rin=e's
/"%guar" an" #$e r%al
ele($an#s in ,ull reg A,#er #$e
(ara"e1 #$e Na2a/ ,,ere" a
la+is$ /an'ue# in =anine =u(le's
$nur /e,re #$e% 2ere le" ,,
# #$eir /eau#il a((in#e" /ri"al
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
sui#e6 T$se (r=ee"ings =s# #$e
Na2a/ O941 a sum 2$i=$ =ul"
$a+e ,inan=e" #$e /asi= $uman
nee"s , 3514& $is 9541444
im(+eris$e" su/Be=#s ,r an
en#ire %ear6
T$e (ala=es , In"ia's grea#
ma$araBas 2ere mnumen#s 2
ri+alle" #$e TaB Ma$al in siQe
an" (ulen=e1 al#$ug$ n# nV
saril% #as#e6 M%sre's 944Drm
(ala=e sur(asse" #$e "imensin
-i=er%'s Huse i#sel,6 T2en#%
, #$se rms 2ere "e+#e"
=lusi+el% # $using #$e
=lle=#in , #igers1 (an#$ers1
ele($an#s /isns .ille" /% #$ree
genera#ins , (rin=es in #$e
Bungles , s#a#e6 A# nig$#1 2i#$ i#s
r,s an" 2in"2s u#line" /%
#$usan= lig$# /ul/s1 i# l.e"
li.e sme mns#rus =ean liner
"e=.e" u a gala1 lan"l=.e" /%
errr in #$e mi""le , In"ia6
Nine $un"re" ,i,#%D#$ree
2in"2s1 ea=$ se# in i#s $an"D
=ar+e" mar/le ,rH =+ere" ne
,a=a"e , Jai(ur's mar/le Pala=e
, #$e @in"6 U"ai_ 2$i#e mar/le
(ala=e rse g$s#Dli.e ,rm #$e
mis#s , a s$imm# la.e6
Ha+ing "e=i"e" "uring a +isi# #
#$e Pala=e , -ersailles #$a =ul"
/e a rein=arna#in ,
#$egrea#LuisMl-1#$e+er%a/leM
a$ , *a(ur#$ala"e#ermine" #
re(r"u=e #$e glries , #$e
Sun*ii $is #in% s#a#e6 Im(r#ing
a $r"e , !ren=$ ar=$i#e=#s an"
"e=ra $e /uil# $imsel, a re(li=a
, -ersailles a# #$e ,# , #$e
HimalT He ,ille" i# 2i#$ Se+res
+ases1 )/elin #a(es#ries1 !ren=$
an#i= (r=laime" !ren=$ #$e
language , $is =ur#1 an" "lle"
u( #ur/ane" Si.$ re#ainers in #$e
(2"ere" 2igs1 sil. 2ais#=
.ni=.ers an" sil+erD/u=.le"
sli((ers , #$e Sun *ing's
=ur#ie
T$e #$rnes in sme , #$se
(ala=es 2ere #$e ms# ela/ra#e
luCurius /Be=#s e+er "esigne"
as re=e(#a=les ,r $uman (s#er
3?:
!REEDOM AT6 MIDNI)HT
M%sre's 2as ma"e ,rm a #n
, sli" gl"1 rea=$e" /% nine
s#e(s e'uall% in gl"
re(resen#ing #$e nine s#e(s , #$e
)" -is$nu in $is as=en# #
#ru#$6 Orissa's #$rne 2as an
enrmus /e"6 He $a" /ug$# i#
,rm an an#i'ue "ealer in
Ln"n an" s#u""e" i# 2i#$ an
a((r(ria#e num/er , Be2els6 I#s
(ar#i=ular =$arm s#emme" ,rm
#$e ,a=# i# 2as an eCa=# =(% ,
Lueen -i=#ria's 2e""ing /e"6
T$e #$rne , #$e Na2a/ ,
Ram(ur 2as (la=e" in a $all #$e
siQe , a =a#$e"ral6 T$e =lumns
2$i=$ surrun"e" #$e ("ium n
2$i=$ i# re(se" 2ere 2$i#e
mar/le re(resen#a#ins , nu"e
2men6 T$e riginali#% , $is
#$rne 2e" i#s ins(ira#in #
an#$er i"ea (r+i"e" /% #$e Sun
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
*ing6 &u# in# #$e ri=$ gl"
/r=a"e , i#s =us$in 2as a $le
(r+i"ing "ire=# a==ess # a
=$am/er (#6 @i#$ an
a((r(ria#el% (rin=el% rum/le1
#$e ruler 2as #$us a/le # relie+e
$is r%al (ersn 2i#$u#
in#erru(#ing #$e ,l2 , #$e
a,,airs , s#a#e6
Time ,#en $ung $ea+% n #$e
$an"s , #$e in"len# gen#lemen
2$ in$a/i#e" #$se (ala=es6 T
,ill i#1 #$e% "e+#e" #$emsel+es
# #2 (as#imes1 seC an" s(r#6
@$e#$er $e 2as Hin"u r
Mslem1 #$e $arem 2as an
in#egral (ar# , a real ruler's
(ala=e1 #$e (rin=e's (ri+a#e
(reser+e .e(# regularl% s#=.e"
2i#$ "an=ing girls an"
=n=u/ines6
Usuall%1 #$e Bungles , $is s#a#e
2ere e'uall% a ruler's (ri+a#e
(reser+eT #$eir ,auna1 an" a/+e
all1 #$eir #igers1 , 2$i=$ 541444
s#ill eCis#e" in In"ia in 37A81 #$e
(r#e=#e" (re% , $is ri,le6
B$ara#(ur /agge" $is ,irs# #iger
a# eig$#6 B% #$e #ime $e 2as ?01
#$e s.ins , #$e #igers $e'" .ille"1
s#i#=$e" #ge#$er1 (r+i"e" #$e
re=e(#in rms , $is (ala=e
2i#$ 2$a# amun#e" # 2all #
2all =ar(e#ing6 His #erri#r% als
2i#nesse" 2$a# 2as surel% a
re=r" "u=. slaug$#er1 AA:5
/ir"s in #$ree $urs "uring a
s$# in $nur , a -i=er%1
Lr" Har"inge6 T$e Ma$araBa ,
)2alir .ille" +er 3A44 #igers
in $is li,e#ime an" 2as #$e
au#$r , a 2r. "es#ine" ,r a
limi#e" i, sele=# au"ien=e1 A
)ui"e # Tiger S$#ing6
T$e a=.n2le"ge" mas#er , $is
genera#in in /#$ ,iel"s 2as #$e
Si.$ Sir B$u(in"er Sing$1 #$e
Magni,i=en#1 #$e se+en#$
Ma$araBa , Pa#iala an" ,a#$er ,
#$e &$an=ellr , #$e &$am/er
, Prin=es6 In"ee"1 ,r #$e 2rl"
/e#2een #2 2ars1 Sir
B$u(in"er in=arna#e" #$e
Ma$araBas , In"ia6 @i#$ $is siCD
,#D,urDin=$ ,rame1 $is ?44
(un"s1 $is sensual li(s an"
arrgan# e%es1 $is /la=.
mus#a=$e s2e(# u( in#
(er,e=#l% 2aCe" nee"le (in#s1
$is =are,ull% rlle" /la=. /ear"1
$e seeme" # $a+e s#e((e" in#
#$e #2en#ie#$ =en#ur% ,, #$e
i+r% , sme Mg$ul
minia#ure6
His a((e#i#e 2as su=$ #$a# $e
=ul" =nsume #2en#% (un"s ,
," in #$[ =urse , a s#renuus
"a% r a =u(le , =$i=.ens as a
#ea#ime sna=.6 He a"re" (l
an" gall(ing a=rss #$e (l
,ielV #$e 2rl" a# #$e $ea" , $is
Tigers , Pa#iala1 $e a==umula#
rm,ul , sil+er #r($ies6 T
sus#ain #$se e,,r#s1 $is s#
$ar/ure" 044 , #$e 2rl"'s
,ines# (l (nies6
!rm $is earlies# a"les=en=e1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
B$u(in"er Sing$ "emns#ral
remar.a/l% re,ine" a(#i#u"e ,r
an e'uall% 2r#$% (rin=el% (as
seC6 As $e =ame # ma#uri#% $is
"e+#in # $is $arem e+en#
sur(asse" e+en $is (assins ,r
(l an" $un#ing6 He (ers
su(er+ise" #$e s#ea"%
a==umula#in , i#s inma#es1
sele=#ing re=rui#s 2i#$ a
=nnisseur's a((re=ia#in ,
+arie#% in a((eal an"
a==m(lis$men# in a=#in6 B%
#$e #ime #$e ins#i#u#in rea=$
,ulles# ,rui#in1 i# =n#aine" ?04
la"ies6
During #$e #rri" PunBa/
summers1 #$e $arem m+e" u#
, ; in #$e e+ening #
B$u(in"er's (l6 T$e (rin=e
s#a#ine" a , /areD/reas#e" girls
li.e n%m($s a# in#er+als arun"
i#s &$un.s , i=e ///ing in #$e
(l's 2a#er ga+e #$e $# air a
"eli =$ill 2$ile #$e Ma$araBa
,la#e" i"l% a/u#1 =ming #
(r# #ime # #ime # =aress a
/reas# r si( a 2$is.%6 T$e 2alls
an" =e , B$u(in"er's (ri+a#e
'uar#ers 2ere =+ere" 2i#$
re(resen#i , #$e er#i= #em(le
s=ul(#ures ,r 2$i=$ In"ia is
Bus#l% ,ame =a#algue ,
=(ula#i+e (ssi/ili#ies #
eC$aus# #$e ms# in+i min" an"
a#$le#i= /"%6 A 2i"e sil.
$amm=. slung in ne = , #$e
rm all2e" B$u(in"er Sing$1
in a sense1 # sus(en la2s ,
gra+i#% 2$ile a##em(#ing #
(er,rm in #$a# s#a#e sme mre
=m(leC maneu+res sugges#e"
/% $is =eiling6
T sa#is,% $is insa#ia/le $a/i#s1
#$e imagina#i+e Ma$araBT /ar.e"
n a (rgramme 2$i=$ 2ul"
all2 $im # rem"i =$arms ,
$is =n=u/ines as $is 2n #as#e
=$ange"6 Sir B$u# (ene" $is
$arem "rs # a (ara"e ,
(er,umers1 Be2ellers1 "ressers1
/eau#i=ians an" "ressma.ers6 He
e+en .e(# a #ea !ren=$1 Bri#is$
an" In"ian (las#i= surgens n
s#an"/% # al# ($%signmies ,
$is ,a+uri#es a==r"ing # $is
,lu=#ua#ing #as #$e "i=#a#es , #$e
Ln"n ,as$in magaQines6
!ur#$er # s#ir $is (rin=el%
ar"urs1 $e =n+er#e" ne 2ing
, #$e $arem i la/ra#r% 2$se
#es# #u/es an" +ials (r"u=e" an1
eC#i= /. s=en#s1 =sme#i=s1
l#ins an" ($il#resS6 JS,= ' Y, ;O<
JO
All #$se (i'uan# re,inemen#s
ul#ima#el% nl% ser+e" # sere
,a#al 2ea.ness in #$e Ma$araBa's
rien#al (leasure "me6 @$a#
e+en a Si.$ as $an"smel%
en"2e" /% na#ure as Sir B$uB
2as1 =ul" sa#is,% #$e ?04 $ig$l%
#raine" an" m#i+a#e" la"ies ing
/e$in" #$e $arem's grilles?
Re=urse # a($r"isia=s 2as i
a/le6 His In"ian "=#rs 2r.e"
u( a num/er , sa+ur% ==#ins
/ase" n gl"1 (earls1 s(i=es1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
sil+er1 $er/s an" irn6
2$ile1 #$eir ms# e,,i=a=ius
(#in 2as /ase" n a miC#ure ,
s$re""e" =arr#s an" #$e =rus$e"
/rains , a s(arr26
@$en i#s /ene,i#s /egan # 2ane1
Sir B$u(in"er =alle" in a gru(
, !ren=$ #e=$ni=ians 2$m $e
na#urall% assume" 2ul" enB%
s(e=ial eC(er#ise in #$e ma##er6
Alas1 e+en #$e e,,e=#s , #$eir
#rea#men# /ase" n ra"ium
(r+e" e($emeral /e=ause #$e%1
li.e #$eir (re"e=essrs1 $a" n
=ure ,r #$e real illness ,rm
2$i=$ #$e Ma$araBa su,,ere"6 I#
2as n# la=. , +irili#% #$a#
a,,li=#e" #$e Ba"e" an" sa#e"
(rin=e6 His 2as a mala"% #$a#
(lague" n# a ,e2 , $is
sur,ei#e" ,ell2 rulers6 I# 2as
/re"m6 He "ie" , i#6
Ine+i#a/l%1 in )"D/sesse"
In"ia1 legen" an" ,l.lre
as=ri/e" "i+ine "es=en# # sme
(rin=es6 T$e Ma$araBas ,
M%sre #ra=e" #$eir an=es#r% #
#$e mn6 On=e a %ear1 a# #$e
au#umnal e'uinC1 #$e Ma$araBa
/e=ame in #$e e%es , $is (e(le
a li+ing )"6 !r nine "a%s li.e
a sa"$u in a Himala%an =a+e1 $e
se=lu"e" $imsel, in a "ar.ene"
rm , $is (ala=e6 He "i"n'#
s$a+e r 2as$6 N $uman $an"
2as all2e" # #u=$ $im1 n
e%e # glim(se $im "uring #$se
"a%s 2$en $is /"% 2as
su((se"l% in$a/i#e" /% a )"6
T$e nin#$ "a% $e emerge"6 An
ele($an# "ra(e" in gl"
#a(es#ries1 i#s ,re$ea" =+ere"
2i#$ an emeral"Ds#u""e" s$iel"1
2ai#e" a# #$e (ala=e ga#e # /ear
$im ami"s# an es=r# , lan=ers
n =amel an" $rse/a=. # an
unD)"Dli.e "es#ina#in1 #$e
M%sre ra=e #ra=.6 T$ere1 /e,re
#$e mul#i#u"es , $is su/Be=#s
Bamme" in# #$e s#an"s1 Bra$min
(ries#s =$an#ing man#ras /a#$e"1
s$a+e" an" ,e" $im6 As #$e
sunse# an" "ar.ness s$ru"e"
#$e #ra=.1 a Be# /la=. $rse 2as
/rug$# # #$e (rin=e6 A# #$e
ins#an# $e mun#e" i#1 #$usan"s
, #r=$es arun" #$e (erime#er
, #$e #ra=. 2ere li#6 In #$eir
,li=.ering rsea#e glare1 #$e
(rin=e gall(e" arun" #$e #ra=.
n $is /la=. $rse # #$e
a((lause , $is su/Be=#s1 ms# ,
#$em gra#e,ul /e=ause #$e Sn ,
#$e Mn 2as /a=. amngs# $is
(e(le1 sme mre mun"anel%
#$an.,ul ,r #$e (i=#ures'ue
(agean# #$eir ruler $a" ,,ere"
#$em6
T$e Ma$araBas , U"ai(ur #ra=e"
#$eir "es=en# ,rm an e+en mre
im(ressi+e =eles#ial /"%1 #$e
sun6 T$eirs 2as #$e ms# an=ien#
#$rne in In"ia1 a rule #$a# $a"
run unin#erru(#e" ,r a# leas#
5444 %ears6 On=e a %ear
U"ai(ur1 #1 /e=ame a .in" ,
li+ing )"6 Ere=# in #$e (r2 ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
a galle% resem/ling &le(a#ra's
/arge1 $e 2as /rne /a=. a=rss
#$e =r="ileDin,es#e" 2a#ers ,
#$e la.e surrun"ing $is (ala=e
,r a s%m/li= reDins#alla#in in
i#s (remises6 On #$e "e=. /e$in"
$im #$e n/les , $is =ur# in
lng 2$i#e muslin r/es s#"
range" in gra#e,ul +enera#in6
Less gran"ise in #$eir
(re#en#ins1 /u# n less (ius
2ere #$e rulers , Benares1 #$e
sa=re" =i#% n #$e /an.s , #$e
)anges6 B% #ra"i#in #$e e%es ,
#$e Ma$araBa , #$se /lesse"
(re=in=#s $a (en ea=$ "a% n a
sle an" uni'ue +isin1 #$e
Hin"u s%m/V =smi= e#erni#%1 a
Sa=re" &26 Ea=$ "a2n a =2
2as le" # #$e "2 , #$e
(rin=el% /e"=$am/er an" Ba//e"
in #$e ri/s s #$a# ming 2ul"
s#ir #$e (ius Ma$araBa ,rm $is
slum/er6 & "uring a +isi# # $is
=lleague #$e Na2a/ , Ram(ur1
,ul,illing mrning ri#ual (se" a
gra+e (r/lem /e=ause #$e
Ma$ai 'uar#ers 2ere l=a#e" n
#$e se=n" ,lr , $is $s#'s
(ala=e6 Na2a/ ,inall% resr#e" #
an ingenius #a=#i= # main#ain
#$i #egri#% , $is gues#'s "a2ns6
He /ug$# a =rane 2$i=$ ea=$
m# $is#e" a =2 in a sling u(
# #$e Ma$araBa's /e"rm 2in
Terri,ie" /% $er unna#ural
+%age1 #$e (r animal emi##e"
a s , ms s (ier=ing #$a# #$e%
n# nl% 2.e u( #$e (ius
Ma$a /u# ms# , #$e res# , #$e
(ala=e as 2ell6
Pius r a#$eis#1 Hin"u r
Mslem1 ri=$ r (r1 "e=a"en#
r sai #$e ma$araBas $a" /een ,r
alms# #2 =en#uries #$e sures#
(ills Bri#is$ rule in In"ia6 I# 2as
in #$eir rela#ins 2i#$ #$e s#a#es
#$a Bri#is$ $a" a((lie" #
grea#es# e,,e=# #$e 'Di+i"e an"
Rule' "= 2i#$ 2$i=$ #$e% 2ere
a==use" , g+erning In"ia6 In
#$er% Bri#is$ =ul" rem+e a
ruler ,rm $is #$rne ,r misrule6
In ,a ruler =ul" ge# a2a% 2i#$
alms# an% .in" , u#rageus
/ern+ "2n # an" in=lu"ing a
,e2 "is=ree# mur"ers 2i#$u# #$e
Bi "is#ur/ing $im D (r+i"e" $is
l%al#% $a" remaine" in#a=#6 T$
e+i#a/le resul# 2as a series ,
gra#e,ul an" generall% rea=#i=
(rin=el% en=la+es s#u""e" li.e
an=$rs agains# a re+lu#inar%
#$rug$u# #$se (ar#s , In"ia
rule" "ire=#l% /% #$e Bri#is$6
T$e (rin=es' l%al#% #. mre
#angi/le ,rms as 2ell6 Ma$araBa
, J"$(ur's Lan=ers le" #$e
=$arge #$a# #. 3 ,rm #$e
Tur.s in Allen/%'s Pales#ine
=am(aign n 5? Se(#e 37386>
Bi.aner's &amel &r(s ,ug$# a#
Bri#ain's si"e in #2 2, &$ina1
Pales#ine1 Eg%(#1 !ran=e an"
un"er Luis Mun#/ai r"ers in
Burma6 )2alir sen# #$e
/eleaguere" Bri#is$ #$ree /a#,a
, in,an#r% an" a $s(i#al s$i( in
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
37386 All #$se ,r=es 2ere n
e'ui((e"1 (ai" ,r an"
main#aine" /% #$e rulers
#$emsel+es1 n= g+ernmen# ,
In"ia6 T$e Ma$araBa , Jai(ur1 a
maBr ii Li,eguar"s1 le" $is !irs#
Jai(ur In,an#r% u( #$e sl(es , I
> In a mre (ea=e,ul s($ere1 #$e
same Ma$araBa $a" in#r"u=e"
-> s=ie#% # #$e #a(ere" ri"ing
/ree=$es 'B"$(urs' ,a+ure" in
$is s#a#e Lueen -i=#ria's
Diamn" Ju/ilee =ele/ra#ins in
Ln"n6 On arri+ing I ,es#i+i#ies1
#$e un,r#una#e (rin=e
"is=+ere" #$a# #$e s$i( =arr%ing
$is li $a" gne "2n a# sea6 T
sa+e #$e si#ua#in $e 2as ,r=e"
# "i+ulge # a L #ailr #$e se=re#
, $2 $is ,a+uri#e #rusers
2ere ma"e6
Mn#e &assin in 37A?6 T$e
Ma$araBa , Bun"i 2n #$e
Mili#ar% &rss in a=#in 2i#$ $is
/a##alin in Burma6
T$e gra#e,ul Bri#is$
a=.n2le"ge" #$eir "e/# # #$eir
,ai#$,ul an" generus +assals /%
s$2ering #$em 2i#$ $nurs
an" #$e /au/les #$e% l+e" /es#
, all1 Be2elDs#u""e"
"e=ra#ins6 )2alir1 &=$
Bi$ar an" Pa#iala 2ere a==r"e"
#$e $nur , ri"ing as $nrar%
AD&s /esi"e #$e r%al =arriage
, E"2ar" -II a# $is =rna#in6
OC,r" an" &am/ri"ge
=n,erre" #$eir "egrees1
$nrar% an" earne"1 n #$e
rulers an" #$eir (rgen%6 T$e
/eBe2elle" =$es#s , #$e =r2n's
ms# l%al (rin=es 2ere
em/ellis$e" /% #$e gli##ering
s#ars , #$e Or"er , #$e S#ar ,
In"ia r #$e Or"er , #$e In"ian
Em(ire6
I# 2as a/+e all /% #$e su/#le
gra"a#ins , a (ar#i=ularl%
ingenius ,rm , a2ar" #$a# #$e
es#eem , #$e (aramun# (2er
,r i#s +assals 2as # /e
measure"6 T$e num/er , guns
in #$e salu#e a==r"e" a ruler
(r+i"e" #$e ,inal an" "e,ini#i+e
(r, , $is (la=e in #$e (rin=el%
$ierar=$%6 I# 2as 2i#$in #$e
-i=er%'s (2er # in=rease #$e
num/er , guns in a salu#e s as
# re2ar" a ruler ,r eC=e(#inal
ser+i=es1 r # re"u=e #$e salu#e
as a (unis$men#6 SiQe an"
((ula#in 2ere n# #$e sle
,a=#rs "e#ermining a man's
salu#e6 !i"eli#% # #$e (aramun#
(2er an" #$e /l" an"
#reasure eC(en"e" in i#s "e,en=e
2ere e'uall% im(r#an#6 !i+e
rulers D H%"era/a"1 )2alir1
*as$mir1 M%sre an" Bar"a D
2ere en#i#le" # #$e su(reme
a==la"e1 53 guns6 Nine#een1
se+en#een1 ,i,#een1 #$ir#een
ele+en an" nine gun s#a#es 2ere
range" /e$in" #$em6 !r A50
un,r#una#e raBas an" na2a/s1
rulers , insigni,i=an# li##le
(rin=i(ali#ies1 #$ere 2as n
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
salu#e a# all6 T$e% 2ere In"ia's
,rg##en rulers1 #$e men ,r
2$m #$e guns ne+er #lle"6
T$e In"ia , #$e ma$araBas 2as
,#en n#e" ,r su/s#an#ial
a=$ie+emen#s as 2ell6 @$ere #$e
rulers 2ere enlig$#ene" men1
,#en @es#ernDe"u=a#e"1 #$e
s#a#e's su/Be=#s enB%e" /ene,i#s
an" (ri+ileges un.n2n in #$se
areas a"minis#ere" "ire=#l% /%
#$e Bri#is$6 Bar"a $a" /anne"
(l%gam% an" ma"e e"u=a#in
,ree an" uni+ersal /e,re #$e #urn
, #$e =en#ur%6 He $a"
=am(aigne" ,r #$e
Un#u=$a/les 2i#$ a Qeal less
2ell .n2n1 /u# n less sin=ere
#$an )an"$i's6 He =rea#e"
ins#i#u#ins # $use an" e"u=a#e
#$em an" (ersnall% ,inan=e" #$e
e"u=a#in , #$e man 2$
/e=ame #$eir lea"er1 Dr B$imra
Am/e".ar1 a# &lum/ia
Uni+ersi#% in Ne2 Yr.6 Bi.aner
$a" #urne" (ar#s , $is RaBas#$an
"eser# .ing"m in# a (ara"ise
, ar#i,i=ial la.es an" gar"ens ,r
$is su/Be=#s' use6 B$(al ,,ere"
2men an e'uali#% , s#a#us an"
(si#in une'ualle" in In"ia6
M%sre $ar/ure" Asia's /es#
s=ien=e ,a=ul#% an" a =$ain ,
$%"rele=#ri= "ams an"
in"us#ries6 T$e "es=en"an# ,
ne , $is#r%'s grea#es#
as#rnmers1 a man 2$ $a"
#ransla#e" Eu=li"'s Prim ,
)eme#r% in# Sans.ri#1 #$e
Ma$araBa , Jai(ur1 main#aim $is
=a(i#al ne , #$e 2rl"'s
u#s#an"ing /ser+a#ries6 @i#_
Se=n" @rl" @ar1 a ne2
genera#in , rulers $a" /egun #
as #$e #$rnes1 men usuall% less
,lam/%an#1 less sel,Din"ulgen#
#$eir ,a#$ers1 mre =ns=ius ,
#$e nee" ,r =$ange an" #$e re,
a#in , #$eir s#a#es6 One , #$e
,irs# a=#s , #$e eig$#$ Ma$ari
Pa#iala 2as # =lse #$e $arem ,
$is ,a#$er Sir B$u(in"er Sing
Magni,i=en#6 T$e Ma$araBa ,
)2alir marrie" a =mmne
/rillian# "aug$#er , a =i+il
ser+an#1 an" m+e" u# , $is ,a
+as# (ala=e6 Un$a((il% ,r #$se
men an" man% #$ers li.e #$en
rule" #$eir s#a#es res(nsi/l% an"
a/l%1 #$e (u/li= 2ul" a
ass=ia#e #$e ma$araBas , In"ia
2i#$ #$e eC=ess an" =C#ra+aa , a
$an",ul amng #$em6
!r #2 , In"ia's s#a#es1 ,r #2
(rin=es enB%ing #$e su_ $nur
, 53 guns1 #$e ini#ia#i+e
un"er#a.en in Ln"n I &nra"
&r,iel" $a" (r,un"
signi,i=an=e6 B#$ s#a#es
enrmus6 B#$ 2ere
lan"l=.e"6 B#$ $a" rulers
2$se re "i,,ere" ,rm #$a# ,
#$e +as# maBri#% , #$eir
su/Be=#s6 B#$ =aresse" #$e same
"reamH # =n+er# #$eir s#a#es
in# 2$ll% (en"en#1 s+ereign
na#ins6
O, all #$e /iQarre an" eC#i=
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
rulers in In"ia1 Rus#umDiDDT
Aras#uDeDRaman1 @al Mamali.1
Asi, Ja$1 Na2a/ Mir & Ali.$an
Ba$a"ur1 MuQa,, arDulDMul.
NiQamDalDMu"1 Si(a$ i !a#e$
Jang1 His ECal#e" Hig$ness1
Ms# !ai#$,ul All% , #$e _
&r2n1 #$e se+en#$ NiQam ,
H%"era/a" 2as surel% #$e
/iQarre6 A "e+u# an" learne"
Mslem1 $e an" an Islami= =as#e
(resi"e" +er #$e larges# an"
ms# ((ulus s#a#e in InV en#i#%
, 54 millin Hin"us an" nl% ?
millin Mslems se# $ear# , #$e
su/D=n#inen#6 He 2as a ,rail1
li##le1 l" man , ,r #$ree
2eig$ing /arel% 74 (un"s6
Years , "e+#e" =$e2ing nu#
$a" re"u=e" $is #ee#$ # a line ,
r##ing re""is$D/r2n He li+e"
in =ns#an# "rea" , /eing
(isne" /% sme Bealus = an"
2as ,ll2e" e+er%2$ere /% a
," #as#er 2$m $e /i s$are
$is un+ar%ing "ie# , =ream1
s2ee#s1 ,rui#s1 /e#el nu#s nig$#l%
/2l , (ium6 T$e NiQam 2as
#$e nl% ruler in In"ia e # #$e
a((ella#in 'ECal#e" Hig$ness'1 a
"is#in=#in =n,er $im /% a
gra#e,ul Bri#ain in re=gni#in ,
$is O50 m6 =n#r # #$eir 2arD
=$es# in @rl" @ar I6
In 37A81 #$e NiQam 2as re(u#e"
# /e #$e ri=$es# man in #$i an"
#$e legen"s , $is 2eal#$ 2ere
sur(asse" nl% /% #$e leg #$e
a+ari=e 2i#$ 2$i=$ $e sug$# #
$l" i# in#a=#6 He "re
rum(le" =##n (%Bamas an" illD
,rme" gre% sli((ers /ug$# in
#$e l=al mar.e# (la=e ,r a ,e2
ru(ees6 !r ?0 %ears $e'" 2rn
#$e same sile"1 "an"ru,,D
en=rus#e" ,eQ6 Al#$ug$ $e
2ne" a gl" ser+i=e ,r 344
(la=es1 $e a#e ,, a #in (la#e1
s'ua##ing n a ma# in $is
/e"rm6 S s#ing% 2as $e1 $e
sm.e" #$e =igare##e s#u/s le,#
/e$in" /% $is gues#s6 @$en a
s#a#e ==asin ,r=e" $im # (u#
=$am(agne n #$e (rin=el% #a/le1
$e sa2 # i# #$e single /##le $e
relu=#an#l% se# u# ne+er g#
mre #$an #$ree r ,ur (la=es
,rm $im6 In 37AA 2$en @a+ell
2as arri+ing ,r a +i=eregal +isi#1
#$e NiQam =a/le" Del$i
en'uiring 2$e#$er1 in +ie2 , i#s
$ig$ 2ar#ime =s#1 #$e -i=er%
reall% insis#e" n /eing ser+e"
=$am(agne6 On=e a 2ee.1 a,#er
Sun"a% ser+i=e1 #$e Englis$
Resi"en# =ame # =all6 !ai#$,ull%
a re#ainer a((eare" 2i#$ a #ra%
=n#aining a =u( , #ea1 a /is=ui#
an" a =igare##e ,r #$e NiQam
an" $is gues#6 One Sun"a%1 #$e
Resi"en# arri+e" unannun=e"
2i#$ a (ar#i=ularl% "is#inguis$e"
+isi#r6 T$e NiQam 2$is(ere" #
$is ser+an# 2$ re#urne" # ,,er
#$e +isi#r a se=n" #ra% n
2$i=$ $a" /een se# ne =u( ,
#ea1 ne /is=ui# an" ne
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=igare##e6
In ms# s#a#es1 i# 2as #$e =us#m
n=e a %ear ,r #$e n/les #
ma.e #$eir (rin=e a s%m/li=
,,ering , a gl" (ie=e 2$i=$
#$e ruler #u=$e"1 #$en re#urne"
# i#s 2ner6 In H%"era/a"1 #$ere
2as n#$ing s%m/li= a/u# #$e
,,ering6 T$e NiQam gra//e"
ea=$ gl" (ie=e an" "r((e" i#
in# a (a(er /ag /esi"e $is
#$rne6 On ne ==asin 2$en
ne ,ell1 $e 2as n $is $an"s an"
.nees li.e a s$#1 ra=ing i#s
2ner alng #$e ,lr # #$e
rlling =in6
In"ee"1 s miserl% 2as #$e
NiQam #$a# 2$en $is "=#r
arri+e" ,rm Bm/a% # gi+e
$im an ele=#rD=ar"igram1 $e
=ul"n'# ma.e $is ma=$ine 2r.6
T$e "=#r ,inall% "is=+ere"
2$%6 In r"er # sa+e n $is
ele=#ri=i#% /ill1 #$e NiQam $a"
=u# /a=. #$e (ala=e's =urren#H n
ma=$ine =ul" ,un=#in (r(erl%
n i#6
T$e NiQam's /e"rm l.e"
li.e a slum $u#1 i#s ,urnis$ings
=nsis#ing , a /a##ere" /e" an"
#a/le1 #$ree .i#=$en =$airs1
+er,l2ing as$#ra%s an" 2as#eD
(a(er /as.e#s em(#ie" n=e a
%ear n #$e NiQam's /ir#$"a%6
His ,,i=e 2as li##ere" 2i#$
s#a=.s , "us#% s#a#e ar=$i+es1 i#s
=eiling a ,res# , =/2e/s6
Ye#1 #u=.e" in# #$e =rners ,
#$a# (ala=e 2as a ,r#une /e%n"
=un#ing6 In ne "ra2er , #$e
NiQam's "es.1 2ra((e" in an l"
ne2s(a(er1 2as #$e Ja=/
"iamn"1 a /au/le #$e siQe , a
limeH 5:4 s(ar.ling1 (re=ius
=ara#s6 T$e NiQam use" i# as a
(a(erD2eig$#6 In #$e +ergr2n
gar"en 2as a =n+% , "Qens
, #ru=.s mire" in mu" u( #
#$eir aCles ,rm #$e 2eig$# ,
#$eir la"s1 sli" gl" ing#s6
T$e NiQam's Be2els1 a =lle=#in
s enrmus i# 2as sai" #$e
(earls alne 2ul" =+er all #$e
(a+emen#s , Pi==a"ill% &ir=us1
2ere s(ille" li.e =als in a
s=u##le n #$e ,lrs , $is
=ellarsT sa(($iH emeral"s1 ru/ies1
"iamn"s mingle" in
in"is=rimina#e $ea(s6 He 3 2ell
+er #2 millin (un"s in =as$
D s#erling1 ru(ees D 2ra((e= l"
ne2s(a(ers1 s#u=. in "us#%
=rners , #$e (ala=e's /asemen#T
a##i=6 T$ere #$e% earne" a .in" ,
nega#i+e in#eres# ,rm #$e Ba2
#$e ra#s 2$ annuall% gna2e"
#$eir 2a% #$rug$ #$usan"s
(un"s , #$e NiQam's ,r#une6
T$e NiQam $a" a siQea/le arm%
e'ui((e" 2i#$ $ea+% ar#iller%
air=ra,#6 In"ee"1 $e $a" e+er%
(ssi/le re'uiremen# ,r
in"e(en"e eC=e(# #2 D a sea(r#
an" #$e su((r# , $is (e(le6
His +er2$elmingl% Hin"u
((ula#in "e#es#e" #$e MT
minri#% 2$i=$ rule" #$em6
Nne#$eless1 #$ere 2as n 'ues
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
a/u# #$e ,u#ure #$a# #$e miserl%1
slig$#l% "emen#e" ruler , a s
$al, #$e siQe , !ran=e ,resa2
,r $imsel,6
'A# las#1' $e s$u#e"1 lea(ing
,rm $is =$air 2$en Sir &i
&r,iel" $a" in,rme" $im ,
Bri#ain's "e=isin # lea+e In"iT
June 37A:1 'I s$all /e ,ree6'
A similar am/i#in /urne" in #$e
/reas# , an#$er (2er,ul (i a#
#$e #$er en" , In"ia6 Reigning
+er #$e en=$an#e" +alle%
=ra"le" ne , #$e 2rl"'s ms#
/eau#i,ul si#es1 #$e -ale , *asl
Hari Sing$1 Ma$araBa ,
*as$mir 2as a Hin"u , a $ig$
Bra! su/D=as#e 2$se A millin
su/Be=#s 2ere +er2$elmingl%
MH His s#a#e1 se# agains# #$e
a2esme =res#s , #$e
Himala%as1 2a a##i= # #$e R,
, #$e @rl"1 #$e rem#e1 2in"D
s2e(# s(a= La"a.$1 Ti/e# an"
Sin.iang1 a +i#al =rssra"s
2$ere In"ia1 a , Pa.is#an1 &$ina
an" A,g$anis#an 2ere =er#ain #
mee#6
Hari Sing$ 2as a 2ea.1
+a=illa#ing1 in"e=isi+e man 2$
"i $is #ime /e#2een (ulen#
,eas#s in $is 2in#er =a(i#al in
Jammi #$e /eau#i,ul1 ,l2erD
=$.e" lagns , $is summer
=a(i#al1 Srii #$e -eni=e , #$e
Orien#6 He $a" /egun $is reign
2i#$ a ,e2 aims a# re,rm1
'ui=.l% a/an"ne" ,r an
au#$ri#arian rule ' .e(# $is Bails
,ille" 2i#$ (li#i=al ,es6 T$eir
ms# re=en# == $a" /een nne
#$er #$an Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru6
T$e (rin=e $a" r Ne$ru arres#e"
2$en $e'" #rie" # +isi# #$e s#a#e
, $is an=e Hari Sing$ #1 $a"
an arm% # "e,en" #$e ,rn#iers
, $i an" gi%e $is =laims #
in"e(en"en=e a mena=ing
em($asis6

A Da% &urse" /% #$e S#ars
Ln"n1 Ma% 37A8
T$e man ri"ing u( # 34
D2ning S#ree# s$ul" $a+e
/een =n#ri#e r1 a# #$e leas#1
a((re$ensi+e6 Luis
Mun#/a##en 2as nei#$er6 He $a"
,l2n # Ln"n in res(nse # a
re'ues# ,rm A##lee ,r a
(ersnal eC(lana#in , 2$a# $a"
gne 2rng in Simla6 Lr"
Isma%1 $is &$ie, , S#a,,1 $a"
2arne" $im a# #$e air(r# #$a#
#$e g+ernmen# 2as1 '$((ing
ma"6 T$e% "n'# .n2 2$a#
%u're "ing an" #$e%'re n# sure
%u "1 ei#$er'6
Mun#/a##en1 $2e+er1 $a" in
$is /rie,=ase #$e ne2 "ra,# , $is
(lan (re(are" /% -6 P6 Menn
a,#er Ne$ru $a" +igrusl%
reBe=#e" $is earlier #eC#6 He 2as
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=n,i"en# i# $el" #$e .e% # #$e
In"ian "ilemma6 Be,re lea+ing
Simla $e'" re=ei+e" Ne$ru's
assuran=e #$a# &ngress 2ul"
a==e(# i#6 Mun#/a##en "i" n#
(r(se '# " an% eC(laining
a2a%'6 He in#en"e"1 ins#ea"1 #
su/s#i#u#e #$is (lan ,r #$e l"
ne an" #ell A##lee an" $is
&a/ine# '$2 lu=.% #$e% 2ere I'"
$a" m% $un=$'6
Pise" an" smiling1 Mun#/a##en
g# u# , $is =ar an" 2al.e"
(as# #$e (((ing ,las$D/ul/s in#
#$e /uil"ing in 2$i=$1 Bus# siC
mn#$s earlier1 $e'" /een gi+en
$is #erri/le =$arge6
@ai#ing ,r $im 2ere A##lee1 Sir
S#a,,r" &ri((s1 an" #$e #$er
.e% mem/ers , #$e La/ur
g+ernmen# in+l+e" 2i#$ In"ia6
T$eir gree#ings 2ere =r"ial /u#
res#raine"6 Un"aun#e"1
Mun#/a##en sa# "2n an" se# #
2r.6 'I ga+e #$em n a(lg%1'
$e la#er re=alle"1 'nr an%
eC(lana#ins6 I $a" #$e ms#
,rig$#,ul1 n# 'ui#e =n=ei#1 /u#
=m(le#e an" a/slu#e /elie, #$a#
i# all "e(en"e" n me an" #$e%
reall% $a" # " 2$a# I sai"6'
As a resul# , #$e =$anges in $is
riginal "ra,# =a/le" # Del$i $e
$a"1 $e sai"1 (la%e" a $un=$ an"
s$2n i# # Ne$ru6 T$a# $a"
re+eale" =er#ain ,un"amen#al
&ngress /Be=#ins 2$i=$
2ul" $a+e (r"u=e" a "isas#er
$a" #$e (lan /een ,rmall%
su/mi##e" # &ngress6 T$e% $a"
/een me# in $is ne2 "ra,# an" $e
2as =n,i"en# $e $a" n2 (la=e"
/e,re #$em a (lan all =n=erne"
2ul" a==e(#6 Be%n" #$a#1 $e
#l" A##lee1 $e =ul" n2 re+eal
a remar.a/le (ie=e , ne2s6
He $a" /een a/le # $nur #$e
(le"ge $e'" ma"e #$e *ing
/e,re lea+ing Ln"n6 He =ul"
n2 assure #$e A##lee
g+ernmen# #$a# an in"e(en"en#
In"ia an" Pa.is#an 2ul" remain
lin.e" # Bri#a'n in #$e Bri#is$
&mmn2eal#$6 Jinna$ $a"
al2a%s 2an#e" # .ee( an
A DAY &URSED B- THE
STARS
in"e(en"en# Pa.is#an in #$e
&mmn2eal#$1 /u# # &ngress
mi #aining a #ie # #$e &r2n1 #$e
s%m/li= lin. /in"ing #$e &mm
2eal#$'s mem/ers1 $a" /een a
"i,,i=ul# =n=e(# # a==e(#6 T$e
Brii &r2n $a" /een1 a,#er all1
#$e s%m/l agains# 2$i=$ #$eir
s#ruB $a" /een "ire=#e"6
Pa#ien#l%1 (ersis#en#l%1 alms#
se=re#i+el%1 Mun#/a##en 3
s#resse" #$e a"+an#ages , a
&mmn2eal#$ #ie1 (in#ing u#
# i# 2as #$e nl% 2a% In"ia =ul"
se=ure #$e lan , #$e ,,i=ers
2ul" nee" # =m(le#e #$e
"e+el(men# , $er arme"
,r=es6 @ $e 2as in Simla1 $e'"
re=ei+e" a message ,rm
-alla/$/$ai Pa T$e s$re2"
&ngress La"er .ne2
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Mun#/a##en 2as in a $urr_ see
(2er #rans,erre" # In"ian
$an"s6 S 2as $e6 Pa#el suggei
Mun#/a##en em(l% a #imeD
sa+ing "e+i=e ,r #$e a=#ual #ran
, (2erT sim(l% # (r=laim
In"ia an" Pa.is#an in"e(en=
"minins li.e &ana"a insi"e
#$e Bri#is$ &mmn2eal#$6 3
2a% all =n=erne"1 Pa#el (in#e"
u#1 =ul" a+i" #$e lenB (r=ess
, "ra2ing u( =ns#i#u#ins an"
ele=#ing /"ies # 2l Bri#ain
2ul" ,rmall% $an" +er6 I,
Mun#/a##en a=#e" 'ui= lng
/e,re #$e l" "ea"line , ?4
June 37A:1 #$en a gra#e,ul &
gress 2ul" n# se+er #$e
&mmn2eal#$ #ies #$a#
au#ma#i= 2en# 2i#$ "minin
s#a#us6
Mun#/a##en 2as "elig$#e"6
Pa#el's (r(sal 2as in ,a=# +
$e'" /een se=re#l% l//%ing ,r
2ee.s6 He $a" eagerl% r"V -6 P6
Menn # in=r(ra#e #$e i"ea
in# #$e re"ra,#e" (lan $e
su/mi##ing # A##lee6
T$e .e% # #$e si#ua#in n21 $e
sai"1 2as s(ee"6 He $a" (u# ,re
#$em a (lan ,r #$e Trans,er ,
P2er 2$i=$ $e =ul" asT #$em
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A DAY &URSED BY THE
STARS
All #$e ,rus#ra#ins 2$i=$
"ealing 2i#$ Jinna$ $a"
genera#e" Mun#/a##en n2
2elle" u(6 I# 2as in=re"i/le6
Jinna$ $a" g# "amne" Pa.is#an6
E+en #$e Si.$s $a" s2all2e" i#6
E+er%#$ing $ /een (la%ing ,r
$e'" ,inall% g# an" $ere1 a# #$e
ele+en#$ $ur1 2as (re(aring #
"es#r% i# all1 # /ring #$e 2$le
#$ing =ras$ "2n 2i#$ $is
un,a#$ma/le ina/ili#% #
ar#i=ula#e Bus# ne 2= '%es'6
Mun#/a##en sim(l% $a" # $a+e
$is agreemen#6 A##lee U s#an"ing
/% in Ln"n 2ai#ing # ma.e
$is $is#ri= annun=em # #$e
&mmns in less #$an 5A $urs6
He $a" (le"ge" A##lee T $is
g+ernmen# #$a# #$is (lan 2ul"
2r.T #$a# #$ere 2ul" /e mre
a/ru(# #2is#s li.e #$a# (rm(#e"
/% Ne$ru in SimlaT #$a# I #ime1
#$e% =ul" /e =er#ain1 #$e%'"
a((r+e" a (lan #$e In" lea"ers
2ul" all a==e(#6 He $a" =aCe"
a relu=#an# &ngress + enrmus
"i,,i=ul#% u( # #$e (in# a#
2$i=$1 ,inall%1 #$e% 2ere i (are"
# a==e(# (ar#i#in6 E+en )an"$i
$a" #em(raril% a# I, all2e"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$imsel, # /e /%(asse"6 A ,inal
$esi#a#in1 #$e ,ain#es# 3 #$a#
Jinna$ 2as maneu+ring #
se=ure ne eC#ra =n=essin1 T
#$e 2$le =are,ull% 2rug$#
(a=.age 2ul" /l2 a(ar#6
'Mr Jinna$1' Mun#/a##en sai"1 'i,
%u #$in. I =an $l" (si#in ,r
a 2ee. 2$ile %u summn %ur
,ll2ers # Del$i1T mus# /e
=raQ%6 Yu .n2 #$is $as /een
"ra2n u# #ill 2e are /iling
(in#6'
'Yu'+e g# %ur Pa.is#an1 2$i=$
a# ne #ime n ne in #$e 2V
#$ug$# %u'" ge#6 I .n2 %u
=all i# m#$Dea#en1 /u# i#'s Pa.isi
N2 all "e(en"s n %ur
agreeing #mrr2 alng 2i#$
e+er% else6 T$e &ngress $as
ma"e #$eir a==e(#an=e "e(en"en#
n % agreemen#6 I, #$e% sus(e=#
%u're $l"ing u# n #$em #$e%
2ill me"ia#el% 2i#$"ra2 #$eir
agreemen# an" 2e 2ill /e in #$e
n #erri/le mess6'
'N1 n1'Jinna$ (r#es#e" #$a#
e+er%#$ing $a" #6/e "ne in
legall% =ns#i#u#e" 2a%6 'I am n#
#$e Mslem League1' $e sai"6
'N21 n2 Mr Jinna$1 =me n1'
sai" Mun#/a##en1 i=il% = "es(i#e
$is gr2ing ,rus#ra#in1 '"n'# #r%
# #ell me #$a#6 Yu #r% an" #ell
#$e 2rl" #$a#1 /u# (lease "n'#
#r% # .i" %ursel, #$ "n'# .n2
2$'s 2$ an" 2$a#'s 2$a# in
#$e Mslem League
N1 s#neD2alle" Jinna$1
e+er%#$ing $a" # /e "ne in #$e
(rV 2a%6
'Mr Jinna$1' sai" Mun#/a##en1
'I'm ging # #ell %u sme#$ I
"n'# in#en" # le# %u 2re=.
%ur 2n (lan6 I =an'# all2 %
#$r2 a2a% #$e slu#in %u'+e
2r.e" s $ar" # ge#6 I (r(s
a==e(# n %ur /e$al,6
'Tmrr2 a# #$e mee#ing1'
Mun#/a##en =n#inue"1 'I s$all
I $a+e re=ei+e" #$e re(l% , #$e
&ngress 2i#$ a ,e2 reser+a#ins
#$a# I am sure I =an sa#is,% an"
#$e% $a+e a==e(#e"6 T$e Si.$s
$a+e a==e(#e"6
'T$en I s$all sa% #$a# I $a" a +er%
lng1 +er% ,rien"l% =n+ersa#in
2i#$ Mr Jinna$ las# nig$#1 #$a#
2e 2en# #$rug$ #$e (lan in
"e#ail an" Mr Jinna$ $as gi+en
me $is (ersnal assuran=e #$a#
$e is in agreemen# 2i#$ #$is (lan6
'N2 a# #$a# (in#1 Mr Jinna$1'
Mun#/a##en =n#inue"1 'I s$all
#urn # %u6 I "n'# 2an# %u #
s(ea.6 I "n'# 2an# &ngress #
,r=e %u in# #$e (en6 I 2an#
%u # " nl% ne #$ing6 I 2an#
%u # n" %ur $ea" # s$2
#$a# %u are in agreemen# 2i#$
me6
'I, %u "n'# n" %ur $ea"1 Mr
Jinna$1' Mun#/a##en =n=lu"e"1
'#$en %u're #$rug$1 an" #$ere'll
/e n#$ing mre I =an " ,r
%u6 E+er%#$ing 2ill =lla(se6
T$is is n# a #$rea#6 I#'s a
(r($e=%6 I, %u "n'# n" %ur
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$ea" a# #$a# mmen#1 m%
use,ulness $ere 2ill /e en"e"1
%u 2ill $a+e ls# %ur Pa.is#an1
an" as ,ar as I am =n=erne"1
%u =an g # $ell6'
T$e mee#ing 2$i=$ 2ul"
,rmall% re=r" #$e In"ian
lea"ers' a==e(#an=e , #$e
Mun#/a##en (lan # "i+i"e In"ia
/egan eCa=#l% as Mun#/a##en
$a" sai" i# 2ul"6 On=e again
#$e -i=er% =n"emne" #$e
lea"ers # an un,amiliar silen=e
/% "mina#ing #$e =n+ersa#in
$imsel, an"1 in a sense1 s(ea.ing
,r #$em6 As $e $a" eC(e=#e" $e
sai"1 all #$ree (ar#ies $a" $a"
gra+e reser+a#ins a/u# /is (lan
an" $e 2as gra#e,ul #$e% $a"
aire" #$em # $im6 Nne#$eless
&ngress $a" signi,ie" i#s
a==e(#an=e6 S1 #1 $a" #$e
Si.$s6 He $a" $a"1 $e sai"1 a
lng an" ,rien"l% =n+ersa#in
#$e (re+ius e+ening 2i#$ Mr
Jinna$ 2$ $a" assure" $im #$e
(lan 2as a==e(#a/le6
As $e s(.e #$se 2r"s1
Mun#/a##en #urne" # Jinna$
sea#e" a# $is rig$#6 A# #$a# ins#an#
Mun#/a##en $a" a/slu#el% n
i"ea 2$a# #$e Mslem lea"er
2as ging # "6 T$e =a(#ain ,
#$e *ell%1 #$e su(reme
=mman"er 2$ $a" $a" an
en#ire Arm% &r(s en=ir=le" an"
=u# 6,, /% #$e Ja(anese n #$e
Im($al Plain1 2ul" al2a%s l.
/a=. n #$a# ins#an# as '#$e ms#
$airDraising mmen# , m% en#ire
li,e'6 !r an en"less se=n"1 $e
s#are" in# Jinna$'s im(assi+e1
eC(ressinless ,a=e6 T$en1
sl2l%1 relu=#an=e =r%ing ,rm
e+er% (re1 Jinna$ in"i=a#e" $is
agreemen# 2i#$ #$e ,ain#es#1
ms# /egru"ging n" $e =ul"
ma.e6 His =$in m+e" /arel%
$al, an in=$ "2n2ar"1 #$e
s$r#es# "is#an=e i# =ul" $a+e
#ra+elle" =nsnan# 2i#$
a==e(#ing Mun#/a##en's (lan6
@i#$ #$a# /rie,1 alms#
im(er=e(#i/le ges#ure1 a na#in
, A0 millin $uman /eings $a"
re=ei+e" i#s ,inal san=#in6
H2e+er miss$a(en1 $2e+er
"i,,i=ul# #$e =ir=ums#an=es #$a#
2ul" a##en" /ir#$1 #$e
'im(ssi/le "ream' , Pa.is#an
2ul" a# las# /e rea,
Mun#/a##en $a" enug$
agreemen# # g a$ea"6 Be,re
an% , se+en men =ul" $a+e a
=$an=e # ,rmula#e a las#
reser+a#in "u/#1 $e annun=e"
#$a# $is (lan 2ul" $en=e,r#$
=ns#i#u#e /asis ,r an In"ian
se##lemen#6
@$ile #$e enrmi#% , #$e
"e=isin #$e% $a" Bus# #a.en
/egar sin. in1 Mun#/a##en 2i#$
a (reDarrange" ges#ure1 $a" a ?AD
(T singleDs(a=e" "=umen# se#
/e,re ea=$ man6 &las(ing #$e
las# = $imsel, 2i#$ /#$ $an"s1
#$e -i=er% li,#e" i# +er $is
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$ea" 2$i((e" i# /a=. "2n n #
#$e #a/le6 A# #$e s$ar( =ra=. #
,ll2e" #$e sla( , (a(er n
2" Mun#/a##en rea" u# #$e
(sing #i#le n $is e'uall%
im(sing "=umen#H 'T$e
A"minis#ra &nse'uen=es ,
Par#i#in'6
I# 2as a =are,ull% ela/ra#e"
=$ris#ening (resen# ,rm
Mun#/a an" $is s#a,, # #$e
In"ian lea"ers1 a gui"e # #$e
a2esme #as. n2 la% /e,re
#$em6 Page a,#er (age1 i#
summariQe" in i#s /ureau=ra#i=
Bargn #$e a((alling im(li=a#ins
, #$eir "e=isin1 $ , #$e se+en
2as in e+en #$e rem#es# 2a%
(re(are" ,r #$e s$i $e
en=un#ere" as $e /egan # #urn
#$e (ages6 A$ea" la% a (r# , a
s=(e an" n a s=ale n (e(le
$a" e+er en=un#ere" /e,i
(r/lem +as# enug$ # /eggar
#$e ms# +i+i" imagina#in6 3
2ere n2 ging # /e =alle"
u(n # unra+el #$e 2e/ le,#
/e$ini ?4 =en#uries , =mmn
$a/i#a#in , #$e su/D=n#inen#1
# # /i#s #$e (r"u=# , #$ree
=en#uries , #e=$nlg%6 T$e
=as$ ir /an.sT s#am(s in #$e (s#
,,i=esT /.s in #$e li/rariesT "V
asse#sT #$e 2rl"'s #$ir" larges#
rail2a%T BailsT (risnersT in.B
/rmsT resear=$
=en#resT$s(i#alsT uni+ersi#iesT
ins#i#u#insT arl s#aggering in
num/er an" +arie#%1 2ul" /e
#$eirs # "i+i"e6
A s#unne" silen=eD,ille" #$e
s#u"% as #$e se+en men measure!
#$e ,irs# #ime 2$a# la% a$ea" ,
#$em6 Mun#/a##en $a" =are
s#ageDmanage" #$e s=ene an"
#$eir rea=#in 2as eCa=#l% 2$a#
$e $(e" i# 2ul" /e6 I# 2ul"1
$e la#er #l" $is s#a,,1 $a+e /een
ami $a" i# n# /een ,r #$e
gra+i#% , #$e $ur6 He $a"
,r=e" #$eseH men # gri(s 2i#$ a
(r/lem s im(sing #$a# i#s
reslu#ii =ul" ,eel =er#ain1
2ul" lea+e #$em nei#$er #$e
#ime nr #$e ei ,r re=rimina#ins
in #$e ,e2 2ee.s , =$a/i#a#in
le,# # #$e
)an"$i re=ei+e" #$e ne2s =#$e
"e=isin as $e 2as $a+ing a /a#$
a,#er $is e+ening 2al.6 @$ile
ne , $is ,emale "is=i(les sage"
$is ,ee# 2i#$ a s#ne1 an#$er
/urs# in 2i#$ an a==un#
; -i=er%'s se=n" mee#ing 2i#$
#$e lea"ers6 Srr2 seeme" # sT
li.e a s#ain +er $is (in=$e"
,ea#ures as s$e #al.e"6 'Ma% )"

#e=# #$em an" gran# #$em all
2is"m1' $e sig$e" 2$en s$e'"
,inis$e"6
S$r#l% a,#er se+en '=l=. n
#$a# e+ening , ? June 37A81 in
#$e Ne2 Del$i s#u"i , All
In"ia Ra"i1 #$e ,ur .e% lea"ers
,rmall% annun=e" #$eir
agreemen# # "i+i"e #$e su/D
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=n#inen# in# #2 se(ara#e1
s+ereign na#ins6
As /e,i##e" $is ,,i=e1
Mun#/a##en s(.e ,irs#6 His
2r"s 2ere =n,i"en#1 $is
s(ee=$ /rie,1 $is #nes
un"ers#a#e"6 Ne$ru ,ll2e"
s(ea.ing in Hin"i6 Sa"ness
gras(e" #$e In"ian lea"er's ,a=e
as $e #l" $is lis#eners1 FT$e
grea# "es#in% , In"ia1' 2as
#a.ing s$a(e1 '2i#$ #ra+ail an"
su,,ering6'Bar ring $is 2n
em#ins1 $e urge" a==e(#an=e
, #$e (lan 2$i=$ $a" =ause"
$im su=$ "ee( (ersnal anguis$
/% =n=lu"ing 'i# is 2i#$ n B%
in m% $ear# #$a# I =mmen"
#$ese (r(sals # %u'6
Jinna$ 2as neC#6 N#$ing 2ul"
e+er /e mre illus#ra#i+e , #$e
enrmus1 %e# 2$ll%
in=ngruus na#ure , $is
a=$ie+emen# #$an #$a# s(ee=$6
M$amme" Ali Jinna$ 2as
in=a(a/le , annun=ing # $is
,ll2ers in a language #$a# #$e%
=ul" un"ers#an" #$e ne2s #$a#
$e $a" 2n #$em a s#a#e6 He $a"
# #ell In"ia's Mslems , #$e
'mmen#us "e=isin' # =rea#e
an Islami= s#a#e n #$e su/D
=n#inen# in Englis$1 =n=lu"ing
2i#$ #$e 2r"s 'Pa.is#an
Rin"a/a"'> An annun=er #$en
rea" $is 2r"s in Ur"u6
T$e (r($e# , nnD+ilen=e g#
$is +i=e /a=. #$e "a% ,ll2ing
#$e lea"ers' a==e(#an=e , #$e
-i=er%'s (lan6 T$e /rie, res(i#e
a==r"e" Mun#/a##en /% $is
"a% , silen=e 2as +er6 S$r#l%
a,#er nn n A June1
Mun#/a##en re=ei+e" an urgen#
=mmuni=a#inH )an"$i 2as
(re(aring # /rea. 2i#$ #$e
&ngress lea"ers$i( an"
"enun=e #$e (lan a# $is e+ening
(ra%er mee#ing6 Mun#/a##en
imme"ia#el% sen# an emissar% #
)an"$i in+i#ing $im # =me #
see $im1
)an"$i 2al.e" in#
Mun#/a##en's s#u"% a# 9 (6m6
His (ra%er mee#ing 2as a# se+en6
T$a# le,# Mun#/a##en less #$an
an $ur in 2$i=$ # 2ar" ,, a
(#en#ial "isas#er6 His ,irs#
glan=e a# #$e Ma$a#ma #l"
Mun#/a##en $2 "ee(l% u(se#
$e 2as6 &rum(le" u( in $is
arm=$air 'li.e a /ir" 2i#$ a
/r.en 2ing'1 )an"$i .e(#
raising an" "r((ing ne $an"1
lamen#ing in an alms# inau"i/le
+i=e1 'I#'s s a2,ul1 i#'s s
a2,ul6'
In #$a# s#a#e )an"$i1
Mun#/a##en .ne21 2as =a(a/le
, an%#$ing6 A (u/li=
"enun=ia#in , $is (lan 2ul"
/e "isas#rus6 Ne$ru1 Pa#el an"
#$e #$er lea"ers 2ul" /e
,r=e" # /rea. (u/li=l% 2i#$
)an"$i r # /rea. #$eir
agreemen# 2i#$ $im6 -2ing #
use e+er%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
> A num/er , $is lis#eners ,aile"
# un"ers#an" #$a# ,inal s$i,#
,rm Englis$ # Ur"u an"
#$ug$# Jinna$ $a" =rie"H
'Pa.is#an's in #$e /ag!'

A DAY &URSED BY THE
STARS

39

e+ening ,rm #$e mu#$ , #$e
man 2$ $a" s ,#en (rmise"
# ,,er $is 2n /"% ,r
+i+ise=#in ra#$er #$an a==e(# $is
=un#r%'s "i+isin6
I# 2as n use /laming #$e
-i=er% ,r (ar#i#in1 $e sai"6
L. #e %ursel+es an" in %ur
2n $ear#s ,r an eC(lana#in ,
2$a# $as $a((ene"6 Luis
Mun#/a##en's (ersuasi+eness
$a" 2n $im #$e ul#ima#e an"
ms# "i,,i=ul# #rium($ , $is
-i=er%al#%6
As ,r )an"$i1 man% an In"ian
2ul" ne+er ,rgi+e $im $is
silen=e1 an" #$e ,rail l" man
2$se $ear# s#ill a=$e" ,r
In"ia's =ming "i+isin 2ul"
ne "a% (a% #$e (ri=e , #$eir
ran=ur6
Ne+er $a" #$e $an"sme
=$am/er /uil# # s$el#er #$e
"e/a#es , In"ia's legisla#rs
seen a (er,rman=e # ri+al i#6
S(ea.ing 2i#$u# n#es1 2i#$ an
au#$ri#% an" =lari#% #$a# a2e"
e+en $is ms# +irulen# =ri#i=s1
Luis Mun#/a##en re+eale" #
In"ian an" 2rl" (inin #$e
"e#ails , ne , #$e ms#
im(r#an# /ir#$ =er#i,i=a#es in
$is#r%1 #$e =m(leC (lan 2$i=$
2ul" ser+e as #$e (re=ursr , a
ne2 assem/l% , #$e (e(les ,
#$e (lane#1 #$e T$ir" @rl"6
I# 2as #$e se=n" #ime in #$e
$is#r% , Bri#ain's In"ian
Em(ire #$a# a -i=er% ga+e a
(ress =n,eren=e6 I# 2as als #$e
las#6 T$ree $un"re" Burnalis#s1
=rres(n"en#s , #$e USSR1
US1 &$ina an" Eur(e1 miCe"
2i#$ #$e re(resen#a#i+es ,
In"ia's (ress1 a reginal1
religius an" linguis#i= msai=
, Burnals1 all ,ll2ing 2i#$
eC#rar"inar% in#en#ness #$e
mnlgue , #$e -i=er%6
!r Luis Mun#/a##en #$e (ress
=n,eren=e 2as #$e a(#$esis1
#$e ,inal =nse=ra#in , a
remar.a/le #ur "e ,r=e6 In
/arel% #2 mn#$s1 +ir#uall%
a\\ne man/an"1 $e
$a=La=$ie+e" #$e Im(ssi/le1
Fes#a/lis$e" a "ialgue 2i#$
In"ia's lea"ersSse# #$e /asis Tan
agrees men#1 (ersua"e" $is
In"ian inierl=u#rsBa==e(# i#1
eC#ra=#e?\#$e 2$le$ear#e"
su((r# , /#$ #$[ g+ernmen#
an" T$eB((si#in in Ln"n6
He $a" s.ir#e" 2i#$ "eC#eri#%
an" a li##le lu=. arun" T$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(i#,alls /arring $is ru#e6 An" as
$is ,inal ges#ure $e $a" en#ere"
#$e =age , #$e l" lin $imsel,1
=n+in=e" &$ur=$ill # "ra2 in
$is =la2s an" le,# $im1 #1
murmuring $is a((r/a#in6
Mun#/a##en =n=lu"e" $is #al.
# a /urs# , a((lause an"
(ene" #$e ,lr # 'ues#ins6 He
$a" n a((re$ensin in "ing s6
>I $a" /een #$ere1' $e 2ul"
re=all la#er6 'I 2as #$e nl% ne
2$ $a" /een #$rug$ i# all1
2$'" li+e" e+er% mmen# , i#6
!r #$e ,irs# #ime #$e (ress 2ere
mee#ing #$e ne an" nl% man
2$ $a" #$e 2$le #$ing a# $is
,inger#i(s6'
Su""enl%1 2$en #$e lng /arrage
, 'ues#ins /egan # #ri=.le u#1
#$e ann%mus +i=e , an
In"ian ne2sman =u# a=rss #$e
=$am/er6 His 2as #$e las#
'ues#in a2ai#ing an ans2er6 I#
2as #$e las# s'uare le,# ,r
Mun#/a##en # ,ill in1 in #$e
(uQQle $e'" /een assigne" si
mn#$s /e,re6
'Sir1' #$e +i=e sai"1 'i, all agree
#$a# #$ere is ms# urgen# nee" ,=
s(ee" /e#2een #"a% an" #$e
Trans,er , P2er1 surel% %u
s$ul $a+e a "a#e in min" ?'
'Yes1 in"ee"1' re(lie"
Mun#/a##en6
'An" i, %u $a+e =$sen a "a#e1
Sir1 2$a# #$en is #$a# "a#e
(resse" #$e 'ues#iner6
A num/er , ra(i" =al=ula#ins
2en# 2$irring #$rug$ #l
-i=er%'s min" as $e lis#ene" #
#$se 'ues#ins6 He $a" n#1 in
,a# (i=.e" a "a#e6 Bu# $e 2as
=n+in=e" i# $a" # /e +er% sn6
'I $a" # ,r=e #$e (a=e1' $e
re=alle" la#er6 'I .ne2 I $a" # ,r
(arliamen# # ge# #$e /ill #$rug$
/e,re #$eir summer re=ess # $
#$e #$ing #ge#$er6 @e 2ere
si##ing n #$e e"ge , a +l=an1
n ,use" /m/1 an" 2e "i"n'#
.n2 2$en #$e ,use 2ul" g
,,6' Li #$e /lurre" images , a
$rrr ,ilm1 #$e =$arre" =r(ses
, *a$u ,las$e" a=rss Luis
Mun#/a##en's min"6 I, an
u#/urs# , simi #rage"ies 2as
n# # "rag all In"ia in# an
a(=al%(se1 $e $a" # ,as#6 A,#er
?444 %ears , $is#r%1 544 , PaC
Bri#anni=a1 nl% a , 2ee.s
remaine"1 #$e -i=er% /elie+e"1
/e#2een In"ia an" =$as
He s#are" a# #$e (a=.e" assem/l%
$all6 E+er% ,a=e in #$e rm +
#urne" # $is6 A $us$e"1
eC(e=#an# silen=e /r.en nl% /%
#$e 2 , #$e 2"en /la"es ,
#$e ,ans re+l+ing +er$ea"
s#ille" #$e r= 'I 2as "e#ermine"
# s$2 I 2as #$e mas#er , #$e
2$le e+en#1' 2ul" remem/er6
'Yes1' $e sai"1 T $a+e sele=#e" a
"a#e ,r #$e Trans,er , P2
As $e 2as u##ering #$se 2r"s1
#$e (ssi/le "a#es 2ere ,
2$iQQing #$rug$ $is min" li.e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e num/ers n a s(inning ruli
2$eel6 Earl% Se(#em/er? Mi"D
Se(#em/er? Mi"DAugus#? Su""e
#$e 2$eel s#((e" 2i#$ a Bar an"
#$e li##le /all (((e" in# a sl
+er2$elmingl% a((r(ria#e #$a#
Mun#/a##en's "e=isin
ins#an#aneus6 I# 2as a "a#e
lin.e" in $is memr% # #$e n
#rium($an# $urs , $is 2n
eCis#en=e1 #$e "a% in 2$i=$ $is 3
=rusa"e #$rug$ #$e Bungles ,
Burma $a" en"e" 2i#$ #$e
=n"i#inal surren"er , #$e
Ja(anese Em(ire6 @$a# mre
(r(ria#e "a#e ,r #$e /ir#$ , #$e
ne2 "em=ra#i= Asia #$an
se=n" anni+ersar% , Ja(an's
surren"er?
His +i=e =ns#ri=#e" 2i#$
su""en em#in1 #$e +i=#r ,
Bungles , Burma a/u# #
/e=me #$e li/era#r , In"ia
annun
'T$e ,inal Trans,er , P2er #
In"ian $an"s 2ill #a.e (la 30
Augus# 37A86'
Luis Mun#/a##en's
s(n#aneus "e=isin #
annun=e #$e "ai
In"ian in"e(en"en=e n $is 2n
ini#ia#i+e 2as a /m/s$ell6 In #$e
=rri"rs , #$e Huse ,
&mmns1 D2ning S#ree#1
Bu=.ing$am Pala=e1 n ne $a"
sus(e=#e" Mun#/a##en 2as
rea"% # ring #$e =ur#ain "2n s
(re=i(i#usl% n Bri#ain's In"ian
a"+en#ure6 In Del$i1 #$e
-i=er%'s ms# in#ima#e
=lla/ra#rs $a" n in.ling ,
2$a# Mun#/a##en 2as ging #
"6 N# e+en #$e In"ian lea"ers
2i#$ 2$m $e $a" s(en# s
man% $urs $a" re=ei+e" a $in#
#$a# $e 2ul" a=# 2i#$ su=$
"e=isi+e $as#e6
N2$ere1 $2e+er1 "i" $is
=$i=e , #$e "a#e , 30 Augus#
,r In"ia's in"e(en"en=e =ause
as mu=$ sur(rise an"
=ns#erna#in as i# "i" in #$e
ran.s , a =r(ra#in 2$i=$
rule" #$e li+es , millins ,
Hin"us 2i#$ a #%rann% mre
((ressi+e #$an #$a# , Englis$1
&ngress an" ma$araBas
=m/ine"6 Mun#/a##en $a"
=mmi##e" #$e un(ar"na/le
,aul# , annun=ing $is =$i=e
2i#$u# ,irs# $a+ing =nsul#e"
re(resen#a#i+es , #$e ms#
(2er,ul ==ul# /"% in In"ia1
#$e B%#is$is1 #$e as#rlgers6
N (e(le in #$e 2rl" 2ere as
su/ser+ien# # #$eir au#$ri#% an"
rulings as #$e In"ians6 N2$ere
"i" #$eir =m(e#en=e eC#en" in#
s man% "mains6 E+er%
ma$araBa1 e+er% #em(le1 e+er%
+illage $a" ne r #2
as#rlgers 2$ rule" li.e li##le
"i=#a#rs +er #$e =mmuni#%
an" i#s in$a/i#an#s6 Millins ,
In"ians 2ul"n'# "ream ,
se##ing u# n a #ri(1 re=ei+ing a
gues#1 signing a =n#ra=#1 ging
$un#ing1 (u##ing n a ne2 sui#1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
/u%ing a ne2 Be2el1 =u##ing a
mus#a=$e1 marr%ing a "aug$#er
r e+en $a+ing #$eir 2n
,unerals arrange"1 2i#$u# (rir
=nsul#a#in 2i#$ an as#rlger6
Dis=erning #$e "i+ine r"er ,
#$ings in #$eir rea"ing , #$eir
=eles#ial =$ar#s1 #$e as#rlgers
=laime" ,r #$emsel+es a (2er
#$a# ma"e #$em mas#ers ,
millins , li+es6 &$il"ren 2$m
#$e% (r=laime" 2ere /rn un"er
an unlu=.% s#ar 2ere ,#en
a/an"ne" /% #$eir (aren#s6 Men
ele=#e" # =mmi# sui=i"e a# #$e
$ur #$e% annun=e" #$e
=nBun=#in , #$e (lane#s 2as
(ar#i=ularl% ,a+ura/le # #$e a=#6
T$e% lai" "2n 2$i=$ "a%s , a
gi+en 2ee. 2ul" /e aus(i=ius1
an" 2$i=$ 2ul" n#6 Sun"a%
2as ine+i#a/l% an inaus(i=ius
"a%T s1 #1 2as !ri"a%6
An%/"% in In"ia =ul" $a+e
"is=+ere" 2i#$ #$e ai" , a
=$ar# n mre ==ul# #$an a
=alen"ar #$a# in 37A81 30 Augus#
$a((ene" # ,all n a !ri"a%6
As sn as #$e ra"i annun=e"
Mun#/a##en's "a#e1 as#rlgers
all +er In"ia /egan # =nsul#
#$eir =$ar#s6 T$se in #$e $l%
=i#% , Benares an" se+eral
#$ers in #$e su#$ imme"ia#el%
(r=laime" 30 Augus# a "a#e s
inaus(i=ius #$a# In"ia '2ul" /e
/e##er a"+ise" # #lera#e #$e
Bri#is$ ne "a% lnger ra#$er
#$an ris. e#ernal "amna#in'6
In &al=u##a1 S2anu Ma"ananan"
rus$e" # $is =eles#ial =$ar#s as
sn as $e $ear" #$e "a#e
annun=e"6 He #. u# $is
na+ams$1 enrmus =ir=ular
=$ar# =m(se" , a su==essin
, =n=er =ir=les n 2$i=$ 2ere
(l##e" #$e "a%s an" mn#$s ,
#$e %ear1 =%=les , #$e sun an"
mn1 #$e (lane#s1 #$e signs ,
R"ia= an" (si#ins , #$e 58
s#ars in,luen=ing #$e "es#in% ,
#$e ear#$6 A =en#re 2as a ma( ,
#$e 2rl"6 He #2is#e" #$e =ir=les
n $is = un#il #$e% 2ere all se#
,r #$e 30#$ , Augus#6 T$en1
,rm a ma In"ia in #$e =$ar#'s
=re1 $e /egan # "ra2 a series
, lines #2ar"s #$e e"ge , $is
2$eel6 As $e "i" s1 $e sa# u(
ag$as#1 =al=ula#ins ,re#l"
"isas#er6 In"ia n 30 Augus#
2ul" lie u #$e R"ia=al sign ,
Ma.ara1 &a(ri=rn1 a sign ne ,
2 (ar#i=ulari#ies 2as i#s
unrelen#ing $s#ili#% # all
=en#ri,ugal , $en=e # (ar#i#in6
!ar 2rse1 #$a# "a% 2ul" /e
(asse" u #$e in,luen=e , Sa#urn1
a n#a/l% inaus(i=ius (lane#1
"mir /% Ra$u1 s=rn,ull%
la/elle" /% as#rlgers '#$e s#ar
2i#l ne=.'1 a =eles#ial /"%
2$se mani,es#a#ins 2ere
alms# 2 malign6 !rm
mi"nig$#1 3A Augus# #$rug$u#
30 Augus#1 Sa Ju(i#er an" -enus
2ul" all lie in #$e ms#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
a==urse" si#e $ea+ens1 #$e
nin#$ $use , *arams#$an6 Li.e
#$usan"s = =lleagues1 #$e
%ung as#rlger l.e" u( ,rm
$is =$ar# +er /% #$e magni#u"e
, #$e "isas#er #$e% $a" re+eale"6
'@$a# $a+e "ne? @$a# $a+e
#$e% "ne?' $e s$u#e" # #$e
$ea+ens U ma=$ina#ins $e
in#er(re#e" ,r man6
Des(i#e #$e "is=i(line a='uire"
in %ears , %ga1 me"i#a#ii
Tan#ri= s#u"ies in a #em(le in #$e
$ills , Assam1 #$e as#rlg>
=n#rl , $imsel,6 SeiQing a
(ie=e , (a(er $e sa# "2n an"
an urgen# a((eal # #$e man
ina"+er#en#l% res(nsi/le ,
=eles#ial =a#as#r($e6
'!r #$e l+e , )"1' $e 2r=e #
Luis Mun#/a##en1 '" gi+e In"ia
$er in"e(en"en=e n 30 Augus#6
I, ,l"s1 "rV ,amine an"
massa=res ,ll21 i# 2ill /e
/e=ause ,ree In"ia 2aT n a "a%
=urse" /% #$e s#ars6'

T$e Ms# &m(leC Di+r=e in
His#r%
Ne2 Del$i1 June 37A8
Ne+er /e,re $a" an%#$ing e+en
rem#el% li.e i# /een a##em(#e"6
N2$ere 2ere #$ere an% gui"e
lines1 an% (re=e"en#s1 an%
re+ealing insig$#s ,rm #$e (as#
# r"er 2$a# 2as ging # /e
#$e /igges#1 #$e ms# =m(leC
"i+r=e a=#in in $is#r%1 #$e
/rea. u( , a ,amil% , A44
millin $uman /eings alng 2i#$
#$e asse#s an" $use$l"
(r(er#% #$e%'" a='uire" in
=en#uries , li+ing #ge#$er n
#$e same (ie=e , ear#$6
T$ere 2ere eCa=#l% 8? "a%s
/e,re 30 Augus# in 2$i=$ #
"ra2 u( #$e "i+r=e (a(ers6 T
.ee( e+er%/"% =n=erne"
2r.ing un"er =ns#an#1
unrelen#ing (ressure1
Mun#/a##en $a" (rin#e" a ri(D
,, "a% # "a% =alen"ar 2$i=$ $e
r"ere" "is(la%e" in ,,i=es
e+er%2$ere in Del$i6 Li.e a
=un#"2n # an eC(lsin1 a
large re" s'uare in #$e mi""le ,
ea=$ (age , #$e =alen"ar
regis#ere" #$e num/er , "a%s
le,# # 30 Augus#6
T$e res(nsi/ili#% ,r (re(aring
#$e gigan#i=1 unimagina/l%
=m(li=a#e" (r(er#% se##lemen#
a==m(an%ing #$e In"ian
"i+r=e ,ell ul#ima#el% n #2
men1 #$e la2%ers in a sense ,r
#$e =n#en"ing (ar#ies6 T$e%
2ere1 a((r(ria#el%1 a (air ,
/ureau=ra#s1 su(er/ s(e=imens ,
2$a# 2as1 i, n# #$e ,ines#1 a#
leas# #$e ms# luCurian# ,l2er
, a =en#ur% , Bri#is$ rule in
In"ia6
T$e% li+e" in alms# i"en#i=al
g+ernmen# /ungal2s1 "r+e #
#$eir ,li=es l=a#e" nl% "rs
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
a(ar# in (reD2ar Ameri=an
&$e+rDle#s1 earne" #$e same
salar% an" (ai" 2i#$ e'ual
,i"eli#% #$eir mn#$l%
=n#ri/u#ins # #$e same
re#iremen# ,un"6 One 2as a
Hin"u6 T$e #$er 2as a Mslem6
E+er% "a% ,rm June # Augus#1
2i#$ #$eir "es(a#=$ /Ces1 #$eir
nea# $an"2ri##en s#a=.s , ,iles1
ea=$ .n##e" ,irml% /% i#s #2is#s
, re" ri//n1 2i#$ nl% #$e
r"erl% #$ug$# (r=esses an"
sun" (r=e"ures #aug$# /% #$eir
Bri#is$ #u#rs # gui"e #$em1
&$au"$uri M$amme" Ali1 #$e
Mslem1 an" H6 M6 Pa#el1 #$e
Hin"u1 la/ure" # "i+i"e #$e
g"s an" =$a##els , #$eir
=un#r%men6 As a ,inal irn%1
#$e% (ar=elle" u# #$e /i#s an"
(ie=es , In"ia in #$e language
, #$eir =lniQers1 Englis$6
O+era $un"re" /ureau=ra#s1
2r.ing in a s=re ,
=mmi##ees an" su/D=mmi##ees1
su/mi##e" re(r#s # #$em6 T$eir
re=mmen"a#ins 2en# in #urn
,r ,inal a((r+al # a Par#i#in
&un=il =$aire" /% #$e -i=er%6
A# #$e u#se#1 &ngress =laime"
#$e ms# (re=ius asse# , all1
#$e name 'In"ia'6 ReBe=#ing a
(r(sal # name #$eir ne2 "
'Hin"us#an'1 &ngress insis#e"
#$a#1 sin=e Pa.is#an 2as se=e"i
name In"ia an" In"ia's i"en#i#%
in gru(s li.e #$e UN remair
As in ms# "i+r=e =ases1 #$e
/i##eres# argumen#s /e#2een i
(ar#ies =ame +er mne%6 T$e
ms# im(r#an# sums 2ere
sen#e" /% #$e "e/# Bri#ain 2ul"
/e lea+ing /e$in"6 A,#er
/een a==use" ,r "e=a"es ,
eC(li#ing In"ia1 Bri#ain 2as g
2in" u( $er In"ian a"+en#ure
,i+e /illin "llars in "e/# # I
(se" +i=#ims6 T$a# enrmus
sum $a" /een run u( "uring #
(ar# , #$e =ri((ling (ri=e Bri#ain
$a" $a" # (a% ,r #$e
2$i=$ $a" le,# $er /an.ru(# an"
$as#ene" #$e grea# $is#ri=al
n2 /eginning6
In a""i#in1 #$ere 2ere #$e li'ui"
asse#s # /e "i+i"e"1 #$e #$e s#a#e
/an.s1 #$e gl" ing#s in #$e
+aul# , #$e Ban. e+er%#$ing
"2n # #$e ,e2 sile" ru(ees
an" #$e ,ra%e" s#am(s in #$e
(e##% =as$ /C , #$e Dis#ri=#
&mmissiner in amng #$e
$ea"D$un#ing Naga #ri/es6
S in#ra=#a/le "i" #$a# (r/lem
(r+e #$a# i# 2as n# sl+
H6 M6 Pa#el an" M$amme" Ali
2ere l=.e" u( in Sar"ar
/e"rm an" #l" # s#a% #$ere
un#il #$e%'" rea=$e" an agr
Haggling li.e (e"lars in #$e
La$re /aQaar1 #$e% ,inall% agrV
Pa.is#an 2ul" ge# , #$e
=as$ in #$e /an. an" #$e
/alan=es an" in re#urn =+er 38^
P , In"ia's na#inal "e/#
T$e #2 men als re=mmen"e"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$a# #$e m+ea/le a In"ia's +as#
a"minis#ra#i+e ma=$ine s$ul"
/e "i+i"e" u( In"ia1 54P #
Pa.is#an6 All a=rss In"ia1
g+ernmen# ,,i=e # =un# u(
#$eir =$airs1 #a/les1 /rms an"
#%(e2ri#ers6 SnH resul#ing
#a/ula#ins 2ere (ar#i=ularl%
(ignan#6 T$e% s$+ eCam(le1
#$a# #$e en#ire ($%si=al resur=es
, #$e !" an =ul#ural
De(ar#men# , #$e ms# ,amineD
$aun#e" =un#r% gl/e =nsis#e"
, A50 =ler.s' #a/les1 :0 large
#a/les1 :0 =$airs1 :04 r"inar%
=$airs1 04 $a#D(egs1 9 $a#D(egs
2i#$ mirr /.s$el+es1 A irn
sa,es1 54 #a/le lam(s1 384
#%(e2ri#ers1 3 354 =l=.s1 334
/i=%=les1 944 in.s#an"s1 ? s#a,,
=ars1 5 se#s an" A4 =$am/er (#s6
Argumen#s1 e+en ,ig$#s1 /r.e
u# +er #$e "i+isin , #$V
De(ar#men#al $ea"s #rie" # $i"e
#$eir /es# #%(e2ri#ers r s#i#u#e
#$eir /r.en "es.s an" =$airs ,r
ne2 nes assigne" ri+al
=mmuni#%6 Sme ,,i=es
/e=ame su.s 2i#$ "igni,ii Bin#
se=re#aries in iinen sui#s 2$se
2ri# ran +er $um #$usan"s ,
(e(le1 /argaining an in.(#
agains# a 2a#ei um/rella ra=. ,r
a $a#D(eg1 350 (in =us$ins ,r a
=$am/er B argumen#s +er #$e
"is$es1 #$e sil+er2are1 #$e
(r#rai#s resi"en=es 2ere
,er=ius6 One i#em $2e+er1
es=a(e" "is=ussin6 @ine =ellars
al2a%s 2en# # Hin"u In"ia an"
Mslem Pa.is#an re=ei+e" a
=re"i# ,r 2$a# #$e% =n#aine"6
T$e meanness1 #$e (e##%
min"e"ness #$se "i+isins
sme#imes (r"u=e" 2ere
s#aggering6 In La$re1
Su(erin#en"en# , Pli=e Pa#ri=.
Ri=$ "i+i"e" $is e'ui(men#
/e#2een a Mslem an" a Hin"u
"e(u#%6 He s(li# u( e+er%#$ingH
leggings1 #ur/ans1 ri,les1 la#$i
s#a+es6 T$e las# l# =nsis#e" ,
#$e ins#rumen#s in #$e (li=e
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,r Pa.is#an1 a "rum ,r In"ia1 a
#rum(e# ,r Pa.is#an1 a (air ,
=%m/als ,r In"ia un#il ne
ins#rumen#1 a #rm/ne1 2as le,#6
Be,re $is un/elie+ing e%es $is
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,ig$# +er 2$i=$ "minin
2ul" ge# #$a# las# #rm/ne6
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2$ s$ul" (a% #$e (ensins ,
2i"2s , seamen ls# a# sea6
@ul" Pa.is#an /e eC(e=#e" #
(a% all Mslem 2i"2s
2$ere+er #$e% 2ere? @ul"
In"ia (a% Hin"u 2i"2s in
Pa.is#an? Pa.is#an 2ul" 2in"
u( 2i#$ A73? miles , In"ia's
3:1488 miles , ra"s an" 8335
miles , $er 591A53 miles ,
rail2a% #ra=.s6 S$ul" #$e
/ull"Qers1 2$eel/arr2s an"
s$+els , #$e $ig$2a%
"e(ar#men# an" #$e l=m#i+es1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=a=$es an" ,reig$# 2agns ,
#$e rail2a%s /e "i+i"e"
a==r"ing # #$e :4J54 rule r
#$e (er=en#age , #$e #ra=. an"
ra" mileage ea=$ na#in 2ul"
$a+e?
Sme , #$e /i##eres# argumen#s
=ame +er #$e /.s in In"ia's
li/raries6 Se#s , #$e
En=%=l(ae"ia Bri#anni=a 2ere
religiusl% "i+i"e" u(1 al#erna#e
+lumes # ea=$ "minin6
Di=#inaries 2ere ri((e"\in $al,
2i#$SA1 # * ging # In"ia1
#$e-es#JaJPa.is#an6 @nere nl%
neZ=(% Ta /. 2as
a+aila/le1Z#ne li/rarians 2ere
su((se" # "e=i"e 2$i=$
"minin 2ul" $a+e #$e grea#er
na#ural in#eres# in i#6 Sme ,
#$se su((se"l% in#elligen# men
a=#uall% =ame # /l2s arguing
+er 2$i=$ "minin $a" a
grea#er na#ural in#eres# in Ali=e
in @n"erlan" r @u#$ering
Heig$#s6
&er#ain #$ings sim(l% =ul" n#
/e "i+i"e"6 T$e Hme
De(ar#men# n#e" 2i#$ la=ni=
,resig$# #$a# '#$e res(nsi/ili#ies
, #$e eCis#ing in#elligen=e
/ureau are n# li.el% # "e=rease
2i#$ #$e "i+isin , #$e =un#r%'
an" i#s ,,i=ers s#u//rnl%
re,use" # %iel" u( s mu=$ as a
,ile r an in.(# # Pa.is#an6
T$ere 2as nl% ne (ress n #$e
su/D=n#inen# =a(a/le , (rin#ing
#2 , #$e in"is(ensa/le
insignias , na#inal i"en#i#%1
(s#age s#am(s an" =urren=%6
T$e In"ians re,use" # s$are i#
2i#$ #$eir ,u#ure neig$/urs6 As
a resul#1 #$usan"s , Mslems
$a" # manu,a=#ure a (r+isinal
=urren=% ,r #$eir ne2 s#a#e /%
s#am(ing $uge (iles , In"ian
ru(ee n#es 2i#$ a ru//erDs#am(
mar.e" 'Pa.is#an'6
Ine+i#a/l% In"ia's an=ien# ills
,un" a re,le=#in in #$e "i+isin
# $er asse#s6 Eas# Bengal1
"es#ine" ,r Pa.is#an1 2ul" /e
s$r# ; 841444 #ns , ri=e an"
?41444 #ns , 2$ea# in 37A86
T$e Mslen /egge" #$e In"ian
g+ernmen# ,r #$e re#urn , #$e
331444 #ns V sur(lus ri=e 2$i=$
#$eir 2es#ern (r+in=e , Sin"
$a" alrea"% sen# Del$i6 T$e% "i"
n# ge# i#1 n# /e=ause , Hin"u
meanness /u# ,r reasn sa"l%
=nsis#en# 2i#$ #$e reali#% ,
In"ia6 I# $a" alrea"% / ea#en6
Be%n" #$e /ureau=ra#s1 #$ere
2ere #$e eC#remis#s 2i#$ #$i
=laims6 T$e Mslems 2an#e" #$e
TaBJMa$al/r(.enu( an"B$i(( #
PaSs#en\/e=ailseJc $a"\/een
/uil#/%aM'g$ul6 Hin"u sa"l
insis#e" #$a# #$e In"us Ri+er1
,l2ing #$rug$ #$e $ear# ,
MslV In"ia1 s$ul" sme$2
/e #$eirs /e=ause #$eir sa=re"
-e"as $a" /e 2ri##en n i#s
/an.s 50 =en#uries /e,re6
Nei#$er "minin "is(la%e" #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,ain#es# relu=#an=e # gras( a, #$e
gau"ies# s%m/ls , #$e im(erial
(2er 2$i=$ $a" rule" #$ ,r s
lng6 T$e gl" an" 2$i#e
+i=eregal #rain 2$se maBes
sil$ue##e $a" =rsse" #$e
(ar=$e" (lains , #$e De==an
2en# In"ia6 T$e (ri+a#e =ars ,
#$e &mman"erDinD&$ie, , #$e
In" Arm% an" #$e )+ernr ,
#$e PunBa/ 2ere assigne" #
Pa.isU
T$e ms# remar.a/le "i+isin ,
all1 $2e+er1 #. (la=e in s#a/le
%ar"s , -i=er%'s Huse6 A#
issue 2ere #2el+e $rseD"ra
=arriages6 @i#$ #$eir rna#e1
$an"D2rug$# gl" an" sil+er
"esi, #$eir gli##ering $arnesses1
#$eir s=arle# =us$ins1 #$e%
em/"ie" #$e (re#en#ius (m(1
all #$e maBes#i= "is"ain1 #$a# $a"
/#$ ,as# a#e" an" in,uria#e" #$e
RaB's In"ian su/Be=#s6 E+er%
-i=er%1 eU +isi#ing s+ereign1
e+er% r%al "igni#ar% (assing
#$rug$ In"is m"ern #imes $a"
(rmena"e" #$rug$ #$e RaB's
=a(i#al in ni #$em6 T$e% 2ere
#$e ,rmal1 +i=eregal =arriages1
siC , #$em #rimi in gl"1 siC
semiDs#a#e =arriages in sil+er6 T
/rea. u( #$e se#s seeme" a
#rage"%T ne "minin1 i# 2as
"e=i"e"1 2ul" ge# #$e B
=arriages1 #$e #$er 2ul" $a+e
# se##le ,r #$e sil+er6
Mun#/a##en's AD&1 L#D&m6
Pe#er H2es1 (r(se" #$a#
'ues#in , 2$i=$ "minin
2ul" ge# 2$i=$ se# , #$se r
+e$i=les s$ul" /e se##le" /% a
(r,un"l% (le/eian ges#ure1 #$e
, a =in6 Besi"e $im1 MaBr
Ya=u/ *$an1 ne2l% a((in#e" =
man"er , #$e Pa.is#an
/"%guar"1 an" MaBr )+in"
Sing$ =mman"er , #$e
-i=er%'s /"%guar"1 2a#=$e" as
#$e sil+er _ 2en# gli##ering u( in
#$e air6
'Hea"s!' s$u#e" )+in" Sing$6
T$e =in =la##ere" n # #$e
s#a/le %ar"6 T$e #$ree men s# #
l. a# i#6 A 2$( es=a(e" ,rm
#$e Si.$ maBr6 Lu=. "e=i"e"
#$a# #$e gl" =arriages , In"ia's
im(erial rulers mig$# +e% #$e
lea"ers , a ne21 s=ialis# In"ia
#$rug$ #$e s#ree#s , #$eir
=a(i#al6
H2es #$en "i+i"e" u( #$e
$arnesses1 #$e 2$i(s1 #$e
=a=$men's /#s1 2igs an"
uni,rms #$a# 2en# 2i#$ ea=$ se#
, =arriages6 @$en $e rea=$e"
#$e en" , #$a# s#a=. ,
e'ui(men# a las# i#em remaine"6
I# 2as #$e -i=er%'s Ps# Hrn1
#$e ,laring $rn use" /% #$e
=a=$man # gui"e $is $rses6 In
all #$e +i=eregal es#a/lis$men#
#$ere 2as nl% ne su=$ $rn6
T$e %ung na+al ,,i=er
(n"ere" a minu#e6 O/+iusl%1 i,
#$e $rn 2as /r.en in #21 i#
2ul" ne+er emi# an#$er sun"6
He =ul"1 , =urse1 ,li( a =in
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
again6 Su""enl% H2es $a" a
/e##er i"ea6
He $el" i# u( # $is =lleagues6
'Yu .n21' $e sai"1 '%u =an'#
"i+i"e #$is6 I #$in. #$ere's nl%
ne slu#in6 I'll $a+e # .ee( i#6'
@i#$ a smile1 H2es #u=.e" #$e
$rn un"er $is arm an"
saun#ere" u# , #$e s#a/le %ar"6>
I# 2as n# Bus# #$e /.s1 /an.
n#es1 an" /ureau=ra#s' =$airs
2$i=$ $a" # /e sr#e" u# an"
"i+i"e" u( in #$se ,ran#i=
summer 2ee.s6 S1 #1 "i"
$un"re"s , #$usan"s , $uman
/eings1 mem/ers , #$e +as#
arm% , In"ia's (u/li= em(l%ees
,rm railra" (resi"en#s an"
Bunir minis#ers # s2ee(ers1
erran" /%s1 /earers an" /a/us1
#$se in,uria#ing1 (e##%Dmin"e"
=ler.s 2$ gre2 li.e 2ee"s
#$rug$ In"ia's a"minis#ra#in6
Ea=$ 2as gi+en #$e =$i=e ,
ser+ing In"ia r Pa.is#an6 T$en1
se(ara#e" in# $uman (iles1 #$e%
2ere s$un#e" ,, # ne
"minin r #$e #$er6
T$e ms# (ain,ul "i+isin , all1
$2e+er1 in+l+e" 3D5 millin
Hin"us1 Si.$s1 Mslems an"
Englis$men assem/le" in #$e
(ru"es# ins#i#u#in Bri#ain $a"
(r"u=e" in In"ia1 #$e In"ian
Arm%6
Mun#/a##en $a" (lea"e" 2i#$
Jinna$ # lea+e #$e arm% in#a=#
,r a %ear un"er a Bri#is$
Su(reme &mman"er
res(nsi/le # /#$ In"ia an"
Pa.is#an as #$e /es# guaran#r ,
#$e su/D=n#inen#'s (ea=e in #$e
#ru/le" 2ee.s sure # ,ll2
(ar#i#in6 Jinna$ $a" re,use"H an
arm% 2as #$e in"is(ensa/le
a##ri/u#e , a na#in's
s+ereign#%6 He 2an#e"
Pa.is#an's in /eing1 insi"e i#s
/r"ers1 /% 30 Augus#6 &ar+e"
u( #2 #$ir"s # In"ia1 ne #$ir"
# Pa.is#an1 #$e men , #$e
In"ian Arm%1 alng 2i#$
e+er%#$ing else n #$e su/D
=n#inen#1 2ul" $a+e # /e
"i+i"e" an" a grea# legen" lai"
# res#6
T$e In"ian Arm%H #$e 2r"s
alne 2ere enug$ # =nBure u(
#$e
> T$e -i=er%'s Ps# Hrn res#s
a 'uar#er , a =en#ur% la#er1 n
#$e man#el(ie=e , H2es'
li+ingDrm6 O==asinall%1
H2es1 n2 a re#ire" a"miral1
2ill re=un# # $is gues#s , an
e+ening #$e s#r% , #$e $rn an"
gi+e i# a (la%,ul ## ,r l"
#imes' sa.e6 6
l"1 rman#i= imagesH )unga
Din1 )en#lemen Ran.ers ,, n a
s(ree1 #$e Ra" # Man"ala%1 #$e
Nig$# Runners , Bengal1 @$i#e
!ea#$ers1 an" )ar% &(er
urging $is Bengal Lan=ers u( a
r=.% "e,ile6 !r genera#ins ,
Englis$ s=$l/%s1 s#u=. in
un$eale" =lassrms1 #$eir e%es
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
l.ing u# n sme ,rlrn1
rains2e(# $ea#$1 #$e names , i#s
regimen#s1 S.inner's an"
H"sn's an" Pr/%n's Hrse1
#$e 'Pi,,ers' , #$e !rn#ier !r=e
Ri,les1 #$e !irs# Si.$s1 #$e
RaB(u#ana Ri,les1 #$e )ui"es'
&a+alr%1 2ere s%nn%mus 2i#$
glr% an" a"+en#ure6
I# $a" e(i#miQe" #$e -i=#rian
i"eal , In"ia /e##er #$an
an%#$ing elseH "ar.1 (lu=.%
sl"iers S#aun=$l% l%al # #$eir
"is#an# Em(ress1 le" /% "ug$#%
%ung Englis$men1 gen#lemen
all1 s#ea"% un"er #$e Pa#$an's
,ire1 g" a# games1 s#ern /u#
"e+#e" ,a#$ers # #$eir men1
=$a(s 2$ =ul" $l" #$eir
li'ur in #$e mess6 I#s "ee"s1 #$e
eC(li#s , i#s $eres1 2ere #$e
s#u,, , #$e Bri#is$ In"ian
legen"6
T$ere 2ere #$e se(%s1 In"ian
in,an#r% men1 i6i #$e siege ,
Ar=l ,,ering #$eir Bri#is$
,,i=ers #$eir las# ri=e /e=ause
#$e% .ne2 /e##ei $2 # en"ure
#$e agnies , s#ar+a#inT #$e
)ui"es1 gall(ing "2i , Del$i
# assaul# #$e mu#ineers in 3:08T
#$e 9#$ )ur.$as s2arminB u( #$e
ri"ge ,rm 2$i=$ #$e Tur.s
"mina#e" #$e /ea=$es
)alli(liT #$e 33#$ Prin=e Al/er#
-i=#r's 2n &a+alr%1 #$e 5nV
R%al Lan=ers1 an" #$e 3:#$
Lan=ers s#emming #$e rus$ ,
Rmmel' armur a# Mei.ili in
#$e @es#ern Deser#1 s(urning #$e
!iel" Mars$al's =all # surren"er1
an" (er$a(s sa+ing all Eg%(# /%
#$ei s#an"6
T$e arm% $a" /egun as a
=lle=#in , (ri+a#e armies a#
#$e ser+i= , #$e Eas# In"ia
&m(an%6 I#s earl% =$ie,#ains
2ere ,reeD/#iu mer=enaries
2$ raise" #$eir (ri+a#e ,r=es1
#$en $ire" #$em u# # #$e
&m(an%6 T$e (assage , #ime
(la=e" a =er#ain aura a/u# #$e
namesH man% $a"1 in ,a=#1 /een
a+ari=ius1 /ru#al lu#s (rin=i(al
in#eres#e" in #$e a==umula#in ,
2eal#$6 @illiam H"sn1 #l
,un"er , H"sn's Hrse1 2as
a $ar"D"rin.ing1 sa"is#i=1
(ersnal =urageus man 2$
ma"e $is ,r#une /% ,alsi,%ing
$is me a==un#s an" /rr2ing
large sums , mne% $e $a" n
in#en#in re(a%ing ,rm #$e
2eal#$% In"ian su/al#erns 2$m
$e re=rui#e" $is =lurs6 @$en
ne , #$em1 in #$e =m(an% , a
%ung sn1 +1 ,lis$ enug$ #
(resen# $imsel, a# H"sn's "r
# en'uire a/= #$e re(a%men# ,
a lan1 H"sn "is=$arge" $is
"e/# 2i#$ a (is# .illing /#$ #$e
,,i=er an" $is /%6 He "ie"
#r%ing # relie+e I /esiege"
Resi"en=e a# Lu=.n2 n 33
Mar=$ 3:0:6 His a2e" ,ell se#
$im un"er a #m/s#ne #$a#
n#e"H 'Here lie#$ all #$a# =ul"
, @illiam S#e+en Rai.es
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
H"sn1 &mman"an# , H"s

38A
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$a# Mu#in% =$ange" #$e na#ure
, #$e Arm% as i# =$ange" alms#
e+er%#$ing else in In"ia6 @i#$
#$e =$anges1 i#s real saga /egan6
!r #$e neC# 80 %ears1 #$e In"ian
Arm% s%($ne" ,, #$e /es#
(r"u=#s , San"$urs#1 #$e
in#ense1 am/i#ius sns , #$e
mi""le an" u((er mi""le
=lasses1 "e#ermine" # ma.e a
=areer a# arms /u# una/le #
a,,r" #$e g" Bri#is$
regimen#s in 2$i=$ an ,,i=er
=ul" n# .ee( u( in #$e mess n
$is (a% alne6 @$ile #$e
(am(ere" sns , #$e ri=$ 2en#
,, # #$e )uar"s # /e=me
ama#eur sl"iers1 #$e /rig$#
%ung men a# #$e #( , #$e =lass
2en# u# # In"ia 2$ere li,e 2as
=$ea(er1 an" #$e (a% 04P $ig$er1
# /e=me (r,essinals6 A F r
LX
@$ile #$e Bri#is$ Arm% (ara"e"
an" "rille"''#$rug$ #$e lng
%ears , #$e PaC Bri#anni=a1 #$e
In"ian Arm% ,ug$#6 I# ,ug$#
alms# in=essan#l% alng #$e
(asses an" (ea.s , #$e !rn#ier1
a# Lan"i *#al an" u( an" "2n
#$e *$%/er6 I# 2as "esla#e1
,r/i""ing #errain1 serra#e"
ri"ges1 r=.% sl(es1 /arren
+alle%s 2i#$ $ar"l% a /us$ ,r
=+er1 s=r=$e" /% #$e sun in
summer1 s2e(# /% 2il"1 ,reeQing
rains in 2in#er6 T$e enem% 2as
=ruel1 Pa#$ans li.e #$e @aQirs
an" Ma$su"s1 2$ ,inis$e" ,,
#$eir 2un"e" (risners 2i#$
#$eir .ni+es6
Bu# #$e Pa#$an 2as a /ra+e
enem%1 =le+er an" =unning1 an"
$is Bri#is$ ,es eC#en"e" $im #$e
/egru"ging a"mira#in "ue #
#$e mem/er , a 'g" si"e'6
T$se !rn#ier 2ars 2ere a .in"
, "ea"l% game1 ,ug$# # =ruel
rules /u# s#ill in,use" 2i#$ a
#u=$ , #$e (la%ing ,iel"s ,
E#n6 I#s a=#ins 2ere small
s=ale1 an ,,i=er an" a ,e2 men
manning a (i=.e#1 se=uring a
$ill#(6 T$e% (la=e" a (remium
n =urage1 (ersnal lea"ers$i(1
resur=e,ulness an" ini#ia#i+e1
an" re'uire" a =lse1 #rus#ing
rela#ins$i( /e#2een ,,i=ers an"
men6
I, a %ung ,,i=er's li,e 2as
gruelling "uring !rn#ier
=am(aigns1 /a=. in 'uar#ers i#
2as le" 2i#$ s#%le an" (ana=$e6
)i+en #$e a/un"an=e , ser+an#s
in In"ia1 #$e l2 =s# , li+ing1
#$e s(e=ial (ri+ileges a==r"e"
#$e arm%1 i# 2as eas% ,r #$se
%ung men # li+e li.e #$e
gen#lemen #$e% 2ere su((se"
# /e6 'Pug' Isma%1 Mun#/a##en's
&$ie, , S#a,,1 re=alle" /is
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
arri+al in $is regimen#al mess as
a %ung su/al#ern eC$aus#e" /%
a $# an" "ir#% #ri( a=rss $al,
In"ia6 His ,u#ure /r#$er ,,i=ers
'in ur magni,i=en# mess .i# ,
s=arle#1 "ar. /lue an" gl"' sa#
arun" #$e #a/le1 a ser+an#
/e$in" ea=$ 'in s(#less 2$i#e
muslin 2i#$ /el#s , #$e
regimen#al =lurs an" #$e
regimen#al =res# in #$eir #ur/ans'6
'T2 r #$ree /2ls , re" rses
an" a ,e2 (ie=es , su(er/l%D
=leane" sil+er1' re(se" n #$e
imma=ula#e linen #a/le=l#$1 an"
+er #$e man#el(ie=e , #$e
,ire(la=e 2as an il , #$e
regimen#'s R%al &lnelDinD
&$ie, an"1 n #$e 2alls1 '#$e
$ea"s , #igers1 le(ar"s1
mar.$r an" i/eC'6
THE MOST &OMPLEM
DI-OR&E IN HISTORY
I# 2as an era 2$en arm% ,,i=ers
"resse" li.e ,igures ,rm
(ere##a6 T$e 'Yell2/%s' ,
S.inner's Hrse 2re a(ri=# r
.i#s6 O#$ers 2re s=arle# an"
gl"1 aQure1 min# green an" sil
On=e a mn#$1 ea=$ regimen#
$el" i#s 'Dining In' nig$#1 a ,ri
=eremnial /an'ue#6 On $is ,irs#
su=$ ==asin1 a ne2l% arr
,,i=er 2as eC(e=#e" # "rin.
$imsel, # a s#u(r1 #$en s$2 u(
mrning (ara"e a# siC '=l=.6 A
#rum(e# =all usuall% (ene" i
/an'ue#s1 an" all gl" /rai" an"
(lis$e" /#s1 #$e ,,i=ers man
in# #$eir mess /e$in" #$eir
=lnel6
T$ere in #$e =an"lelig$#1 /e,re a
#a/le la"e" 2i#$ =rB ,l2ers'
an" glis#ening sil+er1 #$e% a#e
meals as ,ine as an% in L @$en
#$e las# "is$ 2as =leare"1 a
"e=an#er , (r# 2as /rug$i an"
(asse" =l=.2ise arun" #$e
#a/le ,rm #$e =lnel6 An% /i ,
#$a# #ra"i#in 2as =nsi"ere" an
illDmen6 T$ree #as#s (r( /%
#$e =lnel =mman"ing
in+aria/l% ,ll2e"H #$e *ing
Em( #$e -i=er%1 #$e regimen#6
In #$e 8#$ &a+alr%1 #$e =mmai
,,i=er ,li((e" $is glass +er $is
s$ul"er a,#er ea=$ #as#6 BV
$im1 s#ern an" eC(ressinless1
e%es ,r2ar"1 #$e mess sergean#
2 # =rus$ #$e s$ar"s , ea=$
un"er $is rig$# $eel as $e /ange"
$is "2n # a##en#in6 T$e
messes , #$e arm% 2ere 2ell
s#=.e" 2$is.%1 =lare# an"
=$am(agne1 all a==essi/le # an
,,i=er 2ii signa#ure n a =$i#1
an" #$e man # a+i" a# all =s#s1
ne =$rni=ler n#e"1 2as 'a
/r#$er ,,i=er 2$ "ran. 2a#er
a# 3
Ea=$ regimen#'s ms# (re=ius
(ssessin 2as i#s sil+e
assr#men# , #r($ies 2$i=$
2ere i#s un2ri##en $is#r%6 O,#en
,,i=er Bining i#s ran.s
(resen#e" #$e mess 2i#$ a (ie=e
ins 2i#$ $is name an" #$e "a#e ,
$is arri+al6 O#$ers mar.e" a reg$
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#rium($s n #$e (l r =ri=.e#
grun"s1 r =ele/ra#e" i#s eB n
#$e /a##le,iel"6 A #ra"i#in 2en#
2i#$ ea=$ (ie=e6 One 2i# , #$e
8#$ &a+alr% re=ei+e" i#s
ni=.name a# a ris#erus Dir6
nig$# in #$e #$ir#ies6 Li.e
"run.en un"ergra"ua#es1 #$e regi
lieu#enan#s $a" =lam/ere" n #
#$eir mess #a/le #$a# nig_
glee,ull% urina#e" in unisn in#
#$e =u(6 Una/le # =n#ain #l
(uring , #$eir =$am(agneD
s2llen /la""ers1 i# $a" /een ii
a#el% "u//e" '#$e O+er,l2 &u('6
An ,,i=er's mrnings 2ere
"e+#e" # "rill an" sl"iering
res# , #$e "a% 2as $is6 T$ere
2as ne a==e(#a/le 2a% # use
games6 @$e#$er a# (l1 (igD
s#i=.ing1 s$#ing1 =ri=.e#1 $i
ri"ing # #$e $un"s1 #$e %ung
,,i=er 2as eC(e=#e" # 2r#
%u#$,ul energies in sme
$eal#$% eCer=ise6 I# 2as a "is=i(li
# a Jesui# seminarian's =l"
/a#$s /e=ause ne (leasure 2as
a/sen# ,rm #$a# i"%lli= li,e1 seC6
T$e ,,i=ers , #$e In"iai 2ere
en=urage" n# # marr% un#il
#$eir mi"D#$ir#ies6 Si
Mu#in%1 In"ian mis#resses 2ere
in "is,a+ur an" 2$ile /r#$els
2ere =nsi"ere" ne=essar% an"
(r(er u#le#s ,r men1 ,,i=ers
an" gen#lemen 2ere n#
en=urage" # (a#rniQe #$em6 A
$ar" ri"e n a $rse 2as
(r(se" ins#ea"6
E+er% ,,i=er g# #2 mn#$s'
lea+e a %ear1 /u# i# 2as eas% #
ge# ,ar mre 2$en #$e !rn#ier
2as 'uie#6 T$en #$e arm%'s
%ung ,,i=ers 2en# ,, # $un#
(an#$er an" #iger in #$e Bungles
, &en#ral In"ia1 #$e sn2
le(ar"1 i/eC an" /la=. /ear in
#$e ,#$ills , #$e Himala%as1 #
,is$ #$e #ena=ius
n2$s,#eerl,im #$e 'ui=.D
,l2ing s#reams , *as$mir6
Isma% $a" s(en# $is earl% lea+es
n a $use/a# in Srinagar1 $is
(l (nies #e#$ere" n #$e /an.
near/%1 ,laming l#us ,l2ers n
#$e 2a#ers arun" $im6 @$en #$e
$# 2ea#$er =ame1 $e m+e" u(
# )ulmarg a# :444 ,ee# 2$ere
'#$e (l grun" 2as , real
Englis$ #ur, an" #$ere 2as a =lu/
2$ere 2e =ul" all mee# # se##le
#$e a,,airs , #$e 2rl"'6
T$e% $a" n# sl+e" #$e a,,airs
, #$e 2rl"1 #$se %ung
,,i=ers , #$e In"ian Arm%6 Bu#
2i#$ #$eir ri,les #raine" 2i#$
e'ual a(lm/ n #$e #igers ,
Bengal r #$e re/ellius #ri/es ,
In"ia's #umul#uus ,rn#iers1 2i#$
#$eir /arra=.Drm /alla"s1 #$eir
/urra (egs , 2$is.%1 #$eir
(ugree sun $elme#s an" #$eir
(l s#i=.s1 #$e% $a" /een #$e
(ru" guar"ians , $is#r%'s
grea#es# em(ire6
T$e !irs# @rl" @ar /egan #$e
Arm%'s se=n" grea#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#rans,rma#in6 !rm 373: n1
#en (la=es a %ear a# San"$urs#
2ere reser+e" ,r In"ian =a"e#s6
In 37?51 an In"ian Mili#ar%
A=a"em% (a##erne" n
San"$urs# 2as es#a/lis$e" a#
De$ra Dun6 T$e %ung In"ians
#$se ins#i#u#ins (r"u=e" 2ere
in"is#inguis$a/le ,rm #$e
Bri#is$ ,,i=ers n 2$m #$e%
2ere m"elle"6 A/+e all1 #$e
Bri#is$ su==ee"e" in e,,a=ing
amng #$em #$e =mmunal
"i+isins a,,li=#ing #$eir su/D
=n#inen# an" in,using #$em 2i#$
a =mmn l%al#% # arm% an"
regimen#6
EC(an"e" # 5D0 millin men /%
37A01 #$e In"ian Arm% ,ug$#
2i#$ "is#in=#in in @rl" @ar II
in I#al%1 #$e @es#ern Deser# an"
Burma6 N21 ne mre
ine+i#a/le /%D(r"u=# , #$e
"e=isin # (ar#i#in In"ia1 #$e
,r=e 2$se grea#es# (ri"e $a"
/een i#s immuni#% #
=mmunalism1 2ul" $a+e # /e
/r.en u( n #$se +er% lines6
> T$e ,ra#ernal s(iri# ins(ire" /%
=mmn ser+i=e in #$e In"ian
Arm% 2ul" en"ure1 $2e+er1
#$rug$ all #$e #ru/le" %ears #
=me6 One "a%1 a 'uar#er , a
=en#ur% la#er1 a,#er In"ia an"
Pa.is#an $a" ,a=e" ea=$ #$er n
#$e /a##le,iel" ,r #$e #$ir" #ime1
a gru( , Pa.is#an Armure"
&r(s ,,i=ers sug$# u# a
=m(ara/le In"ian uni# # 2$m
# surren"er a# #$e en" , #$e
Bangla"es$ 2ar6 T$e% ,inall%
l=a#e" an In"ian =a+alr% ,,i=er
in #$e /ar , a ne2l%D=n'uere"
=lu/6 Be,re a==e(#ing #$eir
surren"er1 #$e In"ian insis#e" n
s#an"ing #$em a run" , "rin.s6
A mimegra($e" ,rm
su/mi##e" # ea=$ In"ian ,,i=er
, #$e arm% earl% in Jul% 2as #$e
+e$i=le , i#s "es#ru=#in6 I#
re'ues#e" ea=$ man # s(e=i,%
2$e#$er $e 2is$e" # ser+e in
#$e In"ian r Pa.is#an Arm%6 T$e
=$i=e raise" n (r/lem ,r #$e
arm%'s Hin"u an" Si.$ ,,i=ersT
Jinna$ "i" n# 2an# #$em in $is
arm% an" 2i#$u# eC=e(#in #$e%
=$se # ser+e In"ia6
!r #$se Mslems 2$se
,amil% $mes 2ul" s#ill /e
l=a#e" in In"ia a,#er (ar#i#in1
$2e+er1 #$a# sim(le s$ee# ,
(a(er (se" an a2,ul "ilemma6
S$ul" #$e% 2al. a2a% ,rm
#$eir lan"s1 #$eir an=es#ral
$mes1 ,#en #$eir ,amilies1 #
ser+e #$e arm% , a s#a#e 2$i=$
=laime" #$eir allegian=e sim(l%
/e=ause #$e% 2ere Mslem? Or
s$ul" #$e% remain /e$in" in #$e
lan" # 2$i=$ s man% #ies
/un" #$em1 a==e(#ing #$e ris.
#$a# an#iDMslem sen#imen#
2ul" s#i,le #$eir =areers?
One , #$se 2$ agniQe" +er
$is "e=isin 2as L#D&l Enai#l
Ha/i/ulla$1 a +e#eran , El
Alamein6 Ha/i/ulla$ ,inall% #.
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
a 2ee.en" lea+e an" 2en# # $is
,amil% $me in Lu=.n2 2$ere
$is ,a#$ei $a" /een +i=eD
=$an=ellr , #$e Uni+ersi#% an"
2$ere $is m#$e 2as a ,ana#i=al
su((r#er , Pa.is#an6
A,#er lun=$1 $e /rr2e" $is
,a#$er's =ar an" "r+e arun" #$
s#ree#s , Lu=.n26 He
=n#em(la#e" #$e $mes , $is
an=es#r! me"ie+al /arns in #$e
.ing"m , Ou"$1 #$e ,amus
Resi"en=e s#i s=arre" /% #$e
s$ells , #$e 3:08 Mu#in%6 '!r
#$is m% an=es#rs gaU #$eir li+es1'
$e #$ug$#1 '#$is is #$e In"ia I
"ream# , a# s=$l i Englan"
an" un"er #$e s$ells , #$e
)ermans n #$e @es#ern Deser
T$is is m% $me1 #$is is 2$ere I
/elng6 I s$all s#a%6'
!r MaBr Ya=u/ *$an1 a
%ung Mslem ,,i=er in #$e
-i=erB /"%guar"1 #$e "e=isin
2as #$e ms# im(r#an# in $is
li,e6 He1 # 2en# # (n"er $is
"e=isin a# $is ,amil% $me in
#$e (rin=el% s#a , Ram(ur
2$ere $is ,a#$er 2as Prime
Minis#er # $is un=le # Na2a/6
T$en1 2$en #$e% /rug$# in #$eir
uni# # la% "2n #$eir arms1 #$e
In"ians Pa.is#anis 2$'" Bus#
,inis$e" .illing ea=$ #$er in #$e
ri=e (a""ies , Ber rganiQe" a
run" , $=.e% an" ,#/all
ma#=$es6
T$e s=an"aliQe" irregulars ,
S$ei.$ MuBi/ur Ra$man sen# a
+igrus #es# # Ne2 Del$i6
!rm #$e ,,i=e , In"ira )an"$i
=ame a s$ar( message #; In"ian
=mman"er6 He 2as engage"1 i#
remin"e" $im1 'in 2ar1 n#
=ri=.e#6>
Tense 2i#$ em#in1 $e
re"is=+ere" $is ,amil% mansin
nV "r # $is un=le's sum(#uus
(ala=e6 He $a" s man% $a(
memries , #$a# $useH a
$un"re" gues#s "ining ,, $is
,amil

gl" ser+i=e a# &$ris#masT #$eir
s$#sT #$e guns $ea"ing in# #$e
Bungle n #$e rlling /a=.s ,
#2en#% r #$ir#% ele($an#sT #$e
,a/ulus /alls #$a# ,ll2e"
#$em1 a ,ull r=$es#ra (la%ing in
$is un=le's (ala=e1 #$e lng lines
, RllsDR%=es "ra2ing u( #
i#s "rs1 #$e =$am(agne
,l2ing6 He remem/ere" #$e
#en#s line" 2i#$ sil. an" sa#in
=us$ins an" eC'uisi#e rien#al
=ar(e#s (i#=$e" in #$e mi"s# ,
#$e Bungle1 =ramme" 2i#$
"eli=a=ies ,r #$eir (i=ni=s6 He
2an"ere" run" $is un=le's
(ala=e1 sa+uring i#s $ea#e"
s2imming (l1 i#s grea#
/an'ue# $all 2i#$ ils , -i=#ria
an" )erge -6 I# 2as an#$er
li,e1 $e #$ug$#1 ne "es#ine" #
"isa((ear in #$e S=ialis# In"ia
#$a# 2ul" emerge ,rm
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(ar#i#in6 @$a# (la=e 2ul" #$a#
In"ia $a+e ,r smene li.e $im1
Mslem ,,s(ring , a (rin=el%
,amil%?
T$a# e+ening $e #rie" # eC(lain
$is "e=isin # $is> m#$erH $e
2as ging # lea+e e+er%#$ing
/e$in" an" g # Pa.is#an6
'Yu $a+e li+e" %ur li,e1' $e #l"
$is m#$er1 'mine lies a$ea" ,
me6 I " n# #$in. #$ere 2ill /e a
,u#ure ,r Mslems in In"ia a,#er
(ar#i#in6'
T$e l" 2man l.e" a# $im1
$al, angr%1 $al, in "is/elie,6 'I "
n# un"ers#an" all #$is1' s$e sai"6
'@e $a+e li+e" $ere ,r #2
=en#uries6 FHam $a2a .i
lan.$n "arara a%e1F' s$e
"e=lare" in Ur"u1 '2e "es=en"e"
n #$e (lains , In"ia n #$e
2ings , #$e 2in"6 @e $a+e seen
#$e sa=.ing , Del$i6 @e'+e li+e"
#$e Mu#in%6 Yur ,re,a#$ers
,ug$# #$e Bri#is$ ,r #$is lan"6
Yur grea# gran",a#$er 2as
eCe=u#e" in #$e Mu#in%6 @e
,ug$#1 ,ug$# an" ,ug$#6 An"
n2 2e $a+e ,un" a $me $ere6
Our gra+es are $ere1' s$e sa"l%
n#e"6
'I'm l"1' s$e =n=lu"e"1 'm%
"a%s are num/ere"6 I "n'#
un"ers#an" (li#i=s /u# as a
m#$er m% "esires are sel,is$6 I
am a,rai" #$is 2ill se(ara#e us6'
N1 $er sn (r#es#e"6 I# 2ul"
/e as sim(le as i, $e 2ere
s#a#ine" in *ara=$i ins#ea" ,
Del$i6
He le,# #$e neC# mrning6 I# 2as
a /eau#i,ul summer "a%6 His
m#$er 2re a 2$i#e sari1 #$e
Mslem =lur , murning1 an"
i# u#line" $er li.e a /rig$# s#ain
agains# #$e sm/re san"s#ne ,
#$e $use /e$in" $er6 S$e ma"e
$er sn (ass un"er #$e *ran
2$i=$ s$e $el" +er $is $ea"1
#$en #a.e #$e Hl% B. in $is
$an"s an" .iss i#6 Tge#$er #$e%
re=i#e" a ,e2 , i#s +erses as a
(ar#ing (ra%er6 @$en $er las#
2r"s $a" /een u##ere"1 $is
m#$er (u,,e" $er =$ee.s an"
gen#l% /le2 $er /rea#$ #2ar"s
$er sn # ma.e sure $er (ra%er
2ul" ,ll2 $im6
As $e (ene" #$e "r , #$e
,amil% Pa=.ar" 2ai#ing # #a.e
$im # #$e s#a#in1 Ya=u/ *$an
#urne" # 2a+e g"/%e6 Ere=#1
"igni,ie" in $er sa"ness1 #$e
el"erl% 2man =ul" nl% n" in
re(l%6 Be$in" $er ,rm #$e
2in"2s , #$e mansin1 a s=re
, #ur/ane" ser+an#s ges#ure"
#$eir las# 'Salaams'6 One , #$se
2in"2s ga+i n # #$e rm
#$a# Ya=u/ *$an $a" use" as a
%ung man6 I# 2a s#ill (a=.e"
2i#$ $is =ri=.e# (a"s an"
($#gra($ al/ums1 #$e =u( $e'"
2n a# (l1 all #$e memra/ilia
, $is %u#$6 T$ere 2as m $urr%1
$e #$ug$#6 On=e $e'" se##le" in
Pa.is#an $e'" =me /a=. #V (i=.
i# all u(6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Ya=u/ *$an 2as1 , =urse1
2rng6 He 2ul" ne+er re#urn #
$i ,amil% $me nr 2ul" $e see
$is m#$er again6 In a ,e2 mn#$
#ime1 $e 2ul" /e lea"ing a
/a##alin , #$e Pa.is#an Arm%
u( a sn+ =+ere" sl(e in
*as$mir1 assaul#ing a (si#in
$el" /% men 2$ $a /een $is
/r#$er ,,i=ers6 Amng #$e uni#s
see.ing # s#em $is a"+anV
2ul" /e a =m(an% , #$e
)ar$2al Regimen#6 I#s
=mman"er 2ul /e1 li.e
Ya=u/ *$an1 a Mslem6 Unli.e
Ya=u/ *$an1 $2e+e $e ma"e
#$e #$er "e=isin in Jul% 37A86
He ele=#e" # remain H #$e lan"
, $is /ir#$6 He1 #1 2as ,rm
Ram(ur6 His name1 #1 2T
*$an1 Yunis *$an6 He 2as
Ya=u/'s el"er /r#$er6 37 33 ;4
;
> > > F U0'O'Y
T$e /ur"en , =arr%ing u# #$e
ms# =m(leC #as. in+l+e" in
In"iT (ar#i#in 2as # ,all u(n
ne lnel% man la/uring in
June 37 in #$e Di=.ensian glm
, $is la2 =$am/ers a# ? Ne2
S'ua Lin=ln's Inn1 Ln"n6
Sin=e $e $a" =me "2n ,rm
OC,r" 2i#l ,irs# in )rea#s an"
an All Suls' !ell2s$i(1 an aura
, /rilliai $a" $ung +er Sir
&%ril Ra"=li,,e as sme men are
surrun"e" /% aura , sain#liness
r ra,,is$ness6 T$e sn , a
2eal#$% s(r#smT Ra"=li,,e $a"
,ll2e" #$e la2 2i#$ a (assin
=m(ara/le # #l 2i#$ 2$i=$ $is
,a#$er $a" s(en# $is li,e (ursuing
($easan# # gruse6 A slig$#l%
s#u# man 2i#$ a "e=e(#i+el%
/enign regar"1 R =li,,e1 i# 2as
generall% a=.n2le"ge"1 2as #$e
ms# /rillian# /arris in Englan"6
Des(i#e $is en=%=l(ae"i=
.n2le"ge , a +as# arra% ,
su/Be $2e+er1 Ra"=li,,e .ne2
+ir#uall% n#$ing a/u# In"ia6 He
$a" ne 2ri##en a/u# i# nr
/e=me in+l+e" in an% , i#s
=m(leC 3; (r/lems6 In"ee"1
Ra"=li,,e $a" ne+er e+en se# ,#
n #$e s =n#inen#6 Para"Ci=all%1
i# 2as ,r #$a# +er% reasn #$a#
$e summne" ,rm $is =$am/ers
# #$e ,,i=e , #$e Lr" &$an=e
n #$e a,#ernn , 58 June i7A86
T$e =en#ral (r/lem le,#
unresl+e" /% Mun#/a##en's
(ar#i (lan 2as 2$ere #$e
/un"ar% lines "i+i"ing #$e
(r+in=es , Be an" #$e PunBa/
2ere # ,all6 A2are #$a# #$e%
#$emsel+es =ul" e agree n a
line1 Ne$ru an" Jinna$1 #$e Lr"
&$an=ellr eC(lains Ra"=li,,e1
$a" "e=i"e" # (la=e #$e #as. in
#$e $an"s , a /un =mmissin
2$se =$airman 2ul" /e a
"is#inguis$e" En /arris#er6 T$e
man nee"e" ,r #$a# B/ 2as
smene 2i#$u# In"ian
eC(erien=e6 An%ne 2$ .ne2
#$e =un#r% 2as =er#ain # /e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
"is'uali,ie" as (reBu"i=e" /% ne
si"e r #$e #$er6 Ra"=li,,e's
a"mira/le legal re(u#a#in an"
$is e'uall% a"mira/le ignran=e
, In"ia ma"e $im1 #$e Lr"
&$an=ellr (in#e" u#1 #$e i"eal
=an"i"a#e6
Ra"=li,Te sa# /a=. ag$as#6 He
/arel% .ne2 2$ere #$e PunBa/
an" Bengal 2ere6 Tr%ing #
"i+i"e #$em 2as #$e las# B/ in
#$e 2rl" $e 2an#e"6 I, $e 2as
ignran# , In"ia1 $e .ne2
enug$ , Bu"i=ial (r=ee"ings
# realiQe i# 2ul" /e a #$an.less
#as.6 Li.e man% Englis$men ,
$is age an" /a=.grun"1
$2e+er1 Ra"=li,,e 2as a man
2i#$ a "ee( sense , "u#%6
Englan"'s rela#ins$i( # In"ia
$a" /een uni'ue an" i,1 a# #$is
=ri#i=al Bun=#ure1 #2 In"ian
lea"ers 2$ 2ere a/le # agree
n +ir#uall% n#$ing else $a"
=n=urre" n #$e a((in#men# ,
$im1 an Englis$man1 # #$is
a((alling #as.1 #$en $e ,el# $e
$a" n =$i=e /u# # a==e(#6
An $ur la#er1 ,r Ra"=li,,e's
/ene,i#1 #$e Permanen# Un"er
Se=re#ar% a# #$e In"ia O,,i=e
un,l"e" a ma( , #$e su/D
=n#inen# n $is "es.6 As $is
,inger #ra=e" #$e =urse , #$e
)anges an" #$e In"us1 #$e green
s#ain re(resen#ing #$e PunBa/
(lain1 #$e 2$i#e =res# lines , #$e
Himala%as1 Ra"=li,,e "is=+ere"
,r #$e ,irs# #ime #$e u#lines ,
#$e enrmus (r+in=es $e'"
agree" # "i+i"eH :: millin
(e(le1 #$eir $mes an" $+els1
#$eir ri=eD(a""ies1 Bu#e ,iel"s1
r=$ar"s an" (as#ures1 rail2a%s
an" ,a=#ries1 3801444 s'uare
miles , #$e ear#$'s sur,a=e all
a/s#ra=#e" "2n # a ,la# (ie=e ,
=lure" (a(er n a /ureau=ra#'s
"es. in Ln"n6
An" n21 n a similar (ie=e ,
(a(er1 $e 2as ging # $a+e #
"ra2 #$e line 2$i=$ 2ul" se+er
#$se en#i#ies as surel% as a
surgen's s=al(el se+ers #$e /ne
an" mus=le , a lim/ in an
am(u#a#in6
Ra"=li,,e's las# mee#ing /e,re
$is "e(ar#ure ,r Ne2 Del$i #.
(la=e in #$e gar"en , 34
D2ning S#ree#6 &lemen# A##lee
=n#em(la#e" 2i#$ a =er#ain
(ri"e #$e man 2$se 2r.
2ul"1 in a ,e2 2ee.s1 a,,e=# #$e
li+es , mre In"ians #$an #$a# ,
an% Englis$man in #$ree
=en#uries , AnglDIn"ian
$is#r%6
T$e In"ian s=ene 2as mena=ing1
A##lee a=.n2le"ge"1 /u# ne
#$ing a# leas# ga+e $im grea#
sa#is,a=#in6 H2 gra#i,%ing i#
2as #$a# i# 2as an l"
Haile%/ur% /% li.e $imsel, 2$
2as /eing sen# u# # "ra2 a line
#$rug$ #$e $melan"s , ::
millin $uman /eings6
> > > Luis
Mun#/a##en $a" /arel% $a" #ime
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
# sa+ur $is #rium($ in
2ringing an agreemen# ,rm
In"ia's 2arring (li#i=ians /e,re
an#$er1 e+en mre =m(leC
(r/lem 2as #$rus# u(n $im6
T$is
#ime $is Ne2 Del$i in#erl=u#rs
2ere n# ging # /e a $an",
la2%ers #raine" a# #$e Inns ,
&ur# /u# #$e 090 mem/ers ,
Hig$ness Ya"a+in"ra$ Sing$'s
,l=. , gil"e" (ea==.s1 #$e ir
raBas an" na2a/s , In"ia6
T$ese un(re"i=#a/le1 +la#ile1
==asinall% irres(nsi/le n
assem/le" in #$e Ma$araBa ,
Pa#iala's &$am/er , Prin=es1 ,=
#$e -i=er% # =n#em(la#e #$e
nig$#mare #$a# $a" $aun#e" _ ,r
=en#uries6 I, In"ia's (li#i=ians
=ul" "i+i"e $er1 $er (r =ul"
"es#r% $er6 T$e% mena=e" #$e
su/D=n#inen#1 n# 2i#$ #i#in /u#
2i#$ a ,a#al ,ragmen#a#in in# a
s=re , s#a#es1 #$rea#ene" #
unleas$ a/ru(#l% all #$e
,issi(arus #en"en=ies ,
religin1 regin1 an" language
2$i=$ lur.e" Bus# /el2 #$e ,i
sur,a=e , In"ian uni#%6 T$se
(rin=es $a" (ri+a#e armies air
,r=esT #$e =a(a=i#% # "isru(#
In"ia's railra"s1 (s#al
muni=a#ins1 #ele($nes1
#elegra($s1 e+en # al#er #$e
,lig$# (a# , $er =mmer=ial
airlines6 T res(n" # #$eir
(ressure ,r (en"en=e 2ul" /e
# s#ar# #$e "isin#egra#in , #$e
su/D=n#i T$e remains , #$e
In"ian Em(ire 2ul" /e=me a
=lle=#i= 2arring #erri#ries
=er#ain # s#ir #$e en+% , In"ia's
grea# neig$l &$ina6
Sir &nra" &r,iel"'s se=re# #ri(
# Ln"n $a" (r"u=e" a# a
limi#e" su==ess6 T$e =a/ine# $a"
a=.n2le"ge" #$a# in #$e 2as
rig$# in arguing all #$se an=ien#
(rerga#i+es #$e (rin=e! n=e
surren"ere" # #$e *ing Em(err
s$ul" n2 re#urn # # He $a"
(ene" an es=a(e $a#=$ ,r $is
(rin=es an" n2 $e $O $esi#a#in
in urging #$e ms# im(r#an#
amng #$em # use i#6
'N ne1' Mun#/a##en n#e"
2i#$ a =er#ain /i##erness in a r #
Ln"n1 '$a" gi+en me #$e
slig$#es# in"i=a#in #$a# #$e (re
, #$e (rin=es 2as ging # /e as
"i,,i=ul#1 i, n# mre "i,,i=ul#1
#$a# , Bri#is$ In"ia6'
!r#una#el% n ne 2as /e##er
sui#e" # "eal 2i#$ In"ia's i #$an
Mun#/a##en6 He 2as1 a,#er all1
ne , #$eir 2n6 He $a" 2as #
#$se rulers #$e ms# im(e==a/le
, re,eren=es1 /l" # $al, #$e
r%al $uses , Eur(e an"
a/+e all1 # #$e =r2n #$a s
lng s$el#ere" #$em6 In"ee"1
Mun#/a##en $a" ,irs# "is= #$e
,a/le" In"ian Em(ire in #$e
=m(an% , man% , #$e (H
2$se #$rnes $e n2 (r(se"
# li'ui"a#e6 T$e% $a" /ee $s#s
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
all alng $is eC#rar"inar%
"%sse% 2i#$ $is =usin #$e 3 ,
@ales6 Mun#/a##en $a" lur=$e"
#$rug$ #$eir Bungles in ( ,
#igers n #$e /a=.s , #$eir r%al
ele($an#s6 He $a" "run. = (agne
,rm #$eir sil+er g/le#s1 ea#en
#$e "eli=a=ies , #$e Orie #$eir
gl" ser+i=es1 "an=e" un"er #$e
=r%s#al =$an"eliers , /allrms
2i#$ #$e girl 2$ 2ul" /e=me
$is 2i,e6 Amr $an",ul , men
in In"ia1 In"ian r Englis$1 =lse
enug$ # #$e -i=er% # =all
$im in (ri+a#e /% $is ,amiliar
ni=.name 'Di=.ie'1 2ere se+eral
(rin=el% ,rien"s a='uire" n #$a#
#ri(6
!r all $is r%al #ies an" $is
,rien"s$i( 2i#$ #$e (rin=es1
$2e+er Mun#/a##en 2as a
#ug$Dmin"e" realis#1 =mmi##e"
# #$se li/eral (rin=i(les 2$i=$
$a" ma"e $im a==e(#a/le # a
La/ur g+ernmen#6 T$e (rin=es'
,a#$ers mig$# $a+e /een #$e
sures# ,rien"s , #$e RaBT in #$e
ne2 era (ening in In"ia1 Bri#ain
2ul" $a+e # ,in" $er ,rien"s
else2$ere1 amng #$e S=ialis#s
, &ngress6 Mun#/a##en 2as
"e#ermine" # es#a/lis$ #$se
,rien"s$i(s1 an" $e .ne2 $e 2as
n# ging # " i# /%
su/r"ina#ing In"ia's na#inal
in#eres#s # #$se , a li##le =as#e
, ana=$rnis#i= au#=ra#s6
T$e /es# $e =ul" " ,r $is
,rien"s 2as # #r% # sa+e #$em
,rm #$emsel+es1 ,rm #$e
,an#asies1 #$e megalmania=
"reams i# $a" /een s eas% #
nur#ure in #$e (ri+ilege"
isla#in , #$eir s#a#es6 Sin=e
$e'" /een a %ung man1 ne
#erri/le +isin $a" al2a%s
$aun#e" Mun#/a##en an" =ul"1
e+en in 37A81 /ring #ears # $is
e%es6 I# 2as a sig$# $e'" ,#en
imagine"1 #$e grisl% s(e=#a=le ,
#$e =ellar , E.a#erin/urg in
373: 2$ere $is un=le #$e Tsar
an" #$e =usins 2i#$ 2$m $e'"
(la%e"1 in=lu"ing Marie1 #$e
(rin=ess $e'" se=re#l% $(e" #
marr%1 2ere mur"ere"6 T$ere
2ere1 $e .ne21 $#$ea"s amng
#$e (rin=es , In"ia irres(nsi/le
enug$ # laun=$ #$emsel+es n
a"+en#ures #$a# =ul" #urn #$eir
(ala=es in# =$arnel $uses li.e
#$e Tsar's =ellar6 T$e =urse $is
2n Pli#i=al Se=re#ar%1
&r,iel"1 2an#e" sme , #$em
# ,ll2 =ul" lea" # Bus# #$a#6
Man% , #$se (rin=es assume"
Mun#/a##en 2as ging # /e
#$eir sa+iur1 #$a# $e 2as ging
# (er,rm #$e mira=le #$a#
2ul" (reser+e #$em an" #$eir
(ri+ilege" eCis#en=e6 He 2as n#6
He $a" nei#$er #$e (2er nr #$e
"esire6 Ins#ea"1 $e 2as ging #
#r% # =n+in=e $is "ear an"
li,elng ,rien"s #$a# #$eir nl%
=urse 2as # g 'uie# an"
un(r#es#ing in# /li+in6
He 2an#e" #$em # a/an"n an%
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=laims # in"e(en"en=e an" #
(r=laim #$eir rea"iness # Bin
ei#$er In"ia r Pa.is#an /e,re
30 Augus#6 He1 in re#urn1 2as
(re(are" # use $is +i=eregal
au#$ri#% 2i#$ Ne$ru an" Jinna$
# se=ure as #$e (ri=e , #$eir =D
(era#in #$e /es# arrangemen#s
(ssi/le ,r #$eir (ersnal
,u#ures6
Mun#/a##en (r(se" $is "eal
,irs# # -alla/$/$ai Pa#el1 #$e
In"ian minis#er res(nsi/le ,r
"ealing 2i#$ #$e s#a#es6 I,
&ngress1 Mun#/a##en sai"1
2ul" agree # all2 #$e (rin=es
# re#ain #$eir #i#les1 (ala=es1
(ri+% (urses1 immuni#% ,rm
arres#1 rig$# # Bri#is$
"e=ra#ins an" 'uasiD"i(lma#i=
s#a#us1 $e1 in #urn1 2ul" #r% #
(ersua"e #$em # sign an A=# ,
A==essin renun=ing #$eir
#em(ral (2er1 a==e"ing # #$e
In"ian Unin an" a/an"ning
#$eir =lai # in"e(en"en=e6>
I# 2as a #em(#ing ,,er Pa#el
.ne2 #$ere 2as n ne in #
&ngress ran.s 2$ =ul" ri+al
Mun#/a##en's au#$ri#% in "eali
2i#$ #$e (rin=es6 Bu#1 $e #l" #$e
-i=er%1 'i#'s g# # /e e+er%/=
I, %u =an /ring me a /as.e#
,ille" 2i#$ e+er% a((le ,, #$e
#ree1 _ /u% i#6 I, i# $asn'# g# all
#$e a((les1 I 2n'#6'
'@ul" %u lea+e me a "Qen?'
#$e -i=er% as.e"6
FT$a#'s # man%1' Pa#el reBine"1
'I'll le# %u $a+e #26'
'T ,e21' Mun#/a##en sai"6
!r a ,e2 minu#es1 #$e las#
-i=er% an" In"ia's ,u#ure Minis
, S#a#es /argaine" li.e =ar(e#
mer=$an#s +er #$se s#a#es 2$i
en=m(asse" a ((ula#in #2
#$ir"s #$a# , #$e USA6 !inall%1
#$ agree" n a ,igureH siC6 T$a#
$ar"l% lig$#ene" #$e ,rmi"a/le
#a /e,re Mun#/a##en6 !i+e
$un"re" an" siC#%D,i+e (rin=es
minus an" a ,e2 mre ,r
Pa.is#an1 #$a# s#ill le,#
Mun#/a##en 2i#$ = 004 a((les
# (lu=. ,rm a resis#an# #ree in
#$e ,e2 2ee.s rema ing /e,re
30 Augus#6
T$e ,,er Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru 2as
ma.ing 2as #$e ms# eC#rar"im
an Englis$man 2ul" e+er
re=ei+e ,rm an In"ian6 I# 2ul"
remT uni'ue in #$e annals ,
"e=lniQa#in6 In #$e +i=eregal
s#u"% 2$i=$ #$e% $a" s(en# s
man% anCius $urs #ge#$er1
Ja2a$ai Ne$ru ,rmall% as.e"
#$e las# -i=er%1 #$e las#
==u(an# , #$e #$n 2$i=$ $a"
s%m/liQe" #$e (2er agains#
2$i=$ s man% In"iT $a" /een
s#ruggling1 # /e=me #$e ,irs#
==u(an# , #$e m illus#rius
,,i=e an in"e(en"en# In"ia
2ul" $a+e # ,,er1 #$a# ,
)+ernrD)eneral6
T$e germ , Ne$ru's i"ea $a"
=me ,rm $is ri+al Jinn
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
AnCius # ma.e sure Pa.is#an
re=ei+e" i#s ,air s$are , #$e s
=n#inen#'s asse#s1 Jinna$ $a"
sugges#e" #$a# Mun#/a##en s#a%
a,#er 30 Augus# as a .in" ,
su(reme ar/i#er1 un#il #$eir
"i+isin =m(le#e"6
Des(i#e #$e magni#u"e , #$e
$nur /eing ,,ere" $im1 Mi
/a##en $a" gra+e reser+a#ins
a/u# a==e(#ing i#1 as "i" $is
2i,e1 $a" su==ee"e" /rillian#l% in
$is ,ur mn#$s in In"ia6 He an"
2i,e =ul" n2 g u# as #$e%
$a" $(e" 'in a /laQe , gir%'6
He nl% # 2ell a2are #$a#
#ru/les lme" a$ea" an" i, $e
s#a%e;
> T$e #erms , #$eir a==r" 2ere
e+en#uall% ens$rine"1 as a ,inal
assuran #$e (rin=es1 in In"ia's
=ns#i#u#in6 T #$e las#
-i=er%'s grea# "is#ress1 I
Minis#er In"ira )an"$i1 a,#er a
lng series , maneu+res1
,inall% su==ee" /%(assing i#s
(r+isins in 378? an"
#ermina#ing #$e s(e=ial s#a#us
a==r"e (rin=es6
P6M6
#$e% =ul" #arnis$ $is earlier
a=$ie+emen#s6 An" i, $e 2as #
,un=#in (r(erl%1 $e ,el# $e
2ul" $a+e # $a+e a similar
,,er ,rm Jinna$6
T$e "%ing Mslem lea"er1
$2e+er1 =ul" n# resis# #$e
(m(1 #$e gau"% =eremnials ,
#$e #( ,,i=e , #$e S#a#e ,r
2$i=$ $e'" 2r.e" s $ar"6 He
$imsel,1 $e #l" Mun#/a##en1
2ul" /e Pa.is#an's ,irs#
)+ernrD)eneral6
E Bu#1 Mun#/a##en (r#es#e"1
$e'" (i=.e" #$e 2rng B/6
Un"er #$e Bri#is$ =ns#i#u#inal
(r=ess 2$i=$ 2ul" (re+ail in
#$e #2 "minins1 i# 2as #$e
Prime Minis#er 2$ $a" all #$e
(2er6 T$e )+ernrD)eneral's
rle 2as a s%m/li= ne a.in #
#$e s+ereign's 2i#$ n real
(2er a##a=$e" # i#6
His argumen# "i" n# m+e
Jinna$6 Tn Pa.is#an1' $e =l"l%
re(lie"1 'I 2ill /e )+ernrD
)eneral an" #$e Prime Minis#er
2ill " 2$a# I #ell $im # "6'
A##lee1 &$ur=$ill1 $is =usin #$e
*ing1 all =ns=ius , #$e
grea#ness , #$e $nur /eing
(ai" Englan" /% Ne$ru's ,,er1
urge" Mun#/a##en # a==e(# i#6
S1 #1 "i" Jinna$6
Be,re $e =ul" a==e(#1
$2e+er1 #$e /lessing , ne
man 2as ne=essar%6 T$a# #$e
man 2$ $a" enun=ia#e" #$e
"=#rine , nn+ilen=e 2ul"
=nsen# # ins#alling as
in"e(en"en# In"ia's ,irs# =$ie, ,
s#a#e a man 2$se li,e $a" /een
"e+#e" # #$e s=ien=e , 2ar,are
seeme" a# ,irs# un#$in.a/le6
Besi"es1 #$e Ma$a#ma1 in a
=$ara=#eris#i=all% 'uiC#i=
ges#ure1 $a" alrea"% gi+en #$e
2rl" $is i"eal nminee ,r #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(s#H an Un#u=$a/le s2ee(er
girl ', s#u# $ear#1 in=rru(#i/le
an" =r%s#alDli.e in $er (uri#%'6
!r all #$eir "i,,eren=es1
$2e+er1 a real a,,ini#% $a"
gr2n u( /e#2een )an"$i an"
#$e a"miral #$ir#% %ears $is
Bunir6 Mun#/a##en 2as
,as=ina#e" /% )an"$i6 He l+e"
$is (u=.is$ $umur6 !rm #$e
mmen# $e'" arri+e"1 $e $a"
reBe=#e" all #$e RaB s#ere#%(es
an" l.e" n #$e Ma$a#ma an"
$is i"eas 2i#$ an (en min"6
@i#$ ea=$ , #$eir mee#ings $is
(ersnal a,,e=#in ,r )an"$i
$a" gr2n6
;,S)an"$i1 an a,,e=#ina#e man
$imsel,1 $a" sense"
Mun#/a##en's I 2arm#$ an"
res(n"e" # i#6 One Jul%
a,#ernn1 #$e man 2$ $a"
s(en# s man% %ears in Bri#is$
Bails 2al.e" in# #$e -i=er%'s
s#u"%6 T$ere )an"$i as.e"
Mun#/a##en # a==e(#
&ngress's in+i#a#in # /e=me
#$e ,irs# )+ernrD)eneral , #$e
na#in i# $a" #a.en $im ?0 %ears
# 2res# ,rm $is =un#r%men6
)an"$i's 2r"s 2ere an
immense (ersnal #ri/u#e #
Mun#/a##en an" an e'uall%
immense #ri/u#e # #$e Bri#is$6
L.ing a# $im1 ls# in $is
enrmus arm=$air1
Mun#/a##en 2as +er2$elme"1
i '@e'+e Baile" $#m1 2e'+e
$umilia#e" $im1 2e?+= s=rne"
$im6 @e'+e
ignre" $im1' $e #$ug$#1 'an" $e
s#ill $as #$e grea#ness , s(iri# #
; " #$is6' Tu=$e" alms# #
#ears1 Mun#/a##en #$an.e"
)an"$i ,r B $is en=urageinen#B
I )an"$i a=.n2le"ge" $is
2r"s 2i#$ /arel% a n" an"
=n#inue" $is s(ee=$6 @i#$ a
2a+e , $is "eli=a#e $an"1 $e
in"i=a#e" #$e s2ee( , -i=er%'s
Huse an" i#s grea# Mg$ul
gar"ens6 All #$is1 $e sai" # #$e
-i=er% 2$ l+e" e+er% regal
in=$ , #$e (la=e1 2$ re+elle"
in i#s (m(1 i#s (agean#r% an"
glamur1 2$ "elig$#e" in i#T
ser+an#s1 i#s =uisine1 2$
sa+ure" e+er% ne , i#s
luCuries1 all #$is 2ul" $a+e #
g in an in"e(en"en# In"ia6 I#s
arrgan# (ulen=e i#s
ass=ia#ins 2i#$ #$e (as#1 2ere
an a,,rn# # In"ia's im(+eris$ei
masses6 Her ne2 lea"ers 2ul"
$a+e # se# an eCam(le6 Munl
/a##en as #$eir ,irs# =$ie, , s#a#e
2ul"1 $e $(e"1 gi+e #$e lea=
M+e u# , -i=er%'s Huse
an" li+e in a sim(le $me 2i#$#
ser+an#s1 $e urge"6 Lu#%ens'
(ala=e =ul" /e =n+er#e" in# a
$ (i#al6
Mun#/a##en s#i,,ene" an" a 2r%
smile =rsse" $is ,a=e6 @i
)an"$i1 $e #$ug$#1 $e's all /u#
as.ing me # =lean u# m% U
#ile#6 A##lee1 #$e *ing1 Ne$ru
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an" Jinna$ 2ere #$rus#ing $im
in#= #as. a/u# 2$i=$ $e $a" #$e
gra+es# ,re/"ings6 An" n2 #!
"elig$#,ul1 "e+ilis$ l" man 2as
#r%ing # #urn $im in# In"ia's ,i
S=ialis#1 a s%m/li= lea"er
(resi"ing +er a ,i,#$ , man.in"
,r sme s(ar#an /ungal2 2$i=$
$e'" $a+e # s2ee( u# $imsel, e
mrning6
T$e gleaming 2$i#eness ,
Luis Mun#/a##en's s#u"%
seeme= Sir &%ril Ra"=li,,e a
2rl" a2a% ,rm #$e ,re/"ing
glm , 2n la2 =$am/ers1 a
"i,,eren=e alms# as grea# as #$a#
/e#2een "es=ri(#in , $is #as.
$e'" re=ei+e" in Ln"n an" #$e
ne $e ge##ing ,rm #$e -i=er%
$urs a,#er $is arri+al in Ne2
Del$i6
In #$er%1 Mun#/a##en
eC(laine"1 $e 2as # /e assis#e"
/% ( , ,ur Bu"ges in ea=$
(r+in=e 2$ 2ere su((se" #
su/mi# #= Bin# re=mmen"a#ins
as # 2$ere #$e /un"ar% lines
s$ul" In ,a=# $e alne 2ul"
$a+e # a==e(# #$e res(nsi/ili#%
,r m all #$e "e=isins as i# 2as
ms# unli.el% #$a# #$se Bu"ges1
se /% #$e =n,li=#ing (ar#ies #
ser+e as a"+=a#es , #$eir "il
(in#s , +ie21 2ul" e+er /e
a/le # agree n an%#$ing6
He 2as # "ra2 $is /un"ar%
lines 'as=er#aining #$e =n#i
maBri#% areas , Mslems an"
nnDMslems'6 In "ing s $e
'#a.e in# a==un# #$er ,a=#rs'6
N ne $a" an% in#en#in ing
u# ,r $im 2$a# #$se #$er
,a=#rs s$ul" /e r 2$a# $e
s$ul" gi+e #$em6 T " s
2ul" $a+e le" Ne$ru an" JinnT
an#$er , #$eir unen"ing
argumen#s6

Irni=all%1 #$e ne s(e=i,i=
=ri#erin $e 2as gi+en 2as /ase"
n a ##all% errneus
assum(#in6 &n+in=e" #$a#
,u#ure rela#ins /e#2een In"ia
an" Pa.is#an 2ul" /e ,rien"l%1
In"ian Arm%1 !iel"DMars$al Sir
&lau"e Au=$iule=.1 au#$riQe"
Ra"=li,,e # ignre #$e elemen#s
2$i=$ 2ere usuall% #$e ,irs#
=n=ern , a na#in in se##ing i#s
,rn#iers1 =nsi"era#ins ,
"e,en=e6
T$se (in#s1 $2e+er1 2ere
nl% (reliminar% Bl#s /e,re #$e
real s$=. a2ai#ing Ra"=li,,e6
T$ug$ $is #as. (rmise" # /e
"i,,i=ul#1 Ra"=li,,e $a" =me #
Del$i =n+in=e" $e 2ul" a#
leas# $a+e #$e #ime an" ,a=ili#ies
# =arr% i# u# in a "eli/era#e1
Bu"i=ius manner6
N21 $e $ear" Mun#/a##en
eC(lain1 i# 2as im(era#i+e $is
"e=isin /e rea"% /% 30 Augus#1
a "a#e nl% 2ee.s a2a%6
Mun#/a##en's 2r"s mean# #$a#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$e 2ul" ne+er /e a/le e+en #
glim(se #$e lan"s $e 2as
su((se" # "i+i"e6 I, #$is a2,ul
$as#e 2as reall% ,r=e" n $im1
$e 2arne" Mun#/a##en1 errrs
an" mis#a.es1 sme , #$em
(er$a(s gra+e1 2ere /un" #
=ree( in6
Mun#/a##en a=.n2le"ge" #$a#
$e 2as rig$#6 Bu# #$ere 2as n
#ime6 In"ia 2ul" Bus# $a+e #
a==e(# 2$a#e+er anmalies =re(#
in# $is "e=isin as ine+i#a/le
an" ne=essar%6 He 2ul" $a+e
nl% ne se# , ins#ru=#ins #
gi+e Ra"=li,,e1 /u# #$e% 2ul"
/e ,irm nesH ,inis$ #$e B/ /%
30 Augus#6S1 ^ [B; OD; LJr
A s#u//rn1 in"e(en"en# man1
Ra"=li,,e 2as n# ging # #a.e
#$e -i=er%'s 2r" as ,inal6 He
=alle" (ersnall% n /#$ Ne$ru
an" Jinna$6 T ea=$ $e (u# #$e
same 'ues#inH 2as i# a/slu#el%
essen#ial # $a+e "e,ini#i+e
(ar#i#in lines1 $2e+er
"e,e=#i+e1 "ra2n /% 30 Augus#?
B#$ insis#e" i# 2as6
)i+en #$eir insis#en=e Ra"=li,,e
$a" n =$i=e /u# # =m(l%6 I#
2as n#1 $e realiQe"1 a surgen's
s=al(el $e 2as ging # re'uire
#
(er,rm $is +i+ise=#in , #$e
PunBa/ an" Bengal6 @$a# $e
2ul"
nee" 2as a /u#=$er's aCe6
T$e PunBa/1 Jul% 37A8
Barel% a "Qen miles ,rm #$e
2in"2s , #$e -i=er%'s s#u"%
/egan #$e ,irs# ,iel"s , ne ,
#$e #2 grea# In"ian (r+in=es
"es#ine" # /e se+ere" /% &%ril
Ra"=li,,e's $an"1 #$e PunBa/6
Ne+er $a" #$e granar% , In"ia
(rmise" a $ar+es# as a/un"an#
as #$e ne ri(ening in #$se
gl"en ,iel"s , /arle%1 sun/urn#
2$ea#1 un"ula#ing ran.s , =rn
an" sugar =ane6 Alrea"%1 2i#$
#$eir sl21 (ain,ul s$u,,le1 #$e
/ull=.s lur=$e" alng #$e "us#%
ra"s1 #ugging #$e 2"enD
2$eele" (la#,rms n 2$i=$
2ere $ea(e" #$e ,irs# ,rui# , #$e
ri=$es# sil in In"ia6
@i#$ ,e2 +aria#ins1 #$e +illages
#2ar"s 2$i=$ #$e% s#raine" 2i
i"en#i=alH a 2a#er #an. =+ere"
/% a sli=. , green s=um 2$V
2men /ea# #$eir =l#$es an"
/%s1 ,li=.ing s2i#=$es1 2as$e"
/laV "ungD=rus#e" 2a#er
/u,,alesT a =lus#er ,
mu"2alle" =m(ur in 2$i=$
/u,,ales1 ga#s1 =2s1 "gs an"
/are,# =$il"ren =$urr #$eir 2a%
#$rug$ an.leD"ee( mu" an"
(u""les , =2 urine e+a( a#ing
in #$e sunT a $um(/a=.e" C
(l""ing "um/l% arun" 3
e#ernal =ir=le , #$e mills#ne1
=rus$ing grain # mealT a /e+%
2men (a##ing s#eaming (iles ,
,res$ =2 "ung in# #$e ,la# =al
#$a# 2ul" ,uel #$eir =.ing
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,ires66
T$e $ear# , #$e PunBa/ 2as #$e
=i#% 2$i=$ $a" /een #$e =a(i ,
#$e em(ire , a T$usan" an"
One Nig$#s1 La$re1 #$e (am(ei
(rin=ess , #$e Mg$ul
em(errs6 U(ndr# #$e% $a"
la+is$e" ,ines# ,l2ering , #$eir
ar#isans' s.illH AurangQe/'s grea#
ms'ue1 ,aien=es s#ill glis#ening
a=rss #$e "us# , =en#uries1 #$e
77 names )" 2ri# in mar/le
u(n i#s =en#a($T #$e s(ra2ling
enrmi#% A./ar's ,r# 2i#$ i#s
enamelle" #erra=es an" mar/le
grilles s=ul( li.e la=eT #$e
mausleum , NurBa$an1 #$e
=a(#i+e /eau#% + marrie" $er
Bailer an" /e=ame an em(ressT
#$e #m/ , Anar. 'Pmegrana#e
Blssm'1 Be2el , A./ar's
$arem1 /urie" ali+e /es#2ing a
smile n $is snT #$e ?44 si/ilan#
,un#ains , #$e S$ mar )ar"ens6
Mre =sm(li#an #$an Del$i1
mre aris#=ra#i= #$an Bm/
l"er #$an &al=u##a1 #$e =i#% 2as
,r man% #$e ms# a##ra=#i+e
In"ia6 I#s $ear# 2as #$e Mall1 a
2i"e /ule+ar" ,lan.e" /% =a
s$(s1 res#auran#s an" #$ea#res6
La$re /as#e" mre /ars #$an
/.s$(s6 As man% =us##r
=r2"e" i#s =a/are#s #$an
,ai#$,ul i#s #em(les an" ms'ues6
I#s lig$# "is#ri=# 2as #$e ms#
elegan# in In"ia an" #$e =i#% $a"
3V sa+ure" #$e re(u#a#in ,
/eing #$e Paris , #$e Orien#6
I#s s#u"en#s1 n#e" ne /ser+er1
"resse" li.e a=#rs1 i#s a=#rs 3
giglsT i#s s=ie#% la"ies li.e
=ur#esans an" i#s =ur#esans 3
Ln"n m"els6 I# 2as #$e $me
, #$e .$aQan=$i1 #$e elegan#1 i
#uni= sme In"ian 2men 2re
ins#ea" , saris1 i#s ,l"s ,alling
.nee leng#$ +er sil. #rusers
.n##e" a# #$e an.le li.e #$se
2V /% #$e girls , #$e $arems ,
i#s an=ien# em(errs6
I# 2as als $ere #$a# #$e Englis$
$a" =$sen # im(lan# #$e # ,
#$se e"u=a#inal $#D$uses in
2$i=$ #$e% $a" nur#ure" a r
genera#in , lea"ers6 !rm #$e
)#$i= s(ires , #$eir =$a(els #
## =ri=.e# ,iel"s1 #$eir La#inD an"
)ree.D,ille" =urri=ula1 #$eir =a
s2inging mas#ers1 #$eir s=$l
=a(s an" /laQers 2i#$ seals a
m##es li.e 'Hea+en's Lig$# ur
)ui"e' an" '&urage # *n
#$se s=$ls 2ere (er,e=#
re(li=as , #$eir Englis$ m"els
#rans(lan#e" n # #$e $# (lains
, #$e PunBa/6
In %ell2ing ran.s #$e ($#s ,
#$eir games #eams1 s#are" "2n
,rm #$eir 2alls1 ran. u(n ran.
, "ar.1 slemn li##le ,a=es
(eering u# ,rm un"er #$eir
rugger =a(s r (ru"l% =lu#=$ing
#$eir $=.e% s#i=.s an" =ri=.e#
/a#s6 Hin"u1 Mslem an" Si.$1
#$se %ung men $a" s#" si"e
/% si"e a# =$a(el1 /el#ing u# #$e
r/us# l" &$ris#ian $%mns1 $a"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s#u"ie" #$e 2r.s , &$au=er
an" T$a=.era%1 /ruise" an"
/l"ie" ea=$ #$er n #$e
(la%ingD,iel"s in (ursui# , #$e
manl% +ir#ues , #$e rulers ,rm
2$m #$e% $a" n2 =laime" #$e
.e%s # #$eir su/D=n#inen#6
La$re 2as a/+e all1 a #leran#
=i#% an" =mmunal "is#in=#ins
/e#2een i#s 0441444 Hin"us1
3441444 Si.$s1 an" 9441444
Mslems $a" #ra"i#inall%
ma##ere" less #$an an%2$ere else
in In"ia6 On #$e "an=e ,lrs ,
#$e )%m.$ana an"
&sm(li#an &lu/s1 #$e
"is#an=e /e#2een #$e
=mmuni#ies 2as ,#en re"u=e"
# #$e #$i=.ness , a sari as
Si.$s1 Mslems an" Hin"us
rum/ae" an" "i" #$e ,CD#r#
#ge#$er6 A# re=e(#ins1 "inners
an" /alls1 #$e =mmuni#ies
mingle" in"is=rimina#el% an" #$e
sum(#uus +illas , i#s 2eal#$%
su/ur/s 2ere 2ne" 2i#$u#
"is#in=#in /% Hin"us1 Si.$s1
Mslems1 &$ris#ians an"
Parsees6
All #$a# $a" /een a l+el% "ream
an" i# 2as a "ream =ming
ra(i"l% # an en" in Jul% 37A86
Sin=e Januar%1 Mslem League
Qeal#s $a" /een $l"ing se=re#
rallies in #$e areas , #$e PunBa/
2$ere Mslems (re"mina#e"6
Using (i=#ures an" #$e s.ulls an"
/nes , allege" Mslem +i=#ims
, Hin"u a#r=i#ies else2$ere in
In"ia1 #$e% ,anne" #$e ,ires ,
=mmunal $a#re"6 O==asinall%1
a mu#ila#e" F+i=#im $imsel, 2as
sen# ,rm rall% # rall% # "is(la%
$is 2un"s6 A =n=er#e"
=am(aign , ri#s an"
"emns#ra#ins $a" ,r=e" #$e
Hin"uDMslemDSi.$ =ali#in
g+ernmen# #$a# $a" run #$e
(r+in=e ,r a "e=a"e # resign6
As a resul# #$e g+ernr1 Sir
E+an Jen.ins1 $a" /een /lige"
# #a.e i#s a"minis#ra#in in# $is
2n $an"s6
A ,irs# 2a+e , +ilen=e $a"
eru(#e" earl% in Mar=$ a,#er a
Si.$ lea"er $a" $a=.e" "2n a
(le ,l%ing #$e Mslem League
/anner 2i#$ a =r% , 'Pa.is#an
Mur"a/a"' D 'Dea#$ # Pa.is#an'6
T$e Mslems $a" gi+en $is
=$allenge a s2i,# an" /l"%
re(l%6 O+er ?444 (e(le1 ms# ,
#$em Si.$s1 $a" "ie" in #$e
=las$es #$a# $a" ,ll2e"6 !l%ing
+er a series , Si.$ +illages
"e+as#a#e" /% Mslem
+igilan#es1 L#D)en6 !ran.
Messer+%1 &mman"erDinD&$ie,
, #$e In"ian Arm%'s Nr#$ern
&mman"1 $a" /een $rri,ie" /%
#$e r2s u(n r2s , mur"ere"
Si.$s1 'lai" u# li.e ($easan#s
a,#er a s$#6'
T$e au#$ri#ies $a" ,inall%
su==ee"e" in res#ring r"er1 /u#
sin #$en u#/urs#s , #ru/le1
su=$ as #$a# 2$i=$ $a" "es#r%e"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$ +illage , *a$u#a 2$i=$ Luis
Mun#/a##en $a" +isi#e" in
A(ril1 $ai /een ==urring 2i#$
gr2ing ,re'uen=%6
Ine+i#a/l% #$e (isn #$e% s(rea"
see(e" in# #$e s#ree#s , La$re
T$e man 2$se #ra=ings n a
ma( 2ul" "e#ermine i#s "es#in%1
Si &%ril Ra"=li,,e1 =ame # #$e
=i#%1 $is $ea" ,ull , #ales $e'"
$ear" i Englan" , #$e
glamrus La$re1 , i#s
"aQQling &$ris#mas seasr i#s
$un# /all1 i#s $rse s$2s1 i#s
gli##ering s=ial li,e6 T$ere 2ere
,ei e=$es , #$a# La$re in #$e
=i#% $e "is=+ere"6 Ins#ea"1 $e
,un '$ea# an" "us# s#rms1 ri#s
an" /urning'6
Alrea"%1 3441444 (e(le $a"
,le" i#s s#ree#s in ,ear6 Des(i#e #/
#erri/le $ea#1 i#s in$a/i#an#s $a"
gi+en u( an l" PunBa/i summi
=us#m , slee(ing u#si"e un"er
#$e s#ars6 T$e "anger , a s#eal#$
$an" sli##ing a slee(ing #$ra#
$a" /e=me # grea#6 In =er#ai
(ar#s , #$e =i#% Mslem %u#$s
2ul" la% s#ri(s , 2ire alng #l
ra"1 #$en Ber. #$em #au# in #$e
(a#$ , a ,as#Dm+ing =%=lis#6
T$e +i=#ims 2ere al2a%s Si.$s
/e=ause #$eir /ear"s an" #ur/ans
gai #$em a2a%6
T$e ms# #ru/le" area in
La$re 2as insi"e a se+en
mile 6/el# V s#ne1 #$e an=ien#
2all , A./ar en=lsing ne ,
#$e ms# "ense ((ula#e" areas
, #$e 2rl"6 T$ere1 ?441444
Mslems an" 34414; Hin"us an"
Si.$s'1 34A1444 (e(le (er
s'uare mile1 see#$e" li.e ,e
men#ing,am in a la/%rin#$ ,
alle%s1 su.s1 s$(s1 #em(les1
ms'u an" "ila(i"a#e"
"2ellings6 All #$e "urs1 #$e
s$rie.s1 #$e =lamu , #$e
/aQaars , Asia a/un"e" in #$a#
#ur/ulen# mass , $umani# E+er%
(en (la=e 2as a #$i=.e# ,
am/ula#r% mer=$an#s6 On rui
#in #ra%s1 n (la##ers /alan=e" n
#$eir $ea"s1 n rlling =ar#s1 #$
"is(la%e" #$eir 2aresH (u,,%
s(i=e /alls ,rie" in ,a#1 (%rami"s
ranges1 ge% mun"s , $al+a
an" /ar,l1 rien#al s2ee#s1
(a(a%s gua+as1 s#a=.s ,
/ananas1 glu#inus =lum(s ,
"a#es ea=$ surrun" /% i#s /la=.
=lu" , ,lies6 &$il"ren1 #$eir
e%es 2$i#ene" /% #i granular
=rus#s , #ra=$ma1 s'ueeQe" #$e
s%ru( ,rm s#al.s sugar =ane n
rus#% (resses6
Alle%s 2ere a /%Qan#ine maQe ,
s#alls an" s$(s1 =ageDli.e =e se#
#2 ,ee# a/+e #$e grun" #
(r#e=# #$em ,rm su""en ,l
"uring #$e mnsn6 Sme
un"e,ine" ,rn#ier gru(e" #$em
in rigi" li##le guil"s1 lea#$er
2r.ers n ne si"e1 #inDsmi#$s
n an#/ T$ere 2ere #$e
Be2ellers' 'uar#er1 i#s #ra%s
s(ar.le" 2i#$ #$e g= /angles #$a#
2ere man% Hin"us' #ra"i#inal
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,rm , sa+ingsT # (er,umers'
'uar#er 2i#$ i#s =lus#ers ,
in=ense s#i=.s an" &$inV nas.s
2i#$ #$eir eC#i= essen=es ,rm
2$i=$ #$e (er,umer miCe" 3
s=en#s # ea=$ =lien#'s 2$imT
s$ema.ers' s$(s "is(la%ing
r2s

gl"Dem/ri"ere" sli((ers1 #$eir
en"s #a(ering # a (in#
resem/ling a g/n"la's (r2T
=ra,#smen "is(la%ing =u(s an"
rnamen#s , +i#reus enamel1
sil+er inlai" in (e2#er1
(er,ra#e" me#al 2r. in s(un
gl" as ,ine alms# as =##n
=an"%1 la='uere" (la##ers an"
rse an" san"al2" /Ces
inlai" 2i#$ msai=s , i+r% an"
m#$er , (earl6
T$ere 2ere s$(s selling arms1
"aggers1 .ir(ans1 #$e ri#ual
s2r"s , #$e Si.$s6 T$ere 2ere
,l2er mer=$an#s /e$in"
mun#ains , rses an" garlan"s
, Basmine s#rung /% #$eir
=$il"ren li.e /ea"s n a s#ring6
T$ere 2ere #ea mer=$an#s 2i#$ a
"Qen +arie#ies , #ea ,rm Be#
/la=. # li+e green6 T$ere 2ere
=l#$ mer=$an#s s'ua##ing
/are,#e" in #$eir s#alls1 /l#s ,
=l#$ in "Qens , =lurs
/e$in" #$em6 T$ere 2ere s$(s
selling 2e""ing #ur/ans
=as=a"ing in gl" #rim an"
em/ri"ere" +es#s in s,# ,lss
sil. , =##n in#ers(erse" 2i#$
=$i(s , =lure" glass1 #$e
emeral"s1 ru/ies an" sa(($ires
, #$e (r6 T$ere 2ere /ar/ersT
irn2r.ersT =((er1 /rass an"
#insmi#$s 2r.ing in a
=a=($n% , =langing
$ammersT #ailrsT =ar(en#ersT
s=a+engers1 s(e=ialiQing in #$e
sale , l" #%res1 /##les1 rags1
ne2s(a(ersT all #$e #ra"es an"
=mmer=e , #$e 2rl"
su==ee"ing ea=$ #$er in nis%
an" (i=#ures'ue =n,usin6
Mslem 2men1 s$ru"e" in #$e
"ar. ,l"s , #$eir /ur'as1 e%es
,las$ing /e$in" #$e gauQe grilles
s=reening #$eir ,a=es1 sli((e"
li.e nuns a# +es(ers #$rug$ #$e
$n.ing1 Bangling s2irl ,
#ngas1 ri=.s$a2s1 /i=%=les1
lum/ering /ull=. =ar#s6 S#aring
"2n n #$a# $u//u/ ,rm
/e$in" #$e $an"D=ar+e" 2"en
s=reen , $is ,,i=e 2in"2s in
#$e Hin"u neig$/ur$" 2as
#$e ri=$es# man in Ol" La$re6
Alms# a 'uar#er , #$e ,armers
, #$e PunBa/ 2ere enmes$e"1
sme , #$em ,r li,e1 in #$e
gl"en 2e/ #$e ageing Bulagi
S$a$ s(rea" ,rm #$a# 2in"26
He 2as #$e ms# su==ess,ul
usurer in In"ia6
N2 mur"er s#al.e" #$se
=lu##ere" alle%s /el2 Bulagi
S$a$'s 2in"2s6 I# 2as
senseless1 2an#n mur"er1 i#s
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
+i=#ims sele=#e" a# ran"m
/e=ause a man 2re a Si.$'s
#ur/an r a Mslem's ga#ee6
T$e mur"erers 2ere gn"as1
#$ugs1 , all #$ree =mmuni#ies1
(r2ling #$e Ol" &i#% in sear=$
, a mem/er , a ri+al
=mmuni#% +en#uring in# #$eir
neig$/ur$"s1 s#ri.ing1 #$en
mel#ing ,, in# a maQe ,
alle%2a%s6
Dea#$1 ne Bri#is$ (li=e ,,i=er
remem/ere"1 '=ul" =me li.e
lig$#ning6 I# 2as +er in a ,las$6
Be,re %u =ul" sa% F.ni,eF
%u'" see a /"% "%ing in #$e
s#ree#s1 e+er% "r 2as s$u#1 an"
n ne 2as in sig$#6'
T$e .illings $a" main#aine" an
eeril% e+en /alan=e /e#2een
Mslems an" nnDMslems6
'T$e Mslems are ne u( #"a%1'
#$e

=i#%'s Ins(e=#rD)eneral ,
Pli=e1 J$n Banne#1 2ul" n#e1
'2$ 2an#s # /e# #$e Hin"us ge#
i# /a=. #nig$#?'
E+er% Sa#ur"a%1 #$e (li=e
(re(are" #2 2ee.l% "iaries1 #$e
@ee.l% &rime Diar% an" #$e
@ee.l% &n,i"en#ial Pli#i=al
A=#i+i#ies Diar%6 Una/le #
"e=i"e in# 2$i=$ =a#egr%
=mmunal mur"ers s$ul" ,all1
Banne#1 2i#$ a ,ine Bri#is$
/ureau=ra#'s regar" ,r
#$rug$ness1 r"ere" #$em
lgge" in# /#$6
T$e man 2$ 2ul" $a+e #
"e=i"e in# 2$i=$ "minin
La$re 2ul" ,all 2as su=$ a
=n#r+ersial ,igure #$a# #$e
PunBa/'s g+ernr re,use" #
,,er $im #$e $s(i#ali#% , $is
resi"en=e6 Ins#ea"1 &%ril
Ra"=li,,e s#a%e" a# !alle##i's1 a
$#el ,un"e" in 3:94 /% a
Nea(li#an 2$'" ,allen in l+e
2i#$ a La$re =ur#esan6 @i#$
#$e ,er+ur , a "es(era#e man1
$e s#ruggle" # eC#ra=# sme
minimal measure , agreemen#
,rm #$e Bu"ges 2$ 2ere
su((se" # assis# $im6
Mun#/a##en $a" /een rig$#6 I#
2as a useless e,,r#6
@$ene+er $e 2en# u#1 $e 2as
assaile" /% #$e $ea# an" /%
In"ians "es(era#e # in,luen=e
$is "e=isin6 Pa#$e#i=1 #erri,ie"
(e(le1 ,ear,ul , seeing a
li,e#ime's a==umula#in ,
2eal#$ 2i(e" u# /% a s#r.e ,
$is (en1 #$e% 2ere rea"% # ,,er
$im an%#$ing ,r a /un"ar% line
,a+ura/le # #$eir =mmuni#%6
A# nig$#1 # a+i" #$eir
im(r#unings1 $e re#rea#e" #
La$re'sT las# 'Eur(ean Onl%'
/as#in1 #$e PunBa/ &lu/1
ni=.name" '#$e (ig' /% i#s
mem/ers6
T$ere1 n i#s la2ns1 $is I&S ai"e
/% /is si"e1 2ai#ers in 2$i#e
r/es ,li##ing #$rug$ #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"ar.ness1 #$e man 2$ .ne2
n#$ing a/u# In"ia si((e" $is
e+ening 2$is.% an" s"a an"
2n"ere" 2$ere in #$e $# an"
$a#re"D#rn =i#% $e mig$# ,in" an
e=$ , #$e glamrus La$re ,
legen"6
His La$re 2ul" a2a%s /e #$e
sun"s an" sig$#s rising #$rug$
#$e "ar. $riQn surrun"ing #$e
PunBa/ &lu/'s la2nsH an
==asinal s$2er , s(ar.s
,rm a /urning /aQaarT #$e 2ail
, sirensT #$e (ier=ing 2ar =r% ,
#$e =i#%'s ri+al ,a=#ins D 'Sa# Sri
A.aT ,r #$e Si.$s1 an" ' Alla$
DA./ar' ,r #$e Mslems D #$e
sinis#er "rum/ea#s , #$e ,ana#i=
Hin"u RSSS #$um(ing li.e #mD
#ms in #$e $s#ile nig$#6
T$ir#%D,i+e miles eas# , La$re
la% #$e se=n" grea# =i#% , #$e
PunBa/1 Amri#sar1 2$se an=ien#
alle%2a%s en,l"e" Si.$ism's
ms# sa=re" si#e1 #$e )l"en
Tem(le6 Ringe" /% a
s$immering #an. , 2a#er1 #$e
2$i#e mar/le #em(le rse a# #$e
en" , a mar/le =ause2a%6 I#s
"me1 =+ere" in gli##ering gl"
lea,1 s$el#ere" #$e riginal
manus=ri(# , #$e Si.$'s Hl%
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muni#%6
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=m(se" largel% , &ngress
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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=rru(#in i +enali#% , #$e +er%
&ngress minis#ers 2$m
)an"$i $a" $ 2ul" ,ll2 in
$is ,#s#e(s6
!r all $is =n=ern a/u# In"ia's
,u#ure1 )an"$i's "a% # "a% i
==u(a#ins in Jul% 37A81
remaine" #$e =mmunal +ilen=e
2# =n#inue" # (lague #$e su/D
=n#inen#6 Ta.ing Ne$ru 2i#$
$im1 insis#e" n seeing #$e ,irs#
Hin"u an" Si.$ re,ugees s(illing
ul @es# PunBa/6
I# 2as a s#aggering
=n,rn#a#in6 T$ir#%D#2
#$usan" (e #$e sur+i+rs , a
$un"re" *a$u#as D #$e +illage
2$se $rrrs 3 s s#ru=. #$e
-i=er% D $a" /een assem/le"
354 miles ,rm Del$ #$e $ea#
an" #$e "ir# , In"ia's ,irs#
re,ugee =am(6
S$rie.ing #$eir anger r 2ailing
#$eir grie,1 #$e% engul,e" )an"
=ar in a sea , miser%1 #$eir
$an"s an" ,ingers ges#i=ula#ing1
/ese# ingT #$eir ,a=es =n#r#e" in
anger r $a#eT #$eir "ar. e%es
/egg ,r sme sla=e # #$eir
"es(air6 BuQQing s2arms , ,lies
$+e +er #$em1 alig$#ing in
/la=.1 2riggling (a#=$es n #$eir
s#illD 2un"s6 A grea# (all ,
"us# s#irre" /% #$eir running ,ee#
in+a #$eir ns#rils an" (ar=$e"
#$ra#s an" le,# i#s (2"er% +eil
e+i 2$ere6 !rm all si"es1 #$e%
(resse" n )an"$i an" Ne$ru1 a
smV s2ea#%1 ,ulD/rea#$e" 2all
, misera/le $uman /eings6
All "a% )an"$i 2r.e" 2i#$
#$em1 #r%ing # /ring sme r"e
#$eir im(r+ise" =am(6 He
s$2e" #$em $2 # "ig la#rines1
le=#+ #$em n sani#a#in an"
$%giene1 rganiQe" a "is(ensar%1
nurse= man% , #$e si=. as $e
=ul"6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
La#e in #$e a,#ernn1 #$e%
s#ar#e" /a=. # Del$i6 His 88D
%ear /"% 2rn u# /% s#rain1 $is
s(iri# sa""ene" /% s mu=$ mis
)an"$i s#re#=$e" u# in #$e /a=.
sea# , #$e =ar an" ,ell aslee( U
$is gnarle" ,ee# res#ing in #$e la(
, #$e "is=i(le 2$ $a" #ur $is
/a=. n $im Bus# #2 mn#$s
/e,re6
E%es s#raig$# a$ea"1 $is usuall%
eC(ressi+e ,a=e a mas.1 Ne r"e
,r a lng #ime in silen=e1
(n"ering1 (er$a(s1 2$a# ,u#ure
sig$#s #$e% $a" 2i#nesse"
(r#en"e" ,r #$e In"ia $e 2ul"
si =alle" u(n # g+ern6
T$en1 sl2l%1 #en"erl%1 as #$ug$
# eC(ia#e 2i#$ $is ,ingers' gen#le
#u=$ #$e (ain $e'" =ause" $im1
$e /egan # massage #$e =alluse"
,ee# , #$e slee(ing man #
2$m $e'" "e+#e" s mu=$ ,
$is li,e6
A# sunse#1 )an"$i a2.e6 !rm
ea=$ si"e , #$eir s(ee"ing =ar1
#$e /ra" ,iel"s , sugar1 2$ea#1
(a""%1 ,la# as a man's $an"1 run
"2n # a $riQn s "is#an# i#
mig$# seem #$e e"ge , #$e
2rl"6 A ,ine $aQe s#" a/+e
#$e +as# (lain1 ,il#ering #$rug$
i#s s=reen #$e las# rsea#e gl2 ,
#$e sin.ing sun6 I# 2as #$e =2
"us# $ur1 an $ur as an=ien#1 as
un,rge##a/le as In"ia i#sel,6
!rm a #$usan"1 #ens ,
#$usan"s , mu"/ri=. $u#s
s(e=.ling #$e grea# PunBa/ (lain
i# =ame1 #$e sm.e , In"ia's
meal#ime ,ires6 E+er%2$ere1
s'ua##ing n #$eir $aun=$es1
,a"e" saris =lu#=$e" # #$eir
s$ul"ers1 /angles =lan.ing n
#$eir /are arms1 #$e 2men
#en"e" #$se ,ires1 ,ussing +er
#$e =$a(a#is an" =lianne #$e%
=.e"1 s#.ing #$em 2i#$ #$e
run" ,la# (a##ies , "rie" "ung
#$a# ,uelle" #$em1 #$e las# , #$e
man% gi,#s , In"ia's sa=re"
=2s6 T$e man#le , In"ian
nig$#1 #$e sm.e ,rm #$se
num/erless =2D"ung ,ires1
"ri,#e" #$rug$ #$e e+ening s.%1
(ermea#ing i# 2i#$ #$e "is#in=#i+e
(ungen# smell #$a# 2as #$e /"%
"ur , M#$er In"ia6
T$ere in #$e ga#$ering "ar.ness
)an"$i s#((e" #$e =ar an" sa#
"2n /% #$e si"e , #$e ra" ,r
$is e+ening (ra%er6 His s#(e"1
s$ri+elle" ,igure 2as a# ne 2i#$
#$a# +as# an" murn,ul (lain1 #$e
neem an" (ee(ul #rees ,l"ing
+er $im6 In #$e /a=. , #$e =ar1
Ne$ru1 $is e+es =lse"1 $is
,ingers (resse" # $is e%eli"s1
lis#ene" as #$e $ig$1 2a+ering
+i=e , a /r.enD$ear#e" man
/es=e=$e" #$e )" , #$e )ila #
"eli+er $is /el+e" In"ia ,rm
#$e ,a#e $e ,resa2 ,r $er6 I
'@e @ill Al2a%s Remain
Br#$ers'
Ln"n1 Jul% 37A8
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$e slemn #$um(s , a /la=.
e/n% s#a+e n an an#i'ue ,lr
$eral"e" #$e a==m(lis$men# ,
e+er% grea# legal a=# in #$e =la#
#in , #$e Bri#is$ Em(ire6 !r
=en#uries1 #$e s#a+e , #$e *
Messenger1 #$e )en#leman Us$er
, #$e Bla=. R"1 $a" ! mne" a
"elega#in , #$e &mmns
"2n #$e aisles , #$e H= ,
Parliamen# # #$e Lr"s1 #$ere #
2i#ness #$e R%al Assen# ,inal
san=#in ,r #$e e"i=#s #$a# $a"
=arrie" Bri#ain's im(erial (V #
#$e en"s , #$e ear#$6 T$e an=ien#
ri#ual $a" n# =$ange" /u#
summer "a% #$e me#rnmi=
/ea# , #$e e/n% s#a+e rang
,uneral .nellT a .nell mar.ing
#$e "ea#$ , #$e Bri#is$ Em(ire1
, #$e /ills a2ai#ing #$e R%al
Assen# n !ri"a%1 3: Jul% 2ul"
se+er ,re+er #$e Bri#is$
=nne=#in 2i#$ In"ia6
A# #$e $eig$# , Bri#ain's
im(erial (2er1 men n #$e
/en=$, @es#mins#er $a" /een
a/le # =all #$e 2rl"'s unrul% #
r"er /< "is(a#=$ , a gun/a# r
#((le a ,reign "es(# 2i#$ #$e
#$reT a #$in re" line , Bri#is$
sl"iers6 T$e las# Eur(ean
na#in # /ar. n #$e im(erial
a"+en#ure1 #$e Bri#is$ $a" saile"
mre H (ene" mre lan"s1
,ug$# mre /a##les1 s'uan"ere"
mre 3 "raine" mre
eC=$e'uers1 a"minis#ere" mre
(e(le mre , #$an an% #$er
im(erial (2er6 In"ee"1
sme#$ing in #$eir is (e(les'
=$ara=#er seeme" # $a+e ,i##e"
#$em ,r #$a# /rie, mme $is#r%
2$en i# 2as $el" a sel,De+i"en#
mral im(era#i+e #$a# 2
&$ris#ian Eur(eans s$ul" '$l"
"minin +er (alm an" (ii T$e
+e$i=le /% 2$i=$ a ne2
genera#in , men in @es#mii
2ul" en" all #$a# 2as #u=.e"
in# a 2alle# em/ellis$e" 2i#$
R%al Anns an" a gl" #$rea"6 I#
la% in a (ile , similar "=urr n
i$e lng #a/le "i+i"ing #$e
=$am/er in 2$i=$ #$e Huse ,
L sa#6
T$e In"ian In"e(en"en=e Bill
2as a m"el , =n=iseness
sim(li=i#%6 T gi+e In"ia $er
,ree"m1 mem/ers , Parliamen
'uire" nl% #2en#% =lauses an"
siC#een #%(e2ri##en (ages6 Ne+er
s mmen#us a measure /een
"ra,#e" an" ena=#e" 2i#$ =m(ai
s(ee"6 Barel% siC 2ee.s $a"
/een re'uire" # (re(are i# an"
sei #$rug$ i#s rea"ings in #$e
Huses , Parliamen#6 T$e
"e/a#e a=e (an%ing #$se
rea"ings $a" /een mar.e" /%
"igni#% an" res#r T$ere $a" /een
ins#an=es in $is#r%1 &lemen#
A##l=e $a" #l" Huse in
in#r"u=ing #$e $is#ri= /ill1 'in
2$i=$ a s#a#e a# #$e (

108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

545 ,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
, a s2r" $as /een ,r=e" #
surren"er (2er # an#$er
(e(le1 /u# i# 2as +er% rare ,r a
(e(le 2$ $a" lng enB%e"
(2er +er an#$er na#in #
surren"er i# +lun#aril%'6
E+en @ins#n &$ur=$ill1 gi+ing
$is melan=$l% =nsen# # 2$a#
$e $a" la/elle" 'a #i"% li##le /ill'1
$a" (ai" a rare #ri/u#e # $is
ri+al A##lee ,r #$e 2is"m $e'"
"is(la%e" in sele=#ing Luis
Mun#/a##en as $is las# -i=er%6
Pr/a/l% nne , #$e 2r"s
u##ere" in #$e =urse , #$se
"e/a#es1 $2e+er1 $a" =aug$# as
a==ura#el% #$e m" , Bri#ain's
la2Dma.ers as a remar. /%
-is=un# Samuel6
'I# ma% /e sai" , #$e Bri#is$
RaB1' $e n#e"1 'as S$a.es(eare
sai" , #$e T$ane , &a2"rH
Fn#$ing in $is li,e /e=ame $im
li.e #$e lea+ing i#F6'
N21 #$e Prime Minis#er1
&lemen# A##lee1 a# #$eir $ea"1 a
?4Dmem/er "elega#in ,rm #$e
Huse , &mmns #. #$eir
(la=es /e$in" #$e /ar in #$e
Huse , Lr"s # 2i#ness #$e
,inal a=# in i#s (assage6
Dmina#ing ne en" , #$e
=$am/er 2ere #2in s%m/ls ,
#$e r%al (2er1 a (air , gil"e"
#$rnes n a "ais un"er a
#a(es#r% em/ri"ere" 2i#$ #$e
R%al Arms6 Be,re #$em 2as
#$e @lsa=.1 #$e u($ls#ere"
sea# , #$e Lr" Hig$
&$an=ellr1 l.ing u(n a lng
#a/le n 2$i=$ 2ere (ile" #$e
/ills a2ai#ing #$e assen# ,
)erge -I6
T$e *ing's re(resen#a#i+e1 #$e
&ler. , #$e &r2n1 #. $is
(la=e n ne si"e , #$e lng
#a/le6 T$e &ler. , Parliamen#
#. $is ((si#e $im6 He
rea=$e" u# ,r #$e ,irs# /ill in
#$e (ile1 an" in a slemn +i=e1
rea" u# i#s #i#leH 'T$e Su#$
Me#r(li#an )as Bill6'
'Le R# le +eul#' re(lie" #$e
&ler. , #$e &r2n in #$e
an=ien# Nrman ($rase 2$i=$
,r =en#uries $a" signi,ie" a
s+ereign's (leasure a# #$e
ena=#men# , a r%al "e=ree r
a=# , (arliamen#6
T$e &ler. , Parliamen# #. #$e
neC# /ill ,rm #$e s#a=.6
'T$e !eliCs#2e Pier Bill1' $e
sai"6
'Le Ri le +eul#1' #$e &ler. , #$e
&r2n in#ne" in re#urn6 T$e
&ler. , Parliamen# rea=$e" ,r
an#$er /ill6 'T$e In"ian
In"e(en"en=e Bill1' $e rea"6 'Le
Ri le +eul#1'' =ame #$e re(l%6
A##lee ,lus$e" lig$#l% an"
l2ere" $is e%es1 a# #$se 2r"s6
A $us$ ,ille" #$e =$am/er as #$e
e=$es , #$e &ler.'s +i=e "ie"6
I# 2as +er6 In ,ur 2r"s ,
ar=$ai= !ren=$1 in #$e =m(an%
, a gas 2r.s an" a ,is$ing (ier1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Bri#ain's grea# In"ian Em(ire $a"
/een =nsigne" # $is#r%6
I# 2as #$e las# assem/l% , #$e
2rl"'s ms# eC=lusi+e ,ra#erni#%6
54?
'2e 2ill al2a%s remain /r#$ers'
S2ea#ing (r,usel% un"er #$eir
/r=a"e" #uni=s1 #$eir
"e=ra#inD=+ere" uni,rms1
#$eir /eBe2elle" #ur/ans1 80 ,
#$e ms# im(r#an# ma$araBas
an" na2a/s , In"ia an" "i2ans
re(resen#ing 8A #$ers1 2ai#e" in
#$e "ren=$ing $umi"i#% , a Ne2
Del$i summer "a% # learn ,rm
#$e mu#$ , #$e -i=er% #$e ,a#e
His#r% $el" in s#re ,r #$em6
Mun#/a##en1 "e=ra#ins
gli##ering n $is 2n a"miral's
2$i#e uni,rm1 en#ere" #$e li##le
$emi=%=le , #$e &$am/er ,
Prin=es6 T$e &$am/er's
&$an=ellr1 #$e Ma$araBa ,
Pa#iala1 es=r#e" $im # #$e
("ium ,rm 2$en=e $e gaQe"
=alml% u# a# #$a# $s# ,
un$a((% men arraigne" /e,re
$im6
T$e -i=er% 2as rea"% # s#ar#
#ssing #$e a((les in# Pa#el's
/as.e#6 His ms# /i##er ((nen#1
Sir &nra" &r,iel"1 2as a# #$a#
mmen# in a (lane ,l%ing /a=. #
Ln"n an" (rema#ure
re#iremen#6 He $a" le,# In"ia
ra#$er #$an urge n #$a# /iQarre
/"% , rulers # 2$m $e'"
"e+#e" $is =areer a (li=% ,
2$i=$ $e "i" TIOI a((r+e6
T$e -i=er% 2as $a((% # see
$im g6 &n+in=e" $is =urse
re(resen#e" #$e /es# arrangemen#
#$e (rin=es =ul" (ssi/l% $(e
,r Mun#/a##en in#en"e" # $er"
#$em1 $2e+er relu=#an#l%1
$2e+ei anguis$e" #$eir
(r#es#s1 in# Pa#el's 2ai#ing
a((le /as.e#6
S(ea.ing 2i#$u# n#es1 $is #ne
a miC#ure , ,ran.ness an"
,er+ur1 $e urge" $is lis#eners #
sign #$e A=# , A==essin 2$i=$
2ul= Bin #$eir s#a#es # ei#$er
In"ia r Pa.is#an6 A resr# #
arms1 $i s#resse"1 2ul" (r"u=e
nl% /l"s$e" an" "isas#er6
'L. ,r2ar= #en %ears1' $e
/egge" #$em1 '=nsi"er 2$a# #$e
si#ua#in in In"ia an= #$e 2rl"
2ill /e #$en1 an" $a+e #$e
,resig$# # a=# a==r"ingl%6'
T$e #i"es , $is#r%1 $2e+er1
2ere a less im(ressi+e argumen#
#V #$a# m#le% ga#$ering #$an #$e
neC# (in# #$e -i=er% a"+an=e"
T$e% 2ere n #$e +erge ,
eC#in=#in1 #$e 2rl" as #$e%'"
.n2n i 2as =lla(sing1 /u# #$e
argumen# #$a# m+e" sme ,
#$em ms =n=erne" #$e /i#s ,
=lure" enamel "angling n
#$eir =$es#s6 Sigi #$e a=#s1
Mun#/a##en urge"1 an" $e $a"
g" reasn # /elie+ Pa#el an"
&ngress 2ul" all2 #$em #
=n#inue # re=ei+e ,rm $i
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=usin #$e *ing #$se $nurs
an" #i#les #$e% s =$eris$e"6
@$en $is s(ee=$ 2as ,inis$e"1
#$e -i=er% in+i#e" 'ues#ins
,rn #$e (rin=es6 Mun#/a##en
2as s#unne" /% #$eir a/sur"i#%6
Si lu"i=rus "i" sme , #$eir
(re==u(a#ins a((ear #$a# #$e
-i=er 2n"ere" i, #$ese men
an" #$eir Prime Minis#ers reall%
un"srs#i 2$a# 2as a/u# #
$a((en # #$em6 T$e (rime
=n=ern , ne mem /er , #$a#
"is#inguis$e" ga#$ering 2as
2$e#$er $e =ul" re#ain #$
eC=lusi+e rig$# # $un# #igers in
$is s#a#e i, $e a==e"e" # In"ia6
T$ a 2an , an#$er (rin=e1
2$se em(l%er a# #$is =ri#i=al
Bun=#ure $ai ,un" n#$ing /e##er
# " #$an # g n a #ur,
Eur(e's gam/ling =asins an"
=a/are#s1 (lea"e" #$a# as $is ruler
2as n #$e $ig$ seas $e "i" n#
.n2 2$a# =urse , a=#in #
a"(#6
Mun#/a##en (n"ere" a
mmen#1 #$en (i=.e" u( a large
run" glass (a(erD2eig$# 2$i=$
res#e" n #$e rs#rum /e,re
$im6 T2is#ing i# in $is $an" li.e
sme an=ien# Orien#al sage1 $e
annun=e"H 'I 2ill l. in# m%
=r%s#al /all ,r %ur ans2er6'
!urr2ing $is /r2s1 $e ,iCe"
#$e /all 2i#$ #$e ms# in#ensel%
m%s#erius gaQe , 2$i=$ $e 2as
=a(a/le6 !r #en se=n"s a $ea+%
silen=e1 /r.en nl% /% #$e
la/ure" /rea#$ing , sme ,
#$e mre =r(ulen# rulers1 s#i,le"
#$e =$am/er6 T$e ==ul# 2as
a,#er all n# a ma##er #a.en
lig$#l% in In"ia1 e+en /%
ma$araBas6
'A$1' Mun#/a##en 2$is(ere"1
a,#er mil.ing all #$e "rama $e
=ul" ,rm #$e ges#ure1 T see
%ur (rin=e6 He's si##ing a# #$e
=a(#ain's #a/le6 He sa%s 6 6 6 F%es1
2$a# is i#?F D $e sa%s Fsign #$e
A=# , A==essinF6'
T$e ,ll2ing "a%1 ,r #$e las#
#ime1 a ,rmal /an'ue#
assem/le" a -i=er% , In"ia
an" $er ruling (rin=es6
Pr,un"l% sa""ene" /% $is
a2areness , 2$a# 2as
$a((ening1 Luis Mun#/a##en
=alle" ,r a ,inal #as# # #$e
*ing Em(err ,rm $is l"es#
an" ms# ,ai#$,ul allies6
'Yu are a/u# # ,a=e a
re+lu#in1' $e #l" #$em6 'In a
+er% /rie, mmen# %u'll lse
,re+er %ur s+ereign#%6 I# is
ine+i#a/le6 D n#1' $e (lea"e"1
'#urn %ur /a=.s n #$e In"ia
emerging n 30 Augus#6 T$a#
In"ia 2ill n# $a+e enug$
=a(a/le men # re(resen# $er
+erseas6' S$e 2as ging # nee"
"=#rs1 la2%ers1 a/le
a"minis#ra#rs1 #raine" ,,i=ers
# re(la=e #$e Bri#is$ in $er
arm%6 Man% , #$se (rin=es
e"u=a#e" a/ra"1 eC(erien=e" in
$an"ling #$e a,,airs , #$eir
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s#a#es1 =m/a# +e#erans1 $a"
s.ills In"ia 2ul" nee"6 T$e%
=ul" /e=me (la%/%s n #$e
/ea=$es , #$e Ri+iera1 r #$e%
=ul" ,,er #$eir ser+i=es # #$e
na#in an" ,in"S ne2 r.,r
#$emsel+es an" #$eir =lass in
In"ian s=ie#%6 He $a" n "u/#
2$i=$ =urse #$e% s$ul" ,ll26
'Marr% #$e ne2 In"ia1' $e /egge"
#$em6
*as$mir1 Jul% 37A8
Li.e a =ane s$#ing #$e ra(i"s1
#$e s#a#in 2agn #2is#e"
#$rug$ #$e ru#s an" r=.s , #$e
"ir# (a#$ (arallel # #$e #rren#s
, #$e Tri.a Ri+er6 T$e "ri+er's
,a=e 2i#$ $is (u#ing li(s1 $is
2ar%1 mis#rus#,ul e%es1 $is =$in1
i#s u#line ls# un"er s,#
(u=$es , ,les$1 2as an
a==ura#e re,le=#in , $is
=$ara=#er6 He 2as a 2ea.1
+a=illa#D
54H
'2e 2ill al2a%s remain /r#$ers'
ing man 2$se (er+ersins an"
rgies $a" gi+en $im #$e
re(u#a#ii , a Himala%an
Brgia6 Un,r#una#el%1 Hari
Sing$1 #$e man 2$ a 'Mr A' $a"
#i#illa#e" #$e rea"ers , Bri#ain's
(enn% (ress /e,re #$ 2ar1 2as
sme#$ing else6 He 2as #$e
$ere"i#ar% Hin"u Ma$araB , #$e
ms# s#ra#egi=all% si#ua#e"
(rin=el% s#a#e in In"ia1 #$e +as
s(arsel%Dse##le" =rssra"s S#a#e
, *as$mir 2$ere In"ia1 &$ini
Ti/e# an" Pa.is#an 2ere "es#ine"
# mee#6
T$is mrning1 a (ar#i=ularl%
"is#inguis$e" +isi#r ==u(ie" #l
sea# /esi"e Hari Sing$6 Luis
Mun#/a##en $a" .n2n #$e
Hin" ruler sin=e #$e% $a"
gall(e" si"e /% si"e n #$e
mani=ure" grass V $is (l ,iel"
a# Jammu "uring #$e -i=er%'s
#ur 2i#$ #$e Prin=e i @ales6
Mun#/a##en $a" "eli/era#el%
arrange" $is s#a#e +isi# Hari
Sing$'s =a(i#al Srinagar # ,r=e
a "e=isin n *as$mii ,u#ure u#
, i#s $esi#an# ruler6
I# 2as n#1 $2e+er1 in# Pa#el's
/as.e# #$a# Mun#/a##en (i (se"
# "r( #$e *as$miri a((le6
Lgi= seeme" # "i=#a#e #$
*as$mir 2in" u( in Pa.is#an6 I#s
(e(le 2ere Mslem6 I# $a" /e
ne , #$e areas riginall%
sele=#e" ,r an Islami= s#a#e /%
Ra$n Ali 2$en $e'" ,irs#
,rmula#e" $is im(ssi/le
"ream6 T$e '.' Pa.is#an 2as ,r
*as$mir6
T$e -i=er% a==e(#e" #$a# lgi=6
He $a"1 $e #l" #$e Ma$an
/rug$# 2i#$ $im #$e guaran#ee
, Pa#el n /e$al, , #$e ,u#
g+ernmen# , In"ia #$a# i,1 as
seeme" na#ural 2i#$ $is
+er2$elm Mslem ((ula#in
an" $is gegra($i=al si#ua#in1
Hari Sii Bine" Pa.is#an1 In"ia
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2ul" un"ers#an" an" raise n
/Be=#i !ur#$ermre1 $e sai"1
Jinna$ $a" assure" $im #$a# Hari
Sing$1 e #$ug$ $e 2as a Hin"u
ruler1 2ul" /e 2el=me" an"
gi+en $nure" (la=e in $is ne2
"minin6
'I "n'# 2an# # a==e"e #
Pa.is#an n an% a==un#1' Hari Si
ans2ere"6
'@ell1' Mun#/a##en sai"1 'i#'s u(
# %u1 /u# I #$in. %u s/6V
=nsi"er i# +er% =are,ull% sin=e
a,#er all alms# 74 P , %ur
(e(li Mslem6 Bu#1 i, %u "n'#1
#$en %u mus# Bin In"ia6 In #$a#
i I 2ill see #$a# an in,an#r%
"i+isin is sen# u( $ere #
(reser+e in#egri#% , %ur
/un"aries6' 1
'N1' re(lie" #$e Ma$araBa1 'I
"n'# 2is$ # Bin In"ia ei#/ 2is$
# /e in"e(en"en#6'
T$se 2ere Bus# #$e 2r"s #$e
-i=er% "i" n# 2an# # $ear
srr%1' $e eC(l"e"1 '%u Bus#
=an'# /e in"e(en"en#6 Yu're a
l=.e" =un#r%6 Yu're +erD
siQe" an" un"erD((ula#e"6 @
min" ms# #$ug$ is #$a# %ur
a##i#u"e is /un" # lea" #
/e#2een In"ia an" Pa.is#an6
Yu're ging # $a+e #2 ri+al
=u a# "aggers "ra2n ,r %ur
neig$/urs6 Yu'll /e #$e =ause
, i ,D2ar /e#2een #$em6 Yu'll
en" u( /eing a /a##le,iel"6 T$a#'s
2$a#ll $a((en6 Yu'll lse %ur
#$rne an" %ur li,e1 #1 i,
+u'rK
n# =are,ul6' ' re
T$e Ma$araBa sig$e" an" s$.
$is $ea"6 He .e(# a glm%
silen=e un#il $e rea=$e" #$e
,is$ing =am( $is (ens $a" se#
u( /% a /en" n #$e ri+er ,r #$e
#ru# ,is$ing $e 2as ,,ering $is
"is#inguis$e" +isi#r6 !r #$e res#
, #$e "a%1 Hari Sing$ ma"e
=er#ain Mun#/a##en $a" n
=$an=e # =rner $im alne6
Ins#ea" #$e -i=er% s(en# $is "a%
=as#ing in #$e Tri.a's =r%s#alline
2a#ers ,r #ru#6 E+en #$e% 2ere
n# (re(are" # a==mm"a#e
#$e ,rus#ra#e" -i=er% His AD&
=aug$# all #$e ,is$6
!r #$e neC# #2 "a%s1
Mun#/a##en re(ea#e" #$e
(r=ess6 !inall%1 n #$e #$ir" "a%1
$e ,el# $is l" ,rien" /eginning
# 2a+er6 He insis#e" #$e% $a+e a
,rmal mee#ing #$e ,ll2ing
mrning /e,re $is "e(ar#ure
2i#$ #$eir s#a,,s an" #$e
Ma$araBa's Prime Minis#er
(resen# # "ra2 u( an agree"
(li=% s#a#emen#6
'All rig$#1' #$e Ma$araBa agree"1
'i, %u insis# n i#6'
T$is (ar#i=ular a((le1 $2e+er1
2as ging # remain ,irml%
a##a=$e" # i#s #ree6 T$e
,ll2ing mrning an AD&
=ame # Mun#/a##en's sui#e6 His
Hig$ness 2as srr%1 $e "e=lare"1
/u# $e 2as su,,ering ,rm an
u(se# s#ma=$ an" $is "=#r
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2ul" n# all2 $im # a##en"
#$eir li##le mee#ing6 T$e s#r%1
Mun#/a##en 2as sure 2as
'a/slu#e /alne%'6 In+.ing
"=#r's r"ers1 $2e+er1 Hari
Sing$ re,use" e+en # see $is l"
,rien" /e,re $e le,#6 A (r/lem
2$i=$ 2ul" em/i##er In"iaD
Pa.is#an rela#ins ,r a 'uar#er
, a =en#ur% an" im(eril 2rl"
(ea=e $a" ,un" i#s genesis in
#$a# "i(lma#i= s#ma=$Da=$e6
Else2$ere1 Mun#/a##en enB%e"
=nsi"era/l% mre su==ess in $is
e,,r#s # ,ill Pa#el's /as.e# 2i#$
a((les6 !r sme , #$e rulers1
a((en"ing #$eir signa#ure # #$e
Ins#rumen# , A==essin 2as a
=ruel #rage"%6 One RaBa ,
&en#ral In"ia =lla(se" an" "ie"
, a $ear# a##a=. se=n"s a,#er
signing6 T$e Rana , D$l(ur
#l" Mun#/a##en 2i#$ #ears in
$is e%esH 'T$is /rea.s an allian=e
/e#2een m% an=es#rs an" %ur
*ing's an=es#rs 2$i=$ $as
eCis#e" sin=e 38906' T$e
)ae.2ar , Bar"a1 ne ,
2$se ,re/ears $a" ,e" $is
Bri#is$ Resi"en# "iamn" "us#1
=lla(se" 2ee(ing li.e a =$il" in
#$e arms , -6 P6 Menn n
signing6 One ruler , a #in% s#a#e
$esi#a#e" ,r "a%s /e,re
a((en"ing $is signa#ure /e=ause
$e s#ill /elie+e" in #$e "i+ine
rig$# , .ings6 T$e eig$#
ma$araBas , #$e PunBa/ signe"
#$eir Ins#rumen# #ge#$er "uring
a ,rmal =eremn% in #$e s#a#e
/an'ue# $all a# Pa#iala 2$ere Sir
B$u(in"er Sing$ '#$e
Magni,i=en#' $a" n=e la+is$e"
#$e ms# (r"igius $s(i#ali#%
in In"ia n $is gues#s6 T$is #ime1
ne (ar#i=i(an# re=alle"1 '#$e
a#ms($ere 2as s lugu/ri 2e
mig$# $a+e /een a# a =rema#in6'
A $an",ul , rulers =n#inue" #
resis# #$e /lan"is$men#s
Mun#/a##en1 -6 P6 Menn an"
Pa#el6 One , Mun#/a##en's
=lsV (ersnal ,rien"s1 #$e
Na2a/ , B$(al1 /i##erl%
=laime" '#$e rule 2ere /eing
in+i#e" li.e #$e %s#ers1 # a##en"
#$e #ea (ar#% 2i#$ # @alrus an"
#$e &ar(en#er'6 U"ai(ur #rie" #
,rm a ,e"era#in 2i a num/er ,
,ell2 (rin=es 2$se s#a#es
a"Bine" $is6 S1 #1 " )2alir1
#$e sn , #$e man 2i#$ a mania
,r ele=#ri= #rains6 A# # /e$es# ,
$is Prime Minis#er1 #$e Ma$araBa
, Tra+an=re1 a su#$e s#a#e
2i#$ a sea(r# an" ri=$ uranium
reser+es1 =lamure" i
in"e(en"en=e6
T$e (ressures # $er" #$ese las#
relu=#an# resis#ers in# Pa#e
/as.e# /e=ame in#ense as 30
Augus# "re2 near6 @$ere $e $a"
l= &ngress rganiQa#ins1
Pa#el r"ere" "emns#ra#ins
an" sin agi#a#in # ,r=e #$eir
$an"s6 T$e Ma$araBa , Orissa
2as #ra(( in $is (ala=e /% a m/
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$i=$ re,use" # le# $im lea+e
un#il /[ signe"6 Tra+an=re's
,r=e,ul Prime Minis#er 2as
s#a//e" in #$e ,# /% a &ngress
"emns#ra#r6 S$a.en1 #$e
Ma$araBa =a/le" De $is
a==essin6
Nne , #$e a==essins 2as 'ui#e
as #em(es#uus as #$a# , # %ung
Ma$araBa , J"$(ur6 J"$(ur
$a" Bus# as=en"e" $is #$r n $is
,a#$er's "ea#$6 He 2as gi+en # a
num/er , eC(ensi+e $// li.e
,l%ing1 2men an" =nBuring
#ri=.sT nne , #$em1 $e realiQ,
li.el% # s#ir #$e s%m(a#$% ,
&ngress's S=ialis#s6 Tge#$er
2 $is =lleague1 #$e Ma$araBa ,
Jaisalmer1 $e arrange" a se=
mee#ing in Del$i 2i#$ Jinna$ #
en'uire , #$e Mslem lea"er 2l
sr# , re=e(#in #$e% mig$#
eC(e=# i, #$e% #. #$eir
(rimaril% Hin s#a#es in# $is
"minin6
Delig$#e" a# #$e #$ug$# ,
ri((ing #2 .e% (rin=es a2a%
,rm &ngress ri+als1 Jinna$
#. a /lan. s$ee# , (a(er ,rm
$is "i "ra2er an" (asse" i# #
J"$(ur6 'Jus# 2ri#e %ur
=n"i#ins n #$is (a(er1' $e sai"1
'an" I'll sign T$e #2 men as.e"
#ime # 2i#$"ra2 # #$eir $#el #
(n #$em6 T$ere #$e% ,un" -6 P6
Menn 2ai#ing ,r #$em6 Ti((e"
/% ne , $is m%s#erius sur=es
a/u# #$eir ini#ia#i+e 2$i=$ e+en
all% =ul" $a+e "ra2n #$er
s#a#es in# Pa.is#an1 Menn #
J"$(ur #$e -i=er% 2an#e" #
see $im urgen#l% a# -i=er%'s
Hi Sea#ing #$e (rin=e in a
2ai#ingDrm1 Menn se# ,, n
a ,rai sear=$ ,r Mun#/a##en6
!inall% l=a#ing #$e -i=er%1
2$ $a" i"ea 2$a# $e'" "ne1 in
$is /a#$1 Menn /egge" $im #
=me "= an" reasn 2i#$ #$e
s#u//rn (rin=e6
His re=en#l% "e=ease" ,a#$er1
2$'" /een $is ,rien" ,r 59 %e
2ul" $a+e /een u#rage" /% $is
/e$a+iur1 #$e -i=er% #l" #$e
%ung ruler6 I# 2as ,ll% # #r% #
#a.e #$e su/Be=#s , $is Hin"u
s#a#e in# Pa.is#an ,r (urel%
sel,is$ reasns6 In re#urn1 $e
(rmise" J"$(ur #$a# $e an"
Menn 2ul" (ersua"e Pa#el #
a"(# as #leran# a +ie2 as
(ssi/le #2ar"s $is (ersnal
'uir.s6
Mun#/a##en le,# Menn # ge#
#$e im(e#uus %ung ruler's
signa#ure n a (r+isinal
agreemen#6 @$en $e'" gne1
J"$(ur (ulle" a ,un#ain (en
ma"e in $is 2r.s$( u# , $is
(=.e#6 A,#er signing #$e #eC#1 $e
uns=re2e" i#s =a( an" re+eale" a
minia#ure D55 (is#l 2$i=$ $e
(in#e" a# Menn's $ea"6
'I'm n# gi+ing in # %ur
#$rea#s!' $e s$u#e"6
Mun#/a##en1 $earing #$e nise1
re#urne" an" =n,is=a#e" #$e
(is#l6>
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$ree "a%s la#er Menn
"eli+ere" a ,inal Ins#rumen# ,
A==essin # #$e (rin=e's (ala=e6
)luml% #$e (rin=e signe"6 T$en
$e "e=i"e" # /ur% $is (as# in a
=ele/ra#in 2i#$ Menn as $is
un2illing gues#6 All a,#ernn $e
(ure" 2$is.% "2n #$e (r
=i+il ser+an#'s #$ra#6 A,#er #$a#1
Menn 2as ,r=e" # gul(
"raug$#s , =$am(agne 2$ile #$e
(rin=e r"ere" a ,ull s=ale
/an'ue# , ras# mea#s an"
game1 an r=$es#ra an" a
sele=#in , "an=ing girls6 !r
Menn1 a (ru"is$ +ege#arian1 #$e
e+ening 2as a nig$#mare6 T$e
2rs#1 $2e+er1 2as s#ill #
=me6 Hurling $is #ur/an n #$e
,lr in a ,i# , rage /e=ause $e
#$ug$# #$e musi= 2as # lu"1
#$e "run.en J"$(ur "ismisse"
#$e girls an" #$e /an" an"
annun=e" $e 2ul" ,l% Menn
# Del$i in $is (ri+a#e (lane6 He
r=.e#e" ,, #$e ,iel"1 #$en
#2is#e" $is +ilen#l% ill
(assenger #$rug$ e+er%
a=r/a#i= s#un# $e =ul"
(er,rm 6/e,re lan"ing $im a#
Del$i air(r#6 )reen an"
re#=$ing1 Menn $al,D=ra2le"
,rm #$e (lane /u# in $is s$a.ing
,ingers 2as #$e "=umen# 2$i=$
2ul" "eli+er ne mre a((le
in# Pa#el's 2ai#ing /as.e#6
Des(i#e #$e #ergi+ersa#ins , a
las# /un=$ , "ie$ar"s1 #$e
-i=er% 2ul"1 /% 30 Augus#1 /e
a/le # $nur $is =n#ra=# 2i#$
Pa#el6 T$e /as.e# , a((les $e
2ul" (resen# $im 2ul" /e
+er,l2ing6 !i+e (rin=es 2$se
s#a#es 2ul" /e insi"e Pa.is#an
rallie" # Jinna$T Mun#/a##en
an" Menn $a" (lu=.e" all #$e
res#1 2i#$ Bus# #$ree eC=e(#ins6
T$e eC=e(#ins1 $2e+er1 2ere
maBr nes6 Dri+en /% a =a/al ,
Mslem ,ana#i=s #erri,ie" a# #$e
i"ea , lsing #$eir (ri+ileges in
Hin"u In"ia1 #$e ruler , #$e
larges# an" ms# ((ulus s#a#e
in In"ia $a" reBe=#e" all ,
Mun#/a##en's =unsels6
Ignring e+er%
> Years la#er1 Mun#/a##en1
,as=ina#e" $imsel, /% magi=1
(er,rme" #$e re'uire"
=nBuring #ri=. # 2in ele=#in #
#$e Magi= &ir=le6 He lane"
J"$(ur's (enD(is#l # #$e gru(
# /e "is(la%e" in #$e Magi=
&ir=le Museum 2$ere i# s#ill
res#s6
e,,r# # /ring $im in# an
agreemen# 2i#$ In"ia1 #$e NiQa
H%"era/a" s#r+e in +ain #
,r=e )rea# Bri#ain # re=gniQ
s#a#e as an in"e(en"en#
"minin6 !rm $is (ala=e #$e
miserl% $a" n# =ease" a /i##er
(lain# a# /eing 'a/an"ne" /% $is
= all%'1 an" seeing '#$e /n"s ,
lng "e+#in' lin.ing $im # #$e
Em(err se+ere"6 *as$mir1 #1
=n#inue" in $is re,usal #
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$imsel, 2i#$ ei#$er "minin6
T$e reasns .ee(ing #$e #$ir"
an" las# ruler ,rm a==e"ii In"ia
2ere , a sme2$a# "i,,eren#
r"er6 &n+in=e" /% an age #$e
Mslem League #$a# #$e ,irs# a=#
, an in"e(en"en# In"ia + /e #
(isn $is "gs1 #$e Na2a/ ,
Junaga"$ $a" "e=i"e" ei#l
(r=laim $is in"e(en"en=e r
Bin Pa.is#an "es(i#e #$e ,a=# $is
Hin"u s#a#e 2ul" s$are n
/r"ers 2i#$ #$e Mslem na#in6
> > >
')en#lemen1 #$is is Mr Sa+age ,
#$e PunBa/ &ID1' Luis MV
/a##en #l" #$e #2 s#ar#le"
In"ian (li#i=ians in $is s#u"% n
0 A# 'He $as a s#r% %u s$ul"
$ear6'
@$a#e+er #$a# s#r% 2as1 i# 2as
=er#ain # ge# #$e =lse a##e ,
Jinna$ an" Lia'a# Ali *$an
/e=ause #$e /"% Sa+age i
sen#e" 2as .n2n as #$e /es#
Bri#is$ in#elligen=e rganiQa#i
In"ia6 In"ee"1 i#s (era#i+es $a"
(ene#ra#e" #$eir 2n (!
m+emen#s a# #$e $ig$es# le+els6
T$e ner+us Sa+age =leare" $is
#$ra# an" /egan6 T$e in,rm $e
2as a/u# # re+eal $a" /een
2rung ,rm (risners in an
rga#in =en#re #$e &ID $a" se#
u( in an unuse" 2ing , #$e L
luna#i= as%lum6 S Se=re# 2as i#
=nsi"ere" #$a# Sa+age $a"
/lige" # memriQe i# #$e
e+ening /e,re in La$re ra#$er
/ring i# # Del$i n (a(er6
A gru( , Si.$ eC#remis#s $a"
lin.e" $an"s 2i#$ #$e ,ana#i=al
(li#i=al gru( in In"ia1 #$e
/ig#e" Hin"u Qeal#s i
Ras$#ri%a S2a%am Se2a.
Sang$1 #$e RSSS6 A# #$eir $ea"1
Mas#er Tara Sing$1 #$e #$ir"D
gra"e s=$l#ea=$er 2$ $a" n
$is ,ll2ers # "ren=$ In"ia in
/l" a# #$e Si.$'s se=re
+=a#in in La$re6 T$e #2
gru(s $a" agree" # (l #$i
sur=es an" energies in #errris#
a=#i+i#%6
T$e Si.$s1 2i#$ #$eir /e##er
rganiQa#in1 #raining an" .nU
, eC(lsi+es1 2ul" "es#r% #$e
$ea+il% guar"e" 'Pa.is#an S(V
#$e #rains "es#ine" # =n+%
,rm Del$i # *ara=$i #$e .e%
mV s#res assigne" # #$e ne2
s#a#e6 Tara Sing$ $a" alrea"%
ins#T 2ireless se# an" an (era#r
# (ass in,rma#in a/u# #$e
"e(ar#ures an" #$eir ru#e # #$e
Si.$ arme" /an"s "esigna a##a=.
#$em6
T$e res(nsi/ili#% ,r #$e se=n"
a=#in1 Sa+age sai"1 $a" /een
assigne" # #$e RSSS 2$se
Hin"u merii/ers1 unli.e #$e
Si.$s1 =ul" easil% (ass
#$emsel+es ,, as Mslems6 T$e
rganiQa#in 2as in #$e (r=ess
, in,il#ra#ing an uni"en#i,ie"
num/er , #$eir ms# ,ana#i=al
su((r#ers in# #$e =i#% ,
*ara=$i6 Ea=$ $a" /een gi+en a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Bri#is$ Arm% Mills $an"D
grena"e6 Nne , #$em 2as
a2are , #$e #$ers> eCis#en=e s
#$a# #$e arres# , ne man 2ul"
n# =m(rmise #$e (lan6
On 3A Augus#1 #$se men 2ere
# s#a#in #$emsel+es alng #$e
ru#e 2$i=$ 2ul" =arr%
M$amme" Ali Jinna$ in
#rium($an# (r=essin #$rug$
#$e s#ree#s , *ara=$i ,rm
Pa.is#an's &ns#i#uen# Assem/l%
# #$e ,,i=ial resi"en=e , #$e
ne2 )+ernrD)eneral6 As a
%ung Ser/ian $a" (lunge"
Eur(e in# #$e $rrr , @rl"
@ar I1 s ne , #$se Qeal#s
2as # assassina#e #$e ,un"er ,
Pa.is#an a# #$e $eig$# , $is
glr% /% $urling a grena"e in#
$is (en =arriage6 T$e ,urre
(r+.e" /% #$a# grisl% mur"er1
#$e RSSS $(e"1 2ul" laun=$
#$e en#ire su/D=n#inen# in# a
sa+age =i+il 2ar ,rm 2$i=$ #$e
numeri=all% su(erir Hin"us
2ere /un" # emerge as
un"is(u#e" rulers6
T$e ,a=e , #$e man #$e% 2an#e"
# mur"er 2$i#ene" a# Sa+age's
2r"s6 Besi"e $im1 Lia'a# Ali
*$an eC=i#e"l% "eman"e" #$a#
Mun#/a##en arres# #$e en#ire
Si.$ lea"ers$i(6 S#unne"1 #$e
-i=er% 2n"ere" 2$a# # "6
Run"ing u( #$e Si.$ =$ie,#ains1
$e ,eare"1 mig$# 2ell s#ar# #$e
=i+il 2ar #$e RSSS 2an#e"6
Turning # #$e %ung &ID
,,i=er1 $e sai"H 'Su((se I as.
#$e g+ernr # arres# #$e Si.$
lea"ers?' Lis#ening # $is
(r(sal1 Sa+age #$ug$#1 'I'll /e
/l"% s=are" i, %u "6' T$e%
2ere1 $e .ne21 isla#e" in
Amri#sar's )l"en Tem(le6 N
Si.$ r Hin"u (li=e 2ul"
a==e(# an r"er # g in a,#er
#$em an" # sen" in Mslem
(li=e 2as un#$in.a/le6
'Sir1' $e re(lie"1 T am srr% #
$a+e # sa% #$ere are n# enug$
relia/le (li=e le,# in #$e PunBa/
# a==m(lis$ an a=#in , #$a#
sr#6 I $a#e # sa% i#1 /u# I =an see
n 2a% # =arr% u# su=$ an
r"er6'
Mun#/a##en (n"ere" a
mmen#6 T$en $e annun=e" $e
2ul" as. ,r a Bin#
re=mmen"a#in n 2$a# # "
,rm #$e PunBa/'s )+ernr1 Sir
E+an Jen.ins1 an" #$e #2 men
"esigna#e" # g+ern i#s In"ian
an" Pa.is#an $al+es a,#er 30
Augus#6 Lia'a# Ali *$an $al,
rse ,rm $is =$air a#
Mun#/a##en's 2r"s6 'Yu 2an#
# mur"er #$e Luai"DiDAQQam!'
$e (r#es#e"6
'I, #$a#'s reall% #$e 2a% %u ,eel
a/u# i#1 I'll g alng in #$e same
=ar an" ge# mur"ere" 2i#$ $im1'
Mun#/a##en re(lie"1 '/u# I'm n#
ging # #$r2 #$e lea"ers ,
,i+e millin Si.$s in# Bail
2i#$u# #$e agreemen# , #$se
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
g+ernrs6'
T$a# nig$#1 #$e se=uri#%D
=ns=ius Sa+age re#urne"
#\La$re1 /rie,=ase s#u,,e" 2i#$
#ile# (a(er as a "e=% ,r #$e
le##er ,r Mun#/a##en # Jen.ins
$e =arrie" #u=.e" in# $is
un"er(ai He ,un" Jen.ins a# a
re=e(#in n #$e la2n , !alle#i's
H#el1 #$e man 2$ .ne2 mre
a/u# #$e PunBa/ #$an an%
@es#erner al rea" Mun#/a##en's
le##er1 $is s$ul"ers sagge" in
"es(air6
'@$a#e+er =an 2e " ?' sig$e"
Sir E+an Jen.ins6 'H2 =an 2e s'
#$em?'
!i+e "a%s la#er1 "uring #$e nig$#
, 33 # 35 Augus#1 #$e Si.$s
Tara Sing$ su==ess,ull% eCe=u#e"
#$e ,irs# ($ase , #$e (rgram
#$e%'" agree" 2i#$ #$e RSSS6
T2 =$arges , geligni#e /urie"
all i#s rig$# , 2a% "es#r%e" #$e
,irs# Pa.is#an S(e=ial ,i+e miles
easi #$e )i""ar/a$a Railra"
S#a#in in #$e !erQe(re
Dis#ri=# , PunBa/6
> > >
Se'ues#ere" in a greenDs$u##ere"1
s#u== /ungal2 n #$e e"ge
Del$i's +i=eregal es#a#e1
s2el#ering in #$e ((ressi+e
summer $i Sir &%ril Ra"=li,,e
/egan # #ra=e u# /un"ar%
lines n a R= Engineers' ma(6
T$e remrseless "eman" , all
=n=erne" ,r s( $a" gi+en $im
n al#erna#i+e /u# # (er,rm $is
+i+ise=#in in sli#u"e , $is
/ungal26 &u# ,, ,rm an%
$uman =n#a=# 2i#$ grea# en#i#ies
$e 2as "i+i"ing1 $e 2as ,r=e"
# +isualiQe #$e im( , $is 2r.
n areas #$a# see#$e" 2i#$ li,e1
2i#$ nl% ma(s1 ((i #in #a/les1
an" s#a#is#i=s # gui"e $im6
Dail%1 $e 2as =m(elle" # sli=e
a2a% a# an irriga#in s%s#em
/e""e" in# #$e sur,a=e , #$e
PunBa/ li.e #$e +eins in a man's
$T 2i#$u# /eing a/le # see n
#$e grun" #$e e,,e=# $is line
2ul" $i Ra"=li,,e .ne2 2a#er
2as li,e in #$e PunBa/ an" $e
2$ =n#r #$e 2a#er =n#rlle"
li,e6 Ye# $e 2as una/le # sur+e%
#$e meani ings , $is line "2n
e+en ne , #$se +i#al =n=re#e
s(ill2a%s1 s$ ga#es an"
reser+irs6
Ne+er 2ul" $e 2al. in a ri=e
(a""% r s#u"% #$e Bu#e ,iel"
(en=il 2as ging # mu#ila#e6 He
2ul" n# /e a/le # +isi# a sii
ne , #$e $un"re"s , +illages
#$rug$ 2$i=$ $is line 2ul"
run =n#em(la#e i#s e,,e=# n #$e
$el(less (easan#s i# mig$# isla#e
,i #$eir ,iel"s1 #$eir 2ells r #$eir
ra"s6 N# n=e 2ul" $e /e a/l
s,#en #$e $uman #rage"ies $is
/un"ar% 2as =er#ain # (r"u=#
,ll2ing i#s #ra=e u(n #$e
sur,a=e , #$e lan" $e 2as "i+i"
&mmuni#ies 2ul" /e se+ere"
,rm #$e lan"s #$e% #ille"1 ,a=#
,rm #$eir ,reig$# "e(#s1 (2er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(lan#s ,rm #$eir gri"s1 all /e=B
, #$e #erri/le $as#e In"ia's
lea"ers$i( $a" im(se" n Ra"=l
=m(elling $im # "emar=a#e1 n
an a+erage ?4 miles , ,rn#ier
e+er% "a%6
T$e meagre #ls $e (ssesse"
#urne" u# # /e $(elessl%
ina"e'ua#e6 I# (r+e" alms#
im(ssi/le # ,in" an r"nan=e
ma( large enug$ # ser+e as $is
mas#er ma(6 T$e "e#ails n #$e
ma(s $e "i" ,in" 2ere ,#en
ineCa=#6 T$e PunBa/'s +i#al ,i+e
ri+ers1 $e n#e"1 $a" a =urius
#en"en=% # s#ra% as mu=$ as a
"Qen miles ,rm #$e /e"s
assigne" #$em /% #$e PunBa/'s
+aun#e" engineering ser+i=es6
T$e ((ula#in #a/les 2$i=$
2ere su((se" # /e $is (rimar%
gui"e 2ere ina"e'ua#e an"
=ns#an#l% "is#r#e" /% ea=$ si"e
# su((r# #$eir =n,li=#ing
=laims6
Bengal (r+e" #$e sim(ler #as.6
Ra"=li,,e $esi#a#e" ,r a lng
#ime +er &al=u##a's ,a#e6 T$ere
2as1 $e #$ug$#1 mu=$ lgi= in
Jinna$'s =laim # i# s #$ere
mig$# /e a uni#ar% ,l2 , Bu#e
,rm ,iel" # mill # (r#6 In #$e
en"1 $2e+er1 $e ,el# i#s Hin"u
maBri#% ((ula#in $a" #
+errule e=nmi=
=nsi"era#ins6 On=e $e $a"
resl+e" #$a# 'ues#in1 #$e res# ,
$is 2r. in Bengal 2as easier6
His /un"ar%1 $2e+er1 2as 'Bus#
a (en=il line "ra2n n a ma('
2i#$ all #$e $ear#/rea. #$a#
im(lie"6 Alms# n2$ere in #$a#
#angle , s2am(s1 mars$es an"
l2Dl%ing ,iel"s =ul" $e ,in"
#$e (in#s , re,eren=e a
/un"ar%Dma.er see.s1 ri+ers r
a line , $ills6
T$e PunBa/ 2as in,ini#el% mre
"i,,i=ul#6 La$re's alms# e'uall%
/alan=e" ((ula#ins s$rie.e"
#$eir ri+al =laims # #$e =i#% 2i#$
2$i=$ all ,el# su=$ a "ee(
em#inal #ie6 !r #$e Si.$s1
Amri#sar 2i#$ i#s )l"en Tem(le
=ul" nl% /e in In"iaT %e# i# 2as
2e"ge" /e#2een Mslem areas6
Be%n" #$em 2as #$e msai= ,
=mmunal (=.e#s se#
$a($aQar"l% amngs# ea=$ #$er6
Ei#$er1 Ra"=li,,e #$ug$#1 $e
,ll2e" # ((ula#in as $is sle
gui"e1 =rea#ing a $s# ,
unmanagea/le en=la+es # 2$i=$
a==ess =ul" ne+er /e assure"1 r
$e ,ll2e" #$e "i=#a#es ,
gegra($% an" a mre
managea/le /un"ar%1 an"
l((e" #$e (=.e#s ,, 2i#$ all
#$e #rage"% #$a# mig$# im(l% ,r
#$se $e 2as =n"emning # li+e
as minri#ies insi"e a $s#ile
maBri#%6
A/+e all1 as #$e 2ee.s , #$a#
#erri/le summer (asse"1
Ra"=li,,e su,,ere" ,rm #$e $ea#1
#$e =ruel1 enner+a#ing $ea#6 T$e
#$ree rms , $is resi"en=e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2ere li##ere" 2i#$ ma(s1
"=umen#s an" re(r#s all #%(e"
u# n #$in1 In"ian ri=e (a(er6 As
$e $un=$e" +er $is "es.1
slee+es rlle" u(1 #$se s$ee#s ,
(a(er 2ul" s#i=. #6 $is
s2ea#ing ,rearms1 lea+ing n
#$eir "am( s.in 2$en $e $a"
(eele" #$em ,, a (e=uliar
s#igma#aH #$e smu"ge"1 gre%
im(rin# , a ,e2 #%(e" 2r"s1
ea=$ re(resen#ing1 (er$a(s1 #$e
$(es1 #$e "es(era#e (leas ,
#$usan"s , $uman /eings6
T$e sl2l% re+l+ing 2"en
/la"es , a ,an sus(en"e" ,rm
#$e

=eiling (r+i"e" #$e nl% air in
#$e /ungal26 O==asinall%1
=$arB /% sme m%s#erius surge
, ele=#ri=i#%1 i# 2en# /erser.1
,illing /ungal2 2i#$ grea#1
gus#% /urs#s , air6 Li.e lea+es in
an au#u 2in"1 "Qens ,
Ra"=li,,e's (a(ers 2ul" g
s2irling arun" rm1 #$e
+illages , #$e illD,a#e" PunBa/
"ri+en /e,re s#rm6
!rm a +er% earl% $ur1
Ra"=li,,e .ne2 #$a# n ma##er
2$a "i"1 #$ere 2ul" /e #erri/le
/l"s$e" an" slaug$#er 2$en
$is re 2as (u/lis$e"6 Alms#
e+er% "a% as $e la/ure" +er
$is /un" $e re=ei+e" re(r#s
,rm PunBa/i +illages1
sme#imes #$e +er% = muni#ies
2$se ,a#e $e 2as "e=i"ing1 in
2$i=$ (e(le 2$ $a" 3 si"e /%
si"e ,r genera#ins $a"
su""enl% #urne" n ea=$ #$er
,renQ% , .illing6
He sa2 +ir#uall% n ne6 E+er%
#ime $e #rie" # +en#ure u#
==.#ail (ar#% r "inner1
Ra"=li,,e ,un" $imsel,
surrun"e (e(le (ressing #$eir
=laims u(n $im6 His nl%
re=rea#in 2as i ing6 In #$e
a,#ernn1 $e 2ul" s#rll alng
#$e ri"ge n 2$i= Bri#is$ $a"
ga#$ere" #$eir ,r=es in 3:08 #
=rus$ #$e mu#inei Del$i6
A# mi"nig$#1 2ear% 2i#$ ,a#igue1
$e 2ul" 2al. in #$e s#i,lini
amng #$e gr+es , eu=al%(#us
#rees in $is gar"en6 O==asinal!
%ung I&S ai"e 2ul" 2al. 2i#$
$im6 Usuall%1 a (risner , #$e
anguis$ $e =ul" n# s$are1
Ra"=li,,e (a=e" #$e gar"en in
melan=$l% silen=e6
O==asinall%1 #$e% #al.e"6
Ra"=li,,e's sense , (r(rie#%
2ul" n# all2 $im # s$are $is
#erri/le /ur"ens 2i#$ an%/"%
an" $is %ung ai"e 2as #
=ir=ums(e=# # 'ues#in $im
a/u# #$em6 An" s1 #2 l"
OCnians1 #$e% #al.e" , OC,r"
in #$e $# In"ian nig$#6
Sl2l%1 2r.ing in /i#s an"
(ie=es1 #a.ing #$e easies# an"
ms# e+i"en# #$ings ,irs#1
Ra"=li,,e s#re#=$e" $is /un"ar%
"2n #$e ma( , In"ia6 As $e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"i" s1 ne #$ug$# $aun#e" $imH
'I'm ging #$rug$ #$is #erri/le
B/ as ,as#1 as 2ell as I =an1' $e
#l" $imsel,1 'an" i# ma.es n
"i,,eren=e /e=ause in #$e en"1
2$en I ,inis$1 #$e% are all ging
# s#ar# .illing ea=$ #$er
an%2a%!'
In #$e PunBa/ #$e% alrea"% $a"6
T$e ra"s an" railra"s , 2$a#
$a" /een #$e /es#Da"minis#ere"
(r+in=e in In"ia 2ere unsa,e6
Si.$ $r"es rame" #$e
=un#r%si"e li.e /an"s ,
A(a=$es1 ,alling n Mslem
+illages r Mslem
neig$/ur$"s6 A (ar#i=ular
sa+ager% =$ara=#eriQe" #$eir
.illings6 T$e =ir=umsise" (enises
, #$eir male +i=#ims 2ere
$a=.e" ,, an" s#u,,e" in# #$eir
mu#$ r in# #$e mu#$ , a
mur"ere" Mslem 2man6 In
La$re ne e+ening a /i=%=lis#
ra=e" u# , an alle%2a% (as# #$e
=r2"e" =,,ee s$( 2$ere #$e
=i#%'s ms# ren2ne" Mslem
=riminal $el" =ur#6 He $urle" an
enrmus1 /ellD/##me" /rass
(# use" # =arr% mil. n # i#s6
(a=.e" #erra=e6 T$e (# 2en#
=langing #$rug$ #$e =,,ee
$use1 sen"ing i#s ==u(an#s
"i+ing ,r =+er6 @$en i# ,aile"
# eC(l"e1 a 2ai#er (ene" i#6
T$e (# =n#aine" a gi,# # #$e
Mslem =riminal ,rm $is Si.$
ri+als in =rime in Amri#sar6
S#u,,e" insi"e ins#an#l%
re=gniQa/le1 2as a su(reme
(r+=a#inH s=res ,
=ir=um=ise" (enises6
In La$re mur"er an" arsn
2ere s senseless1 s =$a#i= in
na#ure1 #$a# # ne Bri#is$ (li=e
,,i=er i# seeme" 'li.e a =i#%
=mmi##ing sui=i"e'6 T$e &en#ral
Ps# O,,i=e 2as ,l"e" 2i#$
#$usan"s , (s#=ar"s
a""resse" # Hin"us an" Si.$s6
T$e% "e(i=#e" men an" 2men
/eing ra(e" an" slaug$#ere"6 On
#$e /a=. 2as #$e messageH FT$is
is 2$a# $as /een $a((ening #
ur Si.$ an" Hin"u /r#$ers an"
sis#ers a# #$e $an"s , #$e
Mslems 2$en #$e% #a.e +er6
!lee /e,re #$se sa+ages " #$is
# %u6' T$e% 2ere (ar# , a
=am(aign , (s%=$lgi=al
2ar,are /eing =n"u=#e" /% #$e
Mslem League # =rea#e (ani=
amng Si.$s an" Hin"us6
Mslem resi"en#s , La$re's
g" resi"en#ial
neig$/ur$"s1 n=e #$e ms#
#leran# in In"ia1 $a" /egun #
(ain# green Islami= =res=en#s n
#$eir ga#e(s#s # (r#e=# #$eir
+illas ,rm Mslem m/s6 On
La2ren=e Ra"1 a Parsee
/usinessman1 mem/er , a smal
religius se=# una,,e=#e" /% #$e
=mmunal ,renQ%1 (ain#e" a
messagi n $is ga#e(s#6 I#s
2r"s 2ere an e(i#a($ ,r
La$re's ls# "ream
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
/r#$er$"6 'Mslems1 Si.$s
an" Hin"us are all /r#$ers1' i#
rea" '/u#1 O m% Br#$ers1 #$is
$use /elngs # a Parsee6'
As #$e (li=e1 largel% Mslem in
La$re as else2$ere in #$
PunBa/1 /egan # =lla(se1 #$e
res(nsi/ili#% , s#emming #$e
#i" , +ilen=e ,ell in=reasingl%
n a $an",ul , Bri#is$ ,,i=ers6
'Y gre2 =alluses n %ur
em#ins1' remar.e" Pa#ri=.
!armer1 (li=eman 2$ $a"
(re+iusl% ,ire" a 2ea(n nl%
n=e in ,i,#ee %ears , PunBa/
ser+i=e6 'Yu learne" # use %ur
#mm%Dgun ,irH an" as.
'ues#ins la#er6'
Bill Ri=$1 an#$er Bri#is$ (li=e
,,i=er1 remem/ere" ri"ii
#$rug$ La$re's "ar.ene"
/aQaars1 #$e $riQn rs% ,rm
#$e gl , "is#an# ,ires1 2$ile
Mslems n #$e r,#(s a/+e
=alle" s,# # ea=$ #$er in #$e
"ar.ness6 Li.e Ba=.als' =ries #$eir
2$is(en 2arnings ,li##e" #$rug$
#$e nig$#H 'Be2are1 /e2are1
/e2are6'
On an arms sear=$ in a 2re#=$e"
m$alla1 an Ol" &i#% slum1 i
,,i=er 2$'" 2arne" , #$e (l#
# .ill Jinna$1 )eral" Sa+a#
/ange" (en #$e ,lims% "r , a
$u#6 Bel2 $im in a s'uali"1 un
rm1 $e =ul" see an l" man
"%ing , small(C s#re#=$e" u#
43 =$ar(i1 $is /"% 2i#$ere"1
$is ,a=e a mass , (us an" sres1
#erri/le smell li.e a mus#% rag
(er+a"e" #$e rm6 Si=.ene" /%
#l uneC(e=#e" glim(se , In"ia's
#$er1 #imeless miseries1 Sa+O
grane" an" =lse" #$e "r6
De+#e" # In"ia1 (ru" , #$eir
ser+i=e1 im/ue" 2i#$ a (a#ern
is#i= /elie, in #$eir uni'ue
=a(a=i#ies # (li=e #$e PunBa/1
#$ese n 2ere em/i##ere" /% #$e
+ilen=e s2ee(ing #$eir
(r+in=e6 Tl /lame" #$eir
su(erirs1 #$e Si.$s an" #$e
Mslem League1 /u# a/i all1 #$e%
/lame" #$e (ru" a"miral in
-i=er%'s Huse an" 2$a# +I #
#$eir e%es1 $is "amna/le $as#e in
/ringing Bri#is$ rule in In"is an
en"6
E+en na#ure seeme" "e#ermine"
# #$2ar# #$em in #$eir las# $e in
#$e PunBa/1 ,ailing # (r+i"e #$e
su==ur #$a# mig$# $a+e sa #$em6
Da% a,#er "a%1 #$eir "es(airing
e%es s=anne" #$e s.% ll ,r #$e
=lu"s , a mnsn #$a# re,use"
# =me6 T$e mns 2i#$ i#s
las$ing s$ee#s , rain =ul" $a+e
'uelle" #$e ,ires ra+aB #$e PunBa/
=i#ies1 i#s =l air =ul" $a+e
en"e" #$e ma""ening 3 "ri+ing
men # +ilen# rage6 I# 2as1 #$e
(li=e $a" al2a%s sai"1 ms#
e,,e=#i+e ri# =n#rl 2ea(n in
In"ia1 /u# i# 2as #$e 2ea(n #$a#
2as n# #$eirs # =mman"6
In Amri#sar1 #$e si#ua#in 2as
e+en 2rse6 Mur"er 2as as r#
an ==urren=e in i#s /aQaars an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
alle%2a%s as (u/li= "e,e=a#in6
=i#%'s Hin"us "e+ise" #$e =ruel
#a=#i= , 2al.ing u( # an
unsus(e=#ing Mslem an"
s(las$ing $is ,a=e 2i#$ a +ial ,
ni#ri= r sul($uri= a=i"6
Arsnis#s 2ere in a=#in
e+er%2$ere6
T$e Bri#is$ Arm% 2as ,inall%
=alle" in an" a A:D$ur =ur,e2
(r=laime"6 E+en #$e res(i#e
#$ese measures /rug$# 2as
#em(rar%6 One "a%1 a,#er a
(ar#i=ularl% sa+age u#/urs# ,
arsn $a" s2e(# #$e =i#%1 i#s
"es(airing Su(erin#en"en# ,
Pli=e1 Rule Dean1 em(l%e" as
a las# resr# a #a=#i= n# # /e
,un" in $is ri#D=n#rl manual6
He r"ere" $is (li=e /an" # #$e
=en#ral s'uare6 T$ere1 in #$e
$ear# , #$a# =i#% "issl+ing in
,lames1 s#ruggling # ,r=e #$e
sun" , #$eir musi= +er #$e
=ra=.le , a "Qen maBr ,ires1
#$e% ga+e a =n=er# , )il/er#
an" Sulli+an1 as #$ug$
sme$2 #$e .in"l% s#rains ,
HMS Pina,re mig$# res#re
reasn # a =i#% ging ma"6 S
JSi " ^A;,I
T .ee( r"er in #$e PunBa/ a,#er
30 Augus#1 Mun#/a##en $a"
"e=i"e" # se# u( a s(e=ial ,r=e
, 001444 men6 I#s mem/ers
2ul" /e =ulle" ,rm uni#s ,
#$e In"ian Arm% li.e #$e
)ur.$as1 2$se "is=i(line r
ra=ial rigins ma"e #$em
rela#i+el% immune # =mmunal
(assins6 &alle" #$e PunBa/
Bun"ar% !r=e1 #$e uni# 2as
(la=e" un"er a Bri#n1 MaB6D)en6
T6 @6 'Pe#e' Rees1 2$se /rillian#
$an"ling , $is 37#$ In"ian
Di+isin in Burma $a"
im(resse" #$e -i=er%6 T$e ,r=e
re(resen#e" "u/le #$e num/er
, men #$e (r+in=e's g+ernr
$a" es#ima#e" 2ul" /e re'uire"
# main#ain r"er in #$e PunBa/
in #$e e+en# , (ar#i#in6 @$en
#$e s#rm /r.e1 $2e+er1 i#
2ul" /e s2e(# asi"e li.e
=as#al $u#s s(lin#ere" /% an
unrlling #i"al 2a+e6
T$e /lun# ,a=# 2as n ne1
Ne$ru1 Jinna$1 #$e PunBa/'s
.n2le"gea/le g+ernr1 #$e
-i=er% liimsel,1 ,resa2 #$e
magni#u"e , #$e "isas#er6 T$eir
,ailure # " s 2ul" /a,,le
$is#rians an" ,=us a 2a+e ,
=ri#i=ism n In"ia's las# -i=er%6
Tleran#1 un/ig#e" #$emsel+es1
Ne$ru an" Jinna$ ea=$ ma"e #$e
gra+e errr , un"erDes#ima#ing
#$e "egree # 2$i=$ =mmunal
(assins #$e% "i" n# s$are =ul"
in,lame #$e masses , #$eir
su/=n#inen#6 Ea=$ man
genuinel% /elie+e" (ar#i#in
2ul" =l1 n# (r+.e
+ilen=e6 T$e% assume" #$a#
#$eir (e(le 2ul" rea=# #
e+en#s 2i#$ #$e same
reasna/leness as #$e% 2ul"6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$e% 2ere /#$ grie+usl%
2rng6 S2e(# u( in #$e eu($ria
, '#$eir =ming in"e(en"en=e1
$2e+er1 #$e% #. #$eir "esires
,r reali#% an" =mmuni=a#e"
#$em # #$e rela#i+e ne2=mer in
#$eir mi"s#1 #$e -i=er%6
T$eir ,ailure # ,resee e+en#s
2ul" $a+e /een mi#iga#e" $a"
an% , #$e +aun#e"
a"minis#ra#i+e r in#elligen=e
ser+i=es 2i#$ 2$i=$ #$e
Bri#is$ $a" g+erne" In"ia ,r a
=en#ur% /een a/le # (re"i=# #$eir
=urse6 Nne , #$em "i"6 As a
resul#1 In"ia1 a((re$ensi+e /u#
n# genuinel% alarme"1 $ea"e"
,r "isas#er6
Irni=all%1 #$e ne In"ian lea"er
2$ ,resa2 #$e a2,ul
"imensins , #$e #rage"% a$ea"
2as #$e man 2$ $a" #rie" s
$ar" # (re+en# (ar#i#in6 )an"$i
$a" s immerse" $imsel, in #$e
li+es , In"ia's masses1 s$aring
#$eir srr2 an" su,,erings1 #$eir
"ail% eCis#en=e1 #$a# $e $a" a
uni'ue a/ili#% # (er=ei+e #$e
m" , $is na#in6 He 2as1 $is
,ll2ers 2ul" sme#imes sa%1
li.e #$e (r($e# in an an=ien#
In"ian legen" si##ing /% a 2arm
,ire n a =l" 2in#er's nig$#6
Su""enl% #$e (r($e# /egins #
#rem/le6
'L. u#si"e1' $e #ells a "is=i(le1
'sme2$ere1 in #$e "ar.ness a
(r man is ,reeQing6'
T$e "is=i(le l.s an" in"ee" a
man is #$ere6 Su=$1 #$e%
main#aine"1 2as )an"$i's
in#ui#i+e ,eel ,r #$e sul ,
In"ia6
One "a%1 2$ile #$e -i=er% 2as
=ns#ru=#ing $is PunBa/
Bun"ar% !r=e1 a Mslem
2man a##a=.e" )an"$i ,r $is
((si#in # (ar#i#in6 'I, #2
/r#$ers 2ere li+ing #ge#$er in
#$e same $use an" 2an#e" #
se(ara#e an" li+e in #2 "i,,eren#
$uses1 2ul" %u /Be=#?' s$e
as.e"6
'A$1' sai" )an"$i1 'i, nl% 2e
=ul" se(ara#e as #2 /r#$ers6
Bu# 2e 2ill n#6 I# 2ill /e an
rg% , /l"6 @e s$all #ear
ursel+es asun"er in #$e 2m/
, #$e m#$er 2$ /ears us6'
Mun#/a##en's real nig$#mare
2as n# #$e PunBa/6 I# 2as
&al=u##a6 Sen"ing #r(s #
&al=u##a1 $e .ne21 2ul" /e
,u#ile6 I, e+er #ru/le /r.e u#
in i#s ,e#i"1 (ullula#ing slums
an" =nges#e" /aQaars1 n
num/er , #r(s 2as ging #
/e a/le # =n#rl i#6 In an%
e+en#1 #$e =rea#in , $is ,r=e
,r #$e PunBa/ $a" #a.en alms#
all #$e In"ian Arm% uni#s
regar"e" as relia/le in =ase , a
religius =n,li=#6
'I, #ru/le $a" e+er s#ar#e" in
&al=u##a1> Mun#/a##en 2ul"
ne "a% re=all1 '#$e /l" #$a#
2ul" $a+e ,l2n #$ere 2ul"
$a+e ma"e an%#$ing #$a#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$a((ene" in #$e PunBa/ l. li.e
a /e" , rses6'
He 2ul" nee" an#$er #a=#i= #
main#ain =alm in #$e =i#%6 T$e
ne $e ,inall% =$se 2as a 2il"
gam/le1 /u# #$e "angers in
&al=u##a 2ere s grea#1 #$e
resur=es a+aila/le # mee# #$em
s limi#e"1 #$a# nl% a mira=le
=ul" sa+e #$e si#ua#in an%2a%6
T ere=# a "%.e agains# #$e
=mmunal ,renQ% , #$e 2rl"'s
ms# misera/le =i#%1 $e (lanne"
# em(l% $is "eBe=#e" s(arr21
Ma$a#ma )an"$i6
He (u# $is i"ea # )an"$i in la#e
Jul%6 @i#$ $is Bun"ar% !r=e1
$e eC(laine"1 $e =ul" $l" #$e
PunBa/1 /u# i, #ru/le /r.e u#
in
&al=u##a1 $e sai"1 '2e're sun.6 I
=an " n#$ing6 T$ere's a /riga"e
"2n #$ere1 /u# I "n'# e+en
(r(se # rein,r=e i#T i,
&al=u##a ges u( in ,lames1 2ell
i# Bus# ges u( in ,lames6'
'Yes1 m% ,rien"1' )an"$i #l"
$im1 '#$is is #$e ,rui# , %ur
(ar#i#in (lan6'
I# mig$# /e1 Mun#/a##en
a"mi##e"1 /u# nei#$er $e nr
an%ne else $a" /een a/le #
(r(se an al#erna#i+e slu#in6
T$ere 2as1 $2e+er1 sme#$ing
$e =ul" " n26 Per$a(s
)an"$i1 #$rug$ #$e ,r=e , $is
(ersnali#% an" $is nnD+ilen#
i"eal1 =ul" a=$ie+e sme#$ing
in &al=u##a 2$i=$ #r(s =ul"
n# "6 Per$a(s $is (resen=e
=ul" guaran#ee #$e (ea=e ,
&al=u##a6 He1 )an"$i1 2ul" /e
#$e sum ##al , #$e
rein,r=emen#s #$e -i=er%
2ul" sen" $is /eleaguere"
/riga"es6 ) # &al=u##a1
Mun#/a##en urge"1 '%u'll /e m%
ne man /un"ar% ,r=eJS1
Des(i#e Mun#/a##en's (lea1
)an"$i $a" n in#en#in ,
ging # &al=u##a6 He $a"
alrea"% "e=i"e" $e 2ul" s(en"
In"ia's in"e(en"en=e "a%
(ra%ing1 s(inning an" ,as#ing
/esi"e #$e #erri,ie" Hin"u
minri#% , Na.$ali # 2$se
sa,e#% an" (r#e=#in $e'"
(le"ge" $is li,e n $is Ne2
Year's Da% Pilgrimage ,
Peni#en=e6 Mun#/a##en's1
$2e+er1 2as n# # /e #$e nl%
+i=e urging $im # #$e #errrD
ri""en slums , &al=u##a6
T$e 2ner , #$e se=n" +i=e
2as #$e ms# unli.el% (li#i=al
all% , M$an"as )an"$i n #$e
en#ire In"ian su/D=n#inen#6
In"ee"1 i, ne $a" "eli/era#el%
se# u# # ,in" a man 2$
re(resen#e" #$e +er% an#i#$esis ,
e+er%#$ing #$e ageing )an"$i
$a" s#" ,r1 2$se li,es#%le
2as as rem#e as (ssi/le ,rm
)an"$i's aes#$e#i= eCis#en=e1 a
mre i"eal ,igure #$an S$a$ee"
Su$ra2ar"% =ul" n# $a+e /een
,un"6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$e A8D%earDl" Su$ra2ar"%
2as #$e (r##%(e , #$e
=rruD#e"1 +enal (li#i=ian
)an"$i mean# # =n"emn /% $is
"es=ri(#in , #$e minis#ers
2$m $e $(e" 2ul" rule a
ne2 In"ia6 His (li#i=al
($ils($% 2as sim(leH n=e a
man $a" /een ele=#e" # ,,i=e
#$ere F 2as ne+er an% reasn #
lea+e6 Su$ra2ar"% $a" assure"
$is =n#inue" (resen=e in (2er
/% using (u/li= ,un"s #
main#ain a (ri+a#e arm% ,
$"lums 2$1 'ui#e li#erall%1
=lu//e" $is (li#i=al ri+als in#
silen=e6
During #$e 37A5 ,amine #$a# $a"
"e+as#a#e" Bengal1 Su$ra2ar"%
$a" in#er=e(#e" an" sl" n #$e
/la=. mar.e# #ns , grain
"es#ine" ,r #$e s#ar+ing ,
&al=u##a1 an (era#in 2$i=$ $a"
earne" $im millins , ru(ees6
He "resse" in #ailrDma"e sil.
sui#s an" #2D#ne alliga#r
s$es6 His Be# /la=. $air1 "resse"
ea=$ mrning /% $is (ersnal
/ar/er1 s(ar.le" 2i#$
/rillian#ine6 @$ere )an"$i $a" s
#$e (as# ,ur "e=a"es , $is li,e
#r%ing # u(r# #$e las# +es#ig
seCual "esire1 Su$ra2ar"% $a"
gi+en $is ,ree run1 se##ing $imse
seeme"1 #$e (r"igius #as. ,
/e""ing e+er% =a/are# "an=er
$ig$D=lass 2$re in &al=u##a6
T$e ,iQQing glass in )an"$i's 3
in+aria/l% =n#aine" 2a#er 2i#$
a "as$ , /i=ar/na#e , s
Su$ra2ar"%'s usuall% $el"
=$am(agne6 @$ile #$e Ma$a#ma
/een nuris$ing $imsel, n s%a
mas$ an" =ur"s1 Su$ra2ar"%'s
$a" run # ,ile# mignn1 eC#i=
=urries an" (as#ries1 lea+ing
en+el(e" /% s2elling rings ,
,a# #$a# sl(e" ,rm $is /reas#s #
grin6
@rs# , all1 $is $an"s 2ere
=+ere" 2i#$ /l"6 B% "e=lari
(u/li= $li"a% an" le##ing $is
Mslem League ,ll2ers .n+
a##en#in , $is (li=e 2ul" /e
else2$ere1 Su$ra2ar"% $a" se
s#age ,r #$e .illings 2$i=$ $a"
ra+age" &al=u##a n Jinna$'s D
A=#in Da% in Augus# 37A96 I#
2as ,ear #$a# #$e Hin"us , &alV
2ere n2 (re(aring # 2rea.
#$eir +engean=e ,r #$se
.illings1 "r+e Su$ra2ar"% #
=all ,r )an"$i's $el(6
Rus$ing # #$e Ma$aima's
S"e(ur As$ram1 $e =aug$# $ii
#$e e+e , $is "e(ar#ure ,r
Na.$ali6 He /egge" )an"$i #
s#i &al=u##a6 Onl% $e1 $e sai"1
=ul" sa+e &al=u##a's Mslems
an" " #$e ,ires#rm , $a#e
#$rea#ening #$e =i#%6
'A,#er all1' $e (lea"e"1 '#$e
Mslems $a+e as mu=$ a =laim
n as #$e Hin"us6 Yu $a+e
al2a%s sai" %u 2ere as mu=$ ,
us ; #$e Hin"us6'
One , )an"$i's uni'ue ,a=ul#ies
$a" al2a%s /een "is=erninB /es#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
in a ,e1 #$en su/#l% 2r.ing n
i#1 a((ealing # i#6 He sen!
genuine =n=ern in Su$ra2ar"%'s
$ear# ,r #$e ,a#e , $isDM
,ll2ers6
I, $e agree" # s#a% in &al=u##a1
)an"$i sai"1 i# 2ul" /e n
=n"i#ins6 !irs#1 Su$ra2ar"%
2ul" $a+e # eC#ra=# ,rm
Mslems , Na.$ali a slemn
(le"ge , #$e sa,e#% , #$e Hi in
#$eir mi"s#6 I, a single Hin"u
2as .ille"1 )an"$i ma"e =lea
2ul" $a+e n =$i=e /u# # ,as#
# "ea#$6 In #%(i=al )an= ,as$in
$e 2as #$rus#ing n Su$ra2ar"%
#$e #erri/le mra s(nsi/ili#% ,r
$is 2n li,e6
@$en Su$ra2ar"% /rug$# $im
#$e (le"ge $e 2an#e"1 )a se# u#
#$e se=n" (ar# , $is /argain6
He (r(se" #$e ms =ngruus
allian=e imagina/le6 He 2as
(re(are" # s#a%1 $e (r+i"e"
Su$ra2ar"% =ame # li+e 2i#$
$im "a% an" nig$#1 si= si"e1
unarme" an" un(r#e=#e" in #$e
$ear# , a sr"i" slu &al=u##a6
T$ere1 #$e ""es# =u(le n #$e
su/D=n#inen#1 #$e% 2 #ge#$er
,,er #$eir li+es as #$e gage ,
#$e =i#%'s (ea=e6
'I $a+e g# s#u=. $ere1' )an"$i
2r#e # Del$i a,#er Su$ra2ar"%
a==e(#e" $is i"ea1 'an" am n2
ging # un"er#a.e a gra+e ris.6
T$e ,u#ure 2ill re+eal i#sel,6
*ee( =lse 2a#=$6'
K > K
Li.e #$e (eeling lea+es , an
ar#i=$.e1 #$e las# (ages ,
Mun#/a##en's ,amus =alen"ar
=ame ,li=.ing ,,6 T #$e
+er2r.e" -i=er% an" $is
s#a,,1 #$se las# "a%s , Bri#is$
rule in In"ia a((eare" '#$e ms#
$e=#i= , an%'1 an" ea=$
"isa((earing (age , #$e
=alen"ar seeme" # =arr% i#s
(r/lem6 T$e re,eren"um in #$e
Nr#$D2es# !rn#ier Pr+in=e
2$i=$ ga+e #$e #erri#r% #
Pa.is#an $a" # /e rganiQe"1 as
"i" a se=n" re,eren"um in
S%$lle# near #$e grea# #ea
(lan#a#ins , Assam6 T$ere
2ere all #$e ,es#i+i#ies mar.ing
in"e(en"en=e # /e arrange"6
T$e &ngress lea"ers insis#e"
'#$ere s$ul" /e (len#% , (m('
# mar. #$e ==asin in #$e l"
#ra"i#in , #$e RaB6 T$eir grim1
gre% S=ialism =ul" =me la#er6
&ngress r"ere" slaug$#er
$uses #$rug$u# In"ia # /e
=lse" n 30 Augus#6 !ree
=inema s$2s 2ere # /e ,,ere"
in all #$e na#ins' #$ea#res an" in
Del$i e+er% s=$lD=$il" 2ul"
re=ei+e a s2ee# an" an
in"e(en"en=e me"al6 T$ere 2ere
(r/lems6 In La$re1 a
g+ernmen# annun=emen#
"e=lare" #$a# 'in +ie2 , #$e
"is#ur/e" si#ua#in1 an a=#i+e an"
=lur,ul (rgramme $as /een
rule" u#'6 T$e lea"ers$i( , #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
rig$#D2ing Hin"u Ma$asa/$a1
/i##er ((nen#s , In"ia's
(ar#i#in1 #l" #$eir ,ll2ers1 'i#
is im(ssi/le # reBi=e an"
(ar#i=i(a#e in #$e =ele/ra#ins n
30 Augus#6' T$e% urge" #$eir
mem/ers ins#ea" # re"e"i=a#e
#$emsel+es # #$e ,r=e,ul
reuni,i=a#in , #$eir 'mu#ila#e"
M#$erlan"'6
A 2rangle +er (r#=l
#em(raril% /rug$# (lans ,r
Pa.is#an's in"e(en"en=e
=ele/ra#ins # a $al#6 T$e (ru"
Jinna$ 2an#e" (re=e"en=e +er
#$e -i=er% "es(i#e #$e ,a=# #$a#1
#e=$ni=all%1 $is "minin 2ul"
n# /e=me in"e(en"en# un#il
mi"nig$#6 He "i" n# ge# i#6
T$ere 2ere #$er
"isa((in#men#s in s#re ,r #$e
Mslem lea"er6 One , #$e
$rses #raine" # (ull #$e semiD
s#a#e =arriage $e'" in$eri#e" /%
#$e ,li( , a =in 2en# lame an"
#$e -i=er% $a" # ,,er $im an
(en Rlls ,r $is ,irs# ,,i=ial
"ri+e #$rug$ #$e s#ree#s ,
*ara=$i6 Jinna$ "re2 u( $imsel,
#$e s=$e"ule , =eremnies $e
2an#e" # mar. Pa.is#an's /ir#$6
T$e% $a" /een s=$e"ule" #
(en 2i#$ a ,rmal s#a#e
lun=$en a# $is resi"en=e n
T$urs"a%1 3? Augus# un#il1 a,#er
sme em/arrasse" "is=ussin ,,
s#age1 ne , $is ai"es "eli=a#el%
remin"e" #$e man 2$ 2as
a/u# # /e=me #$e $ea" , #$e
2rl"'s ms# im(r#an# Islami=
na#in #$a# T$urs"a%1 3? Augus#
,ell in #$e las# 2ee. , #$e $l%
mn#$ , Rama"an 2$en ,ai#$,ul
Mslems arun" #$e 2rl" 2ere
eC(e=#e" # ,as# ,rm rise #
sunse#6
F@$ile #$e -i=er% an" #$e
lea"ers , #$e #2 ne2
"minins a##ei # #$se m%ria"
"e#ails1 #$ree an" a $al, =en#uries
, Bri#is$ =li #in , In"ia 2as
###ering # a =lse 2i#$ #$e ra##le
, i=e #$usan" glasses1 #$e
melan=$l% mu##er , ginD
ins(ire" sen#in an" #$e s$rill1
em(#% (le"ges , ==.#ailD(ar#%
,are2ells6 All ai #$e su/D
=n#inen#1 a =rus$ing run" ,
(ar#ies1 a# $mes1 "inners1
,are2ell re=e(#ins1 mar.e" #$e
(assing , an era6
Ms# , #$e Bri#is$ in In"ia1 ,
=urse1 #$se =n=erne" ii
=mmer=e 2$i=$ $a" /rug$#
#$eir ,re/ears # $er s$res ii
,irs# (la=e1 2ere s#a%ing n6 !r
941444 #$ers1 $2e+er1 sli I&S
,,i=ers1 (li=e ins(e=#rs1
railra" engineers1 ,res#ers1
muni=a#ins =ler.s1 i# 2as #ime
# g /a=. # #$a# islan" #l
al2a%s re,erre" # as 'u# $me'6
!r sme1 #$e #ransi#in 2u
(ain,ull% a/ru(#1 an alms#
+ernig$# m+e ,rm a si
g+ernr's mansin manne" /%
s=res , ser+an#s # (rem
re#iremen# in a =un#r% =##age
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
n a (ensin sn # /e ra+ag
in,la#in6 T$ere 2ere ,e2 2$
2ul" n# miss #$e g" li,i
=lu/s an" #$e (l1 #$e ser+an#s
an" #$e $un#ing in #$e s( =lima#e
, #$e S=ialis# Bri#ain # 2$i=$
#$e% 2ere re#urning %ears i# $a"
/een a s#an"ar" B.e amng #$e
Bri#is$ n #$e =n#inen# #$a# #$e
/es# +ie2 , In"ia 2as ,rm #$e
s#ern , a I s#eamer $me2ar"
/un" ,rm Bm/a%6 Man% ,
#$em in #$e ing 2ee.s1 $2e+er1
2ul" remem/er #$a# sig$# as
#$e ss +isin u(n 2$i=$ $is
e%es e+er res#e"6
In $un"re"s , /ungal2s #$e
la=e "ilies1 #$e /ri"al sil+e #$e
#iger s.ins an" #$e s#ries #$a#
2en# 2i#$ #$em1 #$e
; mus#a=$ie" un=les ls# in #$e
7#$ Bengal Lan=ers r S.i
Hrse1 #$e (ugree $elme#s1 #$e
"e(ressing "ar. an" slemn ,ui
s$i((e" u# ,rm Ln"n A4
%ears /e,re1 2as (a=.e" u( ,
#ri( /a=.6
A (e(le 2$se grea# ,aul# in
In"ia1 @ins#n &$ur=$ill remar.1
$a" /een #$eir al,ness1
"e(ar#e" in a /urs# , un= #eris#i=
=n+i+iali#%6 As #$ug$
im(li=i#l% re=gniQing #$e ne+
2$i=$ 2ul" ,ll2 #$eir
"e(ar#ure1 sans1 s$er2ani #uni=s
a ,l"s , =##n .$a"i miCe"
2i#$ #$e /usiness sui#s an" "re
#$e Bri#is$ in =lu/s an" $mes
a=rss In"ia 2$ere #$e% $a" /een
seen /e,re6 An eC#rar"inar% air
, ,rien"liness in,use ga#$erings6
I# 2ul" /e uni'ueH a =lniQing
(e(le 2ere #$se #$e% $a"
=lniQe" in a /urs# , g"2ill
an" ,rien"s$
T$e /aQaar , Ol"
Del$i6&$an"ni &$2.6s2arme"
2i#$ "e
Bri#is$ =i+il ser+an#s /ar#ering
-i=#rlas1 a re,rigera#r1 r e+en
a =ar ,r Persian =ar(e#s1
ele($an# #us.s1 i+r%1 gl" an"
sil+er (ie=es e+en n ==asin1
#$e s#u,,e" s.ins , #$e animals
#$e%'" ne+er /een a/le # $un# in
#$e Bungles , #$e su/D=n#inen#6
T$ere 2ere #$e sa" lega=ies le,#
/e$in"1 #$e mnumen#s1 #$e
s#a#ues1 #$se lnel% =eme#eries
2$ere alms# 5 millin
Englis$men la% in Os=ar @il"e's
'2an"ering gra+es' /% 'Del$i's
@alls' an" 'A,g$an lan"s an"
man% 2$ere #$e )anges ,alls
#$rug$ se+en mu#$s , s$i,#ing
san"'6
T$e ,reign ,iel"s in 2$i=$ #$e%
la% 2ul" n# /e ,re+er
Englan"1 /u# a# leas# #$eir
=us#"% 2ul" remain a Bri#is$
(re==u(a#in6 Be=ause 'i# 2as
un#$in.a/le 2e s$ul" lea+e ur
Bri#is$ "ea" in ,reign $an"s'1
#$e "e(ar#ing RaB $a" (r+i"e"
,r #$eir ,u#ure a"minis#ra#in /%
Bri#ain's Hig$ &mmissin in
In"ia6 In Englan"1 #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Ar=$/is$( , &an#er/ur% /egan
a =lle=#in ,r a ,un" # (r+i"e
,r #$eir u(.ee(6>
A "e=isin 2as ma"e # m+e
#$e ,amus @ell , &a2n(re
in# 2$i=$ Nana Sa$i/'s re/els
$a" #$r2n #$e /u#=$ere"
remnan#s , 704 men1 2men
an" =$il"ren a# #$e $eig$# , #$e
Mu#in% # #$e =eme#er% , #$e
=i#%'s All Suls &$ur=$6 I#s
ins=ri(#inH 'Sa=re" # #$e
(er(e#ual memr% , a grea#
=m(an% , &$ris#ian (e(le1
=$ie,l% 2men an" =$il"ren
2$1 a# #$is s(#1 2ere =ruell%
massa=re" /% re/els , Nana
D$m" Pan# , Bi#ar an" =as#1
#$e "ea" an" #$e "%ing1 in# #$e
2ell /el2' D 2as =+ere" n 30
Augus# s as n# # ,,en"
In"ian sensi/ili#ies6
T$e "e(ar#ure 2as =$ara=#eriQe"
/% e+en#s alms# ,u=$ingl%
Bri#is$ in na#ure6 Un2illing #
=n"emn #$eir #ug$ li##le (l
(nies # ,inis$ #$eir li+es
/e#2een #$e sl#s , a #nga =ar#1
man% an arm% ,,i=er =$se #
(u# $is mun#s "2n 2i#$ $is
ser+i=e re+l+er T$e $un"re"
$un"s in #$e (a=. , #$e $un# ,
#$e S#a,, &llege a# Lue##a 2ere
(u# "2n n #$e r"ers , #$e
&llege's las# &mman"an#1
&l6)erge Nel Sm%#$1
/e=ause $e 2as una/le # ,in"
#$em sui#a/le $mes6 T$e #as. ,
.illing #$se '"elig$#,ul
=m(anins 2i#$ 2$m 2e $a"
s$are" s man% $urs , s(r#'
2as1 #$e &lnel n#e"1 'ne ,
#$e ms# (ain,ul in $is =areer6'
E+en #$e -i=er%'s S#a,, "e+#e"
(ar# , ne , i#s mee#ings1
"es(i#e #$e a((alling "eman"s
n i#s #ime1 # "e/a#ing 2$a#
s$ul" /e #$e (r(er ,u#ure ,
#$e In"ian *ennel &lu/ in a
(ar#i#ine" In"ia6
E T$e e,,r# 2as s$r#li+e" an"
#$e $ar+es# i# (r"u=e" meagre6
!e2 si#es $i In"ia a 'uar#er , a
=en#ur% la#er are as ,rlrn an"
"esla#e as #$se Bri#is$
=eme#eries ging sl2l% 2il" ,r
la=. , main#enan=e ,un"s6
S=ree=$ing mn.e%s =$ase
liQar"s a=rss #$e gre% =emen#
sla/ +er Brig6 J$n Ni=$lsn
2$ le" #$e (s#Dr,=u#in% assaul#
n Del$i1 an" ,rm Ma"ras #
Pes$a2ar1 #$e 2ee"s an" 2il"
grass n2 /s=ure #$e ,a"ing
ins=ri(#ins n #$e #m/s #$e
Bri#is$ le,# /e$in"6
Mun#/a##en issue" s#ri=# r"ers
#$a# e+er%#$ing 2as # /e le,
/e$in"1 all #$e s#ern il (r#rai#s
, &li+e an" Has#ings an"
@ellesleI all #$e s#ur"% s#a#ues
, $is grea#Dgran"m#$er
-i=#ria1 all #$e seal! #$e
sil+er2are1 #$e /anners1 #$e
uni,rms1 #$e "i+erse
(ara($ernali , #$e RaB 2ere #
/e le,# # In"ia an" Pa.is#an ,r
2$a#e+er use #$e 2an#e" # ma.e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
, #$em6
Bri#ain1 $is &$ie, , S#a,, Lr"
Isma% n#e"1 2an#e" In"ia'# l.
/a=. u(n ur ass=ia#in , #$e
(as# #2 $un"re" %ears 2i#
(ri"e6 I# is #rue1' $e a"mi##e"1
'#$e% ma% n# 2an# #$se
remin"er /u# i# is u( # #$em #
sa% s6'
Des(i#e #$e -i=er%'s r"ers1 n#
all #$e #reasures , Bri#is$ ru
2ul" /e le,# /e$in"6 On
==asin1 Bri#is$ ,,i=ers in #$e
In"is Arm% 2al.e" ,, 2i#$
(ie=es , #$eir regimen#al sil+er6
In Bm/a% (air , assis#an#
ins(e=#rs , =us#ms 2ere
summne" # #$e ,,i , #$eir
"e(ar#ing su(erir1 -i=#r
Ma##$e2s6
>@e ma% /e li'ui"a#ing #$e
em(ire1' Ma##$e2s gr2le"1 '/
2e're n# #urning #$is #reasure
+er # In"ian $an"s6' He (in#e"
#= large me#al l=.er /e$in" $is
"es. # 2$i=$ $e $a" #$e nl%
.e%6
J$n @ar" Orr1 ne , $is #2
su/r"ina#es1 #imi"l% (ene" #
/C1 2n"ering i, i# 2ul"
=n#ain sme (ri=eless Hin"u
s=ul(#uH sme Be2elle" Bu""$a6
T $is sur(rise1 $e sa2 i# 2as
,ille" 2i#$ ne (iles , /.s6 He
(i=.e" u( ne an" imme"ia#el%
un"ers#" # na#ure , #$e
#reasure6 T$e #run. 2as a
su(reme a==la"e # #
/ureau=ra#i= min"6 In a lan"
2$se #em(le 2alls 2ere
=+ere" #$e ms# er#i=
s=ul(#ures e+er ,as$ine" /% #$e
,ingers , man1 =n#aine" a
sele=#in , #$e (rngra($%
2$i=$1 +er #$e =urse ,i,#%
%ears1 Bri#ain's Qealus =us#ms'
,,i=ers $a" a"Bu"ge" # s=a/rus
# all2 n # In"ian sil6 Orr
(i=.e" u( ne1 an al/' =alle" T$e
?7 Psi#ins , L+e6 T$e
(rsai= (s#ures i# re=mmen"
$e1 n#e"1 /re a/u# as mu=$
rela#in # #$e elegan# an"
imagina# "elig$#s (ra=#ise" /%
#$e Hin"u "ei#ies in #$e #em(les
, *$aBun as an +er2eig$#
"2ager's 2al#Qing 2ul" # #$e
(irue##es , (rima /allerina ,
#$e Balle# Russe6
Ma##$e2s slemnl% eC#en"e" #$e
.e% , #$e #run. # @illi @i#=$er1
#$e senir , $is #2 ai"es6 He
=ul" n21 $e "e=lai lea+e In"ia
se=ure in #$e .n2le"ge #$a# #$e
=us#ms' grea #reasure remaine"
in Bri#is$ =us#"%6>
> T$e ,amus #run. remaine"
sa,e inS Bri#is$ .ee(ing ,r
alms# an= "e=a"e6 @i#=$er .e(#
i# in $is 2n $me 2$ere i# 2as
,un" /% $is 2i,e "aug$#er , an
Angli=an /is$(6 T$e g"
2man alms# =lla(se" 2$en
"a%1 a,#er $er $us/an" $a"
ina"+er#en#l% le,# i# (en1 s$e
(eere" insi"e6 @i#i in #urn1
(asse" #$e #run. n $is "e(ar#ure
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
# Orr6 @$en i# 2as Orr's #urn #!
in 3700 #$ere 2ere1 alas1 n
sur+i+rs le,# , #$e $ig$Dmin"e"
line # Bi

Bm/a%1 Augus# 37A8
As al2a%s1 $e 2as alne6
S$ru"e" in silen=e1 M$amme"
Ali Jinna$ 2al.e" #$rug$ #$e
earl% mrning sunlig$# #2ar"s a
sim(le s#ne gra+e in a =rner ,
Bm/a%'s Mslem =eme#er%6
T$ere1 $e (er,rme" a ges#ure
2$i=$1 in #$e "a%s # =me1
millins , #$er Mslems
2ul" (er,rm /e=ause , 2$a#
$e $a" 2rug$#6 Be,re se##ing
,, # $is (rmise" lan" ,
Pa.is#an1 Jinna$ (la=e" a las#
/u'ue# n #$e #m/ $e 2as
lea+ing /e$in" ,re+er in In"ia6
Jinna$ 2as a remar.a/le man1
/u# (r/a/l% n#$ing in $is li,e
$a" /een mre remar.a/le r
mre seemingl% u# , =$ara=#er
#$an #$e "ee( an" (assina#e
l+e 2$i=$ $a" lin.e" #$e
aus#ere Mslem lea"er # #$e
2man /enea#$ #$a# #m/s#ne6
T$eir l+e an" marriage $a"
"e,ie" alms# e+er% a==e(#e"
=ann , #$e In"ian s=ie#% ,
#$eir "a%6 In"ee"1 #$e 2man
s$ul" n# e+en $a+e /een #$ere
in an Islami= =eme#er%6 T$e 2i,e
, In"ia's Mslem Messia$ $a"
n# /een /rn in# #$e ,ai#$ ,
M$amme"6 Ru##en/$ai Jinna$
$a" /een /rn a Parsee1 #$e
"es=en"an#s , #$e Rras#rian
,ire 2rs$i((ers , an=ien#
Persia 2$ le,# #$e =r(ses ,
#$eir "ea" n 2a#=$#2ers # /e
=nsume" /% #$e +ul#ures6
Jinna$ $a" /een A31 seemingl% a
=n,irme" /a=$elr1 2$en $e
,ell ma"l% in l+e 2i#$ Ru##ie1
#$e 38D%earDl" "aug$#er , ne
, $is =lse ,rien"s1 "uring a
+a=a#in a# #$e Mun# E+eres#
H#el in DarDBeeling6 Ru##ie $a"
/een e'uall% mesmeriQe" /%
Jinna$6 Her ,urius ,a#$er $a"
/#aine" a =ur# r"er ,r/i""ing
$is eCD,rien" # see $is "aug$#er1
/u# n $er eig$#een#$ /ir#$"a%1
2i#$ nl% #$e sari s$e 2as
2earing an" a (e# "g un"er
ea=$ arm1 a "e,ian# Ru##ie
s#al.e" u# , $er millinaire
,a#$er's mansin an" 2en# ,, #
marr% Jinna$6
#a=uiarl% /eau#i,ul 2man1 a
2man , legen"ar%
a##ra=#i+eness =i#% .n2n arun"
#$e 2rl" ,r i#s /eau#i,ul
2men6 S$e l+i ,laun# $er lean
,igure in "ia($anus saris an"
#ig$#l% =u# "r #$a# s$=.e" s#ai"
Bm/a% s=ie#%6 S$e 2as /#$ a
ga%1 +i+ai s=iali#e an" an ar"en#
an" 'ui=.D#ngue" In"ian
na#inalis#6
Ine+i#a/l%1 #$e "i,,eren=es in
#$eir ages an" #em(eramen#s
"u=e" #$eir s#rains6 Ru##ie's
,lam/%an=e an" u#s(.enness
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
em/arrasse" Jinna$ an"
in$i/i#e" $is (li#i=al =areer6 !r
al (assina#e l+e ,r $er1 #$e
un/en"ing Jinna$ ,un" i#
"i,,i=+ =mmuni=a#e 2i#$ $is
mer=urial1 /li#$eDs(iri#e" 2i,e6
Jin "ream =lla(se" in 375:
2$en #$e /eau#i,ul 2i,e $e'"
l+e" /u# 3 # un"ers#an"1
2al.e" u# n $im6 A %ear la#er1
in !e/ruar% s$e "ie" , an
+er"se , #$e mr($ine 2$i=$
s$e $a" /een #i # ease #$e (ain
, =$rni= =li#is6 Jinna$1
alrea"% $ur# /% #$e ( $umilia#in
, $er "e(ar#ure1 2as grie,D
s#ri=.en6 As $e #$reU ,irs# ,is#,ul
, "ir# in# #$e gra+e n 2$i=$
$e n2 (la=e" $is /u $e $a"
2e(# li.e a =$il"6 I# 2as #$e las#
#ime an%ne $a" e+er s (u/li=
"is(la% , em#in ,rm #$e
Luai"DeDAQQam6 !rm #$a men#
,r2ar"1 lnel% an" em/i##ere"1
$e $a" =nse=ra#e# li,e # #$e
a2a.ening , In"ia's Mslems6
Ne2 Del$i1 Augus# 37A8
T$e nl% #$ing #$a# remaine" ,
#$e (er,e=# Englis$ gen#lemai #$e
mn=le s#ill =lam(e"
im(eriusl% in $is rig$# e%e6
)ne 2eH imma=ula#e linen
sui#s6 M$amme" Ali Jinna$
2as ,l%ing $i *ara=$i in =l#$es
$e $a" rarel% 2rn sin=e lea+ing
#$e =i#% 3 =en#ur% /e,re # s#u"%
la2 in Ln"nH a #ig$#D,i##ing1
.neeD3 s$er2ani1 lng =a#1
an.leD$ugging =$uri"ars1
#rusers1 an" sli_ His ne2l%
a((in#e" na+al AD&1 a %ung
,,i=er name" A$san 2$ $a"
/een1 un#il #$e (re+ius "a%1 #$e
-i=er%'s 1 ,ll2e" Jinna$ u(
#$e s#e(s # #$e sil+er D&? gi+en
$im I -i=er% ,r $is $is#ri=
,lig$# # *ara=$i6 As $e rea=$e"
#$e 3 #$e s#e(s1 $e #urne" /a=.
,r a las# glim(se a# #$e "is#an#
s.%l #$e =i#% in 2$i=$ $e $a"
2age" $is relen#less s#ruggle ,r
$is IH s#a#e6 T su((se1' $e
murmure"1 '#$is is #$e las# #ime
I'll /e ll Del$i6'
> A# a lun=$en in Ne2 De'$i in
37531 s$e 2as sea#e" neC# #
#$e U Lr" Rea"ing1 2$ 2as
lame# =ing #$e ,a=# #$a#1 in #$e
a#ms($ere engV /% @rl" @ar
I1 i# 2as 'ui#e "i,,i=ul# ,r $im #
+isi# )erman%6 Bu# 2$B Ru##ie
Jinna$1 2as i# s "i,,i=ul#? '@ell1'
eC(laine" Rea"ing1 '#$e )ermans
"n'# reall% li.e us Bri#is$6 I a
'T$en1' Ru##ie 'uie#l% as.e"1
'$2 is i# #$a# %u Bri#is$ =ame
# In"ia 3
T$e $use a# 34 AurangQe/ Ra"
in 2$i=$ $e $a" mas#ermin"e"
$is ,ig$# un"er an enrmus1
sil+er ma( , In"ia1 #$e ,rn#iers
, $is im(ssi/le "ream #ra=e"
u(n i# in green1 $a" /een sl"6
Irni=all%1 i#s ne2 2ner 2as a
2eal#$% Hin"u in"us#rialis#
name" Se#$ Dalmia6 In a ,e2
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$urs #ime1 $e 2ul" $is# n #
#$e ,lags#a,, 2$i=$ ,r %ears $a"
,l2n #$e green an" 2$i#e
/anner , #$e Mslem League
#$e /anner s%m/liQing #$e
$use's ne2 ,un=#in as
$ea"'uar#ers , #$e An#iD&2
Slaug$#er League1 'Sa=re" !lag
, #$e &2'6
EC$aus#e" /% #$e e,,r# ,
=lim/ing #$e ,e2' s#e(s # #$e
(lane1 Jinna$1 $is AD& S%e"
A$san n#e"1 '(ra=#i=all%
=lla(se"' in# $is sea# gas(ing
,r /rea#$6 He sa# #$ere s#aring
im(assi+el% a$ea" 2$ile #$e
(lane's Bri#is$ (il# s#ar#e" $is
engines an" #aCie" "2n #$e
run2a%6 As #$e D&? li,#e" ,,
#$e grun"1 Jinna$ murmure" #
n ne in (ar#i=ularH 'T$a#'s #$e
en" , #$a#6'
He s(en# #$e en#ire ,lig$# silen#l%
eCer=ising #$a# =urius (assin
, $is ,r ne2s(a(ers6 One /%
ne1 $e (i=.e" (a(ers ,rm a
s#a=. in #$e sea# a# $is le,#1 rea"
#$em1 #$en nea#l% re,l"e" #$em
an" (la=e" #$em in a se=n"
s#a=. rising in #$e sea# # $is
rig$#6 N# #$e ,ain#es# #ra=e ,
em#in =rsse" $is ,a=e as $e
rea" #$se lau"a#r% a==un#s ,
$is a=$ie+emen#s6 N# n=e
"uring #$e en#ire #ri( "i" $e
s(ea. r re+eal e+en #$e slig$#es#
$in# , $is ,eelings1 #$e meagres#
in"i=a#in , 2$a# #$is ,lig$#
mean# # $im6
As #$e (lane rea=$e" *ara=$i1
Jinna$'s ai"e su""enl% sa2
/el2 #$e air=ra,# '#$e $uge
"eser# 2i#$ i#s li##le $ills
/e=ming a 2$i#e la.e ,
(e(le'1 #$e 2$i#e , #$eir r/es
a==en#ua#e" /% #$e sun's
re,le=#e" glare6
Jinna$'s eC=i#e" sis#er #. $is
$an"6 'Jinn1 Jinn1 l.!' s$e
=alle"6 Jinna$'s e%es ,li=.e"
=l"l% # #$e 2in"26 His ,a=e
remaine" imm/ile as $e s#are"
,r an ins#an# a# #$e
eC#rar"inar% s(e=#a=le , #$e
masses in 2$se name $e $a"
lai" =laim # Pa.is#an6 'Yes1' $e
sai"1 'a l# , (e(le6'
S eC$aus#e" 2as #$e Mslem
lea"er /% #$e #ri( #$a# $e seeme"
/arel% a/le # li,# $imsel, ,rm
$is sea# 2$en #$e D&? rlle" #
a s#(6 One , #$e ai"es ,,ere"
$im $is arm #' gui"e $im u# ,
#$e air=ra,#6 Jinna$ s(urne" i#6
T$e Luai"DeDA5Qam 2as n#
=ming $me # *ara=$i n #$e
arm , an#$er man6 @i#$
an#$er e,,r# , $is in"mi#a/le
2ill1 Jinna$1 s#i,,l% ere=#1 2al.e"
unai"e" "2n #$e s#e(s an"
#$rug$ #$e s$rie.ing1 alms#
$%s#eri=al m/ # /is 2ai#ing =ar6
All #$e 2a% # *ara=$i #$e sea ,
(e(le #$e%'" seen ,rm #$e
(lane's 2in"2 s(rea" li.e a
s$immering 2$i#e /lan.e# alng
#$e =ar's ru#e6 !rm #$e "ense
#$rng1 li.e #$e s$rie.ing gus#s
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
, a "eser# 2in" =ame a
=ns#an#l% re(ea#e" =$an#H
'Pa.is#an Rin"a/a"6 Onl% n=e
"i" #$e =r2"s ,all silen#6 A
Hin"u neig$/ur$" Jinna$
/ser+e"1 'a,#er all1 #$e% $a+e
li##le # /e Bu/ilan# a/u#1 La#er1
2i#$ #$e eC#rar"inar%
im(assi+i#% #$a# $a" mar.e" $im
+e #$e en#ire #ri(1 Jinna$ r"e
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108
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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$a" re(resen#e" #$e Palla"ian
"ream1 #rans(se" in# #$e
#r(i=s1 , sme Englis$
mer=$an# (rin=e6 I#s =urren#
2ner1 a 2eal#$% Mslem1 $a"
lng ag a/an"ne" i# # #$e ra#s
an" ==.ra=$es running
ram(an# in i#s "ing% =rri"rs6
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$uman eC=remen# li##ering i#s
grun"s1 /lan.e#e" 2i#$
/lea=$ing (2"er1 #$e #ile#1 a
rari#% in &al=u##a 2$i=$ $a"
re=mmen"e" #$e /uil"ing # #$e
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re=ei+e )an"$i an" $is
,ll2ers6 T$ere ami"s# #$e
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mira=le6
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eC=i#e" =r2" in +es#s an"
"$#is6 T$e% 2ere all Hin"us an"
man% , #$em $a" seen rela#i+es
/u#=$ere"1 2i+es an" "aug$#ers
ra(e" /% #$e Mslem m/s ,
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a((ra=$ , $is =ar1 #$e% /egan
# s$rie. )an"$i's name6 !r #l
,irs# #ime in #$ree "e=a"es1
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=$eerii M$an"as )an"$i's
name6 T$e% 2ere =ursing i#6
!a=es =n#r#e" 2i#$ rage an"
$a#e1 #$e% s$u#e"1 ') sa+e #l
Hin"us in Na.$ali1' 'Sa+e
Hin"us1 n# Mslems1' an"
'Trai#r #$e Hin"us6' T$en1 as
)an"$i's =ar s#((e"1 #$e%
(r"u=e" #$V 2el=me ,r i$e
man $al, #$e 2rl" /elie+e" a
sain#6 T$e% s$2er #$e =ar 2i#$
s#nes an" /##les6
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)lasses sli((ing "2n $is nse1
ne' $an" =lu#=$ing $is s$a2l1 #
#$er raise" in a ges#ure ,
(ea=e1 #$e ,rail 88D%earDl" man
2al. alne in# #$e s$2er ,
s#nes6
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=alle"1 'an" s I am =ming %u6'
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(lea"e" 2i#$ *ings an" -i=en
,r In"ia (lea"e" 2i#$ #$em ,r
reasn6 'I $a+e =me $ere1' $e sa
'# ser+e Hin"us an" Mslems
ali.e6 I am ging # (la=e m%i
un"er %ur (r#e=#in6 Yu are
2el=me # #urn agains# me i, B
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2is$1' $e =n#inue"6 T $a+e
nearl% rea=$e" #$e en" , li,e's
Burr I $a+e n# mu=$ ,ur#$er #
g6 Bu# i, %u again g ma"1 I
2ill nl a li+ing 2i#ness # i#6'
He 2as sa+ing #$e Hin"us ,
Na.$ali /% $is (resen=e n I.
g$a#a Ra"1 )an"$i eC(laine"6
T$e Mslem lea"ers 2$ /re
guil# ,r #$e slaug$#er , s
man% Hin"us in Na.$ali $a"
gi+en i #$eir 2r"H n# a single
Hin"u 2ul" /e $arme" #$ere n
30 Aug T$e% .ne2 $e 2ul"
un"er#a.e a ,as# un# "ea#$ i,
#$e% ,aile" # (rmise6
In res(nse # #$a# (le"ge1 $e
$a" =me # &al=u##a6 As $e
#$rus# n #$e Mslem lea"ers ,
Na.$ali #$e mral res(nsi/ ,r
#$e sa,e#% , #$e Hin"us in #$eir
mi"s#1 s $e 2as n2 gin #r% #
(ersua"e #$e Hin"us , &al=u##a1
li.e #$e mem/ers , #$e ai =r2"
/e,re $im1 # /e=me (r#e=#rs
, #$e =i#%'s Msli Im(li=i# in $is
e,,r# 2as #$e i"ea #$a#1 i, $is
(lea # &al=u Hin"us ,aile" an"
#$e% 2en# n a ram(age ,
.illing1 i# 2ul" 3 #$e eC(ense ,
$is li,e6 !r1 Bus# as $e 2ul" ,as#
# "ea#$ il Mslems /r.e #$eir
2r" in Na.$ali1 s $e 2as
rea"% # ,aH "ea#$ i, #$e Hin"us
ignre" $is message in &al=u##a6
T$a# 2as #$e essen=e , $is nnD
+ilen# s#ra#eg%H a =n#ra= #2een
#$e 2aning (ar#ies1 2i#$ $is li,e
as #$e ul#ima#e guaran#i i#s
,ul,ilmen#6
'H2 =an I1 2$ am a Hin"u /%
/ir#$1 a Hin"u /% "ee"1 a H ,
Hin"us in m% 2a% , li+ing1 /e
an enem% , #$e Hin"us ?' $e
as.e" $is angr% =un#r%men6
)an"$i's reasning1 #$e s#ar.
sim(li=i#% , $is a((ra=$1
(uQQle" an" "is#ur/e" #$e =r2"6
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"elega#in ,rm #$eir mi"s#1 $e
an" $is ,ll2ers /egan # #a.e
+er #$eir r##ing mansin6
T$eir res(i#e 2as /rie,6 T$e
arri+al , Su$ra2ar"%1 ,=us ,
all #$e m/'s $a#re"1 (r"u=e" a
ne2 eC(lsin6 H2ling an"
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$use6 A s#ne =ras$e" #$rug$
ne , i#s ,e2 2in"2s1 sen"ing
i#s s$a##ere" s$ar"s ,l%ing a=rss
#$e rm 2$ere )an"$i sa#6 A
/arrage ,ll2e"1 smas$ing #$e
res# , #$e 2in"2s an" /ea#ing
li.e gigan#i= $ails#nes agains#
#$e "e=a%ing eC#erir , #$e
$use6
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$is $ea" /2e"1 s'ua##e" =rssD
legge" n #$e ,lr in #$e =en#re
, #$e $use1 (a#ien#l% ans2ering
$is =rres(n"en=e in lng$an"6
Ye# a #erri/le #urning (in# in $is
li,e $a" /een rea=$e"6 On #$is
s2el#ering Augus# a,#ernn1
nl% $urs /e,re #$e en" ,
In"ia's lng mar=$ # ,ree"m1 a
m/ , /is =un#r%men $a"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#urne" n $im ,r #$e ,irs# #ime
sin=e #$a# Januar% "a% in 3730
2$en $e'" 2al.e" as$re un"er
#$e ar=$ , #$e )a#e2a% , In"ia6
!r )an"$i1 ,r In"ia1 ,r #$e
2rl"1 #$e =ras$ , #$e s#nes
agains# #$e 2alls , H%"ari
Huse1 #$e $a#eDin,lame" ra+ings
, #$e m/1 2ere #$e ,irs#
mu##erings , #$e =$rus , a
)ree. #rage"%6
*ara=$i1 3? Augus# 37A8
'Sir1 #$e (l# is n6'
Luis Mun#/a##en s#i,,ene"
(er=e(#i/l% a# #$se 2r"s6 A
glimmer , a((re$ensin ,li=.e"
a=rss $is #$er2ise im(assi+e
,ea#ures6 Mun#/a##en ,ll2e"
#$e man 2$'" u##ere" #$em
#2ar"s a s(# un"er #$e (lane's
2ings 2$ere n ne =ul"
+er$ear #$eir 2r"s6
All #$eir in#elligen=e re(r#s1 #$e
&ID ,,i=er sai"1 =n,irme" #$e
"e#ails , #$e /rie,ing
Mun#/a##en $a" /een gi+en in
Del$i6 A# leas# ne an" (r/a/l%
se+eral /m/s 2ul"1 #$e%
/elie+e"1 /e #$r2n a# #$e (en
=ar s=$e"ule" # =arr% $im an"
Jinna$ #$rug$ *ara=$i's s#ree#s
#$e ,ll2ing mrning1 T$urs"a%
3A Augus#6 Des(i#e in#ensi+e
e,,r#s1 #$e%'" ,aile" #
a((re$en" an% , #$e Hin"u
,ana#i=s 2$m #ie RSSS $a"
in,il#ra#e" in# #$e =i#% # =arr%
u# #$e assassina#in6
T Mun#/a##en's ann%an=e1 $is
2i,e $a" sli((e" u( /e$in"
#$em6 S$e +er$ear" #$e &ID
,,i=er's las# ($rases6 Tin ging
#
"ri+e 2i#$ %u1' s$e insis#e"6 C
'Yu "amn 2ell are n#1' $er
$us/an" re(lie"6 FT$ere's n
reasn ,r /#$ , us # /e /l2n
# smi#$ereens6'
Ignring #$eir eC=$ange1 #$e &ID
,,i=er =n#inue"6 'Jinna$ insis#s
n ri"ing in an (en =ar1' $e sai"6
'Yu'll /e ging +er% sl2l%6 I'm
a,rai" ur means , (r#e=#ing
%u are ra#$er limi#e"6' T$ere
2as nl% ne 2a%1 in #$e &ID's
Bu"gmen#1 , a+er#ing a
=a#as#r($e6
'Sir1' $e /egge"1 '%u mus# ge#
Jinna$ # =an=el #$e (r=essin6'
Eig$#een $urs a,#er an angr%
m/ $a" s#ne" #$e grea#es#
In"ian , #$e =en#ur%1 a# 7644
a6m61 T$urs"a% 3A Augus#1 3:44
miles ,rm Beliag$a#a Ra"1
)an"$i's (rin=i(al (li#i=al ri+al
(re(are" #= sa+ur #$e
a(#$esis , $is lng s#ruggle6
M$amme" Ali Jinna$ $a"
su==ee"e" 2$ere #$e srr2ing
lea"ei in #$e ruins , H%"ari
Huse $a" ,aile"6 Des(i#e
)an"$i1 "es(i#e #$e "i=#a#es ,
lgi= an" reasn1 "es(i#e1 a/+e
all1 #$e ,a#al "iseas, l=.e" in $is
lungs1 Jinna$ $a" "i+i"e" In"ia6
In a ,e2 mmen#s ai aus#ere
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
assem/l% $all in *ara=$i 2ul"
2i#ness #$e /ir#$ , #$e ms
((ulus Mslem na#in in #$e
2rl"6 Range" in #$e s$ellD
s$a(ee $all's =ir=ling r2s ,
sea#s 2ere #$e re(resen#a#i+es ,
#$e AH millin (e(le Jinna$ $a"
le" n #$eir Hegira #
na#in$"6
T$e% 2ere a =lur,ul assem/l%H
s#li" PunBa/isDin gre% as#ra.$ai
=a(s an" #ig$#l% /u##ne"
s$er2anis1 2$i#e +ersins , a
(ries#' =ass=.T gl2ering
Pa#$ansT @aQirs1 Ma$su"s1
A,ri"is1 /eige an; gl"D,le=.e"
#ur/ans #2is#e" +er #$eir $ea"s1
mus#a=$es s=arrinB #$eir 2in"D
/urne" ,a=esT s$r#1 "ar.
Bengalis1 re(resen#a#i+es , i
(r+in=e Jinna$ $a" ne+er
+isi#e" an" 2$se (e(le $e
mis#rus#e" #ri/al lea"ers ,rm
Balu=$is#anT 2men ,rm #$e
In"us -alle%1 #$ei $ea"s
s$ru"e" in sa#in /ur'asT 2men
, #$e PunBa/ in gl" s(e=.le"
s$al2ars1 #uni=s1 +er /ellD
/##me" =ul##es6
Besi"e Jinna$1 sa# #$e -i=er%
,rm 2$se relu=#an# $an"s #$
Mslem lea"er $a" (rise" $is
s#a#e6 Mun#/a##en gl2e" in $i
2$i#e na+al uni,rm an" #$e
"e=ra#ins $e s l+e" #
2ear1 T s(len"i"l% ,i##ing ,igure
,r #$e ==asin1 #$e ,irs# , #$e
=eremnie 2$i=$1 in #$e =urse
, #$e neC# ?9 $urs1 2ul"
,rmall% #ermina# Bri#ain's
+erlr"s$i( , #$e su/D
=n#inen#6
A #au# smile =reasing $is
=m(se" ,ea#ures1 Mun#/a##en
rs # "eli+er #$e Ring's g"
2is$es # $is ne2es# "minin6
T$e Mun#/a##en1 # =ele/ra#e an
==asin $e $a" $(e" 2ul"
ne+e #a.e (la=e1 "e=lare"H 'T$e
/ir#$ , Pa.is#an is an e+en# in
$is#rB His#r% seems sme#imes
# m+e 2i#$ #$e in,ini#e
sl2ness , gla=ier1 an"
sme#imes # rus$ ,r2ar" in a
#rren#6 Jus# n21 in #$i (ar# ,
#$e 2rl"1 ur uni#e" e,,r#s
$a+e mel#e" #$e i=e an" m+e
sme im(e"imen#s ,rm #$e
s#ream an" 2e are =arrie" in #$e
,u ,l"6 T$ere is n# #ime #
l. /a=.6 T$ere is nl% #ime #
l. ,r2ar"6'
@i#$ #$se 2r"s1 #$e -i=er%
l.e" si"e2a%s #2ar"s Jinna$6
His "is"ain,ul ,a=e1 $is
(ar=$men#D"r% s.in1 emi##e"
e+en a# #$is
su(reme ins#an# n mre #ra=e ,
em#in #$an #$e ,ea#ures , a
P$arani= "ea#$ mas.6
D>1i 5 ? ^ VG ^ J
T 2ul" li.e # eC(ress m%
#ri/u#e # Mr Jinna$1' $e
"e=lare"6 'Our =lse (ersnal
=n#a=# an" #$e mu#ual #rus# an"
un"ers#an"ing #$a# $as gr2n
u# , i#1 are1 I ,eel1 #$e /es#
mens ,r ,u#ure g" rela#ins6'
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
As $e "rne" #$rug$ $is
ri#ualis#i= ($rases1 Mun#/a##en
=ul" n# $el( #$in.ing #$a# $e
2as ging # $a+e # ris. $is li,e
in a ,e2 mmen#s /e=ause , #$e
/"ura#e man # 2$m #$e%
2ere a""resse"6 T$e -i=er% $a"
$a" n mre su==ess in
(ersua"ing Jinna$ # =an=el #$eir
#$rea#ene" (r=essin #$an $e
$a" $a" in #r%ing # ge# $im #
a/an"n $is "ream , Pa.is#an6
T =an=el #$e ri"e r # rus$
#$rug$ #$e s#ree#s , *ara=$i in
a =lse" =ar 2ul" $a+e /een1
Jinna$ ,el#1 an a=# , =2ar"i=e6
He 2ul" ne+er "emean #$e
emergen=e , #$e na#in ,r
2$i=$ $e'" 2r.e" s $ar" 2i#$
a ges#ure li.e #$a#6 &me 2$a#
ma%1 Mun#/a##en 2as ging #
$a+e # eC(se $imsel, # an
assassin's /m/ in an (en =ar1
a# #$e si"e , a man $e "isli.e"1
# =ele/ra#e #$e /ir#$1 , a na#in
# 2$se =rea#in $e $a" /een
+e$emen#l% ((se"6
'T$e #ime $as =me # /i" %u
,are2ell1' $e =n=lu"e"6 'Ma%
Pa.is#an (rs(er al2a%s 6 6 6 an"
ma% s$e =n#inue in ,rien"s$i(
2i#$ $er neig$/urs an" 2i#$ all
#$e na#ins , #$e 2rl"6'
T$en i# 2as Jinna$'s #urn6 He
l.e" li.e a ((e gi+ing an
au"ien=e # #$e ,ai#$,ul 2i#$ $is
2$i#e s$er2ani /u##ne" u( #
#$e /ase , $is ema=ia#e" #$ra#6
Bri#ain an" #$e (e(les s$e $a"
=lniQe" 2ere (ar#ing as
,rien"s1 $e agree"1 'an" I
sin=erel% $(e #$a# 2e s$all
remain ,rien"s6' A 3?D=en#ur%Dl"
Islami= #ra"i#in , #leran=e ,r
#$e /elie,s , #$ers 2ul"1 $e
(rmise"1 '/e ,ll2e" an"
(ra=#ise" /% us6' Pa.is#an1 $e
"e=lare"1 '2ul" n# /e ,un"
2an#ing in ,rien"l% s(iri# /% ur
neig$/urs an" all #$e na#ins ,
#$e 2rl"6'
T$en1 alms# /e,re #$e% .ne2
i#1 #$e s(ee=$es 2ere +er1 #$e
#rial a# $an"6 Si"e /% si"e1 #$e
#2 men1 ri+als in s man%
"mains1 emerge" ,rm #$e grea#
#ea. "rs , #$e assem/l% $all6
@ai#ing /e,re #$em 2as #$e
/la=. (en RllsDR%=e #$a# 2as
# =arr% #$em #$rug$ #$eir
r"eal6 'T$e "amn #$ing l.s
li.e a $earse1' Mun#/a##en
#$ug$#6 !r a /rie, se=n"1 $e
,iCe" $is e%es n $is 2i,e6 He
$a" gi+en $er "ri+er s#ri=# r"ers
# s#a% 2ell /e$in" $is =ar6 He
2as =er#ain s$e 2ul" ,in" a
2a% # #$2ar# #$em6
M+ing #2ar"s #$e 2ai#ing =ar1
a series , grisl% images ,r=e"
#$eir 2a% a=rss Mun#/a##en's
min"T a +i+i"1 men#al (i=#ure
s=reene" /e$in" $is =are,ull%
arrange" (u/li= ,a=a"e6 T$e%
$a" n#$ing # " 2i#$ #$is
(r=essin6 T$e% 2ere #$e g$s#s
, (r=essins (as#1 s#irre" /%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e (ages , #$se genealgi=al
=$ar#s 2$i=$ 2ere Mun#/a##en's
(assin6 On # ne , #$eir
/ran=$es1 $e $a" me#i=ulusl%
(la=e" #$e name , $is grea#D
un=le1 #$e Tsai AleCan"er II1
n#ing /% $is name1 '"e=ease" 3?
!e/ruar% 3::3'6 AleCan"er II $a"
/een /l2n in# lum(s ,
s""en ,les$ in Sainl Pe#ers/urg
D /% a /m/ #$r2n in# $is
(en =arriage6 !ur#$er "2r #$a#
same /ran=$ , $is ,amil% 2as
#$e name , an#$er un=le1 #$V
)ran" Du.e Serge1 .ille" in
374A /% an anar=$is#'s /m/ in
ai alms# i"en#i=al in=i"en#6 On
s#ill an#$er (age1 2as #$e en#r%
/earinB #$e name , $is =usin
Ena 2$ $a" gne # $er
2e""ing # S(ain' Al,ns MIII1
$er sa#in 2e""ing g2n =+ere"
2i#$ #$e ,les$ am /l" , #$e
=a=$man .ille" /% a /m/
#$r2n in# $er =arriage
)r#es'ue ($an#ms ,rm $is
,amil%'s (as#1 #$e% seeme" n2 #
=r2" in# $is (en RllsDR%=e
alng 2i#$ #$e %ung -i=er%6
His e%es me# Jinna$'s as #$e =ar
s#ar#e"6 T$e% "i" n# s(ea.6 H
$a" ne+er .n2n Jinna$ # /e
an%#$ing /u# #ense1 Mun#/a##e
#$ug$#1 /u# n2 #$e #ensin
ra"ia#ing ,rm $is /eing 2as
almH (al(a/le6 A $ear#Ds#((ing
?3Dgun +i=eregal salu#e ,ll2e"
#$ei "2n #$e "ri+e u# in#
*ara=$i's s#ree#s6 T$ere1 #$e
=r2"s 2ei 2ai#ing1 #$e
enrmus1 $a((%1 eCul#ing
=r2"s1 a sea , ann%mi ,a=es
=n=ealing sme2$ere1 n sme
s#ree# =rner1 a# sme #urnin a#
sme 2in"2 le"ge r r,#(1
#$e ,a=e , #$e man 2$ 2an#>
# .ill #$em6 T$e #$reeDmile
ru#e 2as line" /% #r(s /u#
#$eir /ae 2ere all # #$e =r2"6
T$e% 2ul" /e useless agains#
an assassir /m/6
T Luis Mun#/a##en1 i# 2ul"
seem in la#er %ears as #$uB #$a#
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ru#e1 siC "ee( n #$e si"e2al.s1
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#$e Rlls 2ere li+ing1 #$e%
=$an#e" u# #$ 'Rin"a/a"s'1 ,r
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Mun#/a##en6
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"2n #$a# #unnel , ,a=es1 runni
a .in" , gaun#le# ,rm 2$i=$ a#
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!r=e" # res(n" # #$e reBi=i
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$a" n =$i=e /u# # a=# u
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
n # ,a=e1 2$ile $is e%es .e(#
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De=em/er 37536 Yung
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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mun#e"6 FT$ese (e(le li.e
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me#i=ulusl% r"ere" "a%s Lenin
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,irs# /egge" $im # /e=me i#s
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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In"ia $a" /een re(la=e"1 #$eir
gil"e" ,rames ,ille" #$is e+ening
2i#$ green1 2$i#e an" range
/anners6
> Mun#/a##en's ,inal ges#ure
2as n# 2i#$u# i#s se'uel6 A ,e2
"a%s la#er1 $e re=ei+e" a l%ri=al
n#e ,rm #$e Na2a/'s Bri#is$
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ne+er #$an. %u enug$6 Yur
a=# 2as #$e ms# ,arDrea=$ing
an" .in"es# ges#ure %u =ul"
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am as gra#e,ul # %u as #$e
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=$an=e I s$ul" /e in a (si#in
# " %u a ser+i=e1 " n#
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T$ree %ears la#er1 in 37041
Mun#/a##en 2as !ur#$ Sea
Lr" a# #$e A"miral#%6 He 2as1
amng #$er #$ings1 res(nsi/le
,r #$e Na+%'s =us#ms'
(ri+ileges1 "u#%,ree al=$l1
=igare##es an" #$er i#ems
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/% #$e A##lee g+ernmen# # ,in"
a""i#inal re+enues1 #$e
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$is in#en#in , a/lis$ing #$ese
(ri+ileges6 E+er%ne in #$e na+al
$ierar=$% #rie"1 unsu==ess,ull%1
# (ersua"e #$e gen#leman #
=$ange $is min"6 Mun#/a##en
,inall% a"+ise" #$e Se=re#ar% ,
A"miral#%1 Sir J$n Lang1 #$a#
$e in#en"e" # #r% $imsel,6
Useless1 Lang re(lie"1 e+er%ne
$a" I #rie"1 #$e &lle=#r re,use"
# /u"ge an" sin=e i# 2as a
((ular ,inan=ial m+e1 i# 2as
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&a/ine#6
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an" ,inall% ,un" $imsel, /eing
us$ere" in# #$e ,,i=e , #$e
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2$a# %u "i" ,r #$e Begum ,
Palan(ur6'
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(reser+e"6
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A//e% , Rmse%1 #$e las#
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/en=$es ,a=ing Ne$ru1 in sar an"
.$a"i1 (rin=el% r/es an" "inner
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, #$e na#in # /e /rn #$is
nig$#6 T$e (e(le #$e%
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ra=es an" religins1 languages
an" =ul#ures1 , "i+ersi#% an"
=n#ras# unma#=$e" n #$e gl/e6
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s(iri#ual a##ainmen# an" #$e ms#
"e/asing miser% n ear#l a lan"
2$se grea#es# ri=$es 2ere i#s
(ara"Ces1 2$se (e(le 2er
mre ,er#ile #$an i#s ,iel"sT a lan"
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na#ural =alami#ies unsur(asse" in
=ruel#% an" "imensinT a lan"
(as# a==m(lis$men# an" (resen#
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an% #$e assem/l% , $umans n
ear#$6 Ye#1 ,r all #$a#1 ,r all $er
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#$e su(reme an" en"uring
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=ul#ural $riQns , man.in"6
T$e In"ia 2$i=$ #$se men an"
2men re(resen#e" 2ul" /e i
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
na#in , 580 millin Hin"us1 84
millin , #$em Un#u=$a/les ?0
millin MslemsT 8 millin
&$ris#iansT 9 millin Si.$sT
344144 Parsees an" 5A1444 Je2s
2$se ,re/ears $a" ,le" #$e
"es#ru=#in Slmn's Tem(le
"uring #$e Ba/%lnian eCile6
!e2 , #$e (e(le in #$e $all
=ul" #al. # ea=$ #$er in #$ei
na#i+e languageT #$eir nl%
=mmn #ngue 2as Englis$6
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:A0 "iale=#s6 T/ Ur"u , #$e
"e(u#ies , #$e PunBa/ 2as rea"
,rm rig$# # le,# #$e Hin"i ,
#$eir neig$/urs in #$e Uni#e"
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sme#imes rea" u( anV "2n
an" #$er "iale=#s 2ere "e="e"
li.e #$e s%m/ls n a P$ara ni=
,rieQe6 E+en #$eir ges#ures 2ere
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$is $ea"1 $e mean# '%es'6 @$en i
(ale nr#$erner ma"e #$e same
m+emen# $e mean# 'n'6
In"ia 2ul" in=lu"e a le(er
((ula#in #$e siQe ,
S2i#Qerlan"1 a man% (ries#s as
#$ere 2ere Belgians in Belgium1
enug$ /eggars #V ((ula#e all
, Hllan"1 33 millin $l% men1
54 millin a/rigines sme li.e
#$e Nagas , Nagalan" s#ill
$un#ing $uman $ea"s6 II millin
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=u(a#ins as sna.e =$armers1
,r#une #ellers1 g%(sies1 Bugglers1
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?: #$usanV In"ians 2ere /rn
e+er% "a%1 a 'uar#er , #$em #
"ie /e,re #$e ag , ,i+e6 34
millin #$er In"ians "ie" ea=$
%ear ,rm malnu#ri#in
un"ernuris$men# an" "iseases
li.e small(C era"i=a#e" in ms
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#$e ms# in#ensel% s(iri#ual area
ii #$e nDirl"T /ir#$(la=e , ne
grea# religin1 Bu""$ismT
m#$erlan=

504

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

@HILE THE @ORLD SLEPT

503

, Hin"uismT "ee(l% in,luen=e"
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=ame in a /e2il"ering arra% ,
,rms an" ,iguresT 2$se
religius (ra=#i=es range" ,rm
%ga an" #$e ms# in#ensi+e
me"i#a#in , 2$i=$ #$e $uman
s(iri# 2as =a(a/le1 # animal
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
sa=ri,i=e an" "e/au=$e" seCual
rgies (er,rme" in =lan"es#ine
Bungle #em(les6 T$e (an#$en ,
#$e Hin"us =n#aine" +er ?
millin "ei#ies1 a )" ,r e+er%
m%#$i= mani,es#a#in an"
(ra=#i=al nee" imagina/le6 T$ere
2ere )"s an" )""esses ,r
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"ea#$1 "es#ru=#in an" "iseaseT
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# =$e=. =$lera e(i"emi=s1 an"
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,rieQes6 )" 2as $el" mani,es#
in /an%an #rees1 in In"ia's 3?9
millin mn.e%s1 in #$e $eres
, $er m%#$lgi=al e(i=s1 in $er
544 millin sa=re" =2sT
2rs$i((e" in F$er sna.es1
(ar#i=ularl% =/ras1 2$ ea=$
%ear .ille" 541444 , #$e
'$umans 2$ +enera#e" #$em6
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#$e 2rl"'s l2es# li,e
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an" ?44 millin (easan#s li+ing
n #$e ,rn#iers , eCis#en=e1
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
e,,r# # in"us#rialiQe $er6 Her
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an" a ,is$ing in"us#r% s
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(er =a(i#a a %ear6
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men an" 2men ,illing #$e
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a #u=$ing1 i, nai+e /elie, #$a#
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ging # ease #$e #erri/le
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agniQe"6
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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s(a##ere" #$e #$usan"s ,
r"inar% In"ians Bamming #$e
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era6
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
irre+=a/l% al#ere" /% i#6
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=n#inen# in (ra%er $a" =laime"
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&ar#$age an" )ree=e6 @i#$ #$e
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/elnge"1 n #$er =lnial
em(ire =ul" lng en"ure6 T$eir
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an" arms # =$e=. $is#r%'s
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su(rema=%1 #$e Bm/aB Ya=$#
&lu/6 Hen=e,r#$1 #$se
(re=in=#s in 2$i=$ #$ree
genera#ins , (u..asal#i/s an"
memsa$i/s $a" si((e" #$eir
2$is.ies un"is#ur/e= /% na#i+e
s#ares 2ul" /e a mess ,r
=a"e#s , #$e In"ian Na+%6
In &al=u##a1 eager $an"s #re
"2n #$e signs , #$e =i#%'s
=en#ra #$rug$,are6 &li+e S#ree#
/e=ame Su/$as Ra"1 name" ,r
ai In"ian na#inalis# 2$'"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
aligne" $imsel, 2i#$ Ja(an
agains# #$ Bri#is$ in @rl" @ar
II6 In Simla1 a# #$e s#r.e ,
mi"nig$#1 $un "re"s , In"ians
in saris an" "$#is ran laug$ing
"2n #$e Mall1 #$ a+enue n
2$i=$ n In"ian $a" /een
all2e" # a((ear in $is na#i+
"ress6 In !ir('s in &al=u##a1
!alle##i's in La$re1 #$e TaB in
Bm/aT $un"re"s mre in+a"e"
#$e res#auran#s an" "an=e ,lrs
#$a# $a /een reser+e" ,r gues#s
in "inner Ba=.e#s an" e+ening
g2ns6>
Del$i =ele/ra#e" 2i#$ lig$#s6 T$e
aus#ere1 $ar"D2r.ing =a(i# 2as
a/laQe 2i#$ #$em6 Ne2 Del$i's
&nnaug$# &ir=us1 #$e narr
alle%s , Ol" Del$i1 2ere $ung
in green1 sa,,rn an" 2$i#e lig$#
Tem(les1 ms'ues an" Si.$
guru"2aras 2ere u#line" in
garlan"s i lig$# /ul/s6 S #1
2as #$e Re" !r# , #$e Mg$ul
Em(errs6 Ne Del$i's ne2es#
#em(le1 Birla Man"ir1 2i#$ i#s
=urli=ue s(ires ai "mes $ung
2i#$ lig$#s1 l.e" # ne (asserD
/% li.e a $allu=ina#e , Lu"2ig
, Ba+aria6 In #$e B$angi
s2ee(ers' =ln%1 amng 2$=
Un#u=$a/les )an"$i $a" ,#en
"2el#1 in"e(en"en=e $a" /rug a
gi,# man% , #$se 2re#=$e"
(e(le $a" ne+er .n2n D lig$#6
T muni=i(ali#% $a" ,,ere" #$em
#$e =an"les an" #$e li##le il lam
,li=.ering in #$e glm , #$eir
$u#s # $nur #$eir ne2 ,ree"
On /i=%=les1 #nga =ar#s1 =ars1
e+en n an ele($an# "ra(e" in r
> One mem/er , #$e
&ns#i#uen# Assem/l% $a" e+en
2an#e" a =lause In"ia's
=ns#i#u#in "en%ing a (u/li=
(la=e #$e rig$# # re'uire #$e
RaB's ,a+u a((arel1 #$e "inner
Ba=.e#1 ,r i#s gues#s6

+el+e# #a(es#r%1 =r2"s s2e(#
#2ar"s #$e =en#re , Del$i #
sing =$eer an" 2al. in a /u%an#
m" , sel,D=ngra#ula#in6 T$e
res#auran#s an" =a,es ,
&nnaug$# Pla=e 2ere #$rnge"6
E+er% mem/er , #$a# gigan#i=
arm% , 2$i#eDs$ir#e"
/ureau=ra#s ,r 2$i=$ Del$i 2as
n#rius1 seeme" # $a+e
gra+i#a#e" # i#s (a+emen#s6
T$e /ar , #$e Im(erial H#el1 a
san=#uar% , Del$i's ,rmer
rulers s2arme" 2i#$ =ele/ra#ing
In"ians6 Jus# a,#er mi"nig$#1 ne
, #$em =lim/e" n # #$e /ar
an" as.e" #$e =r2" # Bin $im
in singing #$eir ne2 na#inal
an#$em6 T$e% glee,ull% a==e(#e"
$is in+i#a#in1 /u# as #$e% s#ar#e"
#$rug$ #$e =$rus , #$e $%mn1
2ri##en /% In"ia's grea# na#inal
(e#1 Tagre1 ms# , #$em ma"e
a "is=n=er#ing "is=+er%H #$e%
"i"n'# .n2 #$e 2r"s6
A# Mai"en's $#el in Ol" Del$i1
#$e ms# ,amus es#a/lis$men#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
in #$e =i#%1 a /eau#i,ul In"ian girl
in a sari "an=e" ,rm #a/le #
#a/le1 #2is#ing a re" "#1 a #ila.1
,r g" lu=. n # #$e ,re$ea"
, e+er%ne in #$e (la=e 2i#$ a
li(s#i=. #u/e6
In #$e =m(laisan# s$a"2s , a
gar"en near &nnaug$# &ir=us1
*ar#ar Sing$1 a Burnalis#1
=ele/ra#e" $is =un#r%'s ,ree"m
2i#$ an in#ensel% (ersnal
ges#ure6 He use" i# as #$e (re#eC#
# .iss ,r #$e ,irs# #ime Ais$a
Ali1 a (re##% me"i=al s#u"en# $e'"
me# a ,e2 "a%s earlier6 T$eir
em/ra=e 2as #$e ,irs# ges#ure ,
a lng an" mar+ellus l+e s#r%
/eginning a# a ms# inaus(i=ius
mmen#6 T$eir (ar#i=ular (assin
2as ging # run a#$2ar# #$e
(assins a/u# # s2ee( nr#$ern
In"ia6 *ar#ar Duggal Sing$ 2as
a Si.$6 Ais$a Ali 2as Mslem6
Des(i#e #$e eCu/eran=e ,
In"e(en"en=e Nig$#1 #$e
s$a"2s , #$a# =ming s#rm
la% alrea"% +er (ar#s , #$e
=a(i#al6 In #$eir neig$/ur$"s
in Ol" Del$i1 man% Mslems
2ere 2$is(ering a ne2 slgan
(u# u# /% ,ana#i=s , #$e
Mslem LeagueH '@e g#
Pa.is#an /% rig$# D 2e'll #a.e
Hin"us#an /% ,r=e6' T$a#
mrning1 a mulla$ in an Ol"
Del$i ms'ue $a" remin"e" $is
,ai#$,ul a# (ra%ers #$a# Mslems
$a" rule" Del$i ,r =en#uries
an"1 'Ins$a Alla$ D )" 2illing1'
#$e% 2ul" again6 Mean2$ile1
Hin"u an" Si.$ re,ugees ,rm
#$e PunBa/1 (a=.e" in#
ma.es$i,# re,ugees' =am(s
arun" Del$i1 #$rea#ene" # #urn
#$e =a(i#al's Mslem
neig$/ur$"s in# a /n,ire #
=ele/ra#e in"e(en"en=e6
-6 P6 Menn1 #$e /rillian#
/ureau=ra# 2$ $a" re"ra,#e"
Mun#D/a##en's (ar#i#in (lan
an" =aCe" s man% (rin=es in#
a==e"ing # In"ia1 (asse" #$e
mi"nig$# $ur in $is si##ingD
rm 2i#$ $is #eenage "aug$#er6
@$en #$e sun" , =n=$ s$ells
an" =$eering =r2"s "ri,#e" in#
#$eir 'uie# (arlur1 Menn's
"aug$#er lea(e" u( an" =rie" u#
$er "elig$#6 Her ,a#$er remaine"
,iCe" in $is =$air1 n= eCu/eran=e
n $is ,a=e6
'N21' $e sig$e"1 'ur nig$#mares
reall% s#ar#6>
!r millins , #$ers n #$e
su/D=n#inen#1 $2e+er1 mi"nigl
3A Augus# mar.e" #$e /eginning
, a (ar#% 5A $urs lng6 In #$e
,= a# Lan"i *#al in #$e *$%/er
2$le s$ee( ras#e" +er a "Q
raring ,ires6 T$e ,,i=ers an"
men , #$e *$%/er Ri,les an" 3
Pa#$an #ri/esmen 2$'" /een
#$eir #ra"i#inal enemies =ele/ra#
2i#$ a #ri/al /an'ue#6 T$e
=mman"ing ,,i=er ,,ere" $is
a"Bu#a an" gues# , $nur &a(#6
*enne#$ Dan=e1 #$e (ie=e "e
resis#an=e s$ee('s li+er' 2ra((e"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
in ,a##% %ell2 in#es#ines6 A#
mi"nig$#1 # eC=i#e" #ri/esmen
gra//e" #$eir ri,les an"1
s$rie.ing '#$e *$%/er urs1 #$e
*$%/er is urs'1 sen# a (un" ,
lea" in# #$e nig$# air6
A# &a2n(re1 a =i#% =urse" /%
memries , #$e massa=res #l $a"
==urre" #$ere "uring #$e
Mu#in%1 Englis$men an" In"ia
em/ra=e" (u/li=l%6 In
A$me"a/a"1 #$e #eC#ile =a(i#al
2$ere )an= $a" ,un"e" $is
,irs# In"ian as$ram1 a %ung
s=$l #ea=$er 2$; /een Baile"
,r #r%ing # $is# In"ia's ,lag in
37A51 2as gi+en # $nur ,
raising i# +er #$e #2n $all6
In Lu=.n21 s=res $a" /een
in+i#e" # a mi"nig$# ,lagDraisi a#
#$e Resi"en=e6 T$e engra+e"
in+i#a#ins $a" rea" 'Na#inal
Dre D$#is 2ill /e sui#a/le'6
RaBes$2ar Da%al1 an In"ian 2i#$
,ur## %ears in #$e I&S1 $a" /een
s$=.e" rea"ing i#6 He "i"n'#
e+en 2i "$#i6 Su=$ a
=eremn% un"er $is Bri#is$
em(l%ers 2ul" =er#aiH $a+e
/een in 2$i#e #ie an" #ails6 T$e
re=e(#in i#sel, 2as u##e "i,,eren#
,rm #$e s#i,,l% ,rmal a,,airs ,
#$e RaB6 As sn as I ga#es
(ene"1 #$e lng #a/le la"e"
2i#$ s2ee#s "isa((eare" un"e
s2arm , saris an" s#ruggling
=$il"ren6 @a#=$ing In"ia's ,lag #i
i#s (la=e +er #$e Resi"en=%1 a
=urius #$ug$# ==urre" # Dai
ne 2$i=$ sai" mu=$ a/u# #$e
manner in 2$i=$ #$e Bri#is$ I
rule" $is =un#r%6 In ,ur#een
%ears ser+i=e in #$e I&S1 $e
#$ug $e $a" $a" man% Bri#is$
=lleagues6 Bu# $e $a" ne+er $a"
a Bril ,rien"6
In Ma"ras1 Bangalre1 Pa#na1 in
#$usan"s , =i#ies1 #2ns i
+illages1 (e(le en#ere" #em(les
a# mi"nig$# # =as# rse (e#als a#
,ee# , #$e )"s1 #$eir (ignan#
(lea ,r #$e /lessing , #$e =si
n #$eir ne2 na#in6 In Benares1
#$e lea"ing (as#r% ma.er earne
=nsi"era/le sum (e""ling an
in"e(en"en=e =a.e in In"ia's
na#i= =lurs1 i#s ,rs#ing ma"e
, ranges1 (is#a=$is an" mil.6
N2$ere 2as In"e(en"en=e
Nig$# =ele/ra#e" 2i#$ mre ,er+
an" en#$usiasm #$an in #$e grea#
(r# , Bm/a%6 T$ere1 n (T
men#s #$a# ,#en $a" /een
sli((er% 2i#$ #$e /l" s(ille" in
J =$arges1 in #$a# =i#% 2$se
$is#r% 2as ineC#ri=a/l%
in#er#2ine" + In"ia's
in"e(en"en=e s#ruggle1 2$se
s#ree#s $a" 2i#nesse" s m

"emns#ra#ins1 $ar#als1 an"
s#ri.es1 an en#ire (e(le 2en#
2il" 2i#$ B%6 !rm #$e (ala#ial
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
a(ar#men# $uses , Marine
Dri+e # #$e "is#an# slums ,
Parel1 ,rm #$e +illas , Mala/ar
Hill # #$e =lu##er , #$e T$ie+es
Mar.e#1 Bm/a% 2as a la.e ,
lig$#6 'Mi"nig$# $as /e=me
mi""a%1' 2r#e ne ne2sman1 'i#
2as a ne2 Di2ali1 a ne2 I"1 a
Ne2 Year's E+e D i# 2as all #$e
,es#i+als , a lan" , ,es#i+als
rlle" in# ne D ,r #$is 2as #$e
!es#i+al , !ree"m6'
Sme#$ing less #$an u#rig$#
reBi=ing inaugura#e" #$a#
,es#i+al in a num/er , "inners
an" /an'ue#s a=rss In"ia6 T$e%
#. (la=e in 2$a# $a" /een $er
l" (rin=el% s#a#es6 T$e "a% ,
#$e Ma$araBas 2as +er an" ,r
sme , #$em1 s#ill unre=n=ile"
# #$e lss , #$eir (ri+ileges an"
#$e en" , #$eir 2rl" , (m(
an" s(len"ur1 30 Augus# 2ul"
/e a "a% , murning6 In $is
/rig$#l%Dli# /an'ue# $all1 #$e
NiQam , H%"era/a" ,,ere" a
,are2ell /an'ue# # $is Bri#is$
a"minis#ra#rs 2$se rle 2as
en"ing alng 2i#$ $is 2n6
Des(i#e #$e gaie#% , #$e NiQam's
numerus (rgen% an" #$e
elegan=e , #$e 2men (resen#1
#$e "inner $a" #$e lugu/rius air
, a 2a.e6 A##$een",#$e "inner1
s$r#l% /e,re mi"nig$#1 #$e l"
miser1 "resse" in a (air , #rn
an" ,a"e" #rusers1 s#" #
(r(se a ,inal #as# # #$e *ing
Em(err6 J$n Pe%#n1 an
Englis$ gues#1 s=ru#iniQe" #$e
NiQam's murn,ul ,a=e6 'H2
sa"1' $e #$ug$#1 '#2 $un"re"
%ears , $is#r% en"ing in ne
/rie,1 (a#$e#i= ges#ure6'
!r man% In"ians1 #$e nig$# #$e%
an" #$eir =un#r%men $a"
"reame" , ,r %ears 2as a
,rig$#,ul $rrr6 T L#D&l J6 T6
Sa#araD+ala1 a Parsee , #$e
!rn#ier !r=e Ri,les1 i# 2ul"
al2a%s /e ass=ia#e" 2i#$ #$e
ms# si=.ening sig$# $is 2arD
$ar"ene" e%es $a" e+er seen6 I#
2as #$e gruesmel% mu#ila#e"
/"ies , an en#ire Hin"u ,amil%
in a ,laming ruin in #$e
Balu=$is#an =i#% , Lue##a6
Besi"e #$em1 mu#ila#e" 2i#$
e'ual sa+ager%1 2ere #$e /"ies
, #$e /ra+e an" generus
Mslem ,amil% #$a# $a" ,,ere"
#$em s$el#er6 Sus$ila Na%ar1 a
/eau#i,ul %ung "=#r assigne"
/% )an"$i # a =am( , 541444
re,ugees in #$e 2es#ern PunBa/1
$a" s(en# #2 %ears in Bail an"
gi+en ms# , $er /rie, a"ul# li,e
# a=$ie+ing #$e mmen#
mi"nig$# 3A Augus# re(resen#e"6
N21 i# /rug$# $er n B%1 n
sense , ,ul,ilmen#6 S$e 2as
=ns=ius nl% , #$e miser% ,
$er #$usan"s , =$arges ms# ,
#$em lis#ening in #$e nig$# ,r
#$e sun"s , #$e Mslem $r"es
#$e% 2ere =er#ain 2ul" =me #
slaug$#er #$em6
La$re1 #$e =i#% #$a# s$ul" $a+e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
/een #$e ga%es# s(# n #$e
su/=n#inen#1 2as a s=ene ,
"e+as#a#in6 &a(#6 R/er# A#.ins1
2$'" le" $is )ur.$as in# #$e
=i#% a# sun"2n1 ,un" $is =am(
/esiege" /% (a#$e#i=1 ,rig$#ene"
Hin"us6 &lu#=$ing /a/ies1
/e""ing1 a sui#=ase r #21 #$e%
/egge" # /e all2e" insi"e #$e
(r#e=#i+e =ir=le , $is sl"iers6
Alms# a $un"re" #$usan"
Hin"us an" Si.$s 2ere #ra((e"
insi"e Ol" La$re's 2alle" =i#%1
#$eir 2a#er =u#1 ,ires raging
arun" #$em1 m/s , Mslems
s#al.ing #$e alle%s u#si"e #$eir
m$allas 2ai#ing # (un=e n
an%ne +en#uring u#6 One m/
$a" se# #$e =i#%'s ms# ,amus
Si.$ guru"2ara neC# # #$e S$a$
Alimi )a#e n ,ire1 #$en s$rie.e"
2i#$ glee a# #$e s=reams , #$e
2re#=$e" Si.$s /eing ras#e"
ali+e insi"e6
&al=u##a1 #$e =i#% 2$i=$ s$ul"
$a+e /een eC(l"ing in +ilen=e1
2as un"erging a /e2il"ering
me#amr($sis6 I# $a" /egun
#imi"l%1 #en#a#i+el% /e,re
sun"2n 2$en a (r=essin ,
Hin"us an" Mslems $a"
mar=$e" #$rug$ #$e =i#%
#2ar"s )an"$i's $ea"'uar#ers a#
H%"ari Huse6 In i#s 2a.e #$e
=i#%'s a#ms($ere $a" /egun #
=$ange6 In #$e +ilen# Bungles ,
*el"anga Ra" an" arun"
Seal"a$ s#a#in1 Hin"u an"
Mslem gn"as $a" s$ea#$e"
#$eir "aggers # Bin in $anging
#$e In"ian ,lag ,rm /al=nies
an" lam((s#s6 S$ei.$s (ene"
#$e "rs , #$eir ms'ues # #$e
a"$eren#s , *ali1 an" #$e% in
#urn in+i#e" Mslems # #$eir
#em(les # =n#em(la#e #$e
gr#es'ue image , #$e )""ess
, Des#ru=#in6
Men 2$ 2ul" $a+e /een
(re(are" # =u# ea=$ #$er's
#$ra#s 5A $urs earlier1 n2
s$. $an"s in #$e s#ree#6
@men an" =$il"ren1 Hin"u an"
Mslem ali.e1 ,,ere" s2ee#s #
mem/ers , #$e ((si#e
=mmuni#%6 T$e =i#% #$a#
e+ening remin"e" *umar Bse1
a Bengali 2ri#er1 , #$e
&$ris#mas E+e s=ene in All
Luie# n #$e @es#ern !rn#1
2$en !ren=$ an" )erman
sl"iers emerge" ,rm #$eir
#ren=$es # ,rge# ,r a /rie,
mmen# #$a# #$e% 2ere enemies6
@$ile In"ia =ele/ra#e"1 #$e grea#
$use 2$i=$ $a" /een #$e
re(si#r% , Bri#ain's im(erial
(2er in In"ia 2as un"erging a
re+lu#in6 !rm ne en" , #$e
$use # #$e #$er1 ser+an#s
rus$e" alng #$e S=rri"rs1
/s=uring r sna#=$ing a2a% an%
seal r s%m/l li.el% # ,,en"
#$e sensi/ili#ies , In"ia's ne2l%
in"e(en"en# =i#iQens6
Mun#/a##en 2as "e#ermine"
#$a#1 n #$eir In"e(en"en=e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Da%1n In"ianT +isi#ing 2$a# 2as
n2 )+ernmen# Huse 2ul"
/e =n,rn#e" 2i#l an%
"is#as#e,ul remin"ers , #$e age
Bus# (as#6
One #eam , ser+an#s "i"
n#$ing /u# g ,rm rm #
rn re(la=ing s#a#iner% /earing
#$e ,,en"ing 2r"s '-i=er%'s
Huse 2i#$ ne2 nes engra+e"
')+ernmen# Huse'6 An#$er
s=reene" l #$e enrmus seal
a/+e Dur/ar Hall6 One se# ,
seals "i" n =$ange $2e+er6
Tra"i#inall%1 #$e -i=er%'s
=%($er $a" /een $i (ersnal
insignia an" #$e =igar /an"s1
ma#=$/Ces1 sa( /ars an /u##er
(a##ies , #$e ne2 B+ernmen#
Huse =n#inue" # =an
Mun#/a##en's -is=un#'s =rne#
a/+e $is 'M , B'6
As #$eir 2r. 2as ging n1 a
"elega#in , In"ian lea"ers sei
/% #$e &ns#i#uen# Assem/l%
arri+e"6 RaBen"ra Prasa"1 #$e
(resi"ei , #$e assem/l%1
,rmall% in+i#e" #$e eCD-i=er%
# /e=me In"ia's ,irs# )+ernrD
)eneral6 I# 2as #$e se=n"
$nur #$e a"miral $a" re=ei+e"
#$a# e+ening6 A ,e2 mmen#s
/e,re1 $e $a" learne" #$a# $is
=usin )erge -I1 in re=gni#in
, $is a==m(lis$men#s in In"ia1
$a" ele+a#e" $im a ran. in #$e
(eerage1 ,rm -is=un# # Earl6
Mun#/a##en a==e(#e" Prasa"'s
in+i#a#in1 (le"ging # ser+e
In"ia as i, $e 2ere $imsel, an
In"ian6 T$en Ne$ru ga+e
Mun#/a##en an en+el(e
=n#aining #$e lis# , #$e men
2$1 2i#$ $is a((r+al1 2ul"
=ns#i#u#e #$e ,irs# g+ernmen#
, an in"e(en"en# In"ia6
Mun#/a##en #. u# a "e=an#er
, (r# an" (ersnall% ,ille" $is
+isi#rs' glasses6 @$en $e $a"
"ne s1 $e raise" $is 2n an"
sai" T In"ia'6 A,#er a si(1 Ne$ru
in #urn raise" $is #
Mun#/a##en6 T *ing )erge
-P1 $e sai"6
@$en #$e%'" le,#1 /e,re ging #
/e"1 Mun#/a##en (ene" #$e
en+el(e Ne$ru $a" $an"e" $im6
As $e "i" s1 $e /urs# in#
laug$#er6 In #$e $as#e , #$is
grea# e+ening1 Ne$ru $a" n#
$a" #ime # se# "2n #$e names
, in"e(en"en# In"ia's ,irs#
&a/ine#6 I# =n#aine" a /lan.
s$ee# , (a(er6
In #$e "ar. an" =a+ernus
La$re railra" s#a#in1 a
$an",ul , Englis$men ma"e
#$eir 2a% #2ar"s #$e 2ai#ing
Bm/a% EC(ress6 T$e% 2ere
+ir#uall% #$e las# minr (la%ers
in an arm% , Bri#is$
a"minis#ra#rs1 (li=emen an"
sl"iers 2$ $a" ma"e #$e
PunBa/ #$e (ri"e , Bri#is$ In"ia1
#$e re(si#r% , #$e /es# ,
Bri#ain's a=$ie+emen#s n #$e
su/D=n#inen#6 N2 #$e% 2ere
ging $me an" lea+ing # #$er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$an"s #$e =anals1 #$e $ig$2a%s1
#$e railra"s1 #$e /ri"ges1 #$e%
an" #$eir ,re/ears $a" /uil#6
As #$e% 2al.e" # #$e #rain1 a
gru( , railra" 2r.ers
lis#lessl% 2as$e" #$e s#a#in
(la#,rm 2i#$ a $se6 A ,e2
$urs earlier1 #$e s#a#in $a"
/een #$e si#e , a #erri/le
massa=re , ,leeing Hin"us6 Bill
Ri=$1 #$e Englis$man 2$ $a"
$an"e" +er =$arge , La$re's
(li=e a ,e2 $urs earlier1
n#i=e" an a((alling sig$#H a
gru( , (r#ers 2$eeling a
luggage =ar# "2n #$e (la#,rm6
Pile" n # i#1 li.e /un"les
$ea"ing ,r #$e guar"'s +an1 2as
a s#a=. , =r(ses6 Ri=$ $imsel,
$a" # s#e( +er a =r(se l%ing
n #$e (la#,rm # ge# $is ,# n
# #$e s#airs lea"ing # $is
=arriage6 @$a# amaQe" $im 2as
n# #$e sig$# , #$a# mangle"
/"% a# $is ,ee#1 /u# $is 2n
in"i,,eren=e # i#1 $is su""en
a2areness r $2 $ar"ene" $e'"
/e=me # #$e $rrrs , #$e
PunBa/6
Rule Dean1 #$e Amri#sar (li=e
=$ie, 2$'" sen# $is /an" # (la%
)il/er# an" Sulli+an in #$e #2n
s'uare1 s#are" in melan=$l%
glm ,rm #$e 2in"2 , $is
=m(ar#men# as #$e #rain le,# #$e
=i#% #$a# $a" /een $is
res(nsi/ili#%6 He =ul" see n
#$e $riQn ,lames "e+uring
"Qens , #$e +illages i# $a"
/een F$is "u#% # (r#e=#6
Sil$ue##e" /% #$eir rsea#e gl2
agains# #$e nig$# s.%1 $e =aug$#
sig$# , #$e marau"ing Si.$
/an"s "es#r%ing #$em1 "an=ing
a .in" , 2il" /alle# arun" #$e
,lames6 He $a" a ,eeling ,
'#erri/le1
+er2$elming sa"ness'6
'Ins#ea" , $an"ing +er ur
=$arge in a "igni,ie" 2a%1' $e
#$ug$# '2e are lea+ing =$as
/e$in" us6' T$en1 as #$e eC(ress
neare" Del$i a "iningD=ar 2as
a##a=$e" # #$e #rain6 Su""enl%1
#$ere1 amng #$ ,res$ linen an"
(lis$e" sil+er1 #$e PunBa/1 #
#$e ,rmer Amri#sa (li=e =$ie,
2$ in #$ree mn#$s' #ime 2ul"
/e selling (las#i=s "= # "r in
@el2%n )ar"en &i#%1' seeme" a
2rl" a2a%6 T$e ruin a# 303
Beliag$a#a Ra" 2as silen#6 A#
i#s ga#e1 a $an",ul V nnD+ilen#
Hin"u an" Mslem +lun#eers
s#" 2a#=$6 N# single lam(
/ul/1 n# e+en a =an"le ,li=.ere"
,rm #$e /r.V 2in"2s ,
H%"ari Huse6 N#$ing1 n# e+en
#$e e+en#s , #l mmen#us
nig$#1 $a" /een all2e" #
in#ru"e n #$e ,irml% es#e lis$e"
ru#ine , #$e men an" 2men
insi"e6 In #$e s(a=ius rV 2$i=$
ser+e" as #$eir =mmunal
"rmi#r%1 #$e% la% s#re#=$e" V 1
n s#ra2 (alle#s6 On ne , #$em1
neC# # $is nea#l%Daligne"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2; =lgs1 $is )i#a1 $is
"en#ures an" $is s#eelDrimme"
s(e=#a=les1 2as ,amiliar1 /al"D
$ea"e" ,igure6 @$en #$e =l=.s
$a" =$ime" # magi= mi"nig$#
an" In"ia $a" a2a.ene" # li,e
an" ,ree"i M$an"as
*aram=$an" )$an"i $a" /een
sun" aslee(6
'O$ L+el% Da2n , !ree"m'
Benares1 30 Augus# 37A8
A# #$e ,irs# =l /rea#$ ,
a((ra=$ing "a2n1 #$e mis#s
/egan # rise ,rm #$e 2a#er6 As
#$e% $a" sin=e #ime immemrial1
#$e mul#i#u"es =ame 2i#$ #$em
# #$e /an.s , #$e grea# an"
sa=re" ri+er1 #$e M#$er )anges1
#$e Su(reme )i+er , li,e1 #
sear=$ a (assage # e#erni#% in a
ri#ual immersin in i#s 2a#ers6
N#$ing mig$# /e mre
a((r(ria#e #$an #$a#1 2i#$ #$e
"a2ning , 30 Augus# 37A81
Benares1 man's l"es# =i#%1
s$ul" ,,er #$e uni'ue $mage
, i#s mrning ri#es ,r #$e /ir#$
, #$e 2rl"'s ne2es# na#in6
T$se ri#es 2ere a =ns#an#l%
rene2e" eC(ressin , #$e
an=ien# (assin Bining #$e
Hin"us an" #$eir sa=re" ri+er6
T$eir m%s#i= unin 2as
Hin"uism's eC(ressin , #$a#
ins#in=#i+e $uman nee" #
(r(i#ia#e #$e ineC(li=a/le ,r=es
g+erning man's "es#in%6 !rm
an i=e =a+e a# #$e ,# , a
Himala%an sn2/e" 341?44 ,ee#
$ig$1 #$e )anges ran 3044 miles
# #$e gre% 2a#ers , #$e Ba% ,
Bengal1 #ra+ersing n i#s 2a%
ne , #$e ms# #rri"1 +erD
((ula#e" areas n #$e gl/e6 I#
2as a ,i=.le s#ream1 regularl%
sa+aging #$e lan"s , #$e
(easan#s 2$ a"re" i# 2i#$
,l"s , a((alling in#ensi#% an"
"ura#in6 I#s ru#e 2as s(rin.le"
2i#$ #$e ruins , "eser#e" #2ns
an" +illages1 mu#e 2i#nesses #
#$e a/ru(# s$i,#s i#smean"erings
$a" #a.en +er #$e =en#uries6
Ye#1 "es(i#e i#s #em(es#uus
na#ure1 e+er% ,# , i#s
2a#er=urse 2as =nsi"ere"
(r(i#ius1 an" nne mre s
#$an #$se alng #$e gen#le ,urD
mile =ur+e i# ma"e as i# s2ung
(as# Benares6 Sin=e #$e "a2n ,
$is#r%1 sin=e #$e #ime , i#s
=n#em(raries1 Ba/%ln1
Nine+e$ an" T%re1 Hin"us $a"
=me #$ere # /a#$e in #$e
)anges1 # "rin. i#s 2a#er1 #
/esee=$ #$e ,a+ur , sme
=a(ri=ius )"6
N2 #$e silen# #$rngs ,l2e"
a=rss #$e g$a#s1 #$e s#ne
#erra=es s=aling "2n Benares'
s#ee( ri+er /an.s # #$e 2a#er's
e"ge6 Ea=$ (ilgrim /re a
/u'ue# , ,l2ers an" a li##le
lam( , =am($r il1 i#s ,lame
#$e s%m/l , lig$# "is(ersing
#$e s$a"2s , ignran=e6 In #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
ri+er1 #$usan"s mre1 a "i+isin
, #$e "e+u#1 2ere alrea"%
s#an"ing 2ais# "ee( in #$e sl2D
m+ing 2a#er1 all regar"s #urne"
eas#1 ea=$ rigi"1 silen# ,igure
=lu#=$ing $is ,li=.ering lam(1 s
#$a# ,rm a "is#an=e #$eir
+a=illa#ing lig$#s seeme" # s.i(
+er #$e sur,a=e , #$e 2a#er li.e
a $r"e , ,ire,lies6
E+er% e%e ,iCe" n #$e eas#ern
$riQn1 #$e% 2ai#e" ,r #$e
"ail%
'e2al , #$e $ea+ens' ms#
2n"rus mira=le1 #$e
a((earan=e , a re""is$ "is=
sli"ing u( ,rm #$e en#rails ,
#$e ear#$1 #$e ; -is$nu in $is
in=arna#in as #$e sun6 As i#s
e"ge sli((e" in# mrning s.%1
an eBa=ula#in , (ra%er /urs#
,rm #$se #$usan" #$ra#s6
T$en1 in gra#i#u"e ,r ne ,ur#$er
rene2al , )"'s grea mira=le1
#$e% =as# #$eir lam(s an" ,l2ers
u(n #$e 2a#ers , )anges6
In #$e =i#%1 as i# "i" e+er%
mrning1 #$e $nur , /eing #$e
(ersn # s#e( a=rss #$e
#$res$l" , #$e Tem(le , )l"1
Ben ,rems# s$rine1 /elnge"
#$is mrning # Pan"i# B$a2ani
S$ai !e2 men in Benares ,el#
mre in#ensel% #$e B% , #$is
"a2n #$a# ageing man , )"6
!r %ears1 Pan"i# S$an.ar $a"
,i In"ian na#inalis#s ,leeing
,rm #$e Bri#is$ &ID #$e
san=#uar% = s$rine6
A ,las. , )anges 2a#er an" a
+ial , san"alD2" (as#e ii
$an"s1 Pan"i# S$an.ar mar=$e"
#$rug$ $is #em(le's glr 2ar"s
a s#um(% grani#e u#=r((ing6
T$a# $ea+% #$um/ risi #$e
"ar.ness 2as #$e ms# (re=ius
Hin"u reli= in Benares6 S$ar
,re/ears $a" earne" #$eir
"es=en"an#s #$e rig$# # /e i#s
(erB =us#"ians /% $i"ing i# ,rm
#$e Mg$ul $r"es , #$e Em
AurangQe/6 T$a# $e s$ul" /2
/e,re i# #$is Augus# mi $um/l%
#$an.ing #$e )"s ,r #$e /ir#$
, m"ern In"ia1 ' uni'uel%
a((r(ria#e ges#ure6 T$e =ul# #$a#
(ie=e , s#ne re(res 2as #$e
l"es# ,rm , 2rs$i( .n2n #
man6
I# 2as #$e lingam1 a s#ne
($allus s%m/liQing #$e seCual
, #$e )" S$i+a1 #$e s%m/l ,
,r=e an" #$e regenera#i+e (
na#ure6 Benares 2as #$e =en#re ,
#$e =ul# #$a# 2rs$i(! P$alli
s#u""e" #$e =i#%1 rising ,rm
alms# e+er% ne , i#s #; an"
g$a#s6 A# #$e sun's ,irs# ra%s1
#$usan"s , Hin"us S$an.ar1
eC(ressing #$eir gra#i#u"e a# #$e
rein=arna#in an=ien# na#in /%
l+ingl% =aressing #$se /ul/us
s#ne T 2i#$ san"alD2" (as#e1
)anges 2a#er an" =2 "ung1
garl #$em 2i#$ marigl"s1
,,ering #$em rse (e#als an" #$e
/i##ei , S$i+a's ,a+uri#e #ree1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e /il+a>
> T$e rigins , #$e lingam an"
#$eD=ul# , i#s 2rs$i( are eC(lai#
=lur,ul Hin"u legen"6 S$i+a
an" $is 2i,e Durga1 /#$ "run.
a# #$e #iH sur(rise" in #$e a=# ,
=(ula#in /% #$e +isi# , a
"elega#in , #$eir ,ell le" /%
-is$nu6 A/sr/e" in al=$l an"
#$eir ama#r% a#$le#i=s1 #$e "i+ii
ignre" #$eir +isi#rs6 S$=.e"
/% su=$ /e$a+iur1 #$eir ,ell2
)"s =u# /#$ an" le,#6
@$en S$i+a an" Durga 2ere
in,rme" , 2$a# $a" $a((ene"1
#$eir s! s in#ense #$e% "ie" in
#$e (si#in in 2$i=$ #$e%'" /een
sur(rise"6 'M S$i+a (r=laime"1
'$as .ille" me1 /u# i# $as als
gi+en me ne2 li,e a s$a(e1 #$a#
, #$e lingam6' Hen=e,r#$1 $e
(r=laime"1 $is (ries#s 2en men
# 'em/ra=e #$e 2rs$i( , m%
lingam6 I# is 2$i#e6 I# $as #$ree
e%e ,a=es6 I# is arra%e" in a
#iger's s.in6 I# eCis#e" /e,re #$e
2rl" an" i# #

As #$e =lurs , "a2n
/rig$#ene" #$e =i#%1 a (ara"e ,
Un#u=$a/les1 /a=.s /en# un"er
/un=$es , ,agg#s an" lgs1
"es=en"e" #$e s#e(s , #$e ms#
$all2e" s(# in Benares1 #$e
Mani.arni.a g$a#6 A ,e2
minu#es la#er1 ,ur men =arr%ing
a /am/ s#re#=$er n #$eir
s$ul"ers a((eare" a# #$e $ea"
, #$e s#e(s6 In ,rn# , #$em
mar=$e" a ,i,#$ man gen#l%
s#r.ing a gng1 =$an#ing 'Ram
is Tru#$'6 His 2r"s 2ere a
remin"er # all #$se 2a#=$ing
#$e (r=essin #$a# #$e%1 #1
2ul" ne "a% =me # #$e same
en" as #$e ,igure 2ra((e" in a
=##n 2in"ingDs$ee# n #$e
s#re#=$er6
!r =en#uries1 # "ie in Benares
$a" /een #$e $ig$es# /lessing #
2$i=$ a "e+u# Hin"u =ul"
as(ire6 Dea#$ insi"e a =ir=le ?9
miles in =ir=um,eren=e arun"
#$e =i#% li/era#e" a sul ,rm #$e
=easeless =%=le , i#s
rein=arna#ins1 an" en#i#le" i# #
Bin ,r e#erni#% #$e 2$ll%
enlig$#ene" in #$e (ara"ise ,
Bra$ma6 T$a# (ri+ilege $a"
ma"e Benares a =i#% # 2$i=$
(ilgrims =ame in sear=$1 n# ,
li,e1 /u# , "ea#$6
T$e /earers /rug$# #$e remains
, #$e ,irs# , #$is mrning's
=laiman#s # Benares' /n # #$e
ri+er's e"ge ,r a las# immersin
in #$e )anges6 One , #$em
(rie" (en #$e Ba2s , #$e
ann%mus ,a=e n #$e s#re#=$er1
an" s(rin.le" a ,e2 "r(s ,
2a#er "2n #$e "ea" man's
#$ra#6 T$en #$e% (la=e" $is
/"% n a 2ai#ing (%re6T$e
Un#u=$a/les ser+ing #$e g$a#
=+ere" #$e =r(se 2i#$ a
(%rami" , san"alD2" lgs
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an" (ure" a (ail , g$ee1
=lari,ie" /u##er1 +er i#6
S.ull s$a+en1 $is /"% (uri,ie"
/% ri#ual a/lu#ins1 #$e "e,un=#'s
el"es# sn =ir=le" #$e (%re ,i+e
#imes6 T$en an a=l%#e ,rm #$e
near/% #em(le # )anes$1 #$e
ele($an# )"1 $an"e" $im a
#r=$ ,ire" a# #$e #em(le's e#ernal
,lame6 He #$rus# i# n # #$e
(%re6 A rus$ , ,lame /urs#
#$rug$ #$e lg (%rami"6
T$e murners s'ua##e" silen#l%
arun" #$e (%re as i# /urne"1
sen"ing an il% /la=. =lum#! ,
sm.e in# #$e s.%6 Su""enl%1 a
"ull '((' =ame +er #$e
=ra=.ling , #$e ,lames6 A# #$e
sun"1 a gra#e,ul (ra%er rse
,rm #$e murnersrDT$e
"e,un=#'s s.ull $a" /urs#6 His
sul $a" es=a(e" ,rm $is /"%6
On #$is mrning , 30 Augus#
37A81 2$en In"ia 2as release"
,rm im(erial /n"age1 Benares1
as i# "i" e+er% "a%1 $a" /egun #
,,er i#s su(reme "eli+eran=e #
i#s "ea"6
T$e ,irs# un=er#ain s(u##ering ,
a =an"le $a" a((eare" in #$e
2in"2s , #$e $use n
Beliag$a#a Ra" Bus# a,#er 5
a6m61 an $ur a$ea" , )an"$i's
usual rising #ime6 T$e glrius
"a% 2$en $is (e(le 2ul"
sa+ur a# las# #$eir ,ree"m
s$ul" $a+e /een an a(#$esis
,r )an"$i1 #$e =ulmina#in , a
li,e , s#ruggle1 #$e ,inal
an" #$e /eginning , all /eings6
I# "is(erses ur #errrS an" ur
#ears1 an" gran#s us #$e /Be=# ,
all ur "esires6' #rium($ , a
m+emen# 2$i=$ $a" s#irre" #$e
a"mira#in , #$e 2rl"6 I# 2as
an%#$ing /u# #$a#6 T$ere 2as n
B% in #$e $ear# , #$e man in
H%"ari Huse6 T$e +i=#r% ,r
2$i=$ )an"$i $a" sa=ri,i=e" s
mu=$ $a" #$e #as#e , as$es1 an"
$is #rium($ 2as in"eli/l% #ain#e"
/% #$e (rs(e=#s , a =rning
#rage"%6
As $e $a" /een 2$en =rssing
in# #$e #ur/ulen# mars$lan"s ,
Na.$ali #$a# Ne2 Year's Da%
Bus# se+en mn#$s /e,re1 #$e
gen#le a(s#le , nnD+ilen=e
2as assaile" #$is mrning /%
'ues#ining an" sel,D"u/#6 'I am
gr(ing1' $e $a" 2ri##en # a
,rien" #$e e+ening /e,re6 'Ha+e
I le" #$e =un#r% as#ra%?'
As al2a%s in mmen#s , "u/#
an" (ain1 )an"$i $a" #urne" #=
#$e /. #$a# $a" s lng /een
$is in,alli/le gui"e1 #$e =eles#ial
sn< , #$e B$aga+a" )i#a6 H2
,#en $a" i#s +erses =nsle"
$im1 (er mi##ing $im # smile in
#$se "ar. $urs 2$en n #$er
ra% , lig$ a((eare" # s,#en #$e
"ar. $riQns6
S'ua##ing /areD=$es#e" n $is
(alle#1 )an"$i $a" /egun $i
(ersnal "a% , murning1 #$e
,irs# "a% , In"ia's in"e(en"en#s
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
rea"ing #$e )i#a6 @i#$ $is
"is=i(les arun" $im1 #$e
Ma$a#ma's $igl lis(ing +i=e $a"
2el=me" #$e "a2n 2i#$ #$e
,irs# , #$e )i#a eig$#een
"ialgues1 #$e "es(airing (lea ,
#$e 2arrir ArBuna # #l )"s6
T$e% 2ere eeril% a((r(ria#e #
#$is (rmising %e# (a#$e#
mmen# in In"ian $is#r%6
'On #$e ,iel" , D$arma1 n #$e
$l% ,iel" , *uru1 m% men ai
#$e sns , Pan"u are arra%e"1
/urning 2i#$ "esire # ,ig$#6 @/
mus# #$e% "1 O SanBa%a?'
I# 2as a sun" as l" 6as man1
#$e anguis$e" ras( , s#ne n
s#i In a =ur#%ar" , #$e +illage
, &$a#ar(ur1 near Del$i1 #$e ,igi
s(ra2le" n #$e r(es s#re#=$e"
#au# /e#2een #$e 2"en ,rame =
=$ar(i (ene" $is e%es6 Be,re
$im1 e#=$e" in #$e am/er gl2
#2is# , =r" /urning in a sau=er
, =am($r il1 2as #$e image #
$a" mar.e" all #$e "a2ns , $is
a"ul# eCis#en=eH $is 2i,e1 /en# =
#$e #2 sla/s , a mills#ne6 Her
,a=e /s=ure" /% #$e ,l"s ,
s$a2l "ra(ing $er $ea"1 s$e
"um/l% =$urne" # (2"er #$e
grT 2$i=$ 2ul" sus#ain an#$er
"a% in #$e li,e , an In"ian
(easan
T$a# (easan#1 a 05D%earDl"
Bra$min name" RanBi# Lai1 r
mure" a /rie, (ra%er # -is$nu6
T$en $e s#e((e" (as# $is 2i,e1 ,
$is mu" $u#1 # Bin #$e
sil$ue##es , $is ,ell2 +illagers
sli( #$rug$ #$e $al, lig$# # #$e
near/% ,iel" 2$i=$ 2as #$e
=mm #ile# ,r #$e #$ree
#$usan" in$a/i#an#s ,
&$a#ar(ur6
T$e ,reign rule en"ing in #$is
Augus# "a2n $a" /arel% "is#u
#$se (easan#s #ru"ging "um/l%
#$rug$ #$e s$a"2s6 Ne+er i
li,e $a" RanBi# Lai a""resse" s
mu=$ as a single 2r" # a r
sen#a#i+e , #$e alien ra=e #$a#
rule" $is =un#r%6 He an" $is
,ell2 +illagers nl% l.e"
u(n an Englis$man n=e a %ear
2$en a Dis#ri=# &lle=#r +isi#e"
&$a#ar(ur # +eri,% #$e
eCa=#i#u"e , i#s (al#r%
=n#ri/u#in # #$e re+enues ,
#$e In"ian s#a#e6 T$e nl+ ($rase
Lai =ul" ar#i=ula#e in #$e #ngue
, In"ia's l" rulers 2as #$e ne
$e an" $is ,ell2s em(l%e" #
"es=ri/e #$e a=# #$e% 2ere a/u#
# (er,rmH '=all , na#ure6'
I, #$e 2r"s use" # "es=ri/e i#
2ere ,reign1 $2e+er1 i# 2as
r"ere" ,r Lai1 a Bra$min1 /% a
="e , 5? s#ri=# la2s uni'uel%
Hin"u in #$eir "e#ail an"
=m(leCi#%6 Lai =arrie" in $is
le,# $an" a /rass +essel ,ille"
2i#$ 2a#er6 T$e "$#i $e 2re
2as nei#$er ne2 nr ,res$l%
2as$e"6 T$e ,iel" #2ar"s 2$i=$
$e an" $is ,ell2s mar=$e" $a"
/een sele=#e" /e=ause , i#s
"is#an=e ,rm a ri+er /an.1 a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2ell1 a =rssra"1 a (n"1 #$e
neares# sa=re" Ban%an #ree an"
#$e +illage #em(le6
Rea=$ing #$e ,iel"1 Lai $ung #$e
#ri(le =r" , $is Bra$min's
sa=re" #$rea" +er $is le,# ear1
=+ere" $is $ea" 2i#$ $is
lin=l#$1 an" s'ua##e" as =lse
# #$e grun" as 2as ($%si=all%
(ssi/le6 An%#$ing less 2as a
gra+e ,,en=e1 as 2ul" $a+e
/een (er,rming $is a=# ,rm a
2all r #$e /ran=$ , a #ree6 T$us
ens=n=e"1 $e 2as enBine"
,rm l.ing a# #$e sun1 #$e
mn1 s#ars1 ,ire1 an#$er
Bra$min1 #$e +illage #em(le r a
Ban%an #ree6 @$en $e'" ,inis$e"1
$e 2as$e" $is $an"s an" ,ee#
2i#$ #$e 2a#er in $is /rass +essel
/e,re $ea"ing ,r #$e +illage
#an. ,r $is ri#ual a/lu#in6 On=e
#$ere1 $e sele=#e" a $an",ul ,
"ir# # ai" $is 2as$6 I#s na#ure1
#1 2as rigrusl% (res=ri/e"6
T$e "ir# =ul" n# =me ,rm a
2$i#e an#s' nes#1 sal# ear#$1 a
(##er's ,iel"1 a =2 (as#ure1 a
#em(le en=lsure1 r grun"
#u=$e" /% #$e s$a"e , a
Ban%an #ree6 MiCing $is 2a#er
2i#$ #$e mu"1 $e 2as$e" $is
sile" (ar#s 2i#$ $is le,# $an"6>
@$en $e'" ,inis$e"1 $e 2as$e"
$is $an"s ,i+e #imes1 /eginning
2i#$ #$e le,#T $is ,ee# ,i+e #imes
/eginning 2i#$ #$e rig$#T rinse"
$is mu#$ eig$# #imes #a.ing
=are1 a# #$e ris. , =mmi##ing a
#erri/le ,,en=e1 # s(i# #$e 2a#er
u# ea=$ #ime # #$e le,# si"e ,
$is /"%6 T$a# "ne1 $e 2as
rea"% ,r #$e #2en#%D#$ir" an"
,inal /ser+an=e , $is mrning
/2el m+emen#6 He #. #$ree
si(s , 2a#er1 #$in.ing as $e "i"
s , -is$nu6
T$a# ri#e a==m(lis$e"1 RanBi#
Lai $ea"e" /a=. # $is $u# (as#
#$e ,iel"s ,rm 2$se relu=#an#
sils $e s=ra#=$e" #$e /are
ingre"ien#s , sur+i+al ,r
$imsel,1 $is 2i,e an" $is se+en
=$il"ren6 Be%n" #$em1 a# #$e
=res# , an alms# im(er=e(#i/le
rise1 Lai =ul" see in #$e ,irs#
glimmer , "a2n #$e s2ee(ing
/ran=$es , a #ri ,
> T #$e r#$"C Hin"u1 #$e
na+el is #$e /"%'s ,rn#ier6 !r
a=#s (er,rme" /el2 i#1 #$e le,#
$an" is use"T ,r #$se a/+e1
#$e rig$# is generall% em(l%e"6
/a/ul #rees6 Li.e um/rellas1 #$eir
/ran=$es (ene" +er a ,la#
(ie=e , ear#$6 I# 2as #$e +illage
=rema#in grun" 2$ere ,r ,i+e
=en#uries #$e "ea" , &$a#ar(ur
$a" /een lai" u(n #$eir ,uneral
(%res6 I, #$ere 2as ne
ines=a(a/le =er#ain#% in #$e
=ir=le , =er#ain#ies #$a#
=ir=ums=ri/e" #$a# In"ian
(easan#'s li,e1 i# 2as #$a# i#
2ul" en" n a /e" , s#i=.s
#$ere in #$a# =rema#in grun"6
Be%n"1 a (ur(lis$ s#ne #2er
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(ier=e" #$e /lueDgre% $riQn
li.e sme gigan#i= ($alli=
s%m/l6 A# i#s le,# 2ere a (air ,
gra=e,ul "mes1 ruins , #$e
#$ir#een#$D=en#ur% me#r(lis ,
#$e Sul#an Alau""in1 ,un"er ,
ne , #$e se+en =i#ies , an=ien#
Del$i6 Barel% #2en#% miles
nr#$1 in #$e /ra" a+enues ,
Ne2 Del$i1 RanBi# Lai an" $is
,ell2 +illagers $a" an $is#ri=
ren"eQ+us #$is mrning6 !r
ms# , #$em1 i# 2ul" /e #$e
,irs# #ime #$e%'" ma"e #$a# /rie,
Burne%6 RanBi# Lai $a" ma"e i#
nl% n=e in 05 %ears1 # /u% a
gl" /angle in #$e /aQaar ,r #$e
marriage , $is el"es# "aug$#er6
T$is mrning1 $2e+er1 ,r #$e
+illagers , &$a#ar(ur as ,r #$e
in$a/i#an#s , all #$e +illages
arun" Del$i1 "is#an=e n lnger
eCis#e"6 Tri/u#aries , an
immense an" #rium($an# s#ream1
#$e% ,l2e" 2i#$ #$e "a2n
#2ar"s #$e =en#re , #$eir
reBi=ing =a(i#al #= =ele/ra#e in
i#s s#ree#s #$e en" , a
=lniQa#in ms# , #$em $a=
n# e+en .n2n6 \ S S
Ne2 Del$i1 30 Augus# 37A8
'O$ l+el% "a2n , ,ree"m #$a#
/rea.s in gl" an" (ur(le +er aT
an=ien# =a(i#al1' (r=laime"
In"ia's (e# laurea#e in
/ene"i=#in +e #$e =r2"s
s2arming in# Ne2 Del$i6 T$e%
=ame ,rm all si"e, T$ere 2ere
=ara+ans , #ngas1 #$eir /ells
Bingling gail%6 T$ere 2ei
/ull=.s1 $arnesses an" $,s
(ain#e" 2i#$ range1 green an"
2$il s#ri(es1 #ugging 2"enD
2$eele" (la#,rms =r2"e" 2i#$
(e(l T$ere 2ere #ru=.s
+er,l2ing 2i#$ (e(le1 #$eir
r,s an" ,lanl galleries ,
(rimi#i+e (ain#ings , sna.es1
eagles1 ,al=ns1 sa=n =2s an"
=l mun#ain lan"s=a(es6
Pe(le =ame n "n.= $rse an"
/i=%=le1 2al.ing an" running1
=un#r% (e(le 2i#$ #ur/a ,
e+er% s$a(e an" =lur
imagina/le1 #$eir 2men in
/rig$#1 ,es#i saris1 e+er% /au/le
#$e% 2ne" gli##ering n #$eir
arms1 ,rm #$V ears1 ,ingers an"
nses6
!r a /rie, mmen# in #$a#
,ra#ernal =$r#1 ran.1 religin a
=as#e "isa((eare"6 Bra$mins1
Un#u=$a/les1 Hin"us1 Si.I
Mslems1 Parsees1 AnglD
In"ians laug$e"1 =$eere"1 an"
==asina 2e(# 2i#$ em#in6
RanBi# Lai ren#e" a #nga ,r ,ur
annas < $imsel,1 $is 2i,e an" $is
se+en =$il"ren6 All arun" $im1
Lai =U $ear #$er (easan#s
eC=i#e"l% eC(laining # #$eir .i#$
an" .in +6
#$e% 2ere all ging # Del$i6
FT$e Bri#is$ are ging1F #$e%
=rie"6 'Ne$ru is ging # raise a
ne2 ,lag6 @e are ,ree!'
T$e s$rie. , sil+er #rum(e#s
sun"ere" #$e mrning air6 @i#$ a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,inal /urs# , -i=#rian (m( #$e
,irs# ,,i=ial =eremn% , #$is
eC#rar"inar% "a% 2as
/eginning6 I# 2as #$e s2earingD
in , #$e ,irs# =ns#i#u#inal
)+ernrD)eneral , #$e ne2
"minin , In"ia6
As slemn as $e $a" /een in
*ara=$i1 Lueen -i=#ria's grea#D
gran"sn a"+an=e" #2ar"s #$e
#$rne 2$ere $e 2ul" re=ei+e a
=$arge an" an $nur uni'ue in
#$e =ming annals ,
"e=lniQa#in6 !r Luis
Mun#/a##en1 '#$e ms#
remar.a/le an" ins(iring "a% in
$is li,e' 2as /eginning1 #$e "a%
$e 2ul" /e $an"ing +er =$arge
, #$e $ear#lan" , $is grea#D
gran"m#$er's em(ire6
His 2i,e 2al.e" /% $is si"e in a
sil+er lame' g2n1 a "ia"em se#
in $er /r2n $air6 De#ermine"
#$e "a% '2ul" g ,, 2i#$ #$e
u#ms# (m('1 Mun#/a##en $a"
su(er+ise" e+er% "e#ail , In"ia's
in"e(en"en=e =eremnies 2i#$
$is l+e , (agean#r% an" $is
#eu#ni= Qes# ,r "e#ail6 A
=lur,ul uni,rme" es=r#
(re=e"e" #$e regal (air as #$e%
,l2e" #2ar"s #$se =rimsn
#$rnes in 2$i=$ ,i+e mn#$s
/e,re #$e%'" /een ins#alle" as
-i=er% an" -i=ereine6
Range" # #$eir rig$# an" le,# n
#$e mar/le "ais un"er a +el+e#
=an(% 2ere #$e ne2 mas#ers ,
In"ia1 Ne$ru in =##n B"$(urs
an" a linen +es#6 -alla/$/$ai
Pa#el mre #$an e+er #$e
s=2ling Rman em(err in $is
2$i#e "$#i1 all #$e #$ers in
#$eir li##le 2$i#e &ngress =a(s6
Ta.ing $is (la=e1 an amusing
#$ug$# s#ru=. Mun#/a##en6 T$e
men an" 2men range" /esi"e
$im (r/a/l% $a" nl% ne
eC(erien=e in =mmnH #$e% $a"1
alms# all , #$em1 ser+e" #ime
in a Bri#is$ F(risn6 Be,re #$a#
arra% , ,rmer gues#s , His
MaBes#%'s g+ernmen#'s (risn
a"minis#ra#in1 Luis
Mun#/a##en raise" $is rig$#
$an" an" slemnl% s2re #
/e=me #$e $um/le an" ,ai#$,ul
,irs# ser+an# , an in"e(en"en#
In"ia6 @$en $e'" ,inis$e"1 #$se
minis#ers 2$se names Ne$ru
$a" ,rg##en # (la=e in $is
en+el(e #$e e+ening /e,re1
s2re #$eir a#$s a# #$e $an"s ,
#$e man 2$'" gi+en In"ia $er
in"e(en"en=e6
Ou#si"e1 #$e e=$es , #$e 53D
gun salu#e> mar.ing #$e e+en#
/egan # rll a=rss In"ia's
reBi=ing =a(i#al6 @ai#ing ,r #$e
Mun#D/a##ens a# #$e ,# , #$e
re"D=ar(e#e" s#e(s lea"ing u# ,
Dur/ar Hall 2as #$e gl" s#a#e
=arriage assem/le" alms# $al, a
=en#ur% earlier /% #$e =ra,#smen
, Ln"n's Messrs Par.er an"
&m(an%1 ,r #$e r%al +isi# #
In"ia , )erge - an" Lueen
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Mar%6 In ,rn# ,
> T$e l" -i=eregal ?3Dgun
salu#e $a" /een re"u=e" # 53
guns ,r #$e &ns#i#u#inal
)+ernrD)eneral6
i#s siC ma#=$e" /a%s1 #$e en#ire
)+ernrD)eneral's B"%guar"
2 assem/le" in glis#ening /la=.
Ba=.D/#s1 2$i#e ri"ingD/ree=$i
2$i#e #uni=s =lse" /% s=arle#
sas$es em/ri"ere" in gl"6
T$e grea# (r=essin Bangle"
"2n #$e "ri+e , -i=er%'s Hn
all ,lu##ering (ennan#s an"
lan=es1 (in# men an"
(s#illins1 =le guar"s1 an"
=nne=#ing ,iles1 /uglers an"
=mman"ers1 ,ur s'uB rns ,
#$e 2rl"'s ,ines# $rsemen
agli##er in s=arle# an" gl"
(r#rai# ,rm an l" s#r%/.1
#$e las# (ara"e , #$e Bri#is$ RaB1
N""ing 2i#$ #$se s#i,, an"
gra=e,ul $al,Dges#ures 2i#$ 2$i
r%al#% =n"es=en"s #
a=.n2le"ge #$e masses1 #$e
#au#i% en Mun#/a##ens "r+e
"2n a line , salu#ing #r(s #
#$e gn 2rug$#Dirn ga#es ,
Lu#%ens's (ala=e6 T$ere1 u#si"e1
InV 2ai#e"6
I# 2as an In"ia su=$ as n
Englis$man $a" seen in #$
=en#uries6 T$is 2as n =urius
=r2" =me # /e "aQQle" /% I
=ir=uses , #$e RaB1 # a((lau"
#$e s(e=#a=les s#age" ,r #$eir en#
#ainmen# /% #$eir rulers6 T$e
"imensins , In"ia $a" al2a%s
/V in $er masses1 an" #"a%1
#$se masses 2ere #$rnging
Ne2 Del$i num/ers an" a
"ensi#% ne+er seen /e,re6
Ju/ilan#1 eC=i#e"1 glee,+ unrul%1
#$e% s2arme" arun" #$e
(r=essin1 ,r=ing #$e $rses
#$e B"%guar" "2n # a sl2
2al.6 All Mun#/a##en's
(r#=l1 $is =are,ul
arrangemen#s =al=ula#e" n #$e
#ra"i#ins , an# In"ia1
=lla(se"1 engul,e"1
+er2$elme" /% #$e ne2 In"ia
/rn # "a%1 a +i/ran#1 see#$ing
mass "r2ning #$e s=arle# an"
gl" ii $a((% /r2n $r"e ,
$uman /eings6
&aug$# in #$e =r2" alng #$e
Mun#/a##ens' ru#e1 #$e S
Burnalis# 2$ #$e nig$# /e,re1
$a" gree#e" in"e(en"en=e /%
.iss a Mslem me"i=al s#u"en#1
su""enl% #$ug$# '#$e =$ains are
/re ing all arun" me'6 He
remem/ere" $2 n=e1 as a
=$il"1 an Eng s=$l/% $a"
,r=e" $im ,, a si"e2al.6 'N
ne =ul" " #$a me n21' $e
#$ug$#6 In #$e =r2"1 $e n#e"1
#$ere 2ere n m ri=$ r (r1
Un#u=$a/les r mas#ers1
la2%ers1 /an. =le =lies r
(i=.(=.e#s1 Bus# $a((% (e(le
em/ra=ing an" =allinB ea=$ #$er
'AQa" Sa$i/ D @e are ,ree1 Sir!'
'I# 2as as #$ug$ an en#ire
(e(le $a" su""enl%
re"is=+ere" # $me1' n#e" ne
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2i#ness # #$a# $a((%
(an"emnium6 Seeing na#in's
,lag ,l%ing ,r #$e ,irs# #ime +er
#$e Del$i ,,i=ers' n MaBr U6 &6
Du/e%1 an ,,i=er in #$e In"ian
Arm%1 #$ug$#H' mess 2$ere
2e'+e /een s#ges1 n2 #$ere's
n ne a/+e us /u# /r#$er
In"ian ,,i=ers6'
!r man% sim(le In"ians1 #$e
magi= 2r" in"e(en"en=e mea
ne2 2rl" 2as a# $an"6 RanBi#
Lai1 #$e (easan# ,rm &$a#$ai
assure" $is =$il"ren #$a# '#$ere
2ill /e mu=$ # ea# n2 /ee
In"ia is ,ree'6 Pe(le re,use" #
(a% /us ,ares1 assuming #$e%
s$ul" n2 /e ,ree6 A $um/le
/eggar 2al.e" in# an en=lsure
reser+e" ,r ,reign "i(lma#s6 A
(li=eman as.e" $im ,r $is
in+i#a#in6
'In+i#a#in ?' $e ans2ere"1 '@$%
" I nee" an in+i#a#in ? I $a+e
m% in"e(en"en=e6 T$a#'s
enug$6'
+
A=rss In"ia1 s=enes , reBi=ing
similar # #$se in #$e =a(i#al
mar.e" #$is memra/le
mrning6 In &al=u##a a# :644
a6m61 a $r"e ,rm #$e =i#%'s
slums s2e(# #$rug$ #$e ga#es ,
#$e maBes#i= g+ernr's (ala=e6
@$ile #$e las# Bri#is$ g+ernr1
Sir !re"eri=. Burr2s1 an" $is
2i,e /rea.,as#e" in a =rner ,
#$e $use #$e =r2" ra=e"
#$rug$ #$e s(a=ius salns6 In
Burr2s' /e"rm1 sme ,
#$se misera/le =rea#ures 2$'"
ne+er sle(# n an%#$ing s,#er
#$an a (a#=$ , "ir# r #$e r(es
, a =$ar(i1 =ele/ra#e" #$eir
in"e(en"en=e /% Bum(ing u( an"
"2n li.e eC=i#e" =$il"ren n
#$e /e" in 2$i=$ #$e g+ernr's
la"% $a" /een slee(ing an $ur
/e,re6 Else2$ere in #$e $use1
#$ers eC(resse" #$eir B% a#
In"ia's in"e(en"en=e /% s#a//ing
#$e il (ain#ings , In"ia's
,rmer rulers 2i#$ #$e #i(s ,
#$eir um/rellas6
Trams an" #rlle%s ran ,ree ,
=$arge all "a%6 A =i#% #$a# $a"
,eare" i# 2ul" e=$ #$is "a% #
#$e sun" , gun,ire rang 2i#$
$a((ier sun"sH #$e eC(lsin ,
,ire =ra=.ers6
In Bm/a%1 eC=i#e" =r2"s
s2arme" in# #$a# =i#a"el ,
im(erial elegan=e1 #$e TaB Ma$al
H#el6 All "a% lng1 in Ma"ras1
#$e "ar. su#$DIn"ian =r2"s
s#reame" alng #$e 2a#er,rn# #
!r# Sain# )erge # s#are 2i#$
(ri"e an" ra(#ure a# #$eir na#in's
,lag ,l%ing a# las# +er #$e ,irs#
,r#ress , #$e Bri#is$ Eas# In"ia
&m(an%6 A# Su ra#1 "Qens ,
gail%D/e"e=.e" /a#s s#age" an
in"e(en"en=e rega##a in #$e /a%
2$ere &a(#ain Ha2.ins $a"
/egun Bri#ain's In"ian a"+en#ure6
In"ia's ,ree"m /rug$# ,ree"m
, a ms# #angi/le na#ure # ne
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=a#egr% , (e(le6 Jail "rs
(ene" /e,re #$usan"s ,
=n+i=#s gran#e" (ar"n as an
In"e(en"en=e Da% ges#ure6
Dea#$ sen#en=es 2ere
=mmu#e"6 M%s#i= In"ia1 #$e
In"ia , ,a.irs an" ,air% #ales1
Bine" #$e ,eas#6 A# T$iru
*aQ$u.unram in #$e su#$1#$e
m%s#erius (air , 2$i#e eagles
2$i=$ s2(e" "2n ,rm #$e
s.% ea=$ nn # sna#=$ #$eir
," ,rm #$e $an"s , a l=al
sa"$u1 seeme" # $nur #$e
==asin 2i#$ an eCul#an#
/ea#ing , #$eir 2ings6 In #$e
Bungles , Ma"ura1 near Ma"ras1
#$er $l% men in"ulge" in #$e
u#la2e" s(e=#a=le , $.D
s2inging6 Im(aling #$e ,les$ ,
#$eir /a=.s n irn =la2s
sus(en"e" ,rm a .in" , gi//e#1
#$e% "angle" a/+e ga2.ing
=r2"s1 ,,ering #$eir agn% ,r
In"ia's ,ree"m D an" a
(ar#i=ularl% /un#i,ul $ar+es# ,
alms6
E+er%2$ere1 #$e "a% 2as
=$ara=#eriQe" /% #$e g"2ill
"is(la%e= #2ar"s #$e Bri#is$
an" #$e "igni#% 2i#$ 2$i=$ #$e%
(ar#i=i(a#e" ir =eremnies 2$i=$
,r man% , #$em mar.e" a sa"1
ns#algi= mmen# In S$illng1
#$e Bri#is$ =mman"ing ,,i=er
, #$e Assam Ri,le
s(n#aneusl% s#" "2n1
gi+ing $is In"ian "e(u#% #$e
$nur =mman"ing #$e
In"e(en"en=e Da% (ara"e6 A# #$e
$uge &$u/a #es (lan#a#in near
#$e Burmese /r"er1 Pe#er
Bull=.1 #$e (lan#a#ii manager1
rganiQe" a !iel" Da% =m(le#e
2i#$ egg an" s(n an# sa=.
ra=es ,r $is 3044 2r.ers1 ms#
, 2$m "i"n'# e+en .n+ 2$a#
i# 2as #$e% 2ere =ele/ra#ing 2i#$
#$eir uneC(e=#e" $li"a%6
T$ere 2ere eC=e(#ins6 In Simla1
Mrs Mau"e Penn Mn#agui
re,use" # lea+e #$e $me in
2$i=$ s$e $a" gi+en s man%
gram /alls an" "inners6 S$e
=nsi"ere" $ersel, in murning6
Brn ii In"ia1 , a ,a#$er 2$'"
als /een /rn n #$e su/D
=n#inen#1 In"ii $a" /e=me $er
$me6 @i#$ #$e eC=e(#in , ,i+e
%ears s=$ling ii Englan"1 $er
2$le li,e $a" /een s(en# #$ere6
T ,rien"s 2$ sug ges#e" i# 2as
n2 #ime # lea+e1 s$e re(lie"H
'M% Dear1 2$a#e+e 2ul" I " in
Englan" ? I "n'# e+en .n2
$2 # /il #$e 2a#er ,r i =u( ,
#ea6' An" s1 2$ile #$e ,rmer
summer =a(i#al , #$e Ra
=ele/ra#e"1 s$e sa# a# $me
2ee(ing1 una/le # /ear #$e sig$#
an#$er na#in's ,lag ging u(
#$a# (le 2$ere $er /el+e"
Unii Ja=. $a" ,l2n6
!r #$e #$er grea# "minin
/rn n #$e su/D=n#inen#1 3
Augus# 2as a (ar#i=ularl%
aus(i=ius "a%6 I# 2as #$e las#
!ri"a% #$e $l% mn#$ ,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Rama"an6 T$e ,es#i+i#ies 2ere
alms# as mu=$ H =ele/ra#in ,
#$e s#a#e's ,un"er as #$e% 2ere
, #$e s#a#e i#sell Jinna$'s ($#
an" name 2ere e+er%2$ereH in
2in"2s1 /aQaars s#res1 n
enrmus #rium($al ar=$es
s(anning =i#% s#ree#s6 T$
Pa.is#an Times e+en (r=laime"
#$a#1 #$rug$ #$e +i=e , #$ei
=are#a.ers1 #$e =amels1 mn.e%s
an" #igers , #$e La$re Q
Bin in sen"ing #$eir 2is$es #
#$e Luai"DeDAQQam an"
#rum(e#in 'Pa.is#an Rin"a/a"'6
T$ere ma% $a+e /een n ,lags ,
#$e ne2 s#a# in Da==a1 =a(i#al ,
i#s eas#ern 2ing1 /u# e+er%2$ere
#$ere 2er (i=#ures , #$e lea"er
2$'" ne+er +isi#e" i#s sil6
Jinna$ $imsel, =ele/ra#e" #$e
"a% /% assuming ,ull (2ers ,r
$i su((se"l% =eremnial ,,i=e6
In #$e %ear , li,e remaining #
$in #$e Ln"nD#raine" la2%er
2$ ,r %ears $a" n# =ease" #
(r=lair $is ,ai#$ in #$e
=ns#i#u#inal (r=ess1 2ul"
g+ern $is ne2 na#iH as a
"i=#a#r6
He 2ul" " i# 2i#$u# #$e
=m,r#ing (resen=e , $is
=lses li+ing rela#i+e6 044 miles
,rm *ara=$i1 n #$e /al=n% ,
,la# in &la/a1 ne , Bm/a%'s
ms# elegan# su/ur/s1 a %un
2man $a" "e=ra#e" $er
/al=n% 2i#$ #2 ,lags1 ne ,r
In"ia an
ne ,r Pa.is#an6 T$e%
s%m/liQe" #$e #erri/le "ilemma
In"e(en"en=e Da% $a" (se" ,r
$er1 as 2ell as ,r s man%
#$ers6 Dina1 #$e nl% =$il" ,
M$amme" Ali Jinna$1 $a" /een
una/le # "e=i"e # 2$i=$
=un#r% s$e 2is$e" # /elng1
#$e lan" , $er /ir#$1 r #$e
Islami= na#in =rea#e" /% $er
,a#$er6
&ns=ius , #$e #erri/le "rama
lur.ing /e$in" #$is eu($ri=
In"e(en"en=e Da%1 man% an
In"ian 2as una/le # s$are in #$e
e=s#as% , $is =ele/ra#ing
=un#r%men6 In Lu=.n21 Anis
*i"2ai 2ul" al2a%s remem/er
#$e in=ngruus s(e=#a=le , a
gru( , =$eering1 laug$ing
(e(le 2a+ing ,lags1 neC# #
#$ers in #ears /e=ause #$e%'"
Bus# learne" , #$e "ea#$ , =lse
rela#i+es in #$e PunBa/6
*$us$2an# Sing$1 a Si.$ la2%er
,rm La$re1 2as ##all%
in"i,,eren# # #$e ga% =r2"s
arun" $im in Ne2 Del$i6 'I $a"
n#$ing # reBi=e a/u#1' $e
2ul" /i##erl% re=all6 '!r me
an" millins li.e me1 #$is
In"e(en"en=e Da% 2as a
#rage"%6 T$e%'" mu#ila#e" #$e
PunBa/1 an" I $a" ls#
e+er%#$ing6'
T$e PunBa/1 30 Augus# 37A8
In"ia's B%,ul In"e(en"en=e Da%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2as in"ee" a "a% , $rrr ,r
#$e PunBa/6 T$e (re"minan#
=lur , #$e "a2n , ,ree"m
/rea.ing +er i#s an=ien# +is#as
2as n# (ur(le an" gl" /u#
=rimsn6 In Amri#sar1 2$ile #$e
=i#%'s ne2 au#$ri#ies "u#i,ull%
(er,rme" #$enDin"e(en"en=e
ri#uals a# #$e =i#%'s Mg$ul
,r#ress1 an enrage" $r"e ,
Si.$s 2as ra+aging a Mslem
neig$/ur$" less #$an a mile
a2a%6 T$e% slaug$#ere" i#s male
in$a/i#an#s 2i#$u# mer=% r
eC=e(#in6 T$e 2men 2ere
s#ri((e"1 re(ea#e"l% ra(e"1 #$en
(ara"e" s$a.ing an" #erri,ie"
#$rug$ #$e =i#% # #$e )l"en
Tem(le 2$ere ms# $a" #$eir
#$ra#s =u#6
In #$e Si.$ s#a#e , Pa#iala1 Si.$
/an"s (r2le" #$e =un#r%si"e
(un=ing n Mslems #r%ing #
,lee a=rss #$e ,rn#ier #
Pa.is#an6 Prin=e Balin"ra Sing$1
#$e Ma$araBa's /r#$er1 s#um/le"
n ne su=$ /an" arme" 2i#$
$uge .ir(ans6 Plea"ing 2i#$
#$em # re#urn # #$eir +illages1
$e sai"H 'T$is is $ar+es# #ime6
Yu s$ul" /e $me =u##ing
%ur =r(s6'
T$ere is an#$er =r( # =u#
,irs#1' re(lie" #$eir lea"er sli=ing
#$e air 2i#$ $is .ir(an6
Amri#sar's re"D/ri=. rail2a%
s#a#in $a" /e=me a .in" ,
re,ugee
=am(1 a =learing $use ,r
#$usan"s , Hin"us 2$'" ,le"
,rm
Pa.is#an's $al, , #$e PunBa/6
T$e% s2arme" arun" i#s
2ai#ing
rm1 i#s #i=.e# ,,i=e1 i#s
(la#,rms1 rea"% # s=ru#iniQe
ea=$ arri+ing
#rain ,r missing rela#i+es an"
,rien"s6 J
La#e in #$e a,#ernn , 30
Augus#1 #$e s#a#in mas#er1 &$an
Sing$1 (us$e" $is 2a% #$rug$
#$eir nearD$%s#eri=al1 2ee(ing
ran. 2i#$ all #$e au#$ri#% $is
li##le /lue =a( an" #$e re" ,lag $e
=lu#=$a in $is $an"s =n,erre" n
$im6 Sing$ 2as (re(are" ,r #$e
s=ene #$a 2ul" ,ll2 #$e
arri+al , #$e in=ming Num/er
Ten D2n EC(ress I# 2as #$e
same n2 ,r e+er% #rain
arri+ing in $is s#a#in6 Men am
2men 2ul" rus$ # #$e
2in"2s an" "rs , #$e "us#D
%elli #$ir"D=lass /gies1
=arriages1 "es(era#el% sear=$ing
,r #$e =$il" #$e%' ls# in #$eir
$as#% ,lig$#1 s$rie.ing u#
names1 #ram(ling an" s$+in
ea=$ #$er in grie, an" $%s#eria6
Pe(le in #ears 2ul" rus$ ,ri
=arriage # =arriage =alling ,r a
missing rela#i+e1 l.ing ,r
smi ne ,rm #$eir +illage 2$
mig$# /ring #$em ne2s6 T$ere
2ul" I #$e a/an"ne" =$il"ren
2ee(ing s,#l% n a s#a=. ,
luggage1 #l /a/ies /rn in ,lig$#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
/eing nurse" /% #$eir m#$ers in
#$e mi"s# i #$a# milling m/6
A# #$e $ea" , #$e (la#,rm
Sing$ #. $is (la=e an"
,,i=ius 2a+e" #$e in=ming
l=m#i+e # a $al#6 As i#s grea#
s#eel ,rai rlle" # a s#( a/+e
$is $ea"1 Sing$ glim(se" a
s#range sig$#6 ! arme" sl"iers
2ere s#an"ing guar" +er #$e
sullen engine "ri+i @$en #$e
$iss , es=a(ing s#eam an" #$e
s$rie. , #$e /ra.es $ "ie"1
Sing$ su""enl% realiQe"
sme#$ing 2as #erri/l% 2rng6
T$e /a//ling mul#i#u"es (a=.ing
#$e (la#,rm 2ere (e#ri,ii ,rQen
in# an eerie silen=e /% #$e sig$#
/e,re #$em6 Sing$ s#ai "2n #$e
line , eig$# =arriages6 All #$e
2in"2s , #$e =m(a men#s
2ere 2i"e (en /u# #$ere 2as
n# a single $uman /eing s#ai ing
a# an% , #$em6 N# a single "r
$a" (ene"6 N# a single (ers
2as ge##ing ,, #$e #rain6 T$e%
$a" /rug$# $im a #rain,ul , ($
#ms6
T$e s#a#in mas#er s#r"e # #$e
,irs# =arriage1 sna#=$e" (en
"r an" s#e((e" insi"e6 In ne
$rri/le ins#an# $e un"ers#" U
n ne 2as ge##ing ,, #$e Ten
D2n EC(ress in Amri#sar #$a#
niB I# 2as n# a #rain,ul ,
($an#ms #$e%'" /rug$# $im1 i#
2as a #rV ,ul , =r(ses6 T$e
,lr , #$e =m(ar#men# /e,re
$im 2a #angle" Bum/le , $uman
/"ies1 #$ra#s =u#1 s.ulls
smas$e"1 /i e+is=era#e"6 Arms1
legs1 #run.s , /"ies 2ere
s#re2n alng =rri"rs ,
=m(ar#men#s6 !rm sme2$ere
in #$a# g$as#l% $ui Bun.D$ea( a#
$is ,ee#1 Sing$ $ear" a sun" ,
s#rangle" gargl RealiQing #$a#
#$ere mig$# /e a ,e2 sur+i+rs1
Sing$ =alle" u#H >' are in
Amri#sar6 @e are Hin"us an"
Si.$s $ere6 T$e (li=e are (res
D n# /e a,rai"6'
A# $is 2r"s a ,e2 , #$e "ea"
/egan # s#ir6 T$e s#ar. $rr= #$e
s=enes #$a# ,ll2e" 2ul" /e
,re+er a nig$#mare engrT u(n
#$e s#a#in mas#er's min"6 One
2man (i=.e" $er $us/a

585

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

'$ l+el% "a2n , ,ree"m'

se+ere" $ea" ,rm #$e
=agula#ing (l , /l" /% $er
si"e6 S$e =lu#=$e" i# in $er arms
s$rie.ing $er grie,6 He sa2
2ee(ing =$il"ren =linging # #$e
/"ies , #$eir slaug$#ere"
m#$ers1 men in s$=. as #$e%
(ulle" #$e /"% , a mu#ila#e"
=$il" ,rm a (ile , =r(ses6 As
#$e =r2" alng #$e (la#,rm
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
realiQe" 2$a# $a" $a((ene"1
$%s#eria s2e(# #$eir ran.s6
Num/1 #$e s#a#in mas#er ma"e
$is 2a% "2n #$e line , /"ies6
In e+er% =m(ar#men# , e+er%
=arriage #$e sig$# 2as #$e same6
B% #$e #ime $e rea=$e" #$e las#
ne $e 2as ill6 Reeling /a=. n
# #$e (la#,rm1 $is ns#rils
im(regna#e" 2i#$ #$e s#en=$ ,
"ea#$1 Sing$ #$ug$#1 'H2
=ul" )" (ermi# su=$ a #$ing?'
He #urne" # l. /a=. a# #$e
#rain6 As $e "i"1 $e sa2 in grea#
2$i#eD2as$e" le##ers n #$e ,lan.
, #$e las# =ar #$e assassins'
=alling =ar"6 FT$is #rain is ur
In"e(en"en=e gi,# # Ne$ru an"
Pa#el1' i# rea"6
In &al=u##a1 #$e un,a#$ma/le
al=$em% , #$a# s#range l" man
2i#$ $is (ra%ers an" $is
s(inningD2$eel 2as sme$2
=as#ing i#s s(ell +er #$e slums in
2$i=$ e+er%ne $a" eC(e=#e" an
eC(lsin # "2ar, in "imensin
an" $rrr #$e 2rs# , #$e
$a((enings in #$e PunBa/6 T$e
(rmise in$eren# in #$e
(r=essin 2$i=$ $a" mar=$e"
# H%"ari Huse #$e e+ening
/e,re $a" /een realiQe"6 All
a=rss &al=u##a1 n #$e a+enues
an" #$rug$,ares 2$i=$ Bus# a
%ear /e,re $a" /een li##ere"
2i#$ #$e =r(ses , Dire=# A=#in
Da%1 Mslems an" Hin"us $a"
(ara"e" an" =ele/ra#e" #ge#$er6
I# 2as1 2r#e )an"$i's se=re#ar%1
P%arelal Na%ar1 'as i, a,#er #$e
/la=. =lu"s , a %ear ,
ma"ness1 #$e suns$ine , sani#%
an" g"2ill $a" su""enl%
/r.en #$rug$6'
T$e alms# in=re"i/le =$ange in
&al=u##a's =lima#e $a" /een
signalle" a# "a2n 2i#$ #$e
arri+al a# H%"ari Huse ,
an#$er (r=essin1 #$is ne
=m(se" , %ung girls6
Hin"us an" Mslems #$e%'" /een
2al.ing sin=e mi"nig$# # #a.e
"ars$an ,rm )an"$i1 a .in" ,
m%s#i= =mmunin engen"ere"
/% /eing in #$e (resen=e , a
grea# s(iri#6 T$e% $a" /een #$e
,irs# in an unin#erru(#e" ,l2 ,
(ilgrims #$a# $a" =n+erge" all
"a% lng n H%"ari Huse6
E+er% $al, an $ur1 )an"$i $a"
$a" # in#erru(# $is me"i#a#in
an" s(inning # a((ear n #$e
(r=$ /e,re #$e =r2"s6
Be=ause $e =nsi"ere" #$is a "a%
, murning1 $e $a" n#
(re(are" a ,rmal message ,
=ngra#ula#ins ,r #$e (e(le
$e'" le" # ,ree"m6 T$a#
message =ame s(n#aneusl%
an" i# 2as a""resse" n# #
In"ia's masses /u# # #$eir ne2
rulers6
'Be2are , (2er1' $e 2arne" a
gru( , (li#i=ians =me #
see. $is /lessing1 '(2er
=rru(#s6 D n# le# %ursel+es
/e en#ra((e" /% i#s (m( an"
(agean#r%6 Remem/er %u are in
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,,i=e # ser+e ; (r in In"ia's
+illages6'
T$a# a,#ernn1 2i#$ a /lea#ing
, =n=$ s$elis1 ?41444 (er
#$ree #imes #$e num/er #$a# $a"
ga#$ere" #$e "a% /e,re1 (ui
"2n Beliag$a#a Ra" ,r
)an"$iBi's (ra%er mee#ing6 )am
a""resse" #$em ,rm a 2"en
(la#,rm $as#il% ere=#e" in #$e %i
u#si"e #$e $use6 He
=ngra#ula#e" #$em n 2$a# #$e%
$a" a=== (lis$e" in &al=u##a6
T$eir n/le eCam(le1 $e $(e"1
mig$# insB #$eir =un#r%men in
#$e PunBa/6
S$a$ee" Su$ra2ar"%1 $is
,ea#ures #au# ,rm #$e s#rain , a
5AD$ ,as#1 a""resse" #$e
mul#i#u"e 2$en )an"$i $a"
,inis$e"6 T$e n 2$'" /een #$e
un=$allenge" lea"er , &al=u##a's
Mslems as.e" miCe" assem/l%
# se# a seal u(n #$eir
re=n=ilia#in /% Bining 3 in
=r%ing 'Jai D Hin" D -i=#r% #
In"ia'6 A# $is s$u#1 an ans2er
rar /urs# li.e a =la( , mnsn
#$un"er ,rm ?41444 #$ra#s6
A,#er #$e mee#ing1 #$e #2 men
se# u# #ge#$er n a #ur , =i#%
in )an"$i's l" &$e+rle#6 T$is
#ime1 $2e+er1 i# 2as n# +
s#nes an" =urses #$a# #$e =r2"
, &al=u##a gree#e" #$e Ma$a#n
=ar6 A# e+er% s#ree# =rner #$e%
s$2ere" i# 2i#$ rse2a#er an
gra#e,ul =r%H ')an"$iBi1 %u $a+e
sa+e" us!'
Pna1 30 Augus# 37A8
T$e =eremn% /eing $el" n a
+a=an# l# in #$e inlan" =i#% ,
PV 337 miles su#$Deas# ,
Bm/a%1 2as similar #
#$usan"s li. #a.ing (la=e all
a=rss #$e ne2 "minin ,
In"ia6 I# 2as a i raising6 One
#$ing1 $2e+er1 se# #$e li##le
ri#ual a(ar# ,rm ms #$e #$ers6
T$e ,lag sl2l% m+ing u( a
ma.es$i,# s#a,, in #$e =e , a
gru( , 044 men 2as n# #$e
,lag , an in"e(en"en# In"i 2as
an range #riangle an"
em/laQne" u(n i# 2as #$e s%n
2$i=$1 in a slig$#l% m"i,ie"
,rm1 $a" #errriQe" Eur(e ,r a
a"e1 #$e s2as#i.a6
T$a# an=ien# em/lem 2as n #$e
range (ennan# in Pna #$e
same reasn as i# $a" /een n
#$e /anners , Hi#ler's 3 Rei=$6 I#
2as an Ar%an s%m/l6 I# $a"
/een /rug$# # In"ia a# s
Bun=#ure ls# in #$e mis#s , #ime
/% #$e ,irs# 2a+es , Ar%an
'uerrs # su/"ue #$e su/D
=n#inen#6 T$e men ga#$ere"
a/u# Pna all /elnge" # #$e
RSSS1 #$e (araD,as=is#
m+emen#1 sr 2$se mem/ers
$a" /een assigne" #$e #as. ,
assassina#ing Jii alng 2i#$
Mun#/a##en in *ara=$i A: $urs
earlier6 Hin"u Qea #$e% sa2
#$emsel+es as #$e $eirs # #$se
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an=ien# Ar%ans6
T$e% s$are" ne em#i i 2i#$
#$e /es(e=#a=le" (r($e# i
((si#e ,lan. n #$e su/D
=n#inen#6 T$e%1 #1 2ere "es(er
(aine" /% #$e "i+isin , In"ia6
T$eir i"en#i,i=a#in 2i#$
Ma$a#ma )an"$i an" #$e #$ings
$e s#" ,r1 $2e+er1 en"e"
#$ere6
T$e gru( # 2$i=$ #$e%
/elnge" =$eris$e" an $is#ri=
"ream1 # re=ns#i#u#e a grea#
Hin"u em(ire ,rm #$e
$ea"2a#ers , #$e In"us Ri+er #
eas#ern Burma1 ,rm Ti/e# #
&a(e &mrin6 T$e% "es(ise"
)an"$i an" all $is 2r.s6 T
#$em1 In"ia's na#inal $er 2as
#$e ar=$Denem% , Hin"uism6
T$e "=#rine , nnD+ilen=e
2i#$ 2$i=$ $e $a" le" In"ia #
in"e(en"en=e 2as in #$eir e%es a
=2ar"'s ($ils($% #$aB# $a"
+i#ia#e" #$e ,r=e an" =$ara=#er
, #$e Hin"u (e(les6 T$ere 2as
n (la=e in #$eir "reams ,r #$e
/r#$er$" au" #leran=e ,
In"ia's Mslem minri#%
(rea=$e" /% )an"$i6 T$e%
=nsi"ere" #$emsel+es1 as
Hin"us1 #$e sle $eirs # In"ia's
Ar%an =n'uerrs an" #$ere,re
#$e rig$#,ul (r(rie#rs , #$e
su/=n#inen#6 T$e Mslems1 #$e%
$el"1 2ere "es=en"an#s , an
usur(ing =lan1 #$a# , #$e
Mg$uls6
Bu#1 a/+e all1 #$ere 2as ne sin
,r 2$i=$ #$e% =ul" ne+er
(ar"n In"ia's el"erl% lea"er6
T$a# #$e% s$ul" e+en $a+e
a==use" $im , i# 2as #$e ,inal
=ruel irn% in #$e =ruelles# %ear
in M$an"as )an"$i's li,e6 T$e%
$el" )an"$i1 #$e nl% In"ian
(li#i=ian 2$ $a" ((se" i#
un#il #$e +er% en"1 slel%
res(nsi/le ,r In"ia's (ar#i#in6
T$e man s#an"ing in ,rn# ,
#$eir ga#$ering in Pna #$a#
Augus# a,#ernn 2as a
Burnalis#6 Na#$uram )"se $a"1
in #$a# summer , 37A81 Bus#
/e=me ?81 %e# slig$# (a"s ,
/a/% ,a# s#ill =lung # $is =$ee.s1
gi+ing $im a "e=e(#i+el% %ung
an" inn=en# l.6 He $a"
eC=e(#inal e%es1 large1 sa" an"
=m(elling in #$eir slig$#l%
=rsse" gaQe6 In re(se1 #$ere
2as al2a%s a/u# $is regar" a
,ain# air , "isa((r+al1 a s#rain
a/u# #$e mu#$ an" ns#rils as
#$ug$ $e $a" Bus# smelle" a
neig$/ur's /"% "ur /u# 2as
# (li#e r # in$i/i#e" #
eC(ress $is "is#as#e6
N21 $2e+er1 #$se ,ea#ures
2ere n# in re(se6 Earlier1
Na#$uram )"se $a" ma"e =lear
$is sen#imen#s n In"ia's
In"e(en"en=e Da% n #$e ,rn#
(age , #$e "ail% (a(er $e e"i#e"1
#$e Hin"u Ras$#ra D Hin"u
Na#in6 T$e s(# usuall% ,ille"
/% $is "ail% e"i#rial $a" /een
le,# /lan.1 i#s 2$i#e =lumns
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
surrun"e" /% a /la=. /an" ,
murning6
T$e =eremnies all arun" In"ia
=ele/ra#ing in"e(en"en=e 2ere1
$e #l" $is ,ll2ers1 '"eli/era#e
=amu,lage # =n=eal ,rm #$e
(e(le #$e ,a=# #$a# $un"re"s ,
Hin"u men 2ere /eing
massa=re" an" $un"re"s ,
Hin"u 2men /eing .i"na((e"
an" ra(e"6'
FT$e +i+ise=#in , In"ia1' $e
s$u#e"1 2as 'a =alami#%
=n"emning millins , In"ians
# $rri/le su,,erings6' I# 2as1
'#$e 2r. , #$e &ngress Par#%
an"1 a/+e all1 i#s lea"er
)an"$i6'
@$en $e $a" ,inis$e"1 Na#$uram
)"se le" $is 044 ,ll2ers in
#$e salu#e # #$eir ,lag6 T$um/s
(resse" agains# #$eir $ear#s1 #$eir
$an"s' (alms "2n6a# rig$#
angles # #$eir =$es#s1 #$e%
+2e" '# #$e M#$erlan" 2$i=$
ga+e me /ir#$ an" in 2$i=$ I
$a+e gr2n #$a# m% /"% is
rea"% # "ie ,r $er =ause'6
As $e al2a%s "i"1 Na#$uram
)"se ,el# a #remr , (ri"e
,lu##er a=rss $is /eing as $e
re=i#e" #$se 2r"s6 All $is li,e1
,rm $is s=$l eCamina#ins
#$rug$ $al, a "Qen #ra"es1
Na#$uram )"se $a" /een a
,ailure a# e+er%#$ing $e'"
un"er#a.en6 T$en $e'" em/ra=e"
#$e eC#remis# "=#rines , #$e
RSSS6 S#ee(ing $imsel, in i#s
lre an" li#era#ure1 #ea=$ing
$imsel, # 2ri#e1 # s(ea.1 $e $a"
ma"e $imsel, ne , #$e
m+emen#'s ,rems#
(lemi=is#s6 N2 $e sa2 ,r
$imsel, a ne2 rle6 He 2ul"
/e=me a +enge,ul s(iri#1
(uri,%ing In"ia , #$e ,es , a
mili#an# Hin"u resurre=#in6 In
#$a# rle1 ,r #$e ,irs# #ime1
Na#$uram )"se 2ul" n# /e a
,ailure6
Ne2 Del$i1 30 Augus# 37A8 3
!r %ears # =me1 #$e ne grea#
memr% le,# /% 30 Augus# 37A8
ii In"ia 2ul" /e #$e =r2"s1 #$e
mul#i#u"inus $r"es inun"a#ing
ii a $uman sea #$e e+en# #$a# $a"
/een "esigne" as #$e $ig$ (in# =
#$e ne2 na#in's in"e(en"en=e
=ele/ra#ins6 I# 2as #$e ,,i=ial
raisin , #$e In"ian ,lag a# ,i+e
'=l=. in #$e a,#ernn in an
(en s(a= near Ne2 Del$i's
In"ia )a#e1 a san"s#ne ar=$
"e"i=a#e" # #l 741444 In"ians
2$'" "ie" ,r #$e Bri#is$
Em(ire in @rl" @ar On
Luis Mun#/a##en an" $is
a"+isers1 "ra2ing n #$se
manua 2$i=$ $a" r"ere" all #$e
gran"ise mani,es#a#ins , #$e
RaB1 $i es#ima#e" ?41444 (e(le
2ul" a##en"6 T$e ,igure 2as
2rng1 n# 3 a ,e2 #$usan" /u#
/% 2ell +er $al, a millin6
Ne+er /e,re $T an%ne e+er
seen an%#$ing rem#el% li.e i# in
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
In"ia's =a(i#al =i#%6
S#re#=$ing u# in e+er% "ire=#in1
#$e masses #$a# $a" =n+erg n
#$e si#e engul,e" #$e li##le ,,i=ial
#ri/une ere=#e" neC# # #$e ,U
(le6 T ne s(e=#a#r1 i# l.e"
li.e 'a ra,# ///ing n a s#n
sea>6 E+er%#$ing D e+er% +es#ige
, #$e /arriers1 #$e /an"s#an"s1 3
=are,ull% (re(are" +isi#rs'
galler% an" gui"eDr(es D 2as
s2i a2a% in a "ense #rren# ,
$uman /eings6 Hel(less1 #$e
(li=e ll n as /arriers 2ere
#ram(le"1 =$airs sna((e"1 li.e
#2igs un"er a ma ,#6 Ls# in
#$se masses1 RanBi# Lai1 #$e
(easan# 2$'" le,# +illage ,
&$a#$ar(ur a# "a2n1 #$ug$# #$e
nl% =r2"s in In"ia J i# mus# /e
,r #$e melas1 #$e $l% /a#$ing
,es#i+als in #$e )anges1 #ig$#l%
"i" #$e #$rng (ress arun" $im
#$a# Lai an" $is 2i,e =ulV e+en
ea# #$e =$a(a#is #$e%'" /rug$#
2i#$ #$em ,rm #$eir +illi T$e%
2ere una/le # m+e #$eir $an"s
,rm #$eir si"es # #l mu#$s6
EliQa/e#$ &llins an" Muriel
@a#sn1 La"% Mun#/a##en's
se=re#aries1 arri+e" Bus# a,#er
,i+e6 T$e% $a" =me "resse" ,r
#$e ==asin1 in ,res$ 2$i#e
gl+es1 #$eir /es# ==.#ail
"resses an" /rig$# li##le ,ea#$ere"
$a#s6 Su""enl% #$e% ,un"
#$emsel+es =aug$# u( in #$e
surge , #$a# $a((%1 s2ea#%1 $al,D
na.e" =r2"6 T$e% 2ere li#erall%
s2e(# ,, #$eir ,ee# an" #$rus#
,r2ar" /% #$e =r2"'s
remrseless "ri+e6 &lu#=$ing
ea=$ #$er ,r su((r#1 #$eir $a#s
as.e21 #$eir "resses "is$e+elle"1
#$e% s#ruggle" "es(era#el% #
remain u(rig$#6 !r #$e ,irs# #ime
in $er li,e1 EliQa/e#$1 2$'"
a==m(anie" La"% Mun#/a##en
n all $er 2ar#ime #ri(s1 2as
,rig$#ene"6 Tig$#ening $er gri(
n Muriel's arm1 s$e gas(e"H
'@e're ging # /e #ram(le" #
"ea#$!'
Muriel s=anne" #$e $r"es
$emming #$em in n all si"es6
'T$an. )"1' s$e murmure" 2i#$
a sig$ , relie,1 'a# leas#1 #$e%'re
n# 2earing s$es6'
Pamela Mun#/a##en1 #$e 38D
%earDl" %unger "aug$#er , #$e
)+ernrD)eneral1 arri+e" 2i#$
#2 , $er ,a#$er's s#a,,6 @i#$
enrmus "i,,i=ul#% #$e% 2r.e"
#$eir 2a% #2ar"s #$e 2"en
#ri/une6 A $un"re" %ar"s a2a%
#$e% =ame n an im(assa/le
/arrier , (e(le1 all sea#e"1
s'ueeQe" s #ig$#l% #ge#$er #$a#
#$ere 2as /arel% a /rea#$ , air
/e#2een #$em6
S(##ing $er ,rm $is (la=e n
#$e #ri/une Ne$ru s$u#e" a# $er
# =rss +er #$e (e(le # #$e
(la#,rm6
'H2 =an I?' s$e s$u#e" /a=.6
'I'+e g# $ig$ $eels n6'
Ta.e #$em ,,1' re(lie" Ne$ru6
Pamela =ul"n'# "ream , "ing
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
sme#$ing as un"igni,ie" n
su=$ an $is#ri= ==asin6 'O$1'
s$e gas(e"1 'I =ul"n'# " #$a#6'
'T$en lea+e #$em n1' sai"
Ne$ru6 'Jus# 2al. +er #$e
(e(le6 T$e% 2n'# min"6'
'O$1' re(lie" Pamela1 '#$e $eels
2ill $ur# #$em6'
'Dn'# /e a sill% girl1' sna((e"
Ne$ru6 'Ta.e #$em ,, an" =me
a=rss6'
@i#$ a sig$1 #$e "aug$#er ,
In"ia's las# -i=er% .i=.e" ,,
$er s$es1 (i=.e" #$em u( an"
se# ,, a=rss #$e =ar(e# ,
$uman /eings se(ara#ing $er
,rm #$e (la#,rm6 Laug$ing
glee,ull%1 #$e In"ians +er 2$m
s$e 2as #rea"ing $el(e" $er
alng1 s#ea"%ing $er s$a.ing
legs1 gui"ing $er el/21 (in#ing
2i#$ "elig$# # $er s$in% $ig$
$eels6
A# #$e ins#an# #$e /rig$# #ur/ans
, #$e /"%guar" es=r#ing #$e
Mun#/a##ens' s#a#e =arriage
a((eare" n #$e $riQn1 #$e
=r2" #$rus# ,r2ar" 2i#$ a
2a+eDli.e $ea+e6 !ll2ing $er
(aren#s' sl2 (rgress ,rm #$e
#ri/une1 Pamela 2i#nesse" an
in=re"i/le s(e=#a=le6
In #$a# $uman sea surrun"ing
#$e #ri/une 2ere #$usan"s ,
2men =lu#=$ing nursing /a/ies
a# #$eir /reas#s6 Terri,ie" #$a#
#$eir in,an#s 2ul" /e =rus$e"
/% #$e m/'s surge1 #$e% rea=#e"
2i#$ a "es(era#e ges#ure6 T$e%
$urle" #$em u( in# #$e air li.e
ru//er /alls1 #ssing #$em /a=.
u( again ea=$ #ime #$e% #um/le"
"2n6 In an ins#an#1 #$e air 2as
,ille" 2i#$ $un"re"s , in,an#s6
'M% )"1' #$ug$# #$e %ung girl
$er e%es 2i"e 2i#$ 2n"er1 'i#'s
raining /a/ies!'
!rm $is =arriage1 Mun#/a##en
ins#an#l% realiQe" #$ere 2asn'#
#$e +agues# =$an=e , =arr%ing
u# #$e ela/ra#el% (lanne" ri#ual
$e'" (re(are" # a==m(an% #$e
,lag raising6 He $imsel, =ul"n'#
e+en ge# u# , #$e =arriage6
'Le#'s Bus# $is# #$e ,lag1' $e
s$u#e" # Ne$ru6 FT$e /an"'s
s2am(e"6 T$e% =an'# (la%6 T$e
guar"s =an'# m+e6'
O+er #$e =r2"'s $a((% "in1 #$e
men n #$e (la#,rm $ear" $is
=all6 T$e sa,,rn1 2$i#e an"
green /anner , a ,ree In"ia
=lim/e" u( #$e ,lag(le 2$ile1
#au#l% ere=# in $is =arriage1
Lueen -i=#ria's grea#Dgran"sn
mar.e" i#s (rgress 2i#$ a
,rmal salu#e6
A rar , un#rammelle"
$a((iness /urs# ,rm $al, a
millin #$ra#s as #$e ,l"s , #$e
,lag rse a/+e #$e $ea"s , #$e
=r2"6 In #$e B% , #$a# su/lime
se=n"1 In"ia ,rg# #$e /a##le ,
Plasse%1 #$e +engean=e , 3:081
#$e massa=re , Amri#sar6
!rg##en ,r an ins#an# 2ere #$e
$umilia#ins , mar#ial la21
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e JaJAJ'Ds2inging (li=e
=$arges1 #$e eCe=u#ins , $er
in"e(en"en=e mar#%rs6 T$ree
"i,,i=ul# =en#uries 2ere se# asi"e
# all2 $er # sa+ur un,e##ere"
#$e "elig$# , #$a# mmen#6
E+en #$e $ea+ens seeme" rea"%
# /rig$#en i#s $is#ri= im(a=#6
As In"ia's ne2 ,lag neare" #$e
(ea. , i#s ,lags#a,,1 a rain/2
su""enl% ,las$e" a=rss #$e s.%6
T a (e(le # 2$m #$e ==ul#
2as an /sessin an" #$e
=eles#ial /"ies #$e (rer"ina#rs
, Man's "es#in%1 i#s a((earan=e
=ul" nl% /e in#er(re#e" as a
mani,es#a#in , #$e Di+ine6
Ms# eC#rar"inar% , all1 i#s
green1 %ell2 an" in"ig /an"s
2ere eeril% similar # #$e =lurs
, #$e ,lag ,rame" in i#s (er,e=#
ar=6 As i# gli##ere" #$ere1 a +i=e
'ui+ering 2i#$ 2n"er rse ,rm
#$e ,a=eless $r"e arun" #$e
(la#,rm6
'@$en )" $imsel, gi+es us a
sign su=$ as #$is1' i# =alle" u# in
Hin"i1 '2$ =an s#an" agains#
us?'
T$e ms# eC#rar"inar%
eC(erien=e , #$eir li+es n2
a2ai#e" Luis an" E"2ina
Mun#/a##en1 #$eir ri"e /a=. #
Lu#%ens' (ala=e6 T$eir gil"e"
=arriage /e=ame a sr# , li,eD
ra,#1 #sse" ami"s# #$e ms#
$%s#eri=al1 $a((%1 eCu/eran#
#$rng , $uman /eings ei#$er ,
#$em $a" e+er seen6 Ne$ru
$imsel, 2as (asse" u( in# #$e
=arriage # ri"e 2i#$ #$em1 'ui#e
li#erall% #$rus# a/ar" /% $is
=un#r%men6 T$e 2$le #$ing1
Mun#/a##en #$ug$#1 2as 'a
.in" , an enrmus (i=ni= ,
alms# a millin (e(le1 all ,
#$em $a+ing mre ,un #$an
#$e%'" e+er $a" in #$eir li+es'6 He
imme"ia#el% un"ers#" #$a# #$is
s(n#aneus1 un=n#rlla/le1 /u#
u##erl% $a((% u#/urs# 2as a ,ar
#ruer re,le=#in , #$e meaning
, #$is "a% #$an all #$e (m( an"
(agean#r% $e'" (lanne" ,r i#6
S#an"ing u( in #$e mi""le , a
,res# , 2a+ing $an"s #$rus#
,ran#i=all% #2ar"s $is1
Mun#/a##en s=anne" #$e =r2"1
#r%ing # ,in" an u#er limi# #
#$a# ,iel" , $uman $ea"s6 He
=ul" see nne6 As ,ar as $is
e%es =ul" rea=$ #$ere 2as #$e
=r2"1 al2a%s #$e =r2"6
T$ree #imes1 Mun#/a##en an"
$is 2i,e leane" u# , #$e
=arriage an" $aule" a/ar" an
eC$aus#e" 2man a/u# #
#um/le un"er i#s 2$eels6 T$e #ri
#. #$eir (la=es n #$e /la=.
lea#$er sea#s "esigne" # =us$in
#$e *ing an" Lueen , Englan"6
T$e% sa# #$ere1 "ar. e%es 2i"e
2i#$ 2n"er1 #$e e"ges , #$eir
saris (ulle" a=rss #$eir giggling
mu#$s1 /un=ing alng 2i#$
In"ia's las# -i=er% an"
-i=ereine laug$ing $a((il% a#
#$eir si"es6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
A/+e all1 ,r Luis an" E"2ina
Mun#/a##en #$e memr% , #$is
glrius "a% 2ul" al2a%s /e
ass=ia#e" 2i#$ a =r%1 a +i/ran#1
in#ermina/l% re(ea#e" =r%6 N
Englis$man in In"ian $is#r%
$a" /een (ri+ilege" # $ear i#
s$u#e" 2i#$ #$e em#in an"
sin=eri#% #$a# 2en# 2i#$ i# #$a#
a,#ernn in Ne2 Del$i6 Li.e a
series , #$un"er=la(s i# /urs#
+er an" +er again ,rm #$e
=r2"1 #$e ((ular san=#in ,
Mun#/a##en's a=$ie+emen#6
S#an"ing #$ere in $is s$a.ing
=arriage1 $e re=ei+e" sme#$ing
nei#$er $is grea#Dgran"m#$er
nr an% , $er (rgen% $a"
re=ei+e"1 #$e $mage1 #$e real
$mage1 , #$e (e(le , In"ia6
'Mun#/a##en *i Jail' #$e =r2"
%elle" again an" again1
'Mun#/a##en *i Jai D Lng Li+e
Mun#/a##en!'6
SiC #$usan" miles ,rm #$e
eCul#ing =r2"s , Ne2 Del$i1
in #$e $ear# , #$e S=##is$
Hig$lan"s1 an ,,i=ial =ar
en#ere" #$e =ur#%ar" , #$e
=as#le , Balmral6 I#s sle
==u(an# 2as imme"ia#el%
s$2n # #$e s#u"% in 2$i=$
)erge -I a2ai#e"6 B2ing
s#i,,l%1 #$e Earl , Lis#2el1 las#
Se=re#ar% , S#a#e ,r In"ia1
slemnl% in,rme" #$e U *ing
#$a# #$e Trans,er , P2er #
In"ian $an"s $a" /een
a==m(lis$e"6 T$e na#ure , #$e
mnar=$'s reign 2as irre+=a/l%
al#ere"T $is n lnger 2as #$e
"esigna#in , )erge -I1 ReC
Im(era#r6 He $a" n21 Lis#2el
eC(laine"1 # re#urn # )erge
-Ps =us#"% I #$se an=ien#
seals 2$i=$ $a" /een #$e /a"ge
, #$e Se=re#ar% , ! S#a#e's
,,i=e1 #$e s%m/l , #$e lin.s
/in"ing #$e In"ian Em(ire # #$e
Bri#is$ =r2n6
Un$a((il%1 $e =n#inue"1 #$ere
2ere n seals6 Smene %ears
/e,re $a" mislai" #$em6 T$e
nl% su+enir $is las# Se=re#ar%
, S#a#e ,r In"ia =ul" ,,er #
#$e s+ereign 2as a ri#ualis#i=
n" , $is $ea" an" #$e s%m/li=
eC#ensin , an em(#% (alm6
Dus.1 an" #$e "us# raise" /% a
millin ,ee#1 se##le" +er #$e
=a(i#al , In"ia6 T$usan"s
=n#inue" # #$rng i#s s#ree#s1
singing1 =$eering1 em/ra=ing6 In
Ol" Del$i1 /% #$e 2alls , #$e
Re" !r#1 #$usan"s ,
=ele/ra#ing (e(le s2arme"
#$rug$ a gigan#i= u#"r
=arni+al , sna.e =$armers1
Bugglers1 ,r#une #ellers1 "an=ing
/ears1 2res#lers1 s2r"
s2all2ers1 ,a.irs (ier=ing #$eir
=$ee.s 2i#$ sil+er s(i.es1
,lau#is#s6 O#$er #$usan"s
#ru"ge" u# , #$e =i#% #2ar"s
#$e en"less (lains ,rm 2$i=$
#$e%'" =me6 RanBi# Lai1 #$e
Bra$min (easan# ,rm
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
&$a#$ar(ur1 2as amng #$em6 T
Lai's "is#ress1 #$e #nga "ri+er
2$'" as.e" ,ur annas # /ring
$im # Del$i n2 2an#e" #2
ru(ees # #a.e $im $me6
-2ing #$a# 2as # $ig$ a (ri=e
# (a% ,r ,ree"m1 $e an" $is
,amil% se# u# # 2al. #$e #2en#%
miles /a=. # #$eir +illage6
Alne a# las# in #$e (ri+a#e
=$am/er , #$eir (ala=e1 Luis
an= E"2ina Mun#/a##en ,ell
in# ea=$ #$er's arms6 Tears ,
s$ee $a((iness (ure" "2n
#$eir ,a=es6 T$e 2$eel , #$eir
li+es $a" =m ,ull =ir=le6 In #$e
s#ree#s , #$e =i#% in 2$i=$ a
'uar#er , a =en#ur /e,re #$e%
$a" ,allen in l+e1 #$e% $a"
s$are" a #rium($1 ,el# a
eC$ilara#in su=$ as is gi+en #
,e2 (e(le # .n26 !r #$e
a"mira e+en #$ug$ $e $a"
#as#e" #$e eCul#an# (leasure ,
a==e(#ing ## surren"er , #$ree
'uar#ers , a millin Ja(anese1
$is li,e 2ul ne+er (r"u=e
an#$er eC(erien=e # ri+al i#6 I#
$a" /een1 Lu Mun#/a##en
#$ug$#1 li.e #$e $%s#eri=al
=ele/ra#in a# #$e en" , 2ar D
nl% #$is $a" /een 'a 2ar /#$
si"es $a" 2n1 a 2ar 2i#$T
lsers'6
T$e ,ll2ing mrning1 a +isi#r
,rm Ne2 Del$i rang #$e /ell
Num/er 34 D2ning S#ree#6 I#s
==u(an#1 &lemen# A##lee1 $
e+er% reasn # ,eel sa#is,ie"6
In"ia's in"e(en"en=e $a" /een T
=m(anie" /% an u#(uring ,
g"2ill an" ,rien"s$i( #2ai
Bri#ain su=$ as n ne $a"
#$ug$# (ssi/le siC mn#$s /e,=
&m(aring $er a=#ins # #$se
, Hllan" in In"nesia an" !rai
in In"D&$ina1 ne "is#inguis$e"
In"ian $a" "e=lare"1 '@e = n#
/u# a"mire #$e =urage an"
(li#i=al =a(a=i#% , #$e Brii
(e(le6'
Luis Mun#/a##en1 $2e+er1
$a" sen# $is ,rmer Se=re#
)erge A/ell1 # =au#in A##lee
agains# an% eC=essi+e Bu/ila#ii
n M

'$ l+el% "a2n , ,ree"m'

5:3

su=$ "e=lara#ins6 T$e manner in
2$i=$ in"e(en"en=e $a" /een
a=$ie+e"1 A/ell #l" A##lee in #$e
gar"en , $is resi"en=e1 2as a
grea# #rium($ /#$ ,r $is
g+ernmen# an" #$e man $e $a"
=$sen as $is las# -i=er%6 Bu#1
$e 2arne"1 "n'# =ele/ra#e #$e
#rium($ # 'ui=.l% r #
(u/li=l%1 /e=ause #$e ine+i#a/le
=nse'uen=e , (ar#i#in 2as
ging # /e '#$e ms# a((alling
/l"s$e" an" =n,usin'6
A##lee (u,,e" a# $is (i(e an"
sa"l% s$. $is $ea"6 T$ere
2ul" /e n /as#,ul
#rum(e#ings1 n sel,Dsa#is,ie"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(r=lama#ins =ming ,rm
D2ning S#ree#1 $e agree"6 He
2as 'un"er n illusin'6 @$a#
#$e% $a" a==m(lis$e" 2as
im(r#an# /u# $e 2ell .ne2 #$ere
2as n2 a (ri=e # /e (ai" an"
#$a# (ri=e 2as ging # /e
'#erri/le /l"s$e" in #$e In"ia
2e $a+e le,#'6
T$e #ime $a" =me # (en
Pan"ra's /C6 !r Bus# a se=n"
Luis Mun#/a##en (ause"1 $is
gaQe u(n #$e #2 manilla
en+el(es in $is $an"6 Ea=$
=n#aine" a se# , #$e ne2 ma(s
, #$e su/D=n#inen# an" less
#$an a "Qen #%(e2ri##en (ages
, (a(er6 T$e% 2ere #$e las#
,,i=ial "=umen#s Bri#ain 2ul"
/e'uea#$ In"ia1 #$e ,inal ,in.s in
a =$ain #$a# $a" /egun 2i#$
EliQa/e#$ I's R%al &$ar#er #
#$e Eas# In"ia &m(an% in 3077
an" =n#inue" "2n # #$a# a=#
+er 2$i=$1 /arel% a mn#$
/e,re1 a =ler. $a" mu##ere" 'Le
Ri le -eu@6 Nne , #$e
"=umen#s 2$i=$ $a" (re=e"e"
#$em1 $2e+er1 $a" (r"u=e" a
rea=#in as imme"ia#e r as
/ru#al as #$ese 2ere ging #6
T$e% 2ere1 ine+i#a/l%1 #$e
=a#al%s#s , #$e #rage"% (re"i=#e"
# Bri#ain's Prime Minis#er in $is
D2ning S#ree# gar"en6
Mun#/a##en (asse" #$em #
Ne$ru an" Pa.is#an's Prime
Minis#er1 Lia'a# Ali *$an1
sugges#ing #$e% s#u"% #$em in
#2 "i,,eren# rms1 #$en re#urn
,r a Bin# mee#ing in #2 $urs'
#ime6 T$e ,ur% =n#r#ing #$eir
,a=es n #$eir re#urn reassure"
Mun#/a##en n a# leas# ne
(in#H &%ril Ra"=li,,e $a"
(er,rme" $is #$an.less #as.
2i#$ #rue im(ar#iali#%6 B#$ men
seeme" e'uall% enrage"6 As sn
as #$e% sa# "2n1 #$e% eC(l"e"
in a rus$ , angr% (r#es#s6
In"ia's in"e(en"en=e
=ele/ra#ins 2ere +er6
&%ril Ra"=li,,e $a" ,ll2e" $is
ins#ru=#ins rigrusl% in
a((l%ing $is s=al(el # #$e ma(
, In"ia6 @i#$ a ,e2 minr
eC=e(#ins1 #$e lines $e'" #ra=e"
in #$e PunBa/ an" Bengal 2ere
#$se im(se" /% #$e religius
(ersuasin , #$e maBri#%
((ula#ins6 T$e resul# 2as
eCa=#l% 2$a# e+er%ne $a"
(re"i=#e"H #e=$ni=all% ,easi/le1 in
(ra=#i=al a((li=a#in a "isas#er6
T$e line in #$e Bengal
=n"emne" /#$ (ar#ies #
e=nmi= ruin unless #$e% =ul"
=lla/ra#e6 Eig$#%D,i+e (er =en#
, #$e 2rl"'s Bu#e 2as gr2n in
#$e area #$a# $a" gne #
Pa.is#an1 /u# #$ere 2as n# a
single mill ,r (r=essing i# in
#$e ne2 s#a#e's #erri#r%6 In"ia
2un" u( 2i#$ +er a $un"re"
Bu#e mills1 #$e (r# , &al=u##a
,rm 2$i=$ i# 2as s$i((e" # #$e
2rl" D an" n Bu#e6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$e PunBa/ /un"ar% +er
2$i=$ Ra"=li,,e $a" agniQe" s
mu=$1 /egan in a #ra=.less 2"
n #$e e"ge , *as$mir 2$ere
#$e 2es#ern /ran=$ , a ri+er
=alle" #$e UB$ en#ere" #$e
PunBa/6 !ll2ing 2$ere
(ssi/le #$e Ra+i r Su#leB
Ri+ers1 i# ran 544 miles su#$ #
#$e nr#$ernms# e"ge , #$e
)rea# In"ian Deser#6 La$re
2en# # Pa.is#an1 Amri#sar 2i#$
i#s )l"en Tem(le # In"ia6
As i# 2as =n"emne" ,rm #$e
s#ar# # "1 Ra"=li,,e's line sli=e"
in# #2 (ar#s #$e lan"s an"
(e(les , In"ia's ms# =lsel%
.ni#1 mili#an# =mmuni#%1 #$e
Si.$s6 -enge,ul an" em/i##ere"1
#$e% 2ere n2 # /e=me #$e
(rin=i(al a=#rs in #$e #rage"% ,
#$e PunBa/6
T$e maBr =n#r+ers% (r"u=e"
/% Ra"=li,,e's a2ar" 2ul"
=me +er ne , $is rare
eC=e(#ins # $is maBri#%
((ula#in (rin=i(le6 I# in+l+e"
a s'uali" li##le =i#% =alle"
)ur"as(ur near #$e nr#$ern
eC#remi#% , #$e PunBa/6 T$ere1
Ra"=li,,e6 $a" ele=#e" # ,ll2
#$e na#ural /un"ar% line , #$e
Ra+i Ri+er1 lea+ing #$e =i#% an"
#$e Mslem +illages arun" i#
insi"e In"ia1 ins#ea" , =rea#ing a
Pa.is#ani en=la+e (r#ru"ing in#
In"ian #erri#r%6
I# 2as a "e=isin ,r 2$i=$
Pa.is#an's millins 2ul" ne+er
(ar"n $im6 !r1 $a" Ra"=li,,e
a2ar"e" )ur"as(ur # Pa.is#an1
i# 2as n# #$a# "ir#%1
in=nse'uen#ial =i#% Jinna$'s
s#a#e 2ul" $a+e 2n6 @i#$ i#1
ine+i#a/l%1 2ul" $a+e =me #$e
en=$an#e" +ale ,r 2$i=$ #$e
"%ing Mg$ul Em(err Je$angir
$a" =rie" in "es(air '*as$mir D
nl% *as$mir'6
@i#$u# )ur"as(ur1 In"ia 2ul"
$a+e n (ra=#i=a/le lan" a==ess
# *as$mir an" i#s +a=illa#ing
Hin"u Ma$araBa1 Hari Sing$1
2ul" $a+e $a" n =$i=e eC=e(#
# lin. *as$mir's "es#in% #
Pa.is#an6 Unin#en#inall%1 alms#
ina"+er#en#l%1 Ra"=li,,e's s=al(el
$a" ,,ere" In"ia #$e $(e ,
=laiming *as$mir6
T$e man 2$ $a" /een as.e" #
ser+e as #$e ar#isan , In"ia's
+i+ise=#in /e=ause $e $a"
.n2n s li##le a/u# i#1
=n#em(la#e" ,r #$e las# #ime in
$is li,e #$e murn,ul lan"s=a(es
, #$e =un#r% $e'" "i+i"e"6 &%ril
Ra"=li,,e1 un"er =lse se=uri#%
guar"1 2as ging $me6 T$e las#
#as. a==m(lis$e" /% #$e I&S
,,i=er "elega#e" # assis# $im
$a" /een # =m/ $is (lane ,r a
(ssi/le /m/6 Ls# in $is
#$ug$#s1 #$e Bri#is$ Buris#
2a#=$e" ,rm $is air=ra,#'s
2in"2 as #$e PunBa/'s en"less
,iel"s , 2$ea# an" sugar=ane
sli((e" (as#1 #$eir ,urr2s
in"eli/l% al#ere" n2 /% #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#ra=ings , $is (en=il n a ma(6
Ra"=li,,e .ne2 2ell #$e grie,
an" =ns#erna#in #$e lines $e'"

5:5
,ree"m a# mi"nig$#
(r"u=e" 2ere ging # =ause6
T$ere $a" /een1 alas1 n lines $e
=ul" $a+e "ra2n #$a# 2ul" n#
$a+e /rug$# ,r#$ #$eir $ar+es#
, anguis$ an" su,,ering6 T$e
elemen#s ineCra/l% (r(elling
#$e PunBa/ # #rage"% $a" /een
in$eren# in #$e si#ua#in lng
/e,re &%ril Ra"=li,,e $a" /een
summne" # In"ia6 As =er#ain
as #$e e#ernal =%=le , #$e
PunBa/'s seasns1 #$e
=nse'uen=es , $is a2ar"
2ul"1 $e .ne21 /e #erri/le
/l"s$e"1 +ilen=e an"
"es#ru=#in6 An"1 Bus# as =er#ain1
$e .ne2 i# 2as $e 2$ 2ul" /e
/lame" ,r i# all6
Pa=.e" a2a% in $is luggage 2ere
Ra"=li,,e's ($%si=al su+enirs ,
$is s#a% in In"ia1 a (air ,
rien#al =ar(e#s $e'" /ug$# in
Del$i's /aQaar6 His real
su+enirs 2ul" al2a%s /e
men#al6 On $is a((in#men# /#$
Ne$ru an" Jinna$ $a" agree" #
/e /un" /% $is "e=isin an" use
all #$eir au#$ri#% # im(lemen#
i#6 N21 in unseeming $as#e1
/#$ men rus$e" # =n"emn
#$se (ar#s 2$i=$ "i" n# sui#
#$em1 sa/#aging i#1 alms#1 2i#$
#$eir 'illD#em(ere" rea=#ins'6
In a ,e2 "a%s' #ime1 in #$se la2
=$am/ers ,rm 2$i=$ $e'" se#
u# ,r In"ia1 a #$rug$l%
"isen=$an#e" Ra"=li,,e rea=#e"
# #$eir u#/urs# 2i#$ #$e ne
ges#ure a+aila/le # $im6 He
"is"ain,ull% re#urne" #$e O5444
$e 2as # $a+e re=ei+e" as $is
,ee ,r (re(aring #$e ms#
=m(leC /un"ar% a2ar" ,
m"ern #imes6
On #$e (lains /el21 in+isi/le #
Ra"=li,,e1 #$e grea#es# migra#in
in $uman $is#r% 2as alrea"%
/eginning6 Pre=ursrs , #$e
s#rm # =me1 a ,irs# #ri=.le ,
$el(less (e(le s#aggere" alng
#$e PunBa/'s =anal /an.s1 "2n
$er "ir# (a#$s1 an" unmar.e"
#ra=.s1 +er $er grea# Trun.
Hig$2a%1 a=rss $er un$ar+es#e"
,iel"s6 In a ,e2 $urs1 #$e
(u/li=a#in , Ra"=li,,e's re(r#
2ul" a"" s#ill an#$er
"imensin # #$e $rrrs
en,l"ing #$a# (r+in=e 2$i=$
$a" /een #$e arena , s man% ,
man.in"'s "ramas6 -illages
2$se Mslem in$a/i#an#s $a"
eCul#e" a# #$e /ir#$ , Pa.is#an
2ul" ,in" #$emsel+es in In"iaT
in #$ers1 Si.$s /arel% ,inis$e"
=ele/ra#ing 2$a# #$e% $a"
mis#a.enl% #$ug$# 2as #$eir
$amle#'s a##a=$men# # In"ia1
/e,re #$e% $a" # ,lee ,r #$eir
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
li+es #2ar"s Ra"=li,,e's /r"er
a=rss #$e ,iel"s #$e%'" =ul#i+a#e"
,r %ears6
Sn #$e anmalies 2$i=$
Ra"=li,,e $a" 2arne" $as#e
2ul" (r"u=e /e=ame mani,es#6
In (la=es1 #$e $ea"2r.s , a
=anal s%s#em en"e" u( in ne
=un#r%1 #$e em/an.men#s 2$i=$
(r#e=#e" #$em in an#$er6
Sme#imes #$e line ran "2n #$e
$ear# , a +illage1 lea+ing a
"Qen $u#s in In"ia1 a "Qen
mre in Pa.is#an6 O==asinall% i#
e+en /ise=#e" a $me1 lea+ing a
,rn# "r (ening n # In"ia
an" a rear 2in"2 l.ing in#
Pa.is#an6 Alms# all #$e PunBa/'s
Bails 2un" u( in Pa.is#an6 S1
#1 "i" i#s sli#ar% luna#i=
as%lum6
T$ere1 in a su""en /un# ,
lu=i"i#%1 i#s #erri,ie" Hin"u an"
Si.$
'OH LO-ELY DA@N O!
!REEDOM> 5:?
inma#es /egge" #$eir =us#"ians
# sen" #$em # In"ia6 T$e
Mslems1 #$e% reasne"1 2ul"
slaug$#er #$em i, #$e% remaine"
in Pa.is#an! T$eir (lea 2as
reBe=#e"6 !ar less (res=ien# #$an
#$se luna#i=s ,r 2$m #$e%
2ere res(nsi/le1 #$e as%lum's
"=#rs ,resa2 n su=$ "anger6
&n"es=en"ingl% #$e% assure"
#$eir (a#ien#s '#$eir ,ears 2ere
imaginar%'6 T$e% 2ere an%#$ing
/u# #$a# # i S
'Our Pe(le Ha+e )ne Ma"'
T$e PunBa/1 Augus#DSe(#em/er
37A8
I# 2ul" /e uni'ue1 a =a#a=l%sm
2i#$u# (re=e"en#1 un,reseen in
magni#u"e1 unr"ere" in (a##ern1
unreasne" in sa+ager%6 !r siC
#erri/le 2ee.s1 li.e #$e ra+ages
, a me"ie+al (lague1 a mama
,r mur"er 2ul" s2ee( a=rss
#$e ,a=e , nr#$ern In"ia6 T$ere
2ul" /e n san=#uar% ,rm i#s
s=urge1 n =rner ,ree ,rm #$e
=n#agin , i#s +irus6 Hal, as
man% In"ians 2ul" lse #$eir
li+es in #$a# s2i,# s(lurge ,
slaug$#er as Ameri=ans in ,ur
%ears , =m/a# in @rl" @arn6
E+er%2$ere #$e man% an" #$e
s#rng assaul#e" #$e 2ea. an"
#$e ,e26 In #$e s#a#el% $mes ,
Ne2 Del$i's AurangaQe/ Ra"1
#$e sil+er su.s ,Ol"
Del$i's&$an"ni&$2.6#$e
m$allas , Amri#sar1 #$e elegan#
su/ur/s , La$re1 #$e /aQaar ,
Ra2al(in"i1 #$e 2alle" =i#% ,
Pes$a2arT in s$(s1 s#alls1 mu"
$u#s1 +illage alle%2a%sT in /ri=.D
.ilns1 ,a=#ries an" ,iel"sT in
rail2a% s#a#ins an" #ea $usesT
=mmuni#ies 2$i=$ $a" li+e"
si"e /% si"e ,r genera#ins ,ell
u(n ea=$ #$er in an rg% ,
$a#e6 I# 2as n# a 2ar1 n# a =i+il
2ar1 n# a guerrilla =am(aign6 I#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2as a =n+ulsin1 #$e su""en1
s$a##ering =lla(se , a s=ie#%6
One a=# (r+.e" an#$er1 ne
$rrr ,e" an#$er1 ea=$
slaug$#er /eg# i#s su==essr1
ea=$ rumur i#s imi#a#r1 ea=$
a#r=i#% i#s =un#er(ar#1 un#il1
li.e sl2Dm#in images , a
/uil"ing "isin#egra#ing un"er #$e
im(a=# , an eC(lsin1 #$e 2alls
, PunBa/ s=ie#% =rum/le" u(n
ea=$ #$er6
T$e "isas#er $a" i#s eC(lana#ins6
In"ia an" Pa.is#an 2ere a# #$e
memen# , #$eir /ir#$ li.e a (air
, Siamese #2ins lin.e" /% a
malignan# #umur1 #$e PunBa/6
&%ril Ra"=li,,e's s=al(el $a"
se+ere" #$e #umur1 /u# i# $a"
n# /een a/le # =ar+e u# #$e
=an=erus =ells in,e=#ing ea=$
$al,6 His line $a" le,# 0 millin
Si.$s an" Hin"us in Pa.is#an's
$al, , #$e PunBa/1 +er 0
millin Mslems in In"ia's $al,6
Pr""e" /% #$e "emagguer% ,
Jinna$ an" #$e lea"ers , #$e
Mslem League1 #$e PunBa/'s
eC(li#e" Mslems $a"
=n+in=e" #$emsel+es #$a#1
sme$21 in Pa.is#an #$e Lan"
, #$e Pure1 Hin"u mne%D
len"ers1 s$(.ee(ers1 Qamin"ars
an" aggressi+e Si.$ lan"lr"s1
2ul" "isa((ear6 Ye# #$ere #$e%
2ere n #$e a,#erma#$ ,
in"e(en"en=e1 s#ill rea"% #
=lle=# #$eir ren#s1 s#ill
==u(%ing #$enDs$(s an" ,arms6
Ine+i#a/l%1 a sim(le #$ug$#
s2e(# #$e Mslem massesH i,
Pa.is#an is urs1 s # are #$e
s$(s1 ,arms1 $uses an"
,a=#ries , #$e Hin"us an"
Si.$s6 A=rss #$e /r"er #$e
mili#an#
'ur (e(le $a+e gne ma"'
5:0
Si.$s (re(are" # "ri+e #$e
Mslems ,rm #$eir mi"s# s
#$e% =ul" ga#$er n # #$e
a/an"ne" lan"s #$eir /r#$ers
2$m Ra"=li,,e's s=al(el $a"
le,# in Pa.is#an6
An" s1 in a /e2il"ering ,renQ%1
Hin"us1 Si.$s an" Mslems
#urne" n ea=$ #$er6 In"ia 2as
e+er a lan" , eC#ra+agan#
"imensins1 an" #$e $rrr , #$e
PunBa/'s .illings1 #$e a/un"an=e
l $uman anguis$ an" su,,ering
#$e% 2ul" (r"u=e1 "i" n# ,ail
#$ai an=ien# #ra"i#in6 Eur(e's
(e(les $a" slaug$#ere" ea=$
#$er 2i" /m/s1 s$ells an" #$e
=al=ula#e" $rrrs , #$e gas
=$am/ersT #$i (e(le , #$e
PunBa/ se# u# # "es#r%
#$emsel+es 2i#$ /am/= s#a+es1
$=.e%Ds#i=.s1 i=eD(i=.s1 .ni+es1
=lu/s1 s2r"s1 $ammers /ri=.s
an" =la2ing ,ingers6 T$eirs 2as
a s(n#aneus1 irra#ina
slaug$#er6 A((alle" a# #$e
em#ins #$e% $a" ina"+er#en#l%
un leas$e"1 #$eir "es(era#e
lea"ers #rie" # =all #$em /a=. #
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
reasr I# 2as a $(eless =r%6
T$ere 2as n reasn in #$a# /rie,
an" =ruV seasn 2$en In"ia
2en# ma"6
&a(#6 R6 E6 A#.ins , #$e 5J:
)ur.$as gas(e" in $rrr a# #$e
sigl a# $is ,ee#6 A ,igure ,
s(ee=$ $e'" ,#en $ear" /u# $a"
ne+er /elie+e $a" #a.en n
reali#% un"er $is e%es6 T$e
gu##ers , La$re 2ere ru ning
re" 2i#$ /l"6 T$e /eau#i,ul
Paris , #$e Orien# 2as a +is ,
"esla#in an" "es#ru=#in6
@$le s#ree#s , Hin"u $mes
2e a/laQe1 2$ile Mslem (li=e
an" #r(s s#" /% 2a#=$ing6 A#
nigl #$e sun"s , l#ers
ransa=.ing #$se $mes seeme"
# A#.ins li #$e =run=$ ,
#ermi#es /ring in# lgs6 A# $is
$ea"'uar#ers BraganQa's H#el1
A#.ins $a" /een /esiege" /% a
$r"e , (a#$el $al,D$%s#eri=al
Hin"u /usinessmen rea"% #
,,er $im an%#$ii #2en#%D,i+e1
#$ir#%1 ,i,#% #$usan" ru(ees1
#$eir "aug$#ers1 #,= 2i+es'
Be2eller%1 i, nl% $e 2ul" le#
#$em ,lee #$e $ell La$re 3
/e=me in $is Bee(6
In near/% Amri#sar1 /ra"
se=#ins , #$e =i#%1 i#s Msl
se=#ins1 2ere n#$ing /u# $ea(s
, /ri=. an" "e/ris1 #2is#ing =i
, sm.e "ri,#ing a/+e #$em
in# #$e s.%1 +ul#ures .ee(ing #l
+igil n #$eir s$a##ere" 2alls1 #$e
(ungen# arma , "e=m(i
=r(ses (ermea#ing #$e ruins6
E+er%2$ere #$e ,a=e , #$e Pui
2as "is,igure" /% similar s=enes6
In L%all(ur #$e Mslem 2r in a
#eC#ile ,a=#r% #urne" n #$e
Si.$s 2$ s$are" #$e miser #$eir
lms an" slaug$#ere" e+er% ne
, #$em6 T$ere1 #$e in #$a# $a"
$rri,ie" &a(#6 A#.ins 2as
magni,ie" # an alms# un/e
a/le "imensinH #$is #ime i# 2as
an en#ire irriga#in =anal #$a#
in=arna"ine" /% $un"re"s ,
Si.$ an" Hin"u =r(ses6
In Simla1 !a% &am(/ellD
J$nsn1 2i,e , Lr" Mun#/a#
(ress a##a=$e1 ga(e" in $rrr a#
#$e s(e=#a=le s$e /e$el" ,rn
+eran"a , &e=il's H#el 2$ere
#$e RaB's summering rulers $a"
si((e" #$eir #ea6 Si.$s n
/i=%=les1 2a+ing #$eir .ir(ans1
2ere s2(ing "2n #$e Mall
=$asing ,leeing Mslems li.e
$un#ers a ,C6 T$e% 2ul" ri"e
u( /e$in" a gas(ing +i=#im an"
/e$ea" $im 2i#$ ne #erri/le
s2is$ , #$eir s2r"s6 An#$er
Englis$2man sa2 #$e $ea" ,
ne , #$eir +i=#ims1 a ,eQ s#ill
,iCe" ,irml% # i#1 rlling alng
#$e s#ree# 2$ile #$e Si.$ assassin
,uriusl% (ursue" $is neC# +i=#im
2a+ing $is /l"% s2r"1
s$rie.ingH 'I'll .ill mre! I'll .ill
mre!'
A man's eCe=u#iner =ul" /e a
,rien" r a s#ranger6 E+er% "a%
,r ,i,#een %ears1 NiranBan Sing$1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
a Si.$ #ea mer=$an# in #$e
Mn#gmer% /aQaar1 $a" ser+e"
a (# , Assam #ea # #$e
Mslem lea#$er2r.er 2$
=ame rus$ing # $is s$( ne
Augus# mrning6 He 2as se##ing
#$e man's ra#in n $is li##le
/rass /alan=e 2$en $e l.e" u(
# see $is =us#mer1 $is ,a=e
=n#r#e" in $a#e1 (in#ing a#
$im an" s=reaming '*ill $im1 .ill
$im!'
A "Qen Mslem $"lums
ra=e" u# , #$e alle%6 One
se+ere" Sing$'s leg a# #$e .nee
2i#$ a s2r"6 In an ins#an# #$e%
$a" .ille" $is 74D%earDl" ,a#$er
an" $is nl% sn6 T$e las# sig$#
$e sa2 as $e ls# =ns=iusness
2as $is 3:D%earDl" "aug$#er1
s=reaming in ,rig$#1 /eing
=arrie" ,, n #$e s$ul"ers ,
#$e man # 2$m $e'" /een
ser+ing #ea ,r ,i,#een %ears6
T$ere 2ere "is#ri=#s in 2$i=$ n#
a single +illage 2en# un$arme"1
n# a /aQaar 2as le,# s#an"ing6
E+er%2$ere #$e minri#%
=mmuni#% 2as gri((e" /% ,ear
an" #errr6 In U.arna1 a MslemD
"mina#e" millD#2n n #$e
La$reJ*ara=$i rail2a%1
Ma"anlal Pa$2a1 a s#=.% 54D
%earDl" In"ian Na+% +e#eran1
=2ere" insi"e #$e $me , $is
aun#6 T$rug$ #$e 2in"2s $e
=ul" see #$e #2n's Bu/ilan#
Mslems "an=ing1 singing1
2a+ing ,lags1 =$an#ing #$eir
ne2es# slgan 'HANS *E LIYA
PA*ISTAN1 LAD*E*N)E
HINDUSTAN@E g# Pa.is#an
/% laug$ing1 2e'll ge# In"ia /%
,ig$#ing6' Ma"anlal $a#e"
Mslems6 In $is .$a.i uni,rm
2i#$ #$e /la=. s#ri(e , #$e RSSS
$e $a" $el(e" #errriQe #$em6
N2 i# 2as $is #urn # /e
#errriQe"6 '@e are all
,rig$#ene"1' $e #$ug$#1 '2e are
li.e s$ee( 2ai#ing ,r slaug$#er6'
@$ere #$e% 2ere "minan#1 #$e
Si.$s 2ere #$e /es# rganiQe"1
ms# +i=ius .illers , all6
A$me" Ra,rulla$2as a Mslem
#enan# ,armer in a li##le +illage
near !erQ(re1 assaul#e" ne
nig$# /% a Si.$ Ba##$a6 '@e .ne2
2e 2ere ging # /e .ille" li.e
ra#s1' $e re=alle"6 '@e $i" /e$in"
ur =$ar(is1 /e$in" ur (iles ,
=2 "ung6 T$e Si.$s /r.e
"2n #$e "r 2i#$ aCes6 I 2as
$i# /% a /ulle# m m% le,# arm6 As
I #rie" # s#an"1 I sa2 m% 2i,e
ge# ,ur /ulle#s6 Bl" 2as
=ming ,rm $er #$ig$ an" /a=.6
M% ?D%earDl" sn 2as $i# in #$e
a/"men6 He "i" n# =r%6 He ,ell
"2n6 He 2as "ea"6
EI #. $l" , m% 2i,e an" m%
se=n" sn6 @e le,# #$e "ea"
=niia
an" =ra2le" u# # #$e s#ree#6 I
sa2 Si.$s s$#ing "2n #
Mslems =ming ,rm #$e #$er
$u#s6 Sme 2ere =arr%ing a2
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
girls n #$eir s$ul"ers6 T$ere
2ere s$rie.s an" 2ailings an"
s$i ings6 T$e Si.$s Bum(e" n
me an" "ragge" m% "ea" 2i,e
,rm r arms6 T$e% .ille" #$e
se=n" /% an" le,# me # "ie in
#$e "us# $a" n s#reng#$ # 2ee(
r #ears # "r(6 M% e%es 2ere as
"r% #$e ri+ers , #$e Sin" /e,re
#$e mnsn6 I ,ell "2n
un=ns=iu
In S$ei.$(ura1 a #ra"ing #2n
nr#$ , La$re1 #$e en#ire Hin
an" Si.$ =mmuni#% 2as $er"e"
in# an enrmus 'gD"2n'1
$uge 2are$use use" /% #$e
#2n /an. # s#re #$e sa=.s ,
gn $el" as =lla#eral ,r i#s lans6
On=e insi"e1 #$e $el(less Hin"
2ere ma=$ineDgunne" /%
Mslem (li=e an" arm%
"eser#ers6 T$i 2ere n sur+i+rs6
One =ns#an# re,rain s(rang ,rm
#$e li(s , #$e Bri#is$ ,l,i
2$'" s#a%e" n # ser+e in #$e
In"ian r Pa.is#an armiesH T# +
,ar 2rse #$an an%#$ing 2e sa2
in @rl" @ar II6'
R/er# Trum/ull1 a +e#eran
=rres(n"en# , #$e Ne2 Y=
Times1 n#e"H T $a+e ne+er /een
as s$a.en /% an%#$ing1 e+en #$e
(ile"Du( /"ies n #$e /ea=$D
$ea" , Tara2a6 In In"ia #e
/l" ,l2s ,#ener #$an rain
,alls6 I $a+e seen "ea" /% #$e
$un"ri an"1 2rs# , all1
#$usan"s , In"ians 2i#$u#
e%es1 ,ee# r $an Dea#$ /%
s$#ing is mer=i,ul an"
un=mmn6 Men1 2men a
=$il"ren are =mmnl% /ea#en #
"ea#$ 2i#$ =lu/s an" s#nes a le,#
# "ie1 #$eir "ea#$ agn%
in#ensi,ie" /% $ea# an" ,lies6'
T$e 2arring =mmuni#ies
seeme" # ri+al ea=$ #$er in
sa+age One Bri#is$ ,,i=er , #$e
PunBa/ Bun"ar% !r=e
"is=+ere" ,V Mslem /a/ies
'ras#e" li.e (igle#s n s(i#s in a
+illage rai"e" Si.$s'6 An#$er
,un" a gru( , Hin"u 2men1
#$eir /reB me#$"i=all% mu#ila#e"
/% Mslem Qeal#s1 /eing
$ea"e" slaug$#er6
In Mslem areas1 Hin"us 2ere
sme#imes ,,ere" #$e =$i=e
=n+er#ing # Islam r ,leeing
Pa.is#an6 Bag$ Das1 a Hin"u ,an
in a $amle# 2es# , L%all(ur1 2as
mar=$e" 2i#$ #$ree $un" ,ell2
Hin"us # a ms'ue se# /% a
small (n" in a neig$/ui
+illage6 T$eir ,ee# 2ere 2as$e"
in #$e (n"1 #$en #$e% 2ere $er
in# #$e ms'ue an" r"ere" #
si# =rssDlegge" n #$e ,lr6 '
maul+i rea" a ,e2 +erses , #$e
*ran6 'N21' $e #l" #$em1 'T
$a+e #$e =$i=e , /e=ming
Mslems an" li+ing $a((il% r
/e .ille"6'
'@e (re,erre" #$e ,rmer1'
a=.n2le"ge" Das6 Ea=$
=n+er# gi+en a ne2 Mslem
name an" ma"e # re=i#e a +erse
,rm *ran6 T$en #$e% 2ere
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$er"e" in# #$e ms'ue's
=ur#%ar" 2l a =2 2as ras#ing6
One /% ne #$e Hin"us 2ere
ma"e # ea# a (

, i#s ,les$6 Das1 a +ege#arian
un#il #$a# ins#an#1 '$a" a +mi#ing
sensa#in'1 /u# $e =n#rlle" i#
/e=ause1 $e #$ug$#1 T 2ill /e
.ille" i, I " n# /e% #$eir
=mman"'6
His neig$/ur1 a Bra$min1 as.e"
(ermissin # #a.e $is 2i,e an"
#$ree =$il"ren /a=. # $is $u# #
ge# $is s(e=ial 2e""ing (la#es
an" ,r.s in +ie2 , #$e
im(r#an=e , #$e mmen#6
!la##ere"1 $is Mslem =a(#rs
agree"6 FT$e Bra$min $a" a
.ni,e $i""en in $is $use1' Das
remem/ere"6 '@$en $e g#
$me1 $e #. i# ,rm i#s $i"ingD
(la=e6 He =u# $is 2i,e's #$ra#1
#$en #$e #$ra#s , $is #$ree
=$il"ren6 T$en $e s#a//e" $is
2n $ear#6 Nne , #$em
re#urne" # ea# #$e mea#6'
A m#i+e #$a# $a" n#$ing # "
2i#$ religius ,er+ur 2as mre
,#en /e$in" #$e Mslem a##a=.s
n Hin"us an" Si.$s in Pa.is#an6
I# 2as gree"1 a sim(le1 ,#en
=are,ull% r=$es#ra#e" e,,r# #
gra/ #$e lan"s1 s$(s an" 2eal#$
, #$eir neig$/urs6
Sar"ar Prem Sing$11a Si.$1
eCer=ise" #$e ==u(a#in #$e
Mslems "e#es#e" mre #$an an%
#$er in a +illage near Sial.#6
He 2as a mne%Dlen"er6 T
/elnge" # a +er% ri=$ ,amil%1'
Prem Sing$ n#e"1 'I $a" a /ig
$use1 "u/leDs#rie" 2i#$
s#rng irn ga#es in ,rn#6
E+er%ne in #$e +illage .ne2 I
2as #$e ri=$es#6 Man% Mslems
mr#gage" #$eir Be2els 2i#$ me6
I .e(# #$em in a /ig irn sa,e6 A#
sme #ime in $is li,e alms#
e+er% Mslem in #$e +illage $a"
(le"ge" $is rnamen#s 2i#$ me6'
One mrning Bus# a,#er
in"e(en"en=e1 Prem Sing$ sa2 a
milling m/ , Mslems
s#reaming #2ar"s $is $use1
/ran"is$ing =lu/s1 =r2/ars1
.ni+es6 He re=gniQe" alms#
e+er% male in #$e =r2"6 T$e%
$a" all a# ne #ime r an#$er
/een $is =re"i#rs6 FT$e sa,e1 #$e
sa,e1' #$e% s=reame"6
T$e% eC(e=#e" # rea( a ri=$
$ar+es#1'Prem Sing$ .ne26 His
sa,e1 $2e+er1 =n#aine"
sme#$ing mre #$an Mslem
Be2els6 L=.e"1 insi"e 2as a
"u/leD/arrelle" s$#gun an"
#2en#%D,i+e =ar#ri"ges6 Sing$
(ene" #$e sa,e1 gra//e" #$e gun
an" rus$e" # #$e se=n" ,lr6
!r an $ur $e ran ,rm 2in"2
# 2in"2 "e,en"ing $is $me
,rm #$e m/ #r%ing # /ea# in
$is ga#e6 As $e "i" s1 an
a((alling s=ene 2as #a.ing (la=e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
n #$e ,lr /el26 &er#ain #$e
Mslem m/ 2as a/u# # /rea.
in# #$e $use1 $is 2i,e
summne" Prem Sing$'s siC
"aug$#ers # $is ,,i=e6 S$e #.
a $uge "rum , =.ing
.ersene an" "ren=$e" $ersel, in
i#s =n#en#s6 A,#er /esee=$ing #$e
mer=% , #$e Si.$'s guru1 Nana.1
an" urging $er "aug$#ers #
,ll2 $er eCam(le1 s$e se#
$ersel, a/laQe6
On #$e ,lr a/+e1 s#ill ,ig$#ing
"es(era#el%1 $er $us/an" 2as
m%s#i,ie" /% #$e si=.ening "ur
"ri,#ing u( #$e s#air=ase6 !inall%1
2$en $e $a" nl% ,i+e =ar#ri"ges
le,#1 #$e m/ 2i#$"re2 an" #$e
eC$aus#e" Si.$ s#aggere"
"2ns#airs6 T$ere #$e $rri,ie"
mne%len"er "is=+ere" #$e
reasn ,r #$e a=ri" s#en=$ #$a#
$a" $aun#e" $im6 S#re#=$e" in
,rn# , $is (en sa,e 2ere #$e
=$arre" =r(ses , $is 2i,e an"
#$ree , $is "aug$#ers 2$ $a"
(re,erre" sel,Dimmla#in # #$e
ris. , ra(e a# Mslem $an"s6
N# all #$e Si.$s an" Hin"us
"ri+en ,rm #$eir $mes 2ere
2eal#$%6 *ul"i( Sing$ 2as a 3AD
%earDl" /%1 #$e sn , a Si.$
s$are=r((er1 ne , ,i,#% Hin"us
an" Si.$s in a +illage , siC
$un"re" Mslems nr#$ ,
La$re6 He s$are" #$e miser% ,
$is #2Drm $u# 2i#$ $is
(aren#s1 #2 /u,,ales an" a
=26 One "a% #$eir Mslem
neig$/urs surrun"e" #$eir
'uar#er s$u#ing1 'Lea+V
Pa.is#an r 2e 2ill .ill %u6'
T$e% ,le" # #$e $me , #$e
ms# im(r#an# Si.$ in #$e
+illage ET$e Mslems =ame 2i#$
s2r"s1 .ni+es1 lng irn (i.es
2ill .ersene =l#$s #ie" n #$em
# /urn us6 @e #$re2 /ri=.s an"
s#ne a# #$em1 /u# #$e% 2ere a/le
# se# ,ire # ur $use6 T$e%
=aug$ $l" , ne Si.$ an" se#
,ire # $is /ear"6 E+en #$ug$
$is /ean 2as /urning1 $e s#ill
.ille" ne Mslem /% #$r2ing
a /ig /ri=. a $is $ea"6 T$en $e
,ell "2n "ea" mu##ering #$e
name , #$e Si. guru6
'T$e% "ragge" #$e men u#si"e
an" .ille" #$em in #$e s#ree#s1
ran # #$e r,6 T$e 2men 2ere
#$ere 2a#=$ing6 T$e% .ne2 #$V
2ul" /e =a(#ure" an" ra(e"6
Sme , #$em $a" /a/ies in #$eir
arm T$e% ma"e a /ig ,ire n #$e
r,6 T$e% ,e" #$eir /a/ies #$eir
/,ea mil.1 =r%ing , #$e ,a#e
+er#a.ing #$em6 T$en #$e%
#$re2 #$e /a/i in #$e ,ire an"
Bum(e" in a,#er #$em6'
T =ul" n# /ear #$e sig$#1' #$e
Si.$ %u#$ remem/ere"6 He lea
,, #$e r, an" in #$e =n,usin
an" gr2ing "ar.ness es=a(e" a
#ree in 2$se /ran=$es $e $i" ,r
#$e neC# siC $urs6
'A /a" smell 2as =ming ,rm
#$e $use /e=ause , #$e /urni
/"ies1' $e re=alle"6 'M% m#$er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an" ,a#$er "i" n# =me u#1
.ne2 #$e% $a" /een .ille" r $a"
Bum(e" in# #$e ,ire6 I sa2 # girls
/eing =arrie" a2a%6 T$e% "i" n#
=r%6 T$e% 2ere un=ns=i
'@$en #$ere 2as (ea=e la#e a#
nig$#1 I =ame "2n ,rm #$e #r I
2en# in# #$e $use6 T$e% 2ere
all "ea"6 E+er%/"% in #$e +il.
eC=e(# #$e #2 girls an" m%sel,
$a" /een .ille"6' T$e 3AD%earDi
Si.$ s(en# #$e nig$# in #$a#
=$arnel $use1 # s#unne" e+en
# 2e A# "a2n1 $e #rie" #
re=gniQe #$e =$arre" ,rms ,
$is (are amng #$e /la=.ene"
/" es , #$e ,rien"s an"
neig$/urs $ .n2n all $is li,e6
He =V ul"n'#6 He ,un" a /l"D
=a#e" .i l%ing n #$e ,lr an"
=$((e" $is un=u# $air ,rm $is
$ea" s =ul" (se as a Mslem6
T$en $e ,le"6
Hrrr $a" n ra=e1 an" #$e
#erri/le anguis$ , #$se AuB
"a%s in #$e PunBa/ 2as me#e"
u# 2i#$ alms# /i/li=al /alan=e1
an e%e ,r an e%e1 massa=re ,r
massa=re1 ra(e ,r ra(e1 /lin"
=ruel#% ,r /lin" =ruel#%6 T$e
nl% "i,,eren=e /e#2een *ul"i(
Sing$ an" M$amme" Ya'u/
2as #$eir religin6 M$amme"
# 2as a 3AD%earDl" /%6 He
li+e" in In"ia near Amri#sar6 T$e
Mslem %u#$ 2as (la%ing
mar/les in ,rn# , #$e $u# in
2$i=$ $e li+e" 2i#$ $is (aren#s
an" siC /r#$ers an" sis#ers 2$en
#$e Si.$s a##a=.e"6 He manage"
# $i"e in #$e sugar =ane a# #$e
e"ge , $is +illage6
FT$e Si.$s =u# #$e /reas#s ,
sme 2men6 T$e #$ers /egan
# run arun" 2i#$ ,ear1' $e
remem/ere"6 'Sme , ur
+illagers .ille" #$eir 2n 2i+es
an" "aug$#ers # (re+en# #$e
Si.$s ,rm ge##ing #$em6 T$e
Si.$s s(eare" #2 , m% small
/r#$ers #$rug$ #$eir /"ies6
M% ,a#$er =ul" n# /ear #$e
sig$#6 He ran am.6 He 2as
running $ere an" #$ere li.e a
ma"man1 s2inging a s2r"6 T$e
Si.$s =ul" n# =a#=$ $im in #$e
(en ,iel"s6 T$e% se# #$e +illage
"gs # run a,#er $im6 T$e "gs
/egan # /i#e $is legs an" s m%
,a#$er $a" # sl2 "2n $is
running6 T$en #$e Si.$s =aug$#
$im6 Sme $el" $im #ig$#6 T$e%
(ulle" $im "2n1 =u# $im in#
(ie=es 2i#$ #$enDs2r"s1 m%
,a#$er6 His $ea"1 $an"s an" legs
2ere se(ara#e" ,rm $is /"%6
T$en #$e% all2e" #$e "gs #
ea# #$e /"%6'
!i,#% , #$e ,i+e $un"re"
Mslems in M$amme"'s
+illage sur+i+e" #$e massa=re1
sa+e" /% #$e in#er+en#in , a
(a#rl , #$e PunBa/ Bun"ar%
!r=e6 M$amme"1 sle
sur+i+r , $is ,amil%1 2as '#a.en
in# a #ru=. manne" /% )ur.$a
arm% men # #ra+el # an
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
un.n2n lan" 2$i=$ #$e lea"ers
sai" /elnge" # Mslems'6
T$e memr% , #$a# #erri/le
u($ea+al 2ul" lea+e an
in"eli/le s=ar u(n millins ,
(e(le6 Rare 2ere #$e PunBa/i
,amilies 2$i=$ "i" n# lse a
rela#i+e in #$e senseless
slaug$#er6 !r %ears # =me1 #$e
PunBa/ 2ul" /e an assem/lage
, memries1 ea=$ re=lle=#in
mre (ignan#1 mre $arr2ing
#$an #$e neC#T #$e same #erri/le
a==un#s , a (e(le su""enl%
u(r#e" ,rm #$e lan"s #
2$i=$ #$e%'" /een a##a=$e" ,r
%ears an" #$r2n in# (ani=D
s#ri=.en ,lig$#6 A s(e=ial (assin
a##a=$e" San# Sing$1 a Si.$1 #
#$e lan" ,rm 2$i=$ $e 2as
"ri+en6 He $a"1 in a sense1
/ug$# #$a# lan" 2i#$ $is /l"1
#$e /l" $e'" s$e" ,r Bri#ain
n #$e /ea=$ , )alli(li in
@rl" @ar I6 I# $a" #a.en $im
siC#een %ears # =lear an" (lan#
#$e (l# $e'" /een a2ar"e"1 li.e
#$usan"s , #$er Si.$ arm%
+e#erans1 in an area re=laime" /%
a Bri#is$ =anal irriga#i in s=$eme
/e#2een #$e Ra+i an" Su#leB
ri+ers su#$D2es# , La$re6 He
$a" /rug$# $is /ri"e # #$e #en#
in 2$i=$ $e'" li+e" ,r +er a
"e=a"e1 raise" $is =$il"ren n
#$a# lan"1 /uil# #$ere #$e ,i+eD
rm mu" /ri=. $use #$a# 2as
/#$ $is (ri"e an" #$e measure
, $is li,e's a=$ie+emen#s6 T2
"a%s /e,re in"e(en"en=e1 ne
, San# Sing$'s Mslem
,iel"2r.ers /rug$# $im a
(am($le# /eing se=re#l% (asse"
amng #$e Mslems , #$e area6
'T$e Si.$s an" Hin"us " n#
/elng # #$is lan" an% mre6
T$e% s$ul" /e "ri+en u#1' i#
sai"6 T$e a##a=. =ame #$ree "a%s
la#er6 Sanl Sing$ an" #$e 544
,ell2 Si.$s , $is +illage
"e=i"e" # ,lee ,r #$eii li+es6 He
2as assigne"1 2i#$ ,i+e #$er
men un"er an :4D%earDl" eC
arm% sergean#1 # g n a #ru=.
as an es=r# ,r #$e +illage
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# #$e guru "2ara1 #$e #em(le
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Nana.6
Jus# u#si"e a +illage =alle"
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en"eV San# Sing$'s #ru=. ran u#
, (e#rl6 He remem/ersH 'I# 2as
"arl @e $a" /een "ri+ing /esi"e
#$e rail2a% #ra=. ins#ea" , n
#$e rai # a+i" /eing seen /%
Mslems6 @e $a"D/een #l" #$e%
$a" ma"e $uge ra" /l=. in
Bir2alla an" 2ere .illing all #$e
Hin"us ai Si.$s #$e% =ul" ,in"6
@e =ul" $ear #$em s$u#ing
an" s$rie.ii in #$e "ar.ness
/e=ause #$e #2n 2as nl% a ,e2
$un"re" %ar a2a%6
'An el"erl% Mslem sa2 us an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
ran ,, in# #$e nig$#6 @e .ne2
$a" gne # 2arn #$em6 T$en 2e
$ear" #$e +i=es =ming ,r i @e
2ere #erri,ie"6 Our lea"er #.
#$e "e=isin #$a# 2e 2ul" s$e
all ur 2men6 @e "i" n# 2an#
# (ermi# #$em # /e ra(e" a
"e,ile"6 @e arrange" #$em in
#$ree lines si"e /% si"e si##ing n
3 grun"6 @e /an"age" #$eir
e%es6 One 5Dmn#$Dl" /a/% 2as
,ee"i a# #$e /reas# , i#s m#$er6
@e #l" #$em # re=i#e #$e Si.$
(raT F)" is #ru#$F +er an" +er
again6
'M% 2i,e 2as in #$e mi""le6 M%
#2 "aug$#ers 2ere #$ere1
"aug$#erDinDla2 an" m% #2
gran""aug$#ers6 I #rie" n# #
ll $a" a "u/leD/arrelle"
s$#gun6 T$e #$ers $a" a D?4?
ri,le1 #2 +l+ers an" ne S#en
gun6 I 'u#e" #$e s=ri(#ures #
#$em ,rm ,i,#$ /. , #$e
guru's Hl% B. 2$i=$ sa%s1
FE+er%#$ing is 2ill , )"1 an"
i, %ur #ime $as =me %u $a+e
# "ieF6 I #. a 2$i#e
$an".er=$ie, an" #l" #$e #$ers
I 2ul" 2a+e i# #$ree #i =un#ing
# #$ree6 T$en 2e 2ul" s$#6
T 2a+e" i# n=e an" sai" FE. D
ne!F I 2a+e" a se=n" #ime sai"
F" D #2!F All #$e #ime I 2as
(ra%ing F)"1 "n'# a/an meF6 I
raise" i# a #$ir" #ime6 As I "i" I
sa2 $ea"lig$#s in #$e "is#a I #.
#$is as a sign in ans2er # m%
(ra%ers6 I sai" 2e mus# as. # ,r
$el(6
' F@$a# i, #$e (e(le in #$e =ar
are Mslem?F sai" #$e sergean#6 '
F@e mus# as. an%2a%1F I sai"6
'I# 2as a #ru=. , #$e arm%6 T$e%
2ere Mslem sl"iers1 /u ,,i=er
2as a g" man1 a maBr6 He
sai" $e 2ul" sa+e us6 @e .isse"
$is ,ee#6 T$en 2e se# ,T again6'
&al=u##a1 38 Augus# 37A8
T$e% 2ere alms# 3441444
s#rng6 Sin=e ,i+e '=l=. #$e%
$a" /een 2ai#ing ,r $im1
inun"a#ing #$e s'uare ,
Nar.el"nga1 lining #$e r,#(s
arun" i#1 $anging ,rm
2in"2s1 =lus#ere" n /al=nies6
Human $ea"s1 li.e a "ense arra%
, ri(e ,rui#s1 seeme" #
=ns#i#u#e #$e ,liage , i#s ,e2
#rees6 Eig$#een $un"re" miles
,rm #$e (lains , #$e PunBa/1
2$ere Hin"u an" Mslem .ille"
ea=$ #$er 2i#$ su=$ sa"is#i=
,ur%1 #$a# m"is=rimina#el% miCe"
mass , Hin"us an" Mslems
a2ai#e" #$e a((earan=e , #$e
li##le man 2$ $a" =$e=.e" #$e
+ilen=e , #$e ms# +ilen# =i#%
in Asia6
@$en a# las# )an"$i's ,rail
sil$ue##e a((eare" a/+e #$e
=r2" , $ea"s ringing $is li##ie
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=urren# seeme" # gal+aniQe #$e
mul#i#u"e6 &n#em(la#ing #$a#
$ea+ing =r2"1 +i/ran# 2i#$ B%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an" en#$usiasm1 a su""en "u/#
gna2e" #$e Ma$a#ma6 I# seeme"
# g" # /e #rue6
'E+er%/"% is s$2ering
=ngra#ula#ins n me ,r #$e
niira=le &al=u##a is 2i#nessing1'
$e sai"6 'Le# us all #$an. )" ,r
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n# ,rge# #$a# #$ere are isla#e"
s(#s in &al=u##a 2$ere all is n#
2ell6'
A/+e all1 $e as.e" $is
,ll2ers1 Hin"us an" Mslems
ali.e1 # Bin $im in #$e (ra%er
#$a# #$e 'Mira=le , &al=u##a'
2ul" n# '(r+e # /e a
mmen#ar% e/ulli#in'6
@$a# ne unarme" nnD+ilen#
man 2as a==m(lis$ing in #$e
2rl"'s meanes# =i#%1 001444
$ea+il% arme" (r,essinal
sl"iers 2ere una/le #
a==m(lis$ in #$e PunBa/6 T$e
PunBa/ Bun"ar% !r=e1 (u#
#ge#$er 2i#$ su=$ =are /% #$e
-i=er% an" #$e &mman"erDinD
&$ie, , #$e In"ian Arm%1 2as
+er2$elme" /% e+en#s in #$e
(r+in=e i# $a" /een "esigne" #
sa,eguar"6 T$a# i# 2as1 2as
un"ers#an"a/le6 T2el+e , #$e
PunBa/'s "is#ri=#s 2ere a,lameT
sme , #$se "is#ri=#s =+ere"
areas larger #$an all Pales#ine
2$ere 3441444 Bri#is$ sl"iers
2ere una/le # .ee( r"er #$a#
au#umn6 T$e #an.s an" #ru=.s
2ere (rl% a"a(#e" # #$e "ir#
#ra=.s an" (a#$s #$a# =rissD
=rsse" #$e PunBa/6 T$e i"eal
2ul" $a+e /een =a+alr%1 ,
=urse1 /u# #$ere 2ere n =a+alr%
uni#s le,# in #$e arm% 2$i=$ $a"
n=e glrie" in #$e $rse6
T$e !r=e's #as. 2as in,ini#el%
=m(li=a#e" /% #$e
a"minis#ra#i+e =lla(se in #$e
(r+in=e6 &a/les1 mail an"
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2r.ing6 !r la=. , /e##er
a==mm"a#in1 #$e In"ians
2ere ,r=e" # g+ern #$eir $al,
, #$e PunBa/ ,rm a $use 2i#$
ne #ele($ne line an" a ra"i
ins#alle" in a #ile#6
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2rse6 T$e ne2 na#in 2as
+erging n =$as6 Jinna$'s
missing =r'ue# se# $a" /een
l=a#e"1 $u# li##le else6 Hun"re"s
, rail2a% =arriages =ramme"
2i#$ ma#erial "es#ine" ,r #$e
ne2 s#a#e "isa((eare"1 2ere
s#len1 r #urne" u( a# #$e 2rng
"es#ina#in6 In *ara=$i1 #$e
"es.s an" =$airs $a"n'# arri+e"6
)+ernmen# em(l%ees $a" #
s'ua# n #$e si"e2al.s in ,rn#
, #$eir ,,i=es1 (e=.ing u# n
#$eir #%(e2ri#ers #$e ,irs# ,,i=ial
#eC#s , #$e larges# Mslem
na#in in #$e 2rl"6 Insi"e1 #$eir
senirs g+erne" #$eir ne2
na#in si##ing n =ra#es an"
/Ces6
T$e e=nm% 2as in a #urmil6
Pa.is#an $a" 2are$uses
/ulging 2i#$ $i"e1 Bu#e an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=##n an" n #anneries1 ,a=#ries
r mills # (r=ess i#6 S$e
(r"u=e" a 'uar#er , #$e su/D
=n#inen#'s #/a== /u# "i" n#
$a+e a ma#=$ ,a=#r% in 2$i=$ #
(r"u=e ma#=$es # lig$# $er
sm.ers' =igare##es6 T$e /an.ing
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#$e /an.s' Hin"u managers an"
=ler.s $a" ,le" # In"ia6
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g"s , #$e l" In"ian Arm%1
$2e+er1 #$a# Pa.is#an
en=un#ere" In"ian /a" ,ai#$ in a
2a% #$a# seeme" #an#amun# # a
"eli/era#e e,,r# # Be(ar"iQe
$er sur+i+al6 O, #$e 3841444 #ns
, arm% s#res Pa.is#an 2as
all##e" un"er #$e Par#i#in
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ul#ima#el% ge# 94446 T$ree
$un"re" s(e=ial #rains $a" /een
assigne" # =arr% $er arms an"
r"nan=e T$ree arri+e"6 O(ening
#$em1 a #eam , Pa.is#ani
,,i=ers "is=+ere= #$e%
=n#aine" 0444 (airs , s$es1
0444 unser+i=ea/le ri,les1 a =n
signmen# , nurses' sm=.s1 an"
a num/er , 2"en =ra#es
s#u,,eV 2i#$ /ri=.s an"
(r($%la=#i=s6
T$is #ri=.er% le,# /i##er memries
in Pa.is#an an" a "ee(Dsea#ei
=n+i=#in amng man% #$a#
#$eir In"ian neig$/urs 2ere
#r%ing # s#rangle #$em in #$e
=ra"le6 T$e% 2ere n# alne in
#$a# =n+i=#ir !iel"DMars$al Sir
&lau"e Au=$inle=.1 2$'" /een
as.e" # s#a% # su(er+ise #$e
"i+isin , #$e armies' g"s1
in,rme" #$e Bri#is )+ernmen#1
T $a+e n $esi#a#in 2$a#se+er
in a,,irming #$a# #$ (resen#
In"ian &a/ine# is im(la=a/l%
"e#ermine" # " all in i (2er
# (re+en# #$e es#a/lis$men# ,
#$e Dminin , Pa.is#an
I# 2as n# In"ia's ma=$ina#ins1
$2e+er1 #$a# 2ere #$e real #$re
# Pa.is#an6 T$e ne2 na#in1 li.e
i#s In"ian neig$/ur1 2as a/u#
/e engul,e" /% #$e ms# massi+e
migra#in in $uman $is#r%6 T
+ilen=e ra=.ing #$e PunBa/ 2as
(r"u=ing i#s ine+i#a/le resul#1 #
resul# sug$# /% #$e "es(era#e
men /e$in" i# n /#$ si"e#T , #
/r"er6 !rm ne en" , #$e
PunBa/ # #$e #$er1 #a.ing 2$a#
(ssessins #$e% =ul" =arr%1 /%
=ar1 /i=%=le1 #rain1 mule1 /ull
=ar#1 an" n ,#1 a #erri,ie"
(e(le 2ere ,leeing #$eir $mes1
rus$ing in $ea"lng ,lig$#
#2ar"s an% (rmise , sa,e#%6
T$e% 2ul" (r"u=e an
eC=$ange , ((ula#in1 an
u#(uring , $umani#%1 n a
s=ale an" , an in#ensi#% ne+er
/e,re re=r"e"6 B% #$e #ime #$e
m+emen# rea=$e" ,l"#i"e in
la#e Se(#em/er1 ,i+e millin
$uman /eings 2ul" =lg #$e
ra"s an" ,iel"s , #$e PunBa/6
Ten an" a $al, millin (e(le1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
enug$ # ,rm1 i, #$e% Bine"
$an"s1 a =lumn s#re#=$ing ,rm
&al=u##a # Ne2 Yr.1 2ul" /e
u(r#e"1 ms# , #$em in #$e
/rie, s(an , #$ree mn#$s6 T$eir
un(re=e"en#e" eC"us 2ul"
=rea#e #en #imes #$e num/er ,
re,ugees #$e =rea#in , Israel
2ul" (r"u=e in #$e Mi""le
Eas#1 #$ree r ,ur #imes #$e
num/er , "is(la=e" (ersns
2$'" ,le" eas#ern Eur(e a,#er
#$e 2ar6 I# /egan1 ,r #$e
2re#=$es 2$ =m(se" i#1 in a
millin "i,,eren# 2a%s 2i#$ a
millin "i,,eren# (ar#ing
ges#ures6
!r #$e Mslems , #$e In"ian
#2n , *arnal1 nr#$ , Del$i1
#$e 2r" 2as annun=e" /% a
"rummer mar=$ing #$rug$ #$eir
neig$/ur$"s1 #$um(ing $is
"rum1 (r=laiming in Ur"u1 '!r
#$e (r#e=#in , #$e Mslem
((ula#in1 #rains $a+e arri+e" #
=arr% #$em # Pa.is#an6' T2en#%
#$usan" (e(le le,# #$eir $mes
2i#$in an $ur1 mar=$ing ,, #
#$e rail2a% s#a#in # #$e /ea# ,
#$e "rum6 A #2n =rier in,rme"
#$e 5444 Mslems , #$e In"ian
#2n , *asauli #$a# #$e% $a"
#2en#%D,ur $urs # lea+e6
Assem/le" a# "a2n #$e
,ll2ing mrning n a (ara"e
grun"1 all #$eir /elngings
eC=e(# ne /lan.e# a(ie=e an"
#$e =l#$es #$e% 2re 2ere #a.en
,rm #$em6 T$en1 a (a#$e#i=
gaggle , (e(le1 #$e% s#ar#e" #
2al. #2ar"s #$eir Prmise"
Lan"6
Ma"anlal Pa$2a1 #$e man 2$'"
=2ere" in $is aun#'s $use
#$in.ing '@e're li.e s$ee(
2ai#ing ,r a slaug$#er'1 le,# in a
/us /elnging # $is =usin6
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m+e 2en# in# #$e /usH
,urni#ure1 =l#$es1 mne%1 gl"1
(i=#ures , S$i+a6 E+er%#$ing
eC=e(# i#s ms# im(r#an#
mem/er1 Ma"anlal's ,a#$er6 He
re,use" # lea+e /e=ause $is
as#rlger $a" #l" $im 54
Augus# 37A8 2as n# an
aus(i=ius "a% # /egin a
Burne%6 Des(i#e #$e ,a=# a
Mslem ,rien" $a" 2arne" $im
an a##a=. n #$e Hin"us 2as
(lanne" ,r #$a# "a%1 "es(i#e #$e
mur"ers an" /urning #$a# $a"
alrea"% ==urre"1 $e re,use" #
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mmen# $is as#rlger $a"
assure" $im 2as (r(i#iusH 5?
Augus# a# 76?4 in #$e mrning6
N ne 2as immune6 T$e
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Linli#$g2 TB Sana#rium in
*asauli 2ere r"ere" u# , #$e
=lini= /% #$eir Hin"u "=#rs6
Sme , #$em $a" nl% ne
lungT #$ers 2ere re=+ering
,rm (era#ins1 /u# #$e% 2ere
#a.en # #$e sana#rium's ga#e s
an" #l" # s#ar# 2al.ing #
Pa.is#an6 In Pa.is#an #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#2en#%,i+e sa"$us , #$e Ba/a
Lai as$ram 2ere "ri+en u# ,
#$e /uil"inH 2$ere #$e% $a"
"e+#e" #$eir ,i+es # (ra%er1
me"i#a#in1 %ga ai Hin"u s#u"%6
@ra((e" in #$eir range r/es1
#$eir sain#1 S2ai Sun"ar1 n #$e
as$ram's mira=ulus 2$i#e $rse
a# #$eir $ea"1 #$i mar=$e" ,,
=$an#ing man#ras1 2$ile /e$in"
#$em a m/ se# #$e as$ram
a/laQe6
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=n=ern a# #$e ins#an# , #$V
"e(ar#ure 2as # sa+e 2$a# ,e2
(ssessins #$e% =ul"6 B6 _
A"al.$a1 a 2eal#$% Hin"u
mer=$an# in Mn#gmer%1
2ra((i A41444 ru(ees in a
mne%D/el# arun" $is 2ais# ',r
/ri/ing # Mslems alng #$eir
2a% n# # .ill us'6 Man%1
(ar#i=ularl% 2eal# Hin"us1
#en"e" # $a+e #$eir li,eDsa+ings
in Be2els an" gl" /angli One
Hin"u ,armer u#si"e La$re
=are,ull% 2ra((e" all $is 2i,i
gl" an" Be2eller% in (a=.ages
an" #sse" #$em in# $is 2ell6'_
(lanne" # re#urn ne "a% 2i#$ a
"i+er # re=+er #$em6 Ma#i DT a
Hin"u grain mer=$an# in
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a li, e,,r#s1 ?41444 ru(ees an"
,r#% #las , gl"1 in# a li##le
/C6 ' ma.e sure $e 2ul" n#
lse i#1 $e #ie" i# # $is 2ris#6 I#
2as a useli (re=au#in6 In a ,e2
"a%s #ime a Mslem assailan#
2ul" s#eal I /C /% #$e sim(le
eC(e"ien# , =u##ing ,, Das's
arm6
T$e ms# (re=ius (ssessin ,
Renu Braun/$ai1 #$e 2i,e l
(r Hin"u (easan# in #$e
Mian2alli "is#ri=#1 2as
un#rans(r#al I# 2as $er =26
T$e "e+u# Hin"u $a" a s(e=ial
+enera#in ,r i ageing /eas#6
Sure '#$e Mslems 2ul" .ill i#
# ea# i#'1 s$e sei ,ree6 O+er=me
/% #$e /eas#'s murn,ul s#are1 s$e
a==m(lis$e" a 3 a=#in n i#s
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(2"er an" (resse" a H #ila. "#
n i#s ,re$ea" # /ring i# lu=.6
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,lee /% (lane 2i#$ $er m#$er
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li,e#ime1 /u# li.e #uris#s se##ing
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mra #$e% s(en# in #$e ,amil%
.i#=$en 2eig$ing u# #$eir ms#
(re=i (ssessins n #$e /alan=e
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A$a #e *ran1 i#s =+er in
rse2" inlai" 2i#$ m#$er ,
(earl6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$e =n=ern , Bal"e+ RaB1 a
2eal#$% Hin"u ,armer near M
2ali1 2as n# # sa+e $is 2eal#$
/e,re lea+ing1 /u# # "es#r
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an" $is ,i+e /r#$ers #. #$e
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# 'le# m% mne% ,all in# #$e $i
, sme laQ% Mslem'6 T$e%
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T

2ee(ing $%s#eri=all%1 #$e% li# #$e
ms# eC#rar"inar% /n,ire #$eir
e%es 2ul" e+er /e$l"H #$eir
li,e#ime sa+ings li#erall% ging
u( in ,lames6
Sme le,# "e#ermine" # re#urn6
A$me" A//as1 a Mslem
Burnalis# ,rm Pani(a# nr#$ ,
Del$i1 $a" al2a%s ((se"
Pa.is#an1 an" i# 2as n# #
Jinna$'s Prmise" Lan" $e =$se
# ,lee1 /u# # Del$i6 )ing u#
, #$e $use1 A//as's m#$er
$ung a sign n #$e "r6 T$is
$use /elngs # #$e A//as
,anil% 2$i=$ $as "e=i"e" n# #
g # Pa.is#an'1 i# rea"6 T$is
,amil% is nl% #em(raril% ging
# Del$i an" 2ill re#urn6'
!r -i=.ie Nn1 #$e /eau#i,ul
Englis$ 2i,e , ne , Pa.is#an's
ms# im(r#an# men1 Sir !erQ
*$an Nn1 a $arr2ing ,lig$#
/egan 2i#$ #$e arri+al , an
un.n2n messenger n $er
"rs#e( in *ulu1 $er +a=a#in
$me6 I# 2as in a Hin"u area
near Simla 2$i=$ $a" gne #
In"ia6
T$e%'re =ming # %ur $use
#nig$#1' $e sai"6 S$e $a" #2
s$#guns an" a re+l+er 2$i=$
/elnge" # $er $us/an" 2$
2as alrea"% in La$re6 S$e
arme" #2 #rus#e" Mslem
ser+an#s 2i#$ #$e s$#guns6
Al#$ug$ s$e'" ne+er ,ire" a gun
in $er li,e1 s$e .e(# #$e re+l+er
$ersel,6 As "ar.ness ,ell1 s$e
=ul" see /urs#s , ,lames ,lare
u( in #$e +alle% lea"ing #2ar"s
$er $me1 #$e $uses , $er
Mslem neig$/urs /eing se#
a/laQe /% Hin"u m/s6 Sl2l%1
#$a# =$ain , ,ires =re(# #2ar"s
$er6 T$e 55D%earDl" girl .e(#
#$in.ing , a line a (air ,
Ameri=ans s$e'" me# in #$e
+alle% $a" #aug$# $er6 T$e% 2ere
Bu""$is# =n+er#s an" i# 2as a
=rners#ne , #$eir ne2 ,ai#$H
'E+er%#$ing is #ransi#r%6'
Su""enl%1 a# 336441 a sa+age
"2nD(ur eC#inguis$e" #$e ,ires
/el2 $er6 S$e 2as sa+e"6 T$e
neC# mrning s$e ,le" # #$e
sa,e#% , #$e (ala=e , a =lse
,rien"1 #$e Hin"u RaBa , Man"i6
Her relie, 2ul" /e #em(rar%1
$2e+er6 An a"+en#ure 2as nl%
Bus# /eginning ,r #$e /eau#i,ul
Englis$ girl6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
In ,ear an" /i##erness1 $a#re" an"
ran=ur1 #$e% #$us se# u#1 ,irs# in
#$usan"s1 #$en $un"re"s ,
#$usan"s1 ,inall% inun"a#ing in
#$eir 2re#=$e" millins #$e ra"s
an" rail2a%s , #$e PunBa/6 T$e%
2ere ging # (se a #erri/le
(r/lem # #$e #2 ne2 na#ins
s#ruggling # sur+i+e1 a mena=e
, e(i"emi=1 ,amine1
rese##lemen# n a min"Dnum/ing
s=ale6 T$e% /e=ame1 ine+i#a/l%1
#$e =arriers , #$e #erri/le
$%s#eria s2ee(ing #$e PunBa/1
s(rea"ing i#s +irus 2$ere+er #$e%
(asse" 2i#$ #$eir #ales , $rrr1
=rea#ing in #urn ne2 u#/urs#s ,
+ilen=e # #$r2 s#ill mre
$el(less (e(le n # #$e ra"s6
T$eir #erri/le migra#in 2ul"
al#er ,re+er #$e ,a=e an"
=$ara=#er , ne , #$e ri=$es#
s2a#$es , lan" n #$e gl/e6
Barel% a Mslem 2ul" remain
a# man% , #$e si#es 2$ere #$e
Mg$uls $a" (r"u=e" ne ,
Islam's grea# ,l2erings6 Barel%
a #$usan" Si.$s an" Hm"us
2ul" remain /e$in" , #$e
9441444 2$ $a" "2el# in
La$re1 la#e Augus#1 as #$e
+ilen=e rea=$e" a =res=en"1
ann%mus $ar (er,rme"
/e,re ,leeing a ges#ure #$a# 2as
an e(i#a($ # La/r ls# "ream1 a
silen# an" /i##er =mmen#ar% n
2$a# ,ree"m's ,i $urs $a"
mean# # s man% PunBa/is6
Smene lai" a /la=. 2reT ,
murning a# #$e /ase , #$e =i#%'s
,amus s#a#ue , Lueen -i=#i i
&al=u##a1 Augus# 37A8
T$is #ime #$e% 2ere $al, a
millin 2ai#ing ,r $im6 T$e
'Mira=le &al=u##a' s#ill $el"6 !i+e
$un"re" #$usan" "ar. ,a=es1
Hin"us T Mslems in ne
,ra#ernal =$r#1 =+ere" #$e
immense s2ee( &al=u##a's
Mai"an 2$se green eC(anse
$a" n=e /een #$e (rese , #$e
(l (nies an" 2$i#eD,lannelle"
=ri=.e#ers6 )an"$i $irm in #$e
=$ari#a/le /rea"#$ , $is +isin1
=ul" n# $a+e imagine s(e=#a=le
# ma#=$ i#6 On #$is Augus# "a%1
#$e "a% ,iCe" /% Mslem
=alen"ar ,r #$e grea# Islami=
,es#i+al , I"DulD!i#r1 =r2"s $a"
=me # $is e+ening (ra%er
mee#ing in un(re=e"ei num/ers6
Sin=e "a2n1 #ens , #$usan"s ,
Hin"us an" Mslems $a" ,l
(as# #$e 2in"2s , #$e
=rum/ling ruin in 2$i=$ #$e
el"erl% IeH $a" #a.en u(
resi"en=e1 see.ing $is /lessing1
,,ering $im ,l' an" s2ee#s6 As
i# 2as Mn"a%1 $is "a% ,
silen=e1 )an"$i s(en# n , #$e
"a% s=ra2ling ,r $is +isi#rs
li##le n#es , gra#i#u"e an"
a 2is$es6 As $e "i" s1
#$usan"s , Hin"us an"
Mslems (arT #ge#$er #$rug$
#$e s#ree#s6 T$e% =$an#e" slgans
, uni#% ,rien"s$i(1 s2a((e"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=igare##es1 s(ra%e" ea=$ #$er
2i#$ rse2 eC=$ange" =a.es an"
=an"%6
@$en )an"$i ,inall% rea=$e" #$e
(la#,rm raise" ,r $is (i
mee#ing in #$e mi""le , #$e
Mai"an1 a 2il" /urs# , en#$us
s2e(# #$e =r2"6 A# (re=isel%
se+en '=l=.1 +isi/l% m+e" /T
,a/ulus s(e=#a=le , s mu=$
l+e an" /r#$er$" s$imm
/e,re $im1 )an"$i rse an"
Bine" $is $an"s in #$e #ra"i#
In"ian sign , gree#ing # #$e
=r2"6 T$en #$e ageing Hin"u
3V /r.e $is (le"ge , silen=e #
=r% u# in Ur"u1 #$e ((ular lanB
, In"ia's Mslems1 'I" Mu/ara.
D Ha((% I"'6
!r $un"re"s , #$usan"s ,
PunBa/is1 #$e ,irs# ins#in=#i+e rei
#$e =a#a=l%sm s$a.ing #$eir
(r+in=e 2as # rus$ #2ar"s #$e
/ri=. an" #ile /uil"ings #$a#
,,ere" in ea=$ im(r#an# #2n
assuring s%m/l , rganiQa#in
an" r"er D #$e rail2a% s# T$e
names , #$e #rains 2$i=$1 ,r
genera#ins1 $a" rum/leV #$eir
=emen# (la#,rms 2ere elemen#s
, #$e In"ian legem measures as
2ell , ne , Bri#ain's ms#
su/s#an#ial a=$ie+emen#s n #$e
su/D=n#inen#6 T$e !rn#ier
Mail1 #$e &al=u##aDPes$a2ar
EC(ress1 #$e Bm/a%DMa"ras1
$a"1 li.e #$e Orien# EC(ress1 #$e
TransDSi/erian an" #$e #rains ,
#$e Unin Pa=i,i=1 /un" u( a
=n#inen# an" s2n alng #$eir
#ra=.s #$e /ene,i#s , #e=$nlg%
an" (rgress6
N21 in #$e la#e summer ,
37A81 #$se #rains 2ul" /e=me
,r $un"re"s , #$usan"s ,
In"ians #$e /es# $(e , ,leeing
#$e nig$#mares surrun"ing
#$em6 !r #ens , #$usan"s ,
#$ers #$e% 2ul" /e=me
rlling =,,ins6 During #$se
#erri/le "a%s #$e a((earan=e , a
l=m#i+e in s=res , PunBa/i
s#a#ins (r+.e" #$e same
,renQie" s=enes6 Li.e a s$i('s
(r2 =u##ing #$rug$ a $ea+%
sea1 #$se engines rlle" #$rug$
#$e mass , s=ram/ling $umans
=$.ing #$e (la#,rms1 =rus$ing
# a (ul( , /l" an" /ne #$e
$a(less ,e2 ine+i#a/l% s$+e"
in# #$eir (a#$6 Sme#imes #$eir
(assengers 2ul" $a+e /een
2ai#ing ,r "a%s1 ,#en 2i#$u#
," an" 2a#er1 un"er #$e
remrseless sun , a summer #$e
mnsn re,use" # en"6 In a
=n=er# , #ears an" s$rie.s1 #$e
=r2" 2ul" #$r2 i#sel, n #$e
"rs an" 2in"2s , ea=$
2agn6 T$e% Bamme" #$eir
/"ies an" #$e ,e2 /elngings
#$e% =arrie" in# ea=$
=m(ar#men# s #$a# #$e #rain's
,lan.s seeme" # eC(an" un"er
#$e (ressure , #$e $umans
insi"e6 DQens mre ,ug$# ,r a
$an"D$l" a# ea=$ "r1 n #$e
s#e(s1 n #$e =u(lings1 un#il a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"ense =lus#er , $umans
en,l"e" ea=$ =ar li.e a $r"e ,
,lies s2arming +er a sugar
=u/e6 @$en #$ere 2ere n
$an"$l"s le,#1 $un"re"s mre
s=ram/le" n # #$enDrun"e"
r,s1 =linging in (re=arius
un=er#ain#% # #$e $# me#al un#il
ea=$ r, 2as line" /% i#s "ense
2all , re,ugees6
&rus$e" un"er #$a# la" ,
miser%1 #$e "ur , =al sm.e
+er2$elme" /% #$e s#en=$ ,
s2ea#ing /"ies1 #$eir 2$is#les
"r2ne" /% #$e s$u#s , #$e
2re#=$es 2$m #$e% =arrie"1 #$e
#rains rlle" ,,1 /earing #$eir
(i#i,ul /ur"ens # "ea#$ r a
Prmise" Lan"6
!r Ni$al B$rann/i1 a Hin"u
s=$l#ea=$er1 $is 2i,e an" siC
=$il"ren1 #$a# +%age # sa,e#%
ne+er e+en /egan6 A,#er 2ai#ing
,r siC $urs ,r #$eir #rain #
lea+e #$e s#a#in , #$e li##le
Pa.is#ani #2n in 2$i=$ $e'"
#aug$# ,r #2en#% %ears1 Ni$al
an" $is ,amil% ,inall% $ear" #$e
s$rie. , #$e l=m#i+e's
2$is#le6 T$e nl% "e(ar#ure i#
$eral"e"1 $2e+er1 2as #$a# ,
#$e engine6 As i# "isa((eare"1 a
$2ling $r"e , Mslems
s2e(# "2n n #$e s#a#in
/ran"is$ing =lu/s1 $mema"e
s(ears an" $a#=$e#s6 S=reaming '
Alla$DDA./ar D )" is )rea#'1
#$e% =$arge" in# #$e #rain1
las$ing a# e+er% Hin"u in sig$#6
Sme #$re2 #$e $el(less
(assengers u# , #$eir
=m(ar#men# 2in"2s # #$e
(la#,rm 2$ere #$eir =lleagues
2ai#e" li.e /u#=$ers # slaug$#er
#$em6 A ,e2 Hin"us #rie" # run
/u# #$e greenDs$ir#e" Mslems
(ursue" #$em1 .ille" #$em an"
$urle" #$em1 #$e "ea" an" #$e
"%ing1 in# a 2ell $i ,rn# , #$e
s#a#in6 T$e s=$l#ea=$er1 $is
2i,e an" siC =$il"ren =lung #
ea=$ #$er in #errr in #$eir
=m(ar#men#6 T$e Mslems
/a##ere" #$eir 2a% insi"e an"
/egan # s$#6
'T$e /ulle#s $i# m% $us/an" an"
m% nl% sn1' Ni$al's 2i,e 2ul"
al2a%s remem/er6 'M% sn 2as
=r%ing F@a#er1 2a#er!F I $a"
nne # gi+e $im6 I =rie" ,r
$el(6 Nne =ame near me6
Sl2l% m% sn s#((e" =r%ing
an" $is e%es =lse"6 M% $us/an"
2as s(ee=$less6 Bl" 2as
Qing u# , $is $ea"6 Su""enl%
$e .i=.e" $is legs a/u#6 T$en
$e 2as silen#6 I #rie" # 2a.e
#$em u( /% s$a.ing #$eir /"ies6
T$ere 2as n res(nse6
'M% "aug$#ers 2ere =linging #
me an" $l"ing m% sari #ig$#6
T$e Mslems #$re2 us u#si"e6
T$e% =arrie" a2a% m% #$ree
el"es# "aug$#ers6 T$e el"es# 2as
/ea#en n #$e $ea"6 S$e
s#re#=$e" $er $an"s # me an"
=rie"H FMa1 Ma6F I =ul" n#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
m+e6
'Sme #ime la#er #$e Mslems
#. m% $us/an" an" sn ,rm
#$e #rain an" #$re2 #$em in# #$e
2ell6 I# 2as #$e en" , #$em6 I
#urne" $%s#eri=al6 I s$u#e" li.e
a ma" 2man6 I ls# all ,eelings1
e+en ,r #$e #2 li+ing =$il"ren6
I 2as li.e a "ea" (ersn6'
Onl% 344 , #$e 5444 (e(le in
$er #rain 2ul"1 li.e #$e
s=$l#ea=$er's 2i,e1 sur+i+e #
=m(le#e #$eir #erri/le Burne% #
#$e #$er en" , #$e PunBa/6
*as$miri Lai1 #$e Hin"u 2$
$a" 2ai#e" # /egin $is ,lig$# n
a "a#e $is as#rlger $a"
(r=laime" (r(i#ius1
"is=+ere" n ne , #$se illD
,a#e" #rains #$a# as#rlg% is an
ineCa=# s=ien=e6 !ur#een miles
s$r# , #$e sa,e#% , #$e In"ian
,rn#ier1 a /an" , Mslems
=lim/e" n # $is sl2Dm+ing
#rain6 T$e% lea(# n #$e 2men
in #$e neig$/uring
=m(ar#men#1 ri((ing #$e gl"
/angles an" rings ,rm #$eir
an.les1 2ris#s1 arms an" nses6
Hal, a "Qen men #$re2 #$e
%unger 2men u# #$e 2in"21
#$en lea(# a,#er #$em6
T$e res# #urne" # Lai's
=m(ar#men#6 One , #$em all
/u# /e $ea"e" #$e 2man
((si#e Lai 2i#$ a s2r"
s#r.e6 !r a gr#es'ui ins#an#
$er $ea"1 s#ill a##a=$e" # $er
ne=. /% a ,e2 #en"ns1 $unB +er
$er s$ul"ers li.e a /r.en "ll's
$ea"1 2$ile in $er la( #$i /a/%
s$e'" /een nursing grinne" a#
$er6 A (air , "aggers s#a//e>
Lai6 He slum(e" # #$e ,lr #
/e =+ere" alms# imme"ia#el%
/T #$e /"ies , $is ,ell2
(assengers6 Jus# /e,re lsing
=ns=iusness $e ,el# an
eC#rar"inar% sensa#inH a
Mslem l#er s#ealing #$e s$e
,, $is ,ee#6
A ,e2 =ars a2a%1 s(i=eDseller
D$ani Ram #$re2 $is 2i,e an"
,r6 =$il"ren n # #$e ,lr as
#$e ,irs# +lle%s s#ru=. #$e #rain6
A (il , 2un"e" ,ell n #( ,
#$em #6 As #$eir /l" ,l2e"
+er $in

Ram $a" an i"ea # 2$i=$ $e
2ul" 2e1 (er$a(s1 $is an" $is
=$il"ren's li+es6 He "i((e" $is
$an"s in #$e 2un"s , $is "%ing
neig$/urs an" smeare" #$eir
/l" +er $is 2n an" $is
=$il"ren's ,a=e s #$e a##a=.ers
mig$# lea+e #$em ,r "ea"6
As #$e (a=e , #$e ,lig$# in /#$
"ire=#ins gre21 #$se #rainDla"s
, 2re#=$e" re,ugees /e=ame #$e
(rime #arge#s , assaul# n /#$
si"es , #$e /r"er6 T$e% 2ere
am/us$e" 2$ile #$e% s#" in
s#a#ins r in #$e (en =un#r%6
Tra=.s 2ere #rn u( # "erail
#$em in ,rn# , 2ai#ing $r"es
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
, assailan#s6 A==m(li=es
smuggle" in# #$eir
=m(ar#men#s ,r=e" #$em #
s#( a# (reD=$sen si#es /%
(ulling n #$e emergen=% =r"6
Engineers 2ere /ri/e" r =2e"
in# "eli+ering #$eir (assengers
in# an am/us$6 On /#$ si"es ,
#$e /r"er a man's seCual rgan
/e=ame1 in #$e #rues# sense1 $is
s#a,, , li,e6 In In"ia1 Si.$s an"
Hin"us (r2le" #$e =ars ,
am/us$e" #rains1 slaug$#ering
e+er% male #$e% ,un" 2$ 2as
=ir=um=ise"6 In Pa.is#an1
Mslems ra=e" alng #$e #rains
mur"ering e+er% man 2$ 2as
n#6
T$ere 2ere (eri"s , ,ur an"
,i+e "a%s a# a s#re#=$ "uring
2$i=$ n# a single #rain rea=$e"
La$re r Amri#sar 2i#$u# i#s
=m(lemen# , "ea" an"
2un"e"6 U6&6 Du/e%1 #$e
In"ian Arm% maBr 2$'" /een
+er2$elme" 2i#$ B% n
In"e(en"en=e Da% a# #$e sig$# ,
$is =un#r%'s ,lag ,l%ing +er #$e
mess 2$ere $e'" /een $um/le"
/% $is Bri#is$ su(erirs1 $a" a
s#ar. "emns#ra#in , #$e (ri=e
, #$a# ,ree"m in La$re 2$ere
$e 2as an In"ian liaisn ,,i=er6
A #rainDla" , "ea" an"
2un"e" rlle" in# #$e railra"
s#a#in6 As i# s#((e"1 /l"
see(e" u# ,rm un"er #$e "rs
, ea=$ , i#s silen#
=m(ar#men#s1 "ri((ing n #
#$e rails 'li.e 2a#er ,l2ing u#
, a re,rigera#r =ar n a $#
"a%'6
As in s man% #$er areas #$a#
au#umn1 #$e Si.$ Ba##$as
"is#inguis$e" #$emsel+es /% #$e
rganiQa#in an" sa+ager% ,
#$eir a##a=.s1 /esmir=$ing /%
#$eir +i=iusness #$e name , a
grea# (e(le6 On=e1 $a+ing
am/us$e" a #rain in Amri#sar1
#$e% sen# a (ar#% "isguise" as
relie, 2r.ers /a=. #$rug$ #$e
#rain1 .illing an% +i=#ims #$e%'"
misse" in #$eir riginal
slaug$#er6 Margare# Bur.eD
@$i#e1 Li,e MagaQine's grea#
($#gra($er1 remem/ere"
seeing a gru( , #$se Si.$s in
Amri#sar s#a#in1 '+enera/le in
#$eir lng /ear"s an" 2earing
#$e /rig$# /lue #ur/ans , #$e
A.ali se=#1 si##ing =rssDlegge"
alng #$e (la#,rm'6 Ea=$ '$el" a
lng =ur+e" sa/re a=rss $is
.nee D 2ai#ing 'uie#l% ,r #$e
neC# #rain'6
Mili#ar% guar"s 2ere (la=e" n
#$e #rains /u# all # ,#en #$e%
,aile" # ,ire n #$eir a##a=.ers i,
#$e% 2ere ,rm #$e same
=mmuni#%6 T$ere 2ere $eres
#6 PuQQle" /% #$e uneC(e=#e"
sla=.ening , #$e s(ee" , $is
#rain siC#% miles s$r# , #$e
Pa.is#an /r"er1 A$me" Ra$ur1 a
railra" 2r.er1 s=ram/le" # #$e
l=m#i+e6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
T$ere $e s(##e" a (air , Si.$s
$an"ing #$e #rain's Hin"u
engineei a 2a" , ru(ee n#es as
a /ri/e # s#( #$e #rain in
Amri#sar s#a#in T$e #erri,ie"
Ra$ur sli((e" /a=. # 2arn #$e
Bri#is$ lieu#enan =mman"ing
#$eir es=r# , 2$a# $e'" seen6
Lea(ing alng #$e r, , #$e
2agns li.e mailD#rain r//ers in
a 2es#ern1 #$e %ung ,,i=e an"
#2 , $is men ra=e" # #$e
l=m#i+e6 Re+l+er in $an"1 #$
Bri#is$er r"ere" #$e engineer #
s(ee" u(6 His re(l% 2as # slam
43 #$e /ra.es6 T$e Bri#is$er
.n=.e" $im u# 2i#$ $is (is#l
/u#l @$ile $is sl"iers #ie" u(
#$e engineer1 $e #. +er #$e
#rain' =n#rl6 Minu#es la#er1
Ra$ur an" $is ?444 Mslem
(assengers 2er #rea#e" # an
eC#rar"inar% s(e=#a=le6 @$is#le
s$rie.ing1 #$e %un Bri#is$er n
#$e ,#(la#e1 #$eir #rain
r=.e#e"1 #$rug$ Amri#sa
s#a#in a# siC#% miles an $ur
(as# a s#unne" arm% , Si.$s1
s2r" glin#ing1 2ai#ing #
massa=re #$em6 Sa,el% "eli+ere"
# Pa.is#an1 #$ #rain's gra#e,ul
Mslem (assengers $ung a
garlan" arun" #$ Englis$man's
ne=.6 I# 2as n# ma"e , #$e
#ra"i#inal marigl /lms1
$2e+er1 /u# =urren=% n#es6
N #rains 2ere immune6 T$e
#rain /earing $un"re"s , Mslei
ser+an#s , #$e l" +i=eregal
es#a/lis$men# in Simla "2n #
Dell 2as s#((e" a#6 #$e sun"
, an eC(l"ing ,ire =ra=.er in
Sni(T s#a#in6 Hun"re"s ,
Si.$s rus$e" #$e #rain6 On /ar"1
Hin"i #urne" n #$e Mslems a#
2$se si"es #$e%'" ser+e" #$e
Em(ir In #$eir =m(ar#men#1
Sara$ Isma%1 "aug$#er , Lr"
Isma%1 ai $er ,ian=e1 !lig$#D
Lieu#enan# @en#% Beaumn#1
ne , Lr" Mur /a##en's
AD&s1 #. u# a (air , (is#ls6
&n=eale" un"er a (i ,
sui#=ases a# #$eir ,ee# 2as a #$ir"
==u(an# , #$e =m(ar#mei
in+i#e" #$ere /e=ause , #$e
s(e=ial =ir=ums#an=es6 I# 2as
#$; Mslem /earer1 A/"ul
Hami"6
A (air , 2ellD"resse"1 2ellD
s(.en Hin"us (ene" #$e "r
#$e =m(ar#men# an" "eman"e"
# l. ,r #$e Mslem #ra+elli
2i#$ #$em6 A# #$eir 2r"s1 #$e
sui#=ases $i"irg #$e /earer s$
,rm #$e ,rig$#ene" man's
#rem/ling6
'One s#e( ,r2ar" an" %u're
"ea"1' Sara$ #l" #$e Hin"i
(in#ing $er Smi#$ an" @essn
a# #$em6 A/"ul Hami" 2ul" #$e
nl% Mslem $ #$e #rain #
rea=$ Del$i ali+e6
T$se #rains , "ea#$1 as #$e%
/e=ame .n2n1 2ul" ,rm a (H
, #$e grisl% PunBa/ legen" in #$e
%ears # =me1 a =m(en"ium
g$as#l% #ales ea=$ mre =nil$ng
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$an #$e neC#6 Ri=$ar" !is$er1
re(resen#a#i+e , #$e Ameri=an
&a#er(illar Tra=#r &m(ai
2ul" /e $aun#e" ,r #$e res# ,
$is li,e /% #$e ne #$rug$ 2$i
$e li+e"6 Hal,2a% /e#2een
Lue##a an" La$re1 a gru( ,
Msle s#((e" $is #rain6 @$ile
ne /an" , Mslems ra=e"
#$rug$ i #rain1 #$r2ing an%
Si.$ #$e% ,un" u# , #$e
2in"21 an#l

?45

,ree"m a# mi"nig$#

'ur (e(le $a+e gne ma"'

?4?

2ai#e" n #$e (la#,rm # /ea#
ea=$ +i=#im # "ea#$ 2i#$ s#range
=lu/s #$ree ,ee# lng1 =ur+ing a#
ne en" in# a $al, mn6 T$e
$rri,ie" mi"2es#erner 2a#=$e"
as #$ir#een Si.$s 2ere #$r2n
u# # "ie in a si=.ening
=a=($n% , s=reams an"
s$a##ering /nes6 Be#2een
+i=#ims1 #$e Mslems 2a+e"
#$eir /l"% =lu/s1 s$u#ing ,r
mre6 As #$e #rain (ulle" u#1
lea+ing #$e #$ir#een /a##ere" Si.$
=r(ses /e$in"1 !is$er ,inall%
learne" 2$a# #$e ins#rumen#s ,
#$eir "es#ru=#in $a" /een6 T$e%
2ere $=.e% s#i=.s6
His sur(rises 2ere n# 'ui#e
+er6 An#$er s#ar#ling image
a2ai#e" #$e Ameri=an in La$re
s#a#in6 A/+e #$e =r(ses alng
#$e s#a#in's (la#,rm1 a /iQarre
/ea=n ami"s# i#s =$as1 2as a
sign similar # #$se (s#e" in all
#$e rail2a% s#a#ins , #$e
PunBa/6 I# 2as a remin"er ,
#$se $a((ier "a%s 2$en #$e
(r+in=e , #$e !i+e Ri+ers $a"
/een 'a m"el , r"er an"
(rs(eri#%'6
'A =m(lain# /. is $el" a# #$e
"is(si#in , #ra+ellers in #$e
s#a#in mas#er's ,,i=e1' i# rea"6
'An% #ra+eller 2is$ing # l"ge a
=m(lain# a/u# #$e ser+i=es
en=un#ere" "uring $is Burne%
is in+i#e" # ma.e use , i#6'
&al=u##a1 Augus# 37A8
T$is #ime1 #$e% 2ere alms# a
millin 2ai#ing ,r $im6 Da%
a,#er "a%1 "uring #$a# #erri/le
,r#nig$# 2$en #$e PunBa/ $a"
gne /erser.1 #$e siQe , #$e
=r2"s a##en"ing )an"$i's
regular e+ening (ra%er mee#ing
gre21 #rans,rming in #$eir
s#ea"%1 s(e=#a=ular gr2#$ #$e
sa+age me#r(lis in# an asis
, (ea=e an" ,ra#erni#%6 T$e ms#
misera/le =i#%D"2ellers in #$e
2rl" $a" $ear" #$e message ,
#$e ,rail messenger , l+e an"
mas#ere" #$eir an=es#ral urge ,r
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
+ilen=e an" $a#e6 T$e mira=le
, &al=u##a $a" $el"T #$e =i#%1 as
#$e NE@ YOR* TIMES n#e"1
>2as #$e 2n"er , In"ia'6
)an"$i1 2i#$ =$ara=#eris#i=
$uniili#%1 re,use" # #a.e =re"i#
,r i#6 '@e are #%s in #$e $an"s
, )"1' $e 2r#e in $is (a(er1
#$e HariBan6 'He ma.es us "an=e
# His #une6' A le##er ,rm Ne2
Del$i1 $2e+er1 ren"ere" # #$a#
$um/le &aesar #$e $nur $e
2as "ue6 'In #$e PunBa/ 2e $a+e
001444 sl"iers an" largeDs=ale
ri#ing n ur $an"s1' Luis
Mun#/a##en 2r#e # $is
'"eBe=#e" s(arr2'6
'In Bengal1 ur ,r=e =nsis#s ,
ne man an" #$ere is n ri#ing6'
As a mili#ar% lea"er an" an
a"minis#ra#r #$e las# -i=er%
$um/l% as.e" '# /e all2e" #
(a% #ri/u#e # m% One Man
Bun"ar% !r=e'6
T$e PunBa/1 Augus# 37A8
T$e #2 men r"e si"e /% si"e
in an (en =ar6 T$ree "e=a"es
s#ruggle agains# Bri#is$ rule
s$ul" $a+e earne" #$e Prime
Minis#ei , #$e ne2 na#ins ,
Pa.is#an an" In"ia #$e rig$# #
ri"e in #rium( #$rug$ Bu/ilan#
=r2"s , #$eir a"miring
=un#r%men6 Ja2a$arl Ne$ru an"
Lia'a# Ali *$an r"e ins#ea" in
"e(resse" silem #$rug$ s=enes
, $rrr an" miser%1 #$e ,a=es
#$eir =un#r%mi #urne" #2ar"s
#$em alig$# 2i#$ e+er% em#in
/u# gra#i#u"e a# #' /lessings
,ree"m $a" /rug$# #$em6 !r
#$e se=n" #ime1 #$e ,# men
#ure" #$e PunBa/1 s#ruggling #
,in" sme ,rmula # res#= r"er
# i#s =$a#i= lan"s=a(e6
E+er%#$ing $a" es=a(e" #$eir
=n#rl6 T$eir (li=e $a" =lla(si
T$eir armies remaine" l%al D
/u# nl% Bus#6 In"i,,eren=e #1 sr
#imes e+en a=#i+e =m(li=i#% in
2$a# 2as ging n1 (aral%se" #/
=i+il a"minis#ra#in6 N2 as
#$eir =ar s(e" (as# "e+as#a#e" +ill
a,#er "e+as#a#e" +illage1
un$ar+es#e" ,iel"s1 2re#=$e"
=lumns re,ugees1 Hin"us an"
Si.$s #ru"ging "um/l% eas#1
Mslems "un 2es#1 #$e #2
lea"ers1 an ai"e n#i=e"1 seeme"
# s$rin. in# /a=. sea# , #$e
=ar1 =lla(sing1 alms#1 un"er #$e
/ur"en , # miser%6 F
A# las# Ne$ru /r.e #$e
((ressi+e silen=e6 '@$a# $ell
#$is #i#in $as /rug$# us1' $e
sai" # Lia'a# in a $al, 2$is(er6
'@e n ,resa2 an%#$ing li.e #$is
2$en 2e agree" # i#6 @e'+e
/een /r#! H2 =ul" #$is $a+e
$a((ene"?'
'Our (e(le $a+e gne ma"1'
Lia'a# re(lie"6
Su""enl% a ,igure /r.e ,rm a
line , re,ugees an" /l#e #$eir
=ar6 I# 2as a man1 a Hin"u1 $is
,a=e alms# "is,igure" anguis$1
$is /"% =n+ulse" 2i#$ s/s6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
He $a" re=gniQe" N Ne$ru 2as
a /ig man1 a sa$i/ ,rm Del$i1
,rm #$e g+ern 2$ =ul" "
sme#$ing6 Tears (uring "2n
$is ,a=e # m/ #$e mu=us
,l2ing ,rm $is nse1 $is
=n#r#e" ,ingers "a2n air in a
/esee=$ing /alle#1 #$e un.n2n
Hin"u /egge" Nel $el( $im6
T$ree miles u( #$e ra" a /an"
, Mslems $a" # a# $is re,ugee
=lumn ,rm #$e sugar =ane an"
sna#=$e" a2 nl% =$il"1 a 34D
%earDl" "aug$#er6 He l+e" $is
li##le girl1 $ # Ne$ru1 $e l+e"
$er +er% mu=$6 ')e# $er /a=. ,r
me1 ge# $er /a=.6'
Ne$ru #um/le" /a=. n #$e =ar
sea#1 alms#1 as $e 2ul" ai"e1
($%si=all% ill a# #$is s#ar.1 "ire=#
=n,rn#a#in 2i#$ #$e i
+er2$elming s man% , $is
=un#r%men6 He 2as Prime 3 ,
?44 millin (e(le %e# $e 2as
$el(less # ai" #$is ne ,rH
2ee(ing man1 /egging $im #
(er,rm a mira=le an" ge# $is
li##le "aug$#er /a=.6 O+er=me
2i#$ anguis$1 Ne$ru slum(e"
,r2ar" =lu#=$ing $is $ea" in $is
$an"s 2$ile $is es=r# gen#l%
rem+e" #$e grie,Ds#ri=.en ,a#$er
,rm #$e running /ar" , $is
=ar6
T$a# nig$#1 s#ill s$a.en /% $is
eC(erien=e1 Ne$ru =ul" n#
slee(6 !r $urs $e (a=e" #$e
=rri"r , #$e $use in La$re
in 2$i=$ $e 2as s#a%ing1
2rr%ing an" #$in.ing6 T$e
=mmunal =ruel#% , 2$i=$ $is
(e(le $a" su""enl% s$2n
#$emsel+es =a(a/le 2as a
s$=.ing re+ela#in # Ne$ru6
Pa#el1 $is ,rien"l% ,e1 =ul"1 as
$e $a" in an earlier mee#ing1
"ismiss i# 2i#$ a s$rug , $is
s$ul"ers an" #$e 2r"sH 'A$1
#$is $a" # $a((en6' Ne$ru =ul"
n#6 E+er% ,i/re , $is /eing 2as
re(elle" /% #$e $a#re" s2ee(ing
#$e PunBa/6 He 2as n# a,rai" #
((se i#1 e+en a# #$e ris. ,
lsing #$e su((r# , $is Hin"u
=un#r%men6
T$e #ru/le 2as $e "i"n'# .n2
$26 T$e =a#a=l%sm s$a.ing #$e
PunBa/ $a" #$rus# u(n $im a
/ur"en ,r 2$i=$ n#$ing in $is
li,e $a" (re(are" $im6 He
rea=#e" /% las$ing u# 2i#$ $is
'ui=.1 im(e#uus #em(er in
s(e=i,i= si#ua#ins6 T$a#
a,#ernn1 near Amri#sar1
in,rme" #$e Si.$s , a +illage
2ere (lanning a massa=re ,
#$eir Mslem neig$/urs! $e'"
r"ere" #$e Si.$ lea"ers # /e
/rug$# # $im un"er an
enrmus /an%an #ree6
T $ear %u are (lanning #
massa=re %ur Mslem
neig$/urs #nig$#1' $e #l"
#$em6 'I, a $air n #$eir $ea"s is
#u=$e"1 I 2ill $a+e %u
reassem/le" $ere a# "a2n
#mrr2 an" (ersnall% gi+e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
m% /"%guar"s #$e r"ers #
s$# #$e l# , %u6'
Ne$ru's "ilemma 2as $2 #
#ransla#e an e,,e=#i+e1 isla#e"
a=#in li.e #$a# # #$e s=ale , #$e
se=n" larges# na#in in #$e
2rl"1 a na#in /ese# /%
(r/lems n ne2 na#in $a"
e+er ,a=e"6 @rrie" an"
eC$aus#e"1 $e 2.e $is AD& a#
56?4 an" as.e" $im # raise
Del$i n #$e 2ireless ,r #$e
la#es# re(r#6 In #$a# li#an% , /a"
ne2s #$ere 2as ne i#em 2$i=$
mig$# =nsle $im6 T$e ageing
lea"er $e'" ,rsa.en n #$e issue
, (ar#i#in 2as s#ill (er,rming
$is mira=le6 &al=u##a 2as 'uie#6
T$e signal 2as ne s$ar( /las#
, a 2$is#le6 A# i#s n#e1 siC
Hin"us gli"e" u( /e$in" #$e #2
mi""leDage" men 2al.ing
(ea=e,ull% "2n #$e mi""le ,
#$e a+enue6 T$e (air s#ar#e" #
run1 /u# #$ere 2as n es=a(e6
S$rie.ing 'Mslem1 Mslem'1 #$e
#eenage Hin"us (ummelle" #$em
# #$e grun"6 T$e #2 #errriQe"
men s2re #$e% 2ere Hin"us1
=alling u# Hin"u names1
=laiming a""resses in Hin"u
neig$/ur$"s6 T$eir
assailan#s' 38D%earDl" lea"er1 a
s#u"en# name" Sunil R%1
2an#e" /e##er (r, #$an #$a#6 He
ri((e" (en #$e ,l"s , #$eir
"$#is6 B#$ /re #$e s#igma#a ,
#$e ,ai#$ , M$amme" #$e%
2ere =ir=um=ise"6
One , #$eir #eenage =a(#rs
#$re2 a #2el +er #$eir $ea"s
an#$er .n##e" #$eir arms 2i#$ a
r(e6 !ll2e" /% a gr2ing
=r2 2a+ing =lu/s1 .ni+es an"
irn /ars1 #$e #2 2re#=$e" men
2ei $er"e" "2n #$e s#ree#1 #$e
%u#$s %ung enug$ # $a+e
/een #$e sns1 s$u#ing ,r #$eir
/l"6 T$eir @a% , #$e &rss
=+ere" 5& %ar"s "2n # #$e
maBes#i= /en" , a ri+er6
'In nrmal #unes1' #$eir 38D%earD
l" =a(#r la#er "e=lare"1 '+
2ul" n# $a+e (llu#e" #$e
sa=re" 2a#er 2i#$ Mslem /li
T$ere 2ere man% religius
Hin"us "ing (uBa n #$e /an.s
, #l ri+er6 Sme 2men 2ere
#a.ing /a#$s6'
T$e% (us$e" #$eir +i=#ims in#
#$e 2a#er u( # #$eir 2ais#s6 J
irn =r2/ar ,las$e" in# #$e s.%
an" lan"e" 2i#$ a #$um( n #l
$ea" , #$e ,irs# 2$im(ering
Mslem6 His s.ull ,ra=#ure"1 #$e
( man =rum(le" in# #$e ri+er1
a =armine $al ,rming a =ir=le
n i sur,a=e 2$ere $is $ea" $a"
sli((e" /enea#$ #$e 2a#ers6
T$e #$er man ,ug$# ,r $is
li,e6 FT$e same /% $i# $im n #
$ea"1' #$e =$ie, assassin re=alle"6
'&$il"ren #$re2 /ri=.s in $is ,aV
An#$er s#a//e" $im in #$e ne=.
# /e +er% sure $e 2as "ea"6'
Arun" #$e si#e #$e Hin"u
2rs$i((ers =n#inue" #$eir
(ra%eH #$eir "e+#ins
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
un"is#ur/e" /% #$e mur"er /eing
=mmi##e" a ,V %ar"s a2a%6 R%
.i=.e" #$e #2 /"ies u#
#2ar"s mi"s#ree 2$ere #$e
ri+er's =urren# =ul" =arr% #$em
a2a%6 As #$e% "isa((ear an" #$e
2a.e le,# /% #$eir /l" /len"e"
2i#$ #$e Ri+er Hg$lT mu""%
2a#er1 a =r%1 re(ea#e" #$ree
#imes1 rse ,rm #$eir .ille '*ali
Ma%i *i Jai! D Lng li+e #$e
)""ess *ali!'
I# 2as earl% mrning1 ?3 Augus#
37A86 A,#er siC#een mira=ul=
"a%s1 #$e +irus $a" ,inall%
a,,e=#e" #$e &i#% , Drea",ul Nig
T$e Pea=e , &al=u##a $a" /een
s$a##ere"6 As else2$ere1 #$e in,
#in $a" /een s(rea" /% #rainD
la"s , re,ugees arri+ing 2i#$
#$ #ales , $rrr ,rm #$e
PunBa/6 I#s igni#in 2as (r+i"e"
/% I rumur1 ne+er su/s#an#ia#e"1
#$a# a Hin"u /% $a" /een
/ea#en "ea#$ /% Mslems n a
#rlle% =ar6
A# #en '=l=. #$a# nig$# a (ara"e
, %ung Hin"u ,ana#i=s /u in#
#$e =ur#%ar" , H%"ari Huse1
"eman"ing # see #$e Ma$a#r
S#re#=$e" n $is s#ra2 (al#e
/e#2een $is ,ai#$,ul Manu an"
an# grea#Dnie=e1 A/$a1 )an"$i
2as aslee(6 T$rus#ing ,r2ar" a
"aH an" /an"age" %u#$ #$e%
=laime" $a" /een /ea#en /%
Mslems1 m/ /egan # s$rie.
slgans an" $url r=.s a# #$e
$use6 Manu V A/$a 2.e u(
an" rus$e" # #$e +eran"a1 #r%ing
# =alm #$e =r3 I# 2as n use6
Pus$ing asi"e )an"$i's
su((r#ers1 #$e =r2" s(il in#
#$e in#erir , #$e $use6 )an"$i1
aruse" /% #$e ,ra=as1 u( # ,a=e
#$em6 '@$a# ma"ness is #$is?' $e
as.e"6 T ,,er m%sel, ,r a##a=.6'
T$is #ime $is 2r"s 2ere ls# in
#$e =r2"'s "in6 T2 Mslems1
ne /ea#en an" /l"%1 es=a(e"
i#s ran.s an" rus$e" # =ru=$
/e$in" #$e (r#e=#ing u#line ,
)an"$i's ,rame6 !rm #$e =r2"
a /la=.Ba=. Qi((e" #2ar"s
#$em1 missing #$e Ma$a#ma's
$ea" /% in=$es1 # =ras$ in# #$e
2all /e$in" $im6
A# #$a# mmen# #$e (li=e1
summne" /% ne , )an"$i's
2rrie" ,ll2ers1 rea=$e" #$e
$use6 A s$a.en )an"$i la% /a=.
"2n n $is s#ra2 (alle#1 una/le
# slee(6 'T$e Mira=le ,
&al=u##a1' $e n#e"1 '$as (r+e"
# /e a nine "a%s' 2n"er6'
@$a# ,e2 illusins #$e Ma$a#ma
ma% $a+e $a" le,# a/u#
&al=u##a's (ea=e 2ere s$a##ere"
#$e neC# "a%6 S$r#l% a,#er nn a
=n=er#e" /urs# , a##a=.s 2ere
laun=$e" n #$se Mslem
slums 2$se in$a/i#an#s1
ins(ire" /% )an"$i's mira=le1
$a" re#urne" # #$eir $mes6 In
ms# =ases #$e a,#a=.ers 2ere le"
/% ,ana#i=s , #$e RSSS1 #$e
Hin"u eC#remis# rganiQa#in
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$se ,ll2ers $a" salu#e"
#$eir range s2as#i.aD
em/laQne" ,lag in Pna n
In"e(en"en=e Da%6 On
Beliag$a#a Ra"1 a ,e2 $un"re"
%ar"s ,rm )an"$i's resi"en=e1 a
(air , $an"Dgrena"es 2ere
#sse" in# a #ru=. =arr%ing
,rig$#ene" Mslems a2a% ,rm
#$e neig$/ur$"6
)an"$i imme"ia#el% rus$e" #
#$e si#e6 T$e s(e=#a=le si=.ene"
$im6 T$e #2 "ea" 2ere (r
"a%Dla/urers "resse" in rags6
E%es glss%1 #$e% la% in a s#i=.%
mas$ , /l"1 $r"es , ,lies
=ree(ing +er #$e H(s , #$eir
(en 2un"s6 A ,ur anna (ie=e
$a" #um/le" ,rm #$e rags ,
ne , #$em an" s(ar.le" n #$e
(a+emen# /esi"e $is /"%6
)an"$i s#" $%(n#iQe" /% #$e
=l"D/l"e" /u#=$er%6 S
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DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s(e= T$e em#inal s#rain $e'"
/een un"er sin=e Ne2 Year's
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Ma$a#ma su,,ere"6
As li,e seeme" # e// ,rm
M$an"as )an"$i's s(en# ,rame
2a+e , ,ra#erni#% an" l+e
s2e(# a =i#% "e#ermine" # sa+e
sa+iur6 MiCe" (r=essins ,
Hin"us an" Mslems in+a"e" 3
slums 2$ere #$e 2rs# ri#ing
$a" #a.en (la=e # res#re r"er a

?34

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

>OUR PEOPLE HA-E )ONE
MAD'

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en" $is ,as#6
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res(nsi/le ,r #$e sa+age
mur"ers n Beliag$a#a Ra" #$a#
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a((eare"6 A,#er =n,essing #$eir
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2ill en" %ur ,as#6' A# $is 2r"s1
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#$e Mslems %u'+e +i=#imiQe"
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
&nnaug$# &ir=us1 #$e
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"is=+er a Hin"u m/ l#ing
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an#$er s(e=ies , animal1 #$e
Sa=re" &26
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Simla1 A Se(#em/er 37A?
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,l2n in# Palam air(r# in
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an" #$e sn2D#i((e" =nes , #$e
Himala%as glis#ene" #$rug$ #$e
=lear la#e summer air6 T$e =i#%'s
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S#e(s Ou#1 ne , Simla's
ama#eur #$ea#ri=als #$a# $a" s
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
sai"6 'Yu'+e g# # #a.e i#6 @e'
(le"ge ursel+es # " 2$a#e+er
%u sa%6'
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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se=re#ar%6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Mun#/a##en (ene" #$e
Emergen=% &mmi##ee's ,irs#
sessin eC(sing #$e In"ian
lea"ers # #$e #erri,%ing reali#%
n #$e ma(s i =$ar#s ringing $is
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DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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108
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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a /"%1 sme /u#=$ere"1 sme
"ea" , =$lera6 T$e +ul#ures
$a" /e=me s /la#e" /% #$eir
,eas#s #$e% =ul" n lnger ,l%1
an" #$e 2il" "g s "eman"ing
in #$eir #as#e #$e% a#e nl% #$e
li+ers , #$e =r(se li##ering #$e
ra"6'
Pr#e=#ing #$se =$a#i=
=lumns1 s(rea" u# +er miles
, ra an" ,iel"1 2as a
s#aggering (r/lem6 T$e% 2ere
li.el% # /e a##a=.e alms#
an%2$ere alng #$eir mar=$6 As
al2a%s1 i# 2as #$e Si.# 2$se
a##a=.s 2ere #$e ms# ,rmi"a/le
an" #$e ms# sa+age6 T$e 2ul"
rise in s$rie.ing $r"es ,rm #$e
sugar =ane an" 2$ea# ,ie. #
s#ri.e $el(less s#ragglers r #$se
(ar#s , a =ara+an #$a# 2ei ms#
+ulnera/le6 L#6 )6 D6 Lai 2ul"
ne+er ,rge# an l" Msle in a
=lumn $e 2as es=r#ing #ugging
#2ar"s Pa.is#an #$e n
(ssessin $e'" sa+e" ,rm $is
$mes#ea"1 a ga#1 A "Qen mil
,rm #$e ,rn#ier , $is ne2
$me1 #$e l" man's ga# /egan
a "a #2ar"s a s#an" , sugar
=ane6 T$e l" man ,ll2e" in
,rani (ursui#6 Su""enl%1 li.e a
+enge,ul 2rai#$1 a Si.$ rse
,rm #$e sug =ane1 /e$ea"e" #$e
l" man an" ran ,, 2i#$ $is
ga#6
O,#en i# ,ell # a $an",ul ,
$eri= Si.$ arm% ,,i=ers # "e,%
# sen#imen#s , #$eir 2n (e(le
/% "e,en"ing $el(less Mslen
Ou#si"e
!erQ(re6L#6&L)ur/a.s$
Sing$ =ame n #$e ms# g$a
sig$# $e'" e+er seenH #$e =r(ses
, a Mslem =lumn 2a%lai"
Si.$s1 /eing "e+ure" /%
+ul#ures6 He mar=$e" $is #2 Si
(la#ns # #$e si#e6 He ma"e
#$em s#an" a# a##en#in in #$e $
an" s#en=$ 2$ile $e #l" #$emH
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
FT$e Si.$s 2$ "i" #$is "isgrai
#$eir (e(le6 !r %u # le# i#
$a((en # #$se un"er %ur
(r#e=# 2ul" /e an e+en 2rse
"isgra=e # ur (e(le6'
Mar=$ing =lumns , re,ugees
,#en (asse" ea=$ #$er n
$ig$2a%s , #$eir eC"us6
O==asinall% #$eir em/i##ere"
==u(s lea(# n ea=$ #$er in a
las# s(asm , $a#e1 a""ing a ,e2
+i=#imH #$e #ll ea=$ $a"
su,,ere"6 Mre rarel%1 a s#range
($enmenn 2= ==ur6 Hin"u r
Mslem (easan#s 2ul" =all #
ea=$ #$er #$e 3V #ins , #$e
$mes#ea" #$e%'" ,le"1 urging
#$se (assing in #$e 43 "ire=#in
# la% =laim # #$eir lan"s6
As$2ini *umar1 a %ung (li=e
,,i=er1 2ul" al2a%s remen #$e
sig$# , #2 re,ugee =lumns
s#reaming "2n #$e )rea# Tr
Hig$2a% /e#2een Amri#sar an"
Jullun"ur6 T$ere1 2$ere #$e M
"nians , AleCan"er #$e )rea#
an" #$e $r"es , #$e Mg$uls
#r"1 a line , Mslems ,l2e"
#2ar"s Pa.is#an1 a line , Hii
in# In"ia6 T$e% (asse" in eerie
silen=e6 T$e% "i" n# l. a#
#$er6 T$e% eC=$ange" n $s#ile
ges#ures1 n mena=ing glaH
O==asinall% a =2 es=a(e"
,rm ne =lumn # #$e #$er
ming gall(6 O#$er2ise #$e
=rea. , 2"en 2$eels1 #$e +
s$u,,ling , #$usan"s , ,ee#1
2ere #$e nl% sun"s rising ,r=
=lumns6 I# 2as as #$ug$1 in #$e
"e(#$s , #$eir 2n miser%

THE )REATEST MI)RATION
IN HISTORY

?50

!REEDOM AT mi"nig$3
re,ugees in ea=$ =lumn $a"
ins#in=#i+el% un"ers#" #$e
miser% , #$se (assing #$e #$er
2a%6 666 6
D inSiD
@$e#$er m+ing eas# r 2es#1
#$se =lumns all e+en#uall%
s(ille" in# $uman (ls /% #$e
ri+er/an.s , #$e #$ree , #$e
PunBa/'s grea# ri+ers /arring
#$eir ru#e1 #$e Ra+i1 #$e Su#leB1
an" #$e Beas6 T$ere1 arun" ea=$
, #$e ,erries1 =anal $ea"2r.s
an" /ri"ges ,,ering a ru#e
a=rss #$e 2a#ers1 #$e% 2ai#e"
,r $urs1 sme#imes "a%s1 #
in,il#ra#e #$e ,l2 , #ra,,i=
(uring +er #$se $(elessl%
en=um/ere" (assages6 Es=a(e
+al+es alng #$e ru#e , &%ril
Ra"=li,,e's 2an"ering (en=il1
#$se /ri"ges an" ,erries 2ul"
/e ,r #en millin In"ians an"
Pa.is#anis in #$a# a2,ul au#umn
an en" an" a /eginning1 a (in#
, #ransi#in ,rm #$e li+es an"
lan"s #$e%'" le,# /e$in" # #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
un=er#ain "es#inies #2ar"s
2$i=$ #$e% 2ere ,leeing6
Ls# in #$e ,a=eless $r"es
(uring a=rss #$e Su#leB a#
Suleman.i Hea" ne Se(#em/er
a,#ernn 2as a s#=.% 54D%earD
l" %u#$6 He $a" 2i"e1 "ar.
e%es1 #$i=. li(s glaQe" /% a
s(arse mus#a=$e1 an" a "ense
s$=. , Be#D/la=. $air6 I# 2as
Ma"anlal Pa$2a1 #$e %ung man
2$'" ,le" in $is =usin's /us
2$ile $is ,a#$er $a" s#a%e"
/e$in" 2ai#ing ,r #$e
aus(i=ius "a#e (i=.e" /% $is
as#rlger6
T$e Pa.is#ani sl"iers a# #$e
2es#ern en" , #$e /ri"ge $a"
=n,is=a#e" $is /us an"
e+er%#$ing i# =n#aine"H
,urni#ure1 =l#$es1 gl"1 =urren=%1
(i=#ures , S$i+a6 As millins ,
#$ers 2ul" #$a# au#umn1
Ma"anlal 2as en#ering $is ne2
=un#r% 2i#$u# a =in in $is
(=.e#1 2i#$ #$e =l#$es $e 2re
as $is nl% /aggage6 S#e((ing
,rm #$e /ri"ge in# In"ia1
Ma"anlal ,el# 'na.e"1 as i, I'"
/een ##all% l#e"1 #$r2n n
#$e ra"'6 Em/i##ere"1 $e +2e"
#$a# #$e Mslems , In"ia s$ul"
,lee as $e $a"1 2i#$u# a sui#=ase
r a sile" ru(ee n#e # =m,r#
#$em6
His angr% ,a=e 2as Bus# an#$er
in an in"is#inguis$a/le ,l2 ,
misera/le ,a=es1 ea=$ e#=$e" # a
=mmn "esign /% =mmn
su,,ering6 Ye# Ma"anlal 2as a
man (i=.e" /% #$e s#ars In"ia
2rs$i((e" # /e se# a(ar# ,rm
#$se ann%mus ,igures
s$u,,ling +er #$e /ri"ge 2i#$
$im6 One "a%1 s$r#l% a,#er $is
/ir#$1 #$e as#rlgers $a"
(re"i=#e" $is 2as 'a name #$a#
2ul" /e .n2n #$rug$u# all
In"ia'6 His ,a#$er remem/ersH
T "i" n# n#i=e #$e (s#man
s#an"ing /esi"e me #$a#
De=em/er "a% in 375: un#il $e
s$. me # gi+e me #$e
#elegram6 I# 2as ,rm m% 2n
,a#$er6 A sn $a" /een /rn #
me #$e (re+ius nig$#6 I $a"
/e=me = ,a#$er a# #$e %ung age
, 376 I ga+e sme #i(s # #$e
(s#man /e=ause $e $a" /rug$#
me g" ne2s1 an" /ug$# sme
la"s1 s2ee#s1 ,r m% ,,i=e
=lleagues6 T$en I $urrie"
$me6
'@$en I rea=$e" $me I #u=$e"
#$e ,ee# , m% ,a#$er as a sigi ,
res(e=#6 He (u# sugar in m%
mu#$ /e=ause i# 2as a $a((
reunin6 I #. #$e =$il" n m%
la(6 I #$ug$#H FI 2ill gi+e $im #$
/es# e"u=a#in6 Le# $im /e an
engineer r a "=#r s #$a# $e
s$ul /ring a g" name ,r #$e
,amil%6F
'I =alle" #$e learne" (an"i#s an"
as#rlgers # =$se a name ,V
$im6 T$e% sai" i# mus# /egin
2i#$ FMF6 I =$se FMa"anlalF6
TI as#rlgers s#u"ie" #$eir
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=$ar#s6 T$e% (r($esie"
Ma"anlal 2u gr2 u( 2ell6
One "a%1 #$e% annun=e"1 m%
sn's 2as a name #$ 2ul" /e
.n2n #$rug$u# all In"ia6
'E+il e%es ,ell n me1 $2e+er6
!r#% "a%s a,#er Ma"anlal +i
/rn1 m% 2i,e "ie" , a =$ill6
M% sn 2as /rig$# an"
mis=$ie+= in $is s=$l"a%s1 /u#
sl2l% $e /e=ame a (r/lem
=$il" an" /eB # s$2 re/ellius
#en"en=ies6 In 37A0 $e ran a2a%
,rm ur $i I =n#a=#e" all m%
.i#$ an" .in #$rug$u# #$e
PunBa/1 /u# n .ne2 $is
2$erea/u#s6 A,#er sme
mn#$s1 I re=ei+e" a le##er1 $a"
run a2a% # Bm/a% # Bin #$e
na+%6 @$en $e =ame $ $e
/egan $is (li#i=al a=#i+i#ies 2i#$
#$e RSSS1 a##a=.ing #$e N lems6
I 2as 2rrie" ,r $im6 S in Jul%
37A8 I 2en# # Del$i #= m%
,rien" Sar"ar Tarl. Sing$1 ne
, #$e se=re#aries , #$e g Pan"i#
Ne$ru6 I as.e" $im # $el( sa+e
m% sn ,rm $is e+il ; (anins6
He agree"6 He (rmise" # sen"
me a le##er re=mmen m% sn ,r
#$e ,ines# (si#in I =ul" $a+e
as.e" ,r $im1 ai (in#men# #
#$e gra"e , Assis#an# Su/D
ins(e=#r , Pli=e6'
Ma"anlal learne" ,rm rela#i+es
s$r#l% a,#er rea=$ing In"iai #$a#
$is ,a#$er $a" /een se+erel%
2un"e" in a #rain am/us! ,un"
$im in !erQ(re Mili#ar%
Hs(i#al6 T$ere in #$a# eni 2ar"
ree.ing , /l" an" an#ise(#i=1
#$e su,,erings , In"ia sue $a" a
,a=e ,r Ma"anlal1 #$a# , $is
,a#$er 'all (ale an" #ren =+ere"
+er /% /an"ages'6
B% sme mira=le1 #$rug$ #$e
=$as an" =n,usin , #$e ! #$e
le##er *as$miri Lai $a" sug$# in
Del$i $a" rea=$e" $i (resse" i#
n $is sn6 ) # Del$i1 $e
/egge"6 S#ar# a ne2 3 'Bin a
g" g+ernmen# ser+i=e'6
Ma"anlal #. #$e le##er1 /u# $e
$a" n in#eres# in Bining
g+ernmen# ser+i=e6 T$e
as#rlgers $a" /een rig$#6 I# 2
/e $is "es#in% # /e=me an
ann%mus (li=eman ls# i
(r+in=ial (li=e s#a#in6 His
2ul" in"ee" /e a name #$a ne
"a% /e .n2n #$rug$u# all
In"ia6
S#e((ing u# , #$a# $s(i#al1 #$e
+isin , $is mu#ila#e s#ill /e,re
$im1 ne em#in (er+a"e"
Ma"anlal1 an em#in ,el# /%
#$usan"s in In"ia #$a# au#umn6
I# $a" n#$ing # " 2i#$ Bining
#$e (li=e6 T 2an# re+enge1'
Ma"anlal +2e"6
T$e li,e , -i=.ie Nn1 #$e
/eau#i,ul Englis$ 2i,e , Sir
!erQ *$an Nn1 "e(en"e" n
#$e =n#en#s , a small1 run"1
#in =an6 I# =n#aine" *i2i
ma$gan% s$e (lis$6 T$e
res(i#e -i=.ie $a" ,un" in #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(ala=e , #$e Hin"u RaBa ,
Man"i $a" /een s$r#Dli+e"6 T$e
2$le =un#r%si"e 2as a,#er $er6
Si.$ /an"s $a" #$rea#ene" #
.i"na( #$e RaBa's =$il"ren i, $e
"i" n# #urn $er u#6
T$e RaBa an" )au#am Sa$gal1 a
%ung Hin"u =emen#D"ealer $er
$us/an" $a" sen# # res=ue $er1
/a#$e" $er in (ermangana#e ,
(#assium # "ar.en $er s.in6
N2 #$e% s#aine" $er ,a=e 2i#$
#$e s$e (lis$ #$a# 2as ging #
$a+e # =n+in=e an% Si.$ 2$
en=un#ere" $er in #$e $urs
a$ea" #$a# s$e 2as an In"ian6 A#
sunse#1 #$e RaBa's Rlls1 i#s
=ur#ains "ra2n # gi+e i# a
m%s#erius air1 2as sen# ra=ing
u# , #$e (ala=e as a "e=%6
-i=.ie1 2ra((e" in a sari1 a re"
#ila. mar. n $er ,re$ea"1 a
gl" ring a##a=$e" # $er le,#
ns#ril1 ,ll2e" a ,e2 minu#es
la#er in )au#am's 37A8 D"ge6
T$a# ,irs# maneu+re 2as a
su==ess6 As $er #ensin ease"1
-i=.ie $a" # s#( ,r a =all ,
na#ure6 I# 2as (uring 2i#$ rain
an" in #$e "ar.ness #$e =an ,
s$e (lis$ su""enl% #um/le"
,rm #$e un,amiliar ,l"s , $er
sari6 Lis#ening # i# rlling a2a%
n #$e (e//les in $er ra"si"e
"i#=$1 -i=.ie grane"6 T$e
las$ing mun#ain rain 2as
2as$ing a2a% $er "isguise6 S$e
2as /e=ming ei#$er a Qe/ra r
an easil% i"en#i,ia/le 2$i#e
2man6 T$a# =an 2as $er nl%
$(e , re#rea#ing /a=. in# #$e
"ar. ann%mi#% #$a# =ul" sa+e
$er6 &ursing1 s$e gr(e" in #$e
"ar.ness amng #$e (e//les an"
/ram/les l.ing ,r i#6 !inall%1
2i#$ a s$rie.1 s$e ,un" i#6
&lu#=$ing #$e =an as #$ug$ i#
=n#aine" "iamn"s1 s$e rus$e"
# #$e =ar 2$ere Sa$gal smeare"
a ne2 =a# , (lis$ n $er ,a=e6
Jus# s$r# , )ur"as(ur #$e =ar
ran in# a ra"/l=. manne" /%
a /an" , Si.$s6 T$e%
surrun"e" #$e =ar6 Sa$gal
s(##e" a =emen# mer=$an# 2i#$
2$m $e'" "ne /usiness6
'@$a#'s ging n?' Sa$gal as.e"6
FT$e Englis$ 2i,e , !erQ
*$an Nn $as es=a(e" ,rm
#$e Ma$araBa , Man"i1' #$e man
eC(laine"6 E+er% Si.$ in #$e
=un#r%si"e 2as l.ing ,r $er6
A$1 sai" Sa$gal1 $e'" (asse" #$e
RaBa's Rlls #2en#% miles u( #$e
ra"6 He 2as ging # Amri#sar
2i#$ $is (regnan# 2i,e6 T$e man
(eere" in# #$e =ar6 As $e "i" s1
-i=.ie (ra%e" ,r #$e e,,i=a=% ,
$er s$e (lis$ an" #$a# #$e Si.$
2ul"n'# a""ress $er in Hin"i6
He s#are" a# $er 2i#$ =urius
e%es6 T$en $e (ulle" /a=. an"
2a+e" #$em #$rug$ #$e
ra"/l=.6 As #$eir =ar rlle" ,,
#2ar"s In"ia Arm%
Hea"'uar#ers an" sa,e#%1 -i=.ie
san. /a=. n # $er sea
A/sen#min"e"l% s$e /egan #
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#a( #$e li" , $er s$e (lis$ =an
2i $er ,ingernail6 S$e #urne" #
$er =m(anin6
'Yu .n21 )au#am1' s$e sai"
2i#$ a smile1 'm% $us/an" 2
ne+er /u% me a Be2el I'll #reasure
as mu=$ as #$is #in =an6'
-i=.ie Nn's eC(erien=e 2as
unusual6 S$e $a" /een #$e #arge#
#$e Si.$s' $a#re"1 n# /e=ause
s$e 2as Englis$ /u# /e=ause s$e
+ marrie" # a (rminen#
Mslem6 T$e Englis$ 2ere
rarel% mles in #$a# #em(es#uus
au#umn6 During #$e 2rs# 2ee.s
, Aug an" Se(#em/er1 !ale##i's
H#el in La$re remaine" an
asis in eC(l"ing PunBa/1 i#s
r=$es#ra (la%ing ,r "an=ing
e+er% niB Englis$men an" la"ies
in "inner Ba=.e# an" e+ening
"ress si(T ==.#ails n i#s mnD
li# #erra=e nl% /l=.s a2a% ,rm
#$e gu ruins , a Hin"u
neig$/ur$"6
An" %e#1 , all #$e $un"re"s ,
re,ugee =lumns s#rea.ing ,a=e
, #$e PunBa/ #$a# au#umn1 #$e
ms# in=ngruus 2as Hin"u1
Si.$ r Mslem1 /u# Bri#is$6
T2 /uses guar"e" /% a = (an%
, )ur.$a sl"iers =arrie"
"Qens , el"erl% re#ire" Bri#is
a2a% ,rm #$a# isla#e" an"
se=lu"e" $a+en # 2$i=$ #$e%'"
re# Simla6 In =$arming "ar.D
/eame" li##le =##ages =alle"
'Trail's 3 'Sa,e Ha+en' an" 'Mn
Re(s'1 #$eir ,a=a"es enli+ene"
/% rar rses an" +ile#s1 #$e% $a"
=$sen # en" #$eir li+es alng
#$a# ri"ge 2$i=$ $a" s%m/liQe"
s 2ell #$e RaB #$e%'" ser+e"6
Ma #$em $a" /een /rn in In"ia
an" .ne2 n #$er $me6 T$e%
#$e re#ire" Rmans , #$e RaB1
eCD=lnels , #$e /es# regime
#$e In"ian Arm%1 ,rmer Bu"ges
an" senir ,,i=ers , #$; 2$'"
n=e a"minis#ere" #$e li+es ,
millins , In"ians6
T$e% an" #$eir 2i+es $a" $a"
li##le mre #ime in 2$i=$ # (T
#$eir ,lig$# #$an #$e "es(era#e
PunBa/is n #$e (lains /el26
Simla's si#ua#in $a"
"e#erira#e" s$ar(l% #$e /uses
$a" /ee # /ring #$em # Del$i
an" sa,e#%6 T$e%'" /een gi+en an
$ (a=. a sui#=ase1 =lse #$eir
/ungal2s an" /ar" #$eir /us6
!a% &am(/ellDJ$nsn1 #$e 2i,e
, Mun#/a##en's (ress a r"e
"2n # Del$i 2i#$ #$em6
Ine+i#a/l%1 ms# , #$e Engl n
#$e /us 2ere +er 906 Li.e ms#
men , #$eir age1 #$e%6s ,rm a
=mmn a,,li=#in1 2ea.
/la""ers6 E+er% #2 $urs #/
s#((e" an" #$e men ###ere"
u#6 @a#=$ing #$se l" mi $a"
n=e rule" In"ia urina#ing /% #$e
ra"si"e un"er #$e si+e1 /rnQe
s#ares , #$eir )ur.$a guar"s1 a
s#range %e# ingl% a((r(ria#e
#$ug$# ,las$e" a=rss !a%
&am(/ellDJ min"6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
I#s 2ner1 )6 D6 Birla1 2as #$e
(a#riar=$al $ea" , ne , In"ia's
#2 grea# in"us#rial ,amilies1 a
mne#ar% Mg$ul 2$se arra%
, in#eres#s in=lu"e" #eC#ile
,a=#ries1 insuran=e1 /an.s1
ru//er1 an" manu,a=#uring6
Des(i#e #$e ,a=# #$a# )an"$i $a"
rganiQe" In"ian la/ur's ,irs#
s#ri.e in ne , $is mills1 $e $a"
/een ne , )an"$i's earlies#
,ll2ers6 He 2as ne , #$e
(rin=i(al ,inan=ial su((r#ers ,
#$e &ngress Par#%6 N2 $e
,,ere" #$e Ma$a#ma ,ur rms
in ne , #$e #2 2ings , $is
(ala#ial es#a#e6 I# 2ul" /e #$e
ms# elegan# si#e in 2$i=$
)an"$i $a" li+e" sin=e $is re#urn
# In"ia6 I# 2ul" als /e #$e
las#6
T$e =a(i#al , In"ia /e%n"
)an"$i's ne2 a/"e =n#inue" #
reel 2i#$ +ilen=e6 T$ere 2ere
s man% un=lle=#e" =r(ses
li##ering #$e =i#% #$a# ne
(li=eman remar.e" i# 2as 'n
lnger (ssi/le # "is#inguis$
/e#2een a "ea" man1 a $rse r a
/u,,al'6 A# #$e mrgue1 #$e
eCas(era#e" =rner (r#es#e"
a/u# #$e insis#en=e , #$e (li=e
#$a# $e =n#inue # ,ill u# (r(er
/ureau=ra#i= ,rms ,r ea=$ ,
#$e /"ies (uring in# $is
es#a/lis$men#6 F@$% " #$e
(li=e ma.e me eCamine ea=$ ,
#$em ,r F=ause , "ea#$F ?' $e
(r#es#e"6 'An%/"% =an see
2$a# $a((ene" # #$em6'
!in"ing (e(le # $an"le #$e
=r(ses li##ering #$e s#ree#s 2as
"i,,i=ul# /e=ause , In"ia's =as#e
an" religius #a/s6 One "a%
E"2ina Mun#/a##en an" $er
$us/an"'s na+al ai"e1 L#6D&m"r6
Pe#er H2es1 (asse" a /la#e"
=r(se in #$e =en#re , Ne2
Del$i6 S$e #l" H2es # s#(
an" 2a+e" a (assing #ru=. # a
$al#6 I#s Hin"u "ri+er l.e" a#
#$e =r(se1 as a =as#e Hin"u1 an"
re,use" # #u=$ i#6 Un(er#ur/e"1
In"ia's las# -i=ereine (i=.e" i# u(
$ersel, 2i#$ H2es's $el( an"
la"e" i# in# #$e #ru=.6
'N21' s$e r"ere" #$e
as#nis$e" "ri+er1 '#a.e $im #
#$e mrgue6'
Del$i's Mslems1 ms# , 2$m
n2 2an#e" # ,lee # Pa.is#an1
2ere assem/le" in a series ,
re,ugee =am(s 2$ere #$e% =ul"
2ai# in rela#i+e sa,e#% ,r
#rans(r#a#in # Mr Jinna$'s
Prmise" Lan"6 &ruel irn%1
#$se Mslems 2ere $er"e" in#
#2 magni,i=en# mnumen#s ,
#$a# /rie, era 2$en #$eir Mg$ul
,re/ears $a" ma"e Del$i #$e
ms# s(len"i" =i#% in #$e 2rl"1
Huma%un's Tm/ an" #$e Purana
Lila ;l" ,r#<6 Be#2een 3041444
# 5441444 (e(le 2ere ging #
li+e in #$se reli=s , Islam's
an=ien# gran"eur in =n"i#ins ,
in"es=ri/a/le ,il#$ 2i#$u#
s$el#er ,rm #$e sun r #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
mnsn's =a#ara=#s6 S #erri,ie"
2ere #$se 2re#=$es /% #$e
#$ug$# , lea+ing #$eir
(r#e=#i+e 2alls #$a# #$e% re,use"
# +en#ure u# e+en # /ur% #$eir
"ea"6 Ins#ea"1 #$e% #$re2 #$em
,rm #$e ram(ar#s # #$e Ba=.als6
Ini#iall%1 #$e Purana Lila $a" #2
2a#er #a(s ,r 501444 Be(le6
One +isi#r n#e" i's inma#es
"e,e=a#ing an" +mi#ing in #$e
same (l , 2a#er in 2$i=$
2men 2ere 2as$ing #$eir
=.ii (#s6
Sani#a#in 2as /% (en la#rine1
an" #$e =ns#rain#s , In"$
s=ie#% remaine" in +igur6
Des(i#e #$e gr2ing ,il#$1 #$e
re,uge in Purana Lila re,use" #
=lean #$eir la#rines6 A# #$e $eig$#
, Del$ #ru/les #$e Emergen=%
&mmi##ee $a" # sen" 344
Hin"u s2ee(# un"er arme"
guar" in# #$e ,r# # (er,rm #$e
=$res i#s MslV inma#es re,use"
# =arr% u#6>
An#$er , Del$i's =urses1 i#s
/ureau=ra=%1 remaine" unmU /%
#$e =a#as#r($e6 @$en #$e
re,ugees in Huma%un's Tm/ /eB
# "ig a""i#inal la#rines1 a
re(resen#a#i+e , #$e Ne2 Del$i
& missiner's O,,i=e (rm(#l%
(r#es#e" /e=ause '#$e% 2ere
s(il #$e /eau#% , #$e la2ns'6
Ine+i#a/l%1 =$lera /r.e u#6
SiC#% (e "ie" , #$e "rea"
"isease in ,r#%Deig$# $urs a#
Purana Lila6r Heal#$ De(ar#men#
=$se # gi+e #$e =ause , #$eir
"ea#$ as 'gasl en#eri#is' # =+er
#$eir ,ailure # (r+i"e serum in
#ime6 @$en "e(ar#men#'s
re(resen#a#i+e ,inall% arri+e"1 $e
/rug$# ?58 /a#e , serum an"
n nee"les r s%ringes6
Des(i#e #$ese (r/lems1 #$e
e,,r#s , #$e Emergen=% &mmi
se# u( /% Mun#/a##en1 Ne$ru
an" Pa#el /egan # /e ,el#6 -
#r( rein,r=emen#s in #$e =i#%1
a 5AD$ur =ur,e2 2as (r=laiH
an" a series , arms sear=$es
=arrie" u#6 )ra"uall%1 #$e #i"
+ilen=e /egan # e//6
T$e r"eal , #$se "a%s /rug$#
Luis Mun#/a##en Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru e+en =lser #ge#$er6
Ne$ru me# 2i#$ #$e -i=er% #2
r #$ree #imes a "a%T ,#en1 as
Mun#/a##en n#e #$e #ime1
'sim(l% an" slel% ,r =m(an%1
# un/ur"en $is sul /#ain 2$a#
=m,r# I =an gi+e $im'6
Sme#imes Ne$ru 2 2ri#e #
$im1 /eginningH 'I "n'# .n2
2$% I am 2ri#ing #$is I eC=e(#
#$a# I ,eel I mus# 2ri#e #
smene # ge# m% #ru/les l
=$es#6'
T$e In"ian lea"er "r+e $imsel,
2i#$u# (i#% "uring #$a# (e In a
,e2 mn#$s $e 2en#1 ne , $is
,emale a"mirers n#e"1'
> T$ere 2ere #$er1 similar
in=i"en#s else2$ere6 In Pa.is#an1
#$e Hin"i Si.$s in a re,ugee
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=am( =m(laine" /i##erl% #
#$eir Mslem guar"s #$V 2ere
/eing ,r=e" # li+e in ,il#$
/e=ause #$ere 2ere n
Un#u=$a/les # =le #$eir
la#rines6 In *ara=$i1 Jinna$'s
=a(i#al1 #$e =i#%'s sani#a#in an"
=leaning ser+i=es /egan #
=lla(se /e=ause , #$e ,lig$# ,
Hin"u Un#u= T =$e=. #$e
$aemrr$age #$e =i#%'s Mslem
a"minis#ra#rs (r=laime" #
#u=$a/les 2$a# #$e% al2a%s $a"
/een in Hin"u s=ie#%1 a (e(le
a(ar#1 , ma.ing #$em (aria$s1
$2e+er1 #$e% ma"e #$em a
(ri+ilege" se=#6 T$i all2e" #
"is#inguis$ #$emsel+es /%
2earing green an" 2$i#e
arm/an"s # #$se , #$e
Mslem Na#inal )uar"6 T$e
(li=e 2ere gi+en rigrusH #ins
# (r#e=# an%ne 2earing #$se
arm/an"s6

l.ing li.e a ??D%earDl"
T%rne P2er # a man 2$'"
s(en# #$ree %ears in Belsen'6 His
se=re#ar%1 H6 -6 R6 I%enagar1
=aug$# $im ne "a%1 $is $ea" n
$is =$es#1 =a#=$ing ,i+e minu#es'
slee(6
'I'm eC$aus#e"1' Ne$ru sai"6 T
slee( nl% ,i+e $urs a nig$#6
)" I 2is$ I =ul" slee( siC6
H2 man% " %u slee( ?' $e
as.e"6
'Se+en r eig$#1' 2as $is
se=re#ar%'s re(l%6
Ne$ru l.e" a# $im 2i#$ a
grima=e6 'A# #imes li.e #$is1' $e
sai" 'siC $urs is essen#ial6 Se+en
is a luCur%6 Eig$# is a (si#i+e
+i=e6'
!r )an"$i in Birla Huse #$e
"imensins , Del$i's +ilen=e
2ere a sur(rise an" a s$=.6 T$e
man 2$ $a" ((se" Pa.is#an
s reslu#el% 2ul" n2 re(la=e
Jinna$ as #$e i"l , #$e
Mslems 2$'" /een le,# /e$in"
in In"ia6 As sn as )an"$i
arri+e" in Del$i1 a s#ream ,
Mslem "elega#ins ,l"e"
Birla Huse1 #$eir lea"ers
=a#alguing #$e ills #$e%'"
su,,ere" a# Si.$ an" Hin"u
$an"s1 /egging )an"$i #
remain in #$e =a(i#al1 /lin"l%
=er#ain $is (resen=e 2ul"
guaran#ee #$eir sa,e#%6 S#unne"1
#$e Ma$a#ma argee" n# '# lea+e
Del$i ,r #$e PunBa/ un#il i# $as
n=e again /e=me i#s ,rmer
(ea=e,ul sel,'6
)an"$i 2as ne+er mre ,ai#$,ul
# #$e i"eals /% 2$i=$ $e'" li+e"1
ne+er mre 2$ll% =nsis#en# #
#$e message $e'" (rea=$e"1 #$an
in #$a# sa" #2ilig$# , $is ,i,e6
&n,rn#e" 2i#$ #$e =a#a=l%sm
$e'" (re"i=#e"1 $e =lung # #$e
(rin=i(les #$a# $a" sus#aine" $im
sin=e Su#$ A,ri=aH l+e1 nnD
+ilen=e1 #ru#$1 a /elie, in #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
)" , all Man.in"6 T$eir
rele+an=e # )an"$i $a" n#
=$ange"1 $is ,ai#$ in #$em
remaine" in#a=#6 @$a# $a"
=$ange" 2as In"ia6
T (rea=$ l+e an" nnD+ilen=e
# In"ia's masses as a means ,
((sing $er Bri#is$ rulers $a"
/een ne #$ingH # (rea=$ l+e
an" ,rgi+eness # men 2$'"
2i#nesse" #$e massa=re , #$eir
=$il"ren1 #$e ra(e , #$eir 2i+esT
# 2men 2$'" $a" #$eir
rela#i+es' #$ra#s =u# /e,re #$eir
e%esT # (e(le "es(airing in #$e
##ali#% , #$eir lssT 2as
sme#$ing else6 )an"$i
"es(era#el% /elie+e" in #$e
+ali"i#% , $is message as #$e
nl% es=a(e ,rm #$e =%=le ,
$a#re"6 Bu# i# 2as a message ,r
sain#s1 an" #$ere 2ere ,e2 sain#s
in #$e re,ugee =am(s , In"ia
#$a# au#umn6
Des(i#e $is un=er#ain $eal#$1
)an"$i 2en# ea=$ "a% # #$se
=am(s1 #r%ing sme$2 # rea=$
#$eir em/i##ere" inma#es =r%ing
,r +engean=e6 'Tell us1 O a(s#le
, nnD+ilen=e1' s=reame" #$e
in$a/i#an#s , ne1 '$2 are 2e
# eCis#? Yu #ell us # gi+e u(
ur arms1 /u# in #$e PunBa/ #$e
Mslems .ill Hin"us a# sig$#6 D
%u 2an# us # /e /u#=$ere" li.e
s$ee(?'
'I, all #$e PunBa/is 2ere # "ie #
#$e las# man 2i#$u# .illing1'
)an"$i re(lie"1 '#$e PunBa/
2ul" /e=me immr#al6' As $e
$a" =unselle" #$e E#$i(ians1
#$e Je2s1 #$e &Qe=$s an" #$e
Bri#i $e n2 =unselle" $is
enrage" Hin"u =un#r%menH
'O,,er %u as nnD+ilen#1
2illing sa=ri,i=es6'
His ans2er 2as a =$rus ,
u#rage" Beers an" 'g # #$e I
an" see ,r %ursel,6 His
re=e(#in in #$e Mslem =am(s
2as n /e##er1 "es(i#e $is
a=$ie+emen#s in &al=u##a6 A#
ne1 a man an r($ane" 5D
mn#$Dl" /a/% a# $im6 Tears in
$is e%es1 ) =ul" nl% =nsle
#$e Mslems l.ing n /%
sa%ingH 'DiV )"'s name n %ur
li(s i, ne=essar%1 /u# " n# lse
$ear# #nis$e"1 #$e Mslems in
#$eir #urn Beere" a# $im6
@$en $e "r+e unes=r#e" in#
Purana Lila =am(1 a m Mslem
re,ugees s2irle" arun" $is =ar1
=ursing $im6 Smene _ (en i#s
"r6 Un(er#ur/e"1 $e s#e((e"
u# , #$e =ar in# mi"s#6 His
+i=e 2as s 2ea. ,rm #$e ,as#
#$a# smene $ re(ea# $is 2r"s
as $e a""resse" #$e angr% =r2"6
T$ere 2as n "i,,eren=e as ,ar as
$e 2as =n=erne"1 $e '/e#2een
Hin"u1 Mslem1 &$ris#ian an"
Si.$6 All are ne # T$e re2ar"
,r #$a# ,ra#ernal message 2as an
u#rage" rar , (i ,rm #$e
Mslems arun" $im6
An" %e# n#$ing 2ul" enrage
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
man% Hin"us #$a# au#umn asH as
$is sli=i#u"e ,r #$e Mslem
+i=#ims , #$eir +ilen=e1 $is i
en=e #$a# (ain an" su,,ering
.ne2 n religin1 an" a Ms
2un"s =ul" /e as grie+us as
a Hin"u's6 T$e Mira=le , &al
$a" 2n #$e li##le man #$e
gra#i#u"e , man% an In"ian
Mslen i# als se# man% a Hin"u
$ear# agains# $im6
)an"$i 2as n# a man #
=m(rmise 2i#$ #$e em#ins U
2ere s#irre" u( /% $is ,i"eli#% #
$is 2n /elie,s6 He $a" al miCe"
&$ris#ian an" Hin"u $%mns1
rea"ings ,rm #$e *ran1 #$e
Ne2 an" Ol" Tes#amen# 2i#$
#$se , #$e )ITA a# $is (i
mee#ings1 an" "es(i#e #$e #ensin
$e 2en# n rea"ing ,rm #$e * a#
$is mee#ings in Del$i6
Su""enl% ne a,#ernn a
,urius +i=e in $is assem/l% =
u#H 'Our m#$ers an" sis#ers
2ere ra(e"1 ur (e(le .ille" #
3 +erses6' ')an"$i Mur"a/a" D
Dea#$ # )an"$i1' an#$er V
s$rie.e"6 T$e res# , #$e
au"ien=e Bine" in #$e u(rar6
T$ere (an"emnium6 S#unne"1
)an"$i 2as una/le # g n6 He
s$u#e" "2n6 @$a# #$e Bri#is$
an" #$e Bers , Su#$ A $a"
ne+er /een a/le # a=$ie+e1
)an"$i's 2n =un#r%men su==e
in "ing6 !r #$e ,irs# #ime in $is
li,e1 )an"$i 2as una/le # =m a
(u/li= (ra%er mee#ing6
!r Ma"anlal Pa$2a1 #$e %ung
man 2$se name 2ul" ne /e
.n2n #$rug$u# all In"ia1 #$e
ra" # re+enge /egan "=#r's
,,i=e6 T$e ,,i=e 2as l=a#e" in
#$e =i#% , )2alir1 37A miles
su#$Deas# , Del$i1 #$e =a(i#al
, #$e s#a#e 2$se ma$araBa $a"
/een a""i=#e" # ele=#ri= #rains6
@i#$ $is /al"1 $ig$D"me" $ea"
an" ##$less smile1 #$e
$me(a#$is# 2$ ==u(ie" #$a#
,,i=e /re an eerie resem/lan=e
# )an"$i6 Dr Da##a#ra%a
Par=$ure 2as ,amus #$rug$u#
)2alir ,r $is si#a ($ala"i1 a
na#ure =ure , =ar"amm see"s1
nins1 /am/ s(ru#s1 sugar
an" $ne% 2i#$ 2$i=$ $e #rea#e"
/rn=$i#is an" (neumnia6
He 2as ,amus ,r sme#$ing
else as 2ell6 I# 2as n# a =$es#
=m(lain# #$a# $a" /rug$#
Ma"anlal # $is ,,i=e6
Par=$ure's real (assin 2as
(li#i=s6 He 2as #$e lea"er , #$e
Hin"u eC#remis# rganiQa#in1
#$e RSSS1 in )2alir6
An an#iDMslem ,ana#i=1
Par=$ure main#aine" a (ri+a#e
arm% , 3444 ,ll2ers 2i#$
2$i=$1 as $e 2ul" la#er /as#1
$e 2ul" "ri+e 941444 Mslems
,rm In"ia6 Ms# , #$e siCDanna
,ees $e =lle=#e" ,rm $is
(a#ien#s an" , #$e (li#i=al
,un"s $e raise" 2en# #
(ur=$asing =lu/s1 .ni+es1 #iger
=la2s an" ,irearms ,r $is li##le
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
arm%6 He 2as al2a%s n #$e
l.u# ,r ne2 re=rui#s1 an" #$is
s#=.% re,ugee 2i#$ $is $a#re" ,
#$e Mslems an" $is eC(erien=e
in #$e RSSS seeme" an i"eal
=an"i"a#e6 Par=$ure (rmise"
Ma"anlal a =$an=e # sa+ur #$e
+engean=e $e sug$#6 In re#urn
,r allegian=e1 #$e $me(a#$
,,ere" Ma"anlal ,"1 l"ging
an" all #$e Mslems $e =ul"
.ill6
Ma"anlal a==e(#e"6 !r #$e neC#
mn#$ $e (era#e" in ne ,
Par=$ure's '=mman"s'1
slaug$#ering $el(less Mslems
,leeing ,rm B$(al # Del$i
eCa=#i% as Mslems $a" #rie" #
slaug$#er $is ,a#$er in Pa.is#an6
'@e 2ai#e" a# #$e s#a#in1'
Ma"anlal 2ul" re=all6 '@e
s#((e" #$e #rain6 @e g# n
/ar"6 @e mur"ere" #$em6'
T$eir a=#i+i#ies /e=ame s
/la#an# #$a# #$e% in=urre" Del$i's
2ra#$6 )an"$i $imsel,
"enun=e" #$em a# a (ra%er
mee#ing6 )2alir's Hin"u
Ma$araBa ,inall% =unselle"
Par=$ure # rein in $is men6
!rus#ra#e"1 Ma"anlal le,# ,r
Bm/a%6 He 2as /eginning #
enB% #$e li,e , a (r,essinal
re,ugee6 T$is #ime1 $2e+er1
$e'" "e=i"e" i# 2as $is #urn #
(la% #$e lea"er's rle6 He
regis#ere" in a re,ugee =am( an"
rganiQe" a /an" , ,i,#% %ung
,ll2ers6 T$en $e m+e" in#
a=#in6
'@e 2ul" g e+er% "a% #
Bm/a% # #$e Mslem 'uar#er6
@e 2ul" en#er a $#el1 #$e /es#1
r"er a /ig meal1 #$ings I'" ne+er
ea#en /e,re6 T$en1 2$en #$e%
as.e" ,r mne%1 2e 2ul" sa%
2e $a" nne1 2e 2ere re,ugees6
I, #$e% "i"n'# li.e i# 2e 2ul"
/ea# #$em an" /rea. #$ings6
'O#$er #imes 2e 2ul" /ea#
Mslems in #$e s#ree# an" #a.e
#$eir mne%6 Or 2e 2ul" #a.e
#$e #ra%s , Mslem +en"rs an"
sell #$ings n #$em ursel+es6
E+er% nig$# a# #$e =am( m+ /%s
2 re(r# # me an" gi+e me
2$a# #$e% $a" #a.en6 I 2ul"
"i+i"e I# 2as a g" li,e6 Sl2l%1
I 2as ge##ing 2eal#$%6'
Sn Ma"anlal 2as ,r=e" #
Bus#i,% $is rig$# # lea"ers$i(
a=#ins mre su/s#an#ial #$an
(e##% #$e,#6 A# #$e Mslem
,es#i+a Bairam $e #. #2
,ll2ers an" #$ree $an"D
grena"es an" se# ,r #$e =i#% ,
A$me"nagar1 3?5 miles a2a%6
T$ere #$e% #$ #$eir grena"es a# a
(assing Mslem (r=essin6 As
#$e% eC(.C Ma"anlal "as$e"
"2n #$e =i#%'s un,amiliar
alle%2a%s1 l.ing a (la=e #
$i"e ,r a ,e2 $urs6 Su""enl%1
,la#ing ,rm a /ale n #$e ,irs#
,lr , a "ila(i"a#e" $#el =alle"
#$e De==an ) Huse1 $e sa2 a
,amiliar /Be=#1 #$e s2as#i.aD
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
s#am(e" n (ennan# , #$e
RSSS6 He ran insi"e6
'Hi"e me1' $e sai"1 /urs#ing in#
#$e $#el .ee(er's ,,i=e1 Bus#
#$r2n a /m/ a# a Mslem
(r=essin!'
Sea#e" a# $is "es. in #$e ,,i=e
2as #$e l=al lea"er , #$e R #$e
(u"g% ?8D%earDl" 2ner , #$e
De==an )ues# Huse1 -iH
*ar.are6 *ar.are lea(# u( an"
#$re2 $is arms in# #$e air
ges#ure , #$an.sgi+ing6 T$en1
(ening #$em 2i"e1 $e ga#$ere
#$e %ung /m/D#$r2er in a
,ra#ernal em/ra=e6 !r Ma"anlal
ra" # re+enge 2ul" n lnger
/e a sli#ar% ne6
Ne2 Del$i1 5 O=#/er 37A8
An in"e(en"en# In"ia an" #$e
2rl" alng 2i#$ i# =ele/ra#e>
se+en#%Deig$#$ /ir#$"a% , #$e
grea#es# In"ian ali+e6 B% #$e
#$us #elegrams1 le##ers an"
messages ,l"e" )an"$i's sui#e
a# Birla H /ringing #$e Ma$a#ma
#$e a,,e=#ina#e $mage , $is
(e(. $is ,rien"s arun" #$e
2rl"6 A (r=essin , re,ugees
an" H Si.$ an" Mslem lea"ers
,l2e" #$rug$ $is rm1
(la=ing 3 ,ee# #$eir ,,erings ,
,l2ers1 ,rui#s an" s2ee#s6
Ne$ru1 Pa#el1 Mun#/a##en1
minis#ers1 ne2smen1 "i(lma#s1
ga+e #$e "a% #$eir (resen=e #$e
s#am( , a na#inal $li"a%6
T$ere 2as n $li"a% s(iri# in
)an"$i's 'uar#ers1 $2e+er1 ,
$is +isi#rs 2as s#ru=. /% #$e
($%si=al 2ea.ness , In"ia's 3
lea"er1 an" a/+e all /% #$e
(r,un" melan=$l% "am(enii
usuall% =$eer,ul s(iri#6 T$e man
2$ $a" n=e +2e" $e li+e #
/e 350 %ears /e=ause #$a# 2as
#$e #ime nee"e" /% a s , nnD
+ilen=e # ,ul,il $is missin1
$a" "e=i"e" # mar. #$e (H ,
an#$er %ear in $is li,e /%
(ra%ing1 ,as#ing1 an" s(en"ing n
$is "a% a# $is /el+e" s(inningD
2$eel6 He 2an#e" $is /ii
=ele/ra#in # /e a =ele/ra#in ,
#$a# (rimi#i+e "e+i=e an" #$e'

i# s#" ,r1 #$e +ir#ues an
in"e(en"en# In"ia 2as $as#ening
# ,rge# in sa+ager% an"
+ilen=e6
@$% 2as e+er%ne s$2ering
=ngra#ula#ins n $im1 $e as.e"
$is e+ening (ra%er mee#ing6 I#
2ul" $a+e /een mre
a((r(ria#e '# ,,er
=n"len=es'6
'Pra%1' $e #l" $is ,ll2ers1 '#$a#
#$e (resen# =n,lagra#in en"s r
He #a.es me a2a%6 I " n# 2is$
an#$er /ir#$"a% # +er#a.e me
in an In"ia in ,lames6'
'@e $a" gne # $im in ela#in1'
-alla/$/$ai Pa#el's "aug$#er
n#e" in $er "iar% #$a# "a%1 '2e
re#urne" $me 2i#$ $ea+%
$ear#s6'
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$e ra"i , in"e(en"en# In"ia
$nure" $is /ir#$"a% #$a#
e+ening 2i#$ a s(e=ial
(rgramme6 )an"$i "i" n# e+en
lis#en6 He (re,erre" ins#ea"
sli#u"e an" $is s(inningD2$eel1
$earing in i#s 2$ir #$e
murmuring , '#$e s#ill1 sa"
musi= , $umani#%'6
T$e PunBa/1 Se(#em/erDO=#/er
37A8
T$e #rage"ies , (ar#i#in 2ul"
n#6$a+e /een =m(le#e $a" #$e%
n# /een a==m(anie"1 as e+er%
=n,li=# sin=e #$e "a2n ,
$is#r%1 /% an u#(uring ,
seCual sa+ager%6 Nearl% all ,
#$e a#r=i#ies =ursing #$e
un$a((% (r+in=e 2ere
em/ellis$e" /% #$eir rg% ,
ra(e6 Tens , #$usan"s F, girls
an" 2men 2ere seiQe" ,rm
re,ugee =lumns1 ,rm =r2"e"
#rains1 ,rm isla#e" +illages1 in
#$e ms# 2i"es=ale .i"na((ing
, m"ern #imes6
I, #$e% 2ere Si.$ r Hin"u1 a
2man's a/"u=#in 2as usuall%
,ll2e" /% a religius
=eremn%1 a ,r=e" =n+ersin #
ma.e a girl 2r#$% , $er
Mslem =a(#r's $me r $arem6
San#s$ Nan"lal1 a 39D%earDl"
Hin"u1 #$e "aug$#er , a la2%er
near #$e Pa.is#an =i#% ,
Mian2ali1 2as #a.en a,#er $er
.i"na((ing # #$e $me , #$e
+illage ma%r6
>I 2as sla((e" a ,e2 #imes1' s$e
remem/ere"1 '#$en sme/"%
arri+e" 2i#$ a (ie=e , /ee, #$e%
,r=e" me # ea#6 I# 2as
a#r=ius6 I $a" ne+er ea#en mea#
in m% li,e6 E+er%ne laug$e"6 I
/egan # =r%6 A mulla$ arri+e"
an" re=i#e" a ,e2 +erses , #$e
*ran 2$i=$ $e ,r=e" me #
re(ea# a,#er $im6'
T$en $e ga+e $er a ne2 name6
San#s$ /e=ame 'Alla$ Ra.i$ D
S$e 2$m )" $as sa+e"'6 T$e
girl )" $a" sa+e" 2as ,,ere"
a# au=#in # #$e +illage males6
Her (ur=$aser 2as a 2"D
=u##er6 'He 2as n# a /a" man1'
s$e 2ul" re=all 2i#$ gra#i#u"e a
'uar#er , a =en#ur% a,#er $er
r"eal1 '$e "i"n'# ma.e me ea#
an% mre mea#6'
T$e Si.$s' #en#$ guru $a"
s(e=i,i=all% enBine" $is
,ll2ers agains# seCual
in#er=urse 2i#$ Mslem 2men
# (re+en# 2$a# $a((ene" in #$e
PunBa/6 T$e ine+i#a/le resul# 2as
a legen" amng #$e
Si.$s #$a# Mslem 2men 2ere
=a(a/le , (ar#i=ular seCual
(r2ess6 Un"er #$e im(a=# ,
e+en#s in #$e PunBa/1 #$e Si.$s
,rg# #$e guru's a"mnis$men#
an" ga+e ,ree rein # #$eir
,an#asies6 @i#$ mr/i" ,renQ%1
#$e% ,ell n Mslems
e+er%2$ere1 un#il a #ra"e in
.i"na((e" Mslem girls
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,luris$e" in #$eir (ar#s , #$e
PunBa/6
B#a Sing$1 a 00D%earDl" Si.$
+e#eran , Mun#/a##en's Burma
=am(aign1 2as 2r.ing $is
,iel"s ne Se(#em/er a,#ernn
2$en $e $ear" a #erri,ie" s=ream
/e$in" $im6 He #urne" # see a
%ung girl1 (ursue" /% a ,ell2
Si.$1 rus$ing #2ar"s $im6 T$e
girl #$re2 $ersel, a# B#a
Sing$1 /egging 'Sa+e me1 sa+e
me!'
He s#e((e" /e#2een #$e girl an"
$er =a(#r6 He un"ers#"
ins#an#l% 2$a# $a" $a((ene"6
T$e girl 2as a Mslem 2$m
#$e Si.$ $a" seiQe" ,rm a
(assing re,ugee =lumn6 T$is
2$ll% uneC(e=#e" in#rusin ,
#$e (r+in=e's miseries u(n $is
(l# , lan" ,,ere" B#a Sing$
a (r+i"en#ial ((r#uni#% #
resl+e #$e (r/lem ms#
((ressing $im1 $is 2n
sli#u"e6 He 2as a s$% man
2$'" ne+er marrie"1 ,irs#
/e=ause , $is ,amil%'s ina/ili#%
# (ur=$ase $im a 2i,e1 #$en
/e=ause , $is na#ural #imi"i#%6
'H2 mu=$?' $e as.e" #$e girl's
=a(#r6 '!i,#een $un"re" ru(ees1'
2as #$e ans2er6 B#a Sing$ "i"
n# e+en /argain6 He 2en# in#
$is $u# an" re#urne" 2i#$ a
sile" (ile , ru(ee n#es6 T$e
girl 2$m #$se /an.n#es
(ur=$ase" 2as 38 %ears l"1
#$ir#%Deig$# %ears $is Bunir6 Her
name 2as Reni/T s$e 2as #$e
"aug$#er , small$l"ers in
RaBas#$an6 T #$e lnel% l" Si.$
s$e /e=ame an a"ra/le
(la%#$ing1 $al, "aug$#er1 $al,
mis#ress1 a 2n"rus (resen=e
2$ =m(le#el% "isru(#e" $is
li,e6 T$e a,,e=#in $e'" ne+er
/een a/le # /es#2 /urs# +er
Reni/ in a ,l"#i"e6 E+er% #$er
"a% B#a Sing$ 2as ,, # #$e
neares# /aQaar # /u% $er sme
/au/leH a sari1 a /ar , sa(1 a
(air , em/ri"ere" sli((ers6
T Reni/1 2$'" /een /ea#en an"
ra(e" /e,re $er ,lig$#1 #$e
=m(assin an" #en"erness
(ure" u# # $er /% #$e lnel%
l" Si.$ 2as as +er2$elming
as i# 2as uneC(e=#e"6 Ine+i#a/l%1
$er res(nse 2as gra#e,ul
a,,e=#in an" s$e 'ui=.l%
/e=ame #$e (le arun" 2$i=$
B#a Sing$'s li,e #urne"6 S$e
2as 2i#$ $im in $is ,iel"s "uring
#$e "a%1 mil.e" $is 2a#er
/inTales a# "a2n an" "us.1 la%
2i#$ $im a# nig$#6 SiC#een miles
,rm #$eir $u#1 #$e 2re#=$e"
#i"es , #$e re,ugees ,l2e" u(
an" "2n # e )ran" Trun.
Hig$2a%6 B#a Sing$'s #2el+e
a=res , lan" /e=ame a lum( ,
i=e =u# a(ar# ,rm #$e $a#re"D
,ille" ,le # 2$i=$ i# /elnge"6
One "a% #$a# au#umn1 2ell
/e,re #$e "a2n as Si.$ #ra"i#ir
"i=#a#e"1 a s#range mel"% ,
,lu#es a"+an=e" "2n #$e ra"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#V B#a Sing$'s $use6
Surrun"e" /% singers an"
neig$/urs =arr% ing s(u##ering
#r=$es1 as#ri"e a $rse
$arnesse" in +el+e# an" /angles1
B#a Sing$ r"e u( # #$e
"rs#e( , $is 2n $me #
=laim as $is /ri"e #$e li##le
Mslem girl $e'" (ur=$ase" 2i#$
a sile" s#a=. , ru(ee n#es6
A guru /earing #$e )ran#$ Sa$i/1
#$e Si.$ Hl% B.1 ,ll2e"
$im in# #$e $use 2$ere1
#rem/ling in #$e ne2 sari $e'"
/ug$# $er Reni/ 2ai#e"6
Ra"ian# 2i#$ $a((iness1 $is $ea"
=+ere" in a $e2 s=arle# #ur/an1
B#a Sing$ s'ua##e" /esi"e
Reni/ n #$e ,lr , $is $use6
T$e (ries# eC(laine" # #$em #$e
/liga#ins , marrie" li,e6 T$en1
2$ile #$e ga#$ering in#ne" $is
($rases a,#er $im1 $e rea" ,rm
#$e sa=re" #eC#6
@$en $e'" ,inis$e"1 B#a Sing$
s#" u( an" =lu#=$e" ne en" ,
an em/ri"ere" sas$T Reni/
=lu#=$e" #$e #$er6 !ur #imes1
Reni/ ,ll2e" $im in la2ans1
,ur m%s#i= =ir=umam/ula#ins
, #$e Hl% B.6 A# #$e ins#an#
#$e ,ur#$ =ir=le 2as Bine"1 #$e%
2ere marrie"6 Ou#si"e1 #$e sun
, an#$er "a% rse +er #$eir
,iel"s6
A ,e2 2ee.s la#eJ #$e seasn
2$i=$ $a" /rug$# s mu=$
$rrr an" $ar"s$i( # $is ,ell2
PunBa/is /es#2e" a las# gi,# n
B#a Sing$6 His 2i,e
annun=e" s$e 2as /earing #$e
$eir $e'" "es(aire" , e+er
$a+ing6 I# 2as as #$ug$ sme
s(e=ial (r+i"en=e $a" single"
u# #$e el"erl% Si.$ an" #$e
Mslem girl ,r i#s /lessing6
T$a# 2as n# #$e =ase6 !r #$a#
unli.el% =u(le1 a lng an" =ruel
r"eal 2$i=$ 2ul" ne "a%
/e=me ,r millins #$e s%m/l
, #$e e+ils , (ar#i#in 2as sn
# /egin6
Sl2l%1 #$e 2riggling lines ,
re" (ins n #$e ma(s ,
)+ernmen# Huse a"+an=e"
#2ar"s #$eir "es#ina#in1 a
re,ugee =am(6 !r /#$ #$e
In"ian an" Pa.is#an
)+ernmen#s1 #$e "eluge ,
$meless1 2an"ering millins
(uring a=rss #$eir /r"ers
(se" (r/lems su=$ as ,e2
na#ins $a" /een =alle" n #
,a=e6 T$se su,,ering mul#i#u"es
eC(e=#e" mira=les6 T$e% $a"
2n #$e (ana=ea , ,ree"m an"
#$e% /elie+e" #$a# sme$2 i#
2ul" gi+e #$eir lea"ers #$e
(2er # e,,a=e #$eir ills6
D6 !6 *ara.a1 an In"ian
Burnalis#1 ,un" a "aQe"1 el"erl%
Si.$ 2an"ering arun" a =am(
in Jullun"ur =lu#=$ing in $is
$an"s a s$ea, , (a(er #rn ,rm
a s=$l/%'s n#e/.6 On i#1 a
(u/li= 2ri#er $a" ins=ri/e" a lis#
, all #$e /elngings #$e Si.$
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$a" ls# in Pa.is#anT $is =21 $is
$use1 $is =#1 (#s an" (ans6 T
ea=$ i#em #$e Si.$ $a" assigne"
a +alue6 T$e ##al 2as A044
ru(ees6 He 2as1 $e #l" *ara.a1
ging # (resen# $is /ill # #$e
g+ernmen# /e=ause #$e
g+ernmen# 2ul" (a% $im6
'@$i=$ g+ernmen#?' *ara.a
as.e"6
>M% g+ernmen#1' re(lie" #$e
l" Si.$6 T$en 2i#$ #u=$ing
ignran=e $e a""e"1 'Please1
Sa$i/1 =an %u #ell me 2$ere I
=an ,in" mT g+ernmen#?'
T$e ri=$ su,,ere" as 2ell as #$e
(r6 One Si.$ ,,i=er in Amri##a
#urne" $is garage in# a (ri+a#e
re,ugee =am(6 I# 2as ,ille" /%
$al, i "Qen , $is ,rien"s6 T2
mn#$s /e,re #$e% $a" /een
millinaireH in La$re6 N2 #$e%
2ere "es#i#u#e6 An#$er ,,i=er
2ul" re=all i man 2ee(ing
un=n#rlla/l% n #$e re,ugee
#rain $e 2as es=r#inB #2ar"s
Del$i6 T$e man1 2ell "resse"1
#l" $im $e'" /een 2i(eV u#1
ruine"6
'Yu reall% $a+e n#$ing le,#?'
as.e" #$e ,,i=er6
'Onl% 0441444 ru(ees1' ans2ere"
#$e man6
'Bu#1' (r#es#e" #$e ,,i=er1
'%u're s#ill ri=$!'
N1 2as #$e re(l%6 'I'm ging #
"na#e e+er% (ie , i# # $a+inT
Ne$ru an" )an"$i .ille"6'
Han"ling #$e in,luC , re,ugees
2as a #as. , un/elie+a/le "imen
sins6 Millins , /lan.e#s1 #en#s1
+a==ines $a" # /e ,un" an
"is#ri/u#e"6 Pr+i"ing #$e ,"
# .ee( #$em ali+e "eman"e"
lgis#i=al e,,r# , s#aggering
siQe6 As #$e =am(s +er,l2e"
=n"i#in /e=ame un/eara/le6
T$e s#en=$ , "ea#$1 "e=a% an"
"isease seeme # rise a/+e ea=$
ne li.e #$e mrning mis# ,, a
la.e6
T$e s#en=$ , ,ree"m1' /i##erl%
=m(laine" a Si.$ =lne
"ri+ing in# su=$ a =am( near
Amri#sar6 Insi"e an#$er1 an
In"ia Burnalis#Dn#e" ne %ung
man .ee(ingZaZ +lgS/Ssi"ems
"%in n*B$a\D nF# #F
`ni,B(BlBier\las#Bgurs1T/u#SBeS
ureSiJLgasJi 2$ 2ul" sna#=$
a2a%Z#$e /lan.e#
=+erigTBgi?FH%Z2$en s, "ie"6
)an"$i eC=e(#e"1 nne ,
Del$i's (li#i=al lea"ers 2ul"
/e ;
,amiliar # #$e inma#es , #$se
=am(s r as l+e" /% #$em as
/r2nD$aire" Englis$2man in
a =ris(l% (resse" S# J$n uni,ru
As #$e 2ee.s (re=e"ing (ar#i#in
$a" in a sense /elnge" # $
$us/an"1 s #$e 2ee.s , In"ia's
#rial 2ul" /e E"2ina Mun
/a##en's6 S$e "r+e $ersel,
"uring #$a# au#umn 2i#$ a
relen#less ,ur
a sel,D"is=i(line #$a# n# e+en $er
$us/an" =ul" sur(ass6 I# 2as
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
1 #$ug$ in #$e s'ualr ,
#$se =am(s1 =m,r#ing #$e si=.
an" #l
"%ing1 s$e 2as sme$2 a#ning
,r e+er% eC#ra+agan=e , $er se
in"ulgen# %u#$6 Her
=m(assin1 /a=.e" /% $er
inna#e sense au#$ri#%T $er
"e+#in en$an=e" /% $er
.n2le"ge an" #alen# ,
rganiQa#in1 ma"e E"2ina
Mun#/a##en an un,rge##a/le
,igu # #$usan"s , In"ians6
S$e 2as a# $er "es. e+er%
mrning a# 9 a6m61 2i#$ /arel% ,i
$urs' slee( /e$in" $er6 All "a%
s$e m+e" ,rm =am( # =anH
,rm $s(i#al # $s(i#al1
(r/ing1 s#u"%ing1 =ri#i=iQing1
=rre=#ii T$se 2ere n#
(er,un=#r% +isi#s6 S$e .ne2
$2 man% 2a#er #a a =am(
s$ul" $a+e (er #$usan"
inma#es1 $2 # ma.e sure n
ne misse" an in=ula#in1 $2
# rganiQe $%giene an"
sani#a#in6
H6 -6 R6 I%enagar1 Ne$ru's =$ie,
se=re#ar%1 remem/ere" $er
arri+ing ,r an Emergen=%
&mmi##ee a# siC '=l=. ne
e+ening a,#er #2el+e $urs
#uring #$e =am(s un"er a
/ea#ing sun6 Her AD&s
=lla(se" in slee( in #$e
=mmi##ee an#erm1 2$ile
insi"e E"2ina1 '=l1 (re=ise1
(ragma#i=1 (er,e=#l% grme"1
se# u# $er /ser+a#ins an"
re=mmen"a#ins n a 2$le
range , (r/lems'6
S$e $a#e" # ,l% an" 2as
+ilen#l% ill e+er% #ime s$e 2as
in #$e air6 Ye# s$e ,le2 2$ene+er
s$e =ul" # sa+e #ime1 (u##ing a
,res$ =a# , li(s#i=. n $er
+mi#Ds#aine" mu#$ /e,re ea=$
lan"ing6 S$e $a" n $esi#a#in in
r"ering RA! 2ar $eres # #a.e
,, agains# all sa,e#% regula#ins
in ##al "ar.ness 2$en an urgen#
(r/lem a2ai#e" $er6
FT$e ne s#u(i" #$ing # #ell $er
2as1 Yur EC=ellen=%1 I "n'#
#$in. i# 2ul" /e sui#a/le ,r
%u # " #$is1' L#6 &m"r6 H2es1
$er $us/an"'s AD&1 re=alle"6 'I,
%u "i"1 s$e 2ul" imme"ia#el%
" i#6'
N sig$# 2as # gruesme1 n
$u# # ,il#$%1 n #as. #
"emeaning1 n In"ian # ill ,r
$er =nsi"era#in6 H2es 2ul"
al2a%s remem/er $er s'ua##ing
u( # $er an.les in mu" /esi"e
men "%ing , =$lera1 ne , #$e
ms# ,rig$#,ul , "ea#$s1 =alml%
s#r.ing #$eir ,e+ere" ,re$ea"s
"uring #$e las# mmen#s , #$eir
eCis#en=e6
T$se #ragi= 2ee.s in In"ia an"
Pa.is#an 2ere a #ime , $rrr1
/u# #$e% 2ere a #ime , $eres as
2ell1 ms# , #$em un.n2n an"
un#$an.e" $eres1 #$eir "ee"s
,rg##en as sn as #$e% 2ereD
a==m(lis$e"6 T$e sen#imen#s ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
man% 2ere summe" u( /%
As$2ini *umar1 a Hin"u (li=e
,,i=er in Amri#sar6 FT$e nl%
2a% # =ling # ne's sani#% in
#$a# $ell1' $e n#e"1 '2as # #r% #
sa+e ne ,i,e a "a%6' I# 2as a #as.
# 2$i=$ #$e %ung (li=eman
=nse=ra#e" $imsel, 2i#$ a
n#a/le an" su==ess,ul ar"ur6
T$ere 2ere Si.$s 2$ $i"
Mslem ,rien"s ,r mn#$s r
sa+e" #$em ,rm #$e m/sT
Hin"us1 li.e an un.n2n
#ra+elling salesman 2$ (ulle"
A$me" An2ar1 a 55D%earDl"
Mslem railra" =ler.1 ,rm #$e
m/ #r%ing # .ill $im1 s$u#ing
'He's a &$ris#ian'T Mslems1 li.e
#$e =a(#ain , #$e !rn#ier !r=e
Ri,les 2$ "ie" "e,en"ing a
=lumn , Si.$s agains# $is
=un#r%men6
)ra"uall%1 a sem/lan=e , r"er
/egan # emerge ,rm #$e =$as6
Dis=i(line in /#$ armies
im(r+e"1 e,,e=#i+e #a=#i=s ,r
(r#e=#ing #rains an" re,ugee
=lumns 2ere "e+ise"6 T$e
Emergen=% &mmi##ee1 2$i=$
Ne$ru 2ul" =all '#$e /es# lessn
in a"minis#ra#in a ne2
g+ernmen# e+er $a"'1 /egan #
ge# i#s gri( n #$e PunBa/6 T$e
millins , re,ugees s#aggere"
n1 /u# #$e +ilen=e 2$i=$ $a"
(r+.e" #$eir ,lig$# /egan #
"iminis$6 I#s 2aning 2as signa
ne la=ni= line in an
in#elligen=e re(r# su/mi##e" #
#$e Eme &mmi##ee6
T$e (ra=#i=e , #$r2ing
Mslems ,rm #rain 2in"2s1' i#
'is n #$e "e=line6'
One las# male"i=#in a2ai#e"
#$se un,r#una#e mul#i#u"eH
mnsn arri+e"6 T$e $ea+ens1
,rm 2$i=$ #$e PunBa/'s mis
millins $a" /egge" su==ur in
#$e searing $ea# , Augu
Se(#em/er1 ,inall% $urle" "2n
#$e rains #$e%'" $ar"e" 2i#$
su=$ as In"ia $a" n# seen in
$al, a =en#ur%6 I# 2as alms# as #
a (an#$en , #$e PunBa/'s angr%
g"s 2ere ,linging a (ar#inB
u(n a (e(le 2$ $a"
"is(lease" #$em6 Turne" in#
#rren ,i+e ri+ers , #$e PunBa/1
#$e ri+ers 2$i=$ $a" gi+en #$e (r
i#s name an" sus#aine" an"
nuris$e" i#s u(r#e" =$il"ren
n2 # /e=me #$e ,inal
ins#rumen#s , #$eir "es#ru=#in6
&ursing ,, #$e grea# sl(es ,
#$e Himala%as1 s2elling #$ei
2i#$ mel#e" sn21 #$e rains /urs#
in# #$e (lains in 2alls , #$e
$eig$# , a $use6 Ri+er/e"s
2$i=$ $a" /een "rie" # a /% #$e
summer sun /e=ame ,aming
#rren#s6 Par#i#in ai PunBa/'s
=$as $a" "isru(#e" #$e ,l"
2arning s%s#em in un"er #$e
Bri#is$6 Alms# 2i#$u# n#i=e
#$se 2alls , 2a#er in# #$e
$ear# , #$e PunBa/ n #$e
e+ening , 5A Se(#em/er1 s (as#
#$eir ri+er/an.s1 "r2ning in a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
rum/le li.e #$e en" , #$e #ens ,
#$usan"s , re,ugees 2$'"
=lla(se" #$ere ,r a H slee(6
A/"ul Ra$amanAli1 a Mslem
small$l"er1 $a" s#((e" , nig$#
2i#$ $un"re"s , ,ell2 +illagers
/% #$e /an.s , #$e "ri ri+er/e"
, #$e Beas6 A s(e=ial air , B%
an" relie, $a" ani #$eir =am(T
Pa.is#an an" #$e sa,e#% , i#s
,rn#iers 2as n_ miles a2a%6
!r ms#1 #$se ,rn#iers 2ul"
remain a "ream1 a s=re amng
#$em sur+i+e" #$e ,renQie" rus$
, #$e Bes nig$#6
Ali1 $is /ull=. =ar# (lan#e" n a
li( , $ig$ grun" a# #$[ ri"ge ,
#$e =am(1 2as a2a.ene" /%
s=reams an" #$e #$un #$e
nrus$ing 2a#er6 He s=ram/le"
n # $is =ar# 2i#$ $is 3 T$e
2a#er lea(# u( # #$e $u/s , i#s
2$eels1 # i#s (la#,r #$eir .nees1
,inall% # #$eir =$es#s /e,re i#s
rus$ a/a#e"6 !V "a%s Ali's ,amil%
=lung # #$eir =ar#1 2i#$u#
nuris$men#1 #reH 2i#$ =l"1
2a#=$ing #$e 2a#ers =arr% (as#
#$em in an in"is=ri #i"e #$e
s(lin#ere" /ull=. =ar#s1 /la#e"
animals an" =rB #$eir ,rien"s
an" neig$/urs6
Bri"ges #$a# $a" $el" ,as# ,r
"e=a"es 2ere su/merge" r

?A5

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

THE )REATEST MI)RATION
IN HISTORY

?A?

,rm #$eir (ilings /% #$e 2a#er's
#erri,%ing ,r=e6 MaBr U6&6
Du/e%1 , #$e In"ian Arm%1 sa2
#$e 2a#ers , #$e Beas inun"a#e
#$e rail2a% /ri"ge +er #$e ri+er
u#si"e Amri#sar6 Bull=. =ar#s1
#$eir /ull=.s1 #$eir 2ners 2ere
/eing s2e(# alng /% #$e ri+er1
#$en smas$e" agains# #$e gir"ers
2i#$ a ,r=e #$a# 'sna((e" #$e
=ar#s li.e ma#=$/Ces an" .ille"
#$e $umans an" animals'6
Li,e MagaQine's Margare#
Bur.eD@$i#e $a" # ,lee #$e
/an.s , #$e Ra+i in 2a#er u( #
$er 2ais#1 $er li,e sa+e" /% #$e
,ran#i= 2arning , an In"ian
,,i=er6 @$en #$e 2a#ers ,inall%
re=e"e"1 s$e 2en# /a=. # #$e
si#e1 a mea"2 /e#2een a
rail2a% ram( an" #$e ri+er 2$ere
A444 Mslems $a" $al#e" ,r #$e
nig$#6 Less #$an a #$usan" $a"
sur+i+e"6 T$e mea"2 '2as li.e
a /a##le,iel"H =ar#s +er#urne"1
$use$l" g"s an" ,arm #ls
(resse" in# a mas$ , mu" an"
2re=.age'6
!r )ur=$aran Sing$1 a Si.$
(li=e ,,i=er1 ne image 2ul"
al2a%s remain as a s%m/l ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$a# ,inal agn%6 He sa2 i# in #$e
su/lime sunlig$# , earl%
mrning #$e "a% #$e 2a#ers
/egan # g "2n6 !es#ne" in
#$e /ran=$es , a (ee(ul #ree1
a/+e #$e remains , #$e
re,ugees $e'" /een assigne" #
(r#e=#1 2as #$e =r(se , a
)ur.$a sl"ier1 $is remains
/eing me#$"i=all% "e+ure" /%
+ul#ures6
f > >
N ne 2ul" e+er .n2 $2
man% (e(le ls# #$eir li+es
"uring #$se #erri/le 2ee.s6 S
=$a#i= 2ere #$e =ir=ums#an=es
surrun"ing #$em1 s =m(le#e
2as #$e (r+in=e's /rie,
a"minis#ra#i+e =lla(se1 #$a# i#
2as im(ssi/le # ma.e an%
a==ura#e =an+ass6 T$e num/er ,
#$se le,# # "ie /% #$e ra"si"e1
#$r2n in 2ells1 =rema#e" in #$e
,lames , #$eir $mes r
+illages1 2as /e%n" re=.ning6
T$e ms# eC#ra+agan# es#ima#es
2ul" #al. , ne r #2 millin
"ea#$s6 T$e ,rems# In"ian
s#u"en# , #$e massa=res1 Ju"ge
)6 D6 *$sla1> se# #$e ,igure a#
04414446 Bri#ain's #2 lea"ing
$is#rians , #$e (eri"1 Pen"erel
Mn1>> 2$ 2as ser+ing in
Pa.is#an a# #$e #ime1 an" H6 -6
H"sn1>>> 2ul" (la=e #$e
"ea#$s a# /e#2een 5441444 an"
50414446 Sir &$an"ulal Tri+e"i1
In"ia's ,irs# )+ernr , #$e
PunBa/ an" #$e ,,i=ial ms#
=nne=#e" 2i#$ e+en#s in #$e
(r+in=e1 es#ima#e" #$e #ll a#
55014446
T$e num/er , re,ugees1 a# leas#1
2ul" /e .n2n6 All #$a#
au#umn an" 2ell in# #$e 2in#er
#$e% 2ul" =n#inue # ,l2
#$rug$ @aga1 a=rss Suleman.i
an" Ball.i Hea"s1 0441444 #$is
2ee.1 8041444 #$e neC#1 un#il #$e
,ull =m(lemen# , #en an" a
$al, millin $a" /een
> S#ern Re=.ning /% )(al Das
*$sla1 Bm/a%H Jai= B.s
379?6
>> Di+i"e an" Lui# /% Pen"erel
Mn1 Ln"nH &$a## G
@in"us L#"61 37936
>>> T$e )rea# Di+i"e /% H6 -6
H"sn1 Ln"nH Hu#=$insn
an" &61 37976
rea=$e"6 S#ill an#$er millin
2ul" =rss #$e ,rn#iers in mre
(ea=e,ul =ir=ums#an=es in
Bengal6 Ine+i#a/l%1 #$e $rrrs ,
#$e PunBa/ =as# a 2a+e ,
=ri#i=ism n #$e las# -i=er% an"
In"ia's (li#i=al lea"ers6 !rm
Ln"n1 @ins#n &$ur=$ill1 s
lng a ,e , In"ian ,ree"m1
=mmen#e" 2i#$ illD=n=eale"
sa#is,a=#in n> #$e s(e=#a=le ,
(e(le 2$ $a" "2el# in (ea=e
,r genera#ins un"er #$e '/ra"1
#leran# an" im(ar#ial rule , #$e
Bri#is$ &r2n'1 #$r2ing
#$emsel+es n ea=$ #$er '2i#$
#$e ,er=i#% , =anni/als'6
&lemen# A##lee as.e" Lr"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Isma% in earl% O=#/er i, Bri#ain
'$a" n# #a.en #$e 2rng =urse
an" rus$e" #$ings # mu=$'6 His
2as1 , =urse1 an im(ssi/le
'uer% # ans2er6 @$a# $a"
$a((ene"1 $a" $a((ene"6 @$a#
mig$# $a+e $a((ene" $a" n# #$e
=n+i=#in #$a# s(ee" 2as
essen#ial i, In"ia 2as # /e sa+e"
,rm a "isas#er g+erne" #$e las#
-i=er%'s a=#ins1 $a" n#6 One
#$ing 2as =er#ain6 In"ia's lea"ers
$a" n# nl% en"rse"
Mun#/a##en's (li=% # m+e as
'ui=.l% as (ssi/le1 #$e% $a"1
2i#$u# eC=e(#in1 urge" #$a#
=urse u(n $im6 S(ee"1 Jinna$
ne+er =ease" re(ea#ing1 2as #$e
essen=e , #$e =n#ra=#6 S(ee"
2as #$e elemen# -alla/$/$ai
Pa#el $a" /argaine" ,r /%
ma.ing i# =lear &ngress 2ul"
a==e(# mem/ers$i( in #$e
&mmn2eal#$ nl% i, (2er
2as #rans,erre" imme"ia#el%6
Ne$ru =ns#an#l% 2arne" #$e
-i=er% #$a# "ela% in rea=$ing a
"e=isir 2ul" =n,rn# In"ia
2i#$ #$e ris. , =i+il 2ar6 E+en
)an"$i "es(i#e $is ((si#in #
(ar#i#in1 s#ill urge" ne =urse
n Mun# /a##enH ge# u# , In"ia
imme"ia#el%6 Mun#/a##en's
(re"e=essi Lr" @a+ell1 2as
e'uall% =n+in=e" , #$e nee"
,r s(ee"1 e+en a #$e (ri=e , #$e
(r+in=eD/%D(r+in=e e+a=ua#in
$e $a" urge" i $is O(era#in
Ma"$use6
Lr" Mun#/a##en $imsel,
2ul" al2a%s remain (ersua"e"
#$a gi+en #$e =ir=ums#an=es $e
,un" n $is arri+al in In"ia in
37A ,ll2ing an% #$er =urse
2ul" $a+e (lunge" In"ia in#
=$ s#ri,e n an un(re=e"en#e"
s=ale1 s#ri,e Bri#ain 2ul" $a+e
$a" nei#$ #$e resur=es nr #$e
2ill # =n#rl6
T$e +ilen=e #$e (ar#i#in
agreemen# (r"u=e" in #$e
PunBa/ 2 ,ar 2rse #$an
an%#$ing Mun#/a##en r #$e
eC(er#s =unselli $im $a"
en+isage"6 T$e 001444 men ,
#$e PunBa/ Bun"ar% !r =rea#e"
# main#ain r"er in #$e
(r+in=e1 2ere +er2$elme" /%
i s$eer "imensin , a =a#a=l%sm
2i#$u# (re=e"en#6 Ye# $2e
#erri/le #$e =nse'uen=es , #$a#
u($ea+al 2ere1 #$e% 2ere ,
=n,ine" # ne In"ian (r+in=e
an" neD#en#$ , In"ia's ((ula#i
T$e ris.s , an% #$er =urse
2as #$a# i# mig$# eC(se all In"iT
#$e $rrr 2$i=$ (ar#i#in $a"
+isi#e" n #$e PunBa/6
!r #$e millins , +i=#ims ,
(ar#i#in1 #$e lng an" (aiH
mn#$s , rese##lemen# an"
rein#egra#in s#ill lme" a$ea"6
3
!6M6

?AA

108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

$a" (ai" #$e (ri=e ,r ,ree"m1
an" #$a# (ri=e 2ul" lea+e i#s
/i##er im(rin# ,r %ears # =me6
T$a# au#umn i# ,un" i#s
eC#ra+agan# eC(ressin in a =r%
, rage an" ,rus#ra#in1 a =r%
s$rie.e" # a Bri#is$ ,,i=er /%
an em/i##ere" gru( , re,ugees
s#ar+ing in a PunBa/ =am(H
'B,ing /a=. #$e RaB!'
'*as$mir D nl% *as$mir!'
*as$mir1 55D5A O=#/er 37A8
T$e =eremn% in #$e /rillian#l%
illumina#e" Dur/ar Hall , #$e
(ala=e , #$e Ma$araBa ,
*as$mir in Srinagar 2as #$e
=limaC , ne , #$e ms#
an=ien# ,eas#s in #$e Hin"u
=alen"ar6 E+er% %ear a# #$e rising
, #$e O=#/er mn1 Hin"us
mar.e" #$e legen"ar% nineD"a%
s#ruggle , #$e )""ess Durga1
#$e 2i,e , Lr" S$i+a1 2i#$ #$e
min#aur Ma$is$asura /% a nineD
"a% ,es#i+al6 As $is an=es#rs $a"
,r a =en#ur%1 Han Sing$1
Ma$araBa , *as$mir1 =lse" #$e
37A8 ,es#i+al n #$e e+ening ,
5A O=#/er /% re=ei+ing a ri#ual
(le"ge , allegian=e ,rm #$e
assem/le" n/les an" "igni#aries
, $is s#a#e6 One /% ne #$e%
a"+an=e" # #$e ,# , $is
#$rne an" (resse" in# $is
(rin=el% (alm a s%m/li=
,,ering , a (ie=e , gl"
2ra((e" in a sil. $an".er=$ie,6
T$e (e#ulan# ma$araBa 2as a
,r#una#e man6 He 2as ne ,
#$ree rulers le,# ,rm #$a#
eC#ra+agan# =as#e , (rin=es 2$
s#ill sa# u(n #$eir #$rnes6 T$e
#2 #$ers 2ere #$e Na2a/ ,
Junaga"$1 2$ere i# 2as /e##er #
$a+e /een /rn a "g #$an a
man1 an" #$e NiQam ,
H%"era/a"6 Agains# e+er%
argumen# , gegra($% an"
lgi=1 Junaga"$ $a" #rie" # #a.e
$is li##le s#a#e1 l=.e" in #$e $ear#
, In"ia1 in# Pa.is#an6 His "a%s
2ere num/ere"H in /arel% a
,r#nig$#'s #ime #$e In"ian Arm%
2ul" 2al. in# $is s#a#e1 gi+ing
#$e ruler Bus# enug$ #ime # ,ill
a (lane 2i#$ $is 2i+es an" $is
,a+uri#e (e#s an" ,lee #
Pa.is#an6 T$e NiQam's "a%s 2ere
num/ere" as 2ell Des(i#e a
lng1 las#D"i#=$ s#ruggle # ,r=e
Bri#ain an" In"ia #V re=gniQe
$is in"e(en"en=e1 $e # 2ul"
see $is s#a#e ,r=i/l in#egra#e"
in# an in"e(en"en# In"ia n#
lng a,#er #$e las# -i=er%'
"e(ar#ure6
Hari Sing$ $a" lng re=+ere"
,rm #$e "i(lma#i= s#ma=$Da=/
2$i=$ $a" s(are" $im #$e
"e=isin Luis Mun#/a##en $a"
2an## $im # #a.e1 ma.ing u( ais
min" # Bin ei#$er In"ia r
Pa.isU /e,re 30 Augus#6 Sea#e"
un"er $is gl"en um/rella1 i#s
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
,l"s s$a(V in #$e ,rm , a
l#us /lssm1 a "iamn"D
en=rus#e" #ur/an n I $ea"1 $is
ne=. ringe" /% a "Qen s#ran"s
, (earls se##ing ,, # emeral"
#$a# 2as #$e (ru"es# (ssessin
, $is "%nas#%1 HT Sing$ s#ill
=lung # #$e "ream $e $a"
ar#i=ula#e" # $is l" ,rie /% #$e
/an.s , #$e Tri.a Ri+er6 He
2an#e" # s#a% n #$a# #$r #
se=ure #$e in"e(en"en=e , #$e
en=$an#e" +ale 2$i=$ #$e E In"ia
&m(an% $a" sl" $is ,re/ears
a =en#ur% /e,re ,r

?A9
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
millin ru(ees an" an annual
#ri/u#e , siC s$a2ls s(un ,rm
#$e g'ssamer #$in (as$mina
2l #$a# gre2 n #$e ne=.s ,
#$e ga#s (as#ure" in *as$mir's
mun#ain ranges6 T$a# 2as Bus# a
"ream1 $2e+er6 A /ru#al
a2a.ening 2as /arel% ,r#%D
eig$# $urs a2a%6
@$ile #$e n/les , *as$mir1 in
Hari Sing$'s /rillian#l%
illumina#e" Dur/ar Hall1 2ere
(er,rming #$eir ri#ual a=# ,
/eisan=e # #$eir ruler1 an#$er
gru( , men 2ere ,r=ing #$eir
2a% in# a ma=$iner%D(a=.e"
rm ,i,#% miles eas# ,
Srinagar6n #$e /an.s , #$e
J$elum Ri+er6 One , #$em
s#ra((e" a =lum( , "%nami#e
s#i=.s # a (anel =lu##ere" 2i#$
le+ers an" "ials6 S$u#ing a
2arning1 $e ,ire" i# 2i#$ a ma#=$
an" ran u# , #$e /uil"ing6 Ten
se=n"s la#er1 an earDs(li##ing
rar s$. #$e (2er s#a#in ,
Ma$ura6 As i# "i"1 ,rm #$e
/r"ers , Pa.is#an # La"a.$
an" #$e mun#ain 2alls , &$ina1
#$e lig$#s 2en# u#6
In ne #erri,%ing s#r.e1 #$e
$un"re"s , /ul/s gli##ering in
Hari Sing$'s =r%s#al =$an"eliers
/lin.e" u#1 (lunging $is (ala=e
in# "ar.ness6 A# #$a# same
ins#an#1 (2er "isa((eare"
#$rug$u# $is l+el% =a(i#al6 On
#$eir ,l2erD/e"e=.e"
$use/a#s mre" in #$e
glimmering 2a#ers , La.e Dal1
s=res , Englis$men an"
2men (n"ere" #$e meaning ,
#$e m%s#i,%ing "ar.ness6 T$se
re#ire" =lnels an" =i+il
ser+an#s =ul" n# realiQe i# %e#1
/u# #$e ,ailing lig$#s 2ere an
men annun=ing #$e en" ,
#$eir un#ru/le" eCis#en=e in a
(ara"ise , suns$ine an" ,l2ers
2$ere a man =ul" li+e #$e
"ream , #$e Em(err Je$angir
n #$ir#% (un"s s#erling a
mn#$6
In $is /e"rm in $is ,a#$er's
(ala=e 2$ere an (era#in n $is
leg $a" =n,ine" $im1 *aran
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Sing$1 #$e Ma$araBa's el"es# sn1
lis#ene" # #$e maning , #$e
2in" "ri+ing "2n #$e -ale ,
*as$mir ,rm #$e gla=iers , #$e
Himala%as6 T$en1 li.e $is ,a#$er1
$is gues#s an" #$usan"s , #$er
*as$miris1 #$e %ung *aran
Sing$ $ear" an#$er sun"
"ri,#ing alng #$e 2in"'s /i##er
=urren#s6 His /l" ran =l" as1
l%ing in #$e "ar.ness1 $e lis#ene"
# i#6 I# 2as #$e "is#an# =r% ,
Ba=.als "es=en"ing n #$e =i#%6
A $r"e , Ba=.als , an#$er
sr# 2as als s2ee(ing #2ar"s
Srinagar an" #$e -ale ,
*as$mir n #$a# nig$# , 5A
O=#/er 37A86 !r #$e (as# ,r#%D
eig$# $urs $un"re"s , Pa#$an
#ri/esmen $a" /een s(illing in#
Hari Sing$'s s#a#e # (u# an en"
# $is "ream , in"e(en"en=e6
T$e (ri+a#e arm% $e $a" =un#e"
n # "e,en" $im $a"1 ,r #$e
ms# (ar#1 ei#$er "eser#e" # #$e
in+a"ers r "isa((eare" in# #$e
$ills6
T$e rigins , #$a# /ru#al an"
unannun=e" assaul# alms#
=er#ainl% la% in an inn=en#
re'ues# ma"e #2 mn#$s earlier1
n !ri"a%1 5A Augus#1 /%
M$amme" Ali Jinna$ 34 $is
Bri#is$ Mili#ar% Se=reD

#ar%6 EC$aus#e" /% $is 2ee. ,
"i,,i=ul# neg#ia#ins1 2ea.ene"
/% #$e un,rgi+ing "isease in $is
lungs1 Jinna$ $a" "e=i"e" $e
nee"e" a +a=a#in6 He ins#ru=#e"
#$e Se=re#ar%1 &l6 @il$am
Birnie1 # g # *as$mir an"
arrange ,r $im # s(en" #2
2ee.s res#ing an" relaCing in
mi"DSe(#em/er6
T$e =$i=e , *as$mir ,r $is
$li"a% 2as en#irel% na#ural6 T
Jinna$1 as # ms# , $is
=un#r%men1 i# seeme"
in=n=ei+a/le #$a# *as$mir1 2i#$
a ((ula#in +er #$ree'uar#ers
Mslem1 =ul" /e=me an%#$ing
/u# a (ar# , Pa.is#an6
T$e Bri#is$ ,,i=er1 nne#$eless1
re#urne" ,i+e "a%s la#er 2i#$ an
ans2er #$a# s#unne" Jinna$6 Hari
Sing$ "i"n'# 2an# $im # se# ,#
n $is sil1 e+en as a #uris#6 T$e
re(l% ga+e Pa.is#an's lea"ers a
,irs# in"i=a#in #$a# #$e si#ua#in
in *as$mir 2as n# e+l+ing as
#$e% $a" =m(la=en#l% assume"6
!r#%Deig$# $urs la#er1 Jinna$'s
g+ernmen# in,il#ra#e" a se=re#
agen# in# *as$mir # e+alua#e
#$e si#ua#in an" "e#ermine #$e
Ma$araBa's real in#en#ins6
T$e re(r# $e /rug$# /a=. 2as
a s$=.ing neH Hari Sing$ $a"
n in#en#in , Bining $is s#a#e
# Pa.is#an6 T$a# 2as sme#$ing
#$e ,un"ers , Pa.is#an =ul"
n# #lera#e6 In mi"DSe(#em/er1
Lia'a# Ali *$an =n+ene" a
se=re# mee#ing , a sele=# gru(
, =lla/ra#rs in La$re #
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"e=i"e $2 # ,r=e #$e
Ma$araBa's $an"6
T$e =ns(ira#rs "ismisse"
imme"ia#el% #$e i"ea , u#rig$#
in+asin6 T$e Pa.is#ani Arm%
2as n# rea"% ,r an a"+en#ure
2$i=$ =ul" 2ell lea" # 2ar
2i#$ In"ia6 T2 #$er
(ssi/ili#ies1 $2e+er1 (resen#e"
#$emsel+es6 T$e ,irs# $a" /een
u#line" /% &l6 A./ar *$an1 a
San"$urs# gra"ua#e 2i#$ a #as#e
,r =ns(ira=%6 He (r(se" #$a#
Pa.is#an su((l% #$e arms an"
mne% # ,men# an u(rising ,
*as$mir's "issi"en# Mslem
((ula#in6 I# 2ul" re'uire
se+eral mn#$s1 /u# #$e en"1
*$an (rmise"1 2ul" see ',r#%
r ,i,#% #$usan" *as$miris
"es=en"ing n Srinagar # ,r=e
#$e Ma$araBa # a==e"e #
Pa.is#an'6
T$e se=n" al#erna#i+e 2as e+en
mre in#riguing6 I#s s(nsr 2as
#$e &$ie, Minis#er , #$e
!rn#ier Pr+in=e1 an" i#
in+l+e" #$e ms# #ru/lesme
an" ,eare" ((ula#in n #$e
su/D=n#inen#1 #$e Pa#$an
#ri/esmen , #$e Nr#$D2es#
!rn#ier6 Pa.is#an $a" in$eri#e"
,rm Bri#ain #$e (r/lem ,
.ee(ing #$e (ea=e in #$eir
#ur/ulen# #ri/al (reser+es1 an"
#$e #ri/e's l%al#% # #$e
g+ernmen# , #$eir Mslem
/r#$ers in *ara=$i 2as n# # /e
#a.en ,r gran#e"6 As Bri#ain's
las# )+ernr , #$e Pr+in=e1
Sir Ola, &ere1 $a" (re"i=#e"1
#$e agen#s , #$e .ing ,
A,g$anis#an 2ere alrea"%
arusing #$e #ri/es see.ing #$eir
su((r# ,r #$e eC(ansin , $is
.ing"m # Pes$a2ar an" #$e
/an.s , #$e In"us6 Sen"ing
#$se "angerus $r"es #
Srinagar $a" =nsi"era/le
a((eal6 I# 2ul" ,r=e #$e s2i,#
,all , #l Ma$araBa an" #$e
anneCa#in , $is s#a#e #
Pa.is#an6 An" ,,erii #$e
#ri/esmen #$e ((r#uni#% # l#
#$e /aQaars , *as$mir1 2u
.ee( #$eir =+e#us e%es ,, #$e
/aQaars , Pes$a2ar6
T$e ga#$ering =lse" 2i#$ a s#ern
2arning ,rm #$e Prime Minis##
T$e (era#in mus# /e a
=m(le#e se=re#6 !inan=e 2ul"
/e (r+i" /% se=re# ,un"s ,rm
$is ,,i=e6 Nei#$er #$e ,,i=ers ,
Pa.is#an's anr $er =i+il ser+an#s1
nr1 a/+e all1 #$e Bri#is$
,,i=ers an" a"min #ra#rs in #$e
ser+i=e , #$e ne2 s#a#e1 2ere #
/e gi+en a==ess # # se=re#6
T$ree "a%s la#er1 in #$e =ellar ,
a rams$a=.le /uil"ing in Pes#
2ar's l" 2alle" =i#%1 a gru( ,
#ri/al lea"ers me# #$e man =$s
# aruse #$eir em#ins an" lea"
#$em n #$e mar=$ # Srinag
MaBr *$urs$i" An2ar6 An2ar1
a +la#ile =$ara=#er 2i#$ a (en=$i
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,r ge##ing $imsel, u( in 2eir"
"isguises1 seeme" an unli.el%
=$i His =n+en#inal mili#ar%
=areer $a" en"e" 2$en $e $a"
/V =as$iere" ,rm #$e In"ian
Arm%6,r a((r(ria#ing mess
,un"s # 2n use6 T$e #ri/al
lea"ers arun" $im1 2i#$ #$eir
lse r/es T un#rimme" /ear"s1
l.e" li.e #$e 2arrirs , Saul
an" Da' Si((ing #$eir s=en#e"
#ea1 "ra2ing n #$eir $.a$s1
#$e% lis#ene= An2ar's sm/re
assessmen# , #$e si#ua#in in
*as$mir6 T$e in, Hin"u
Ma$araBa 2as a/u# # Bin $is
s#a#e # In"ia6 I, sme#l 2as n#
"ne urgen#l%1 In"ia1 $e 2arne"1
2ul" sn == *aslimir1 an"
millins , #$eir Mslem
/r#$ers 2ul" ,all ur Hin"u
rule6 T$e% mus# assem/le #$eir
#ri/al le+ies1 # /egin a ! @ar ,r
#$eir /r#$ers in *as$mir6
Im(li=i# in $is in+i#a#in #1 #$a#
(a#ri#i= =rusa"e 2as an#$er
e'uall% an=ien# /u# less $e lure6
I# 2as mre li.el% # gal+aniQe
#$e ar"ur , #$e Pa#$ans # an%
s(iri#ual a((eal D #$e (rmisD ,
l#6
@i#$in $urs1 in #$e mu"D2alle"
=m(un"s , #$eir +illageH
en=am(men#s1 in Lan"i *#al1
alng #$e *$%/er1 in #$e $iV
gr##es 2$ere ,r "e=a"es
#$e%'" manu,a=#ure" #$eir ri,les1
in se=re# "e(#s , #$eir
smugglers' =ara+ans1 #$e Pa#$ans
(asse" an=ien# =all , Islam ,r
Hl% @ar1 Ji$a"6 !rm /aQaar #
/aT se=re# emissaries /egan #
/u% u( s#=.s , $ar" #a=. an" gi
miC#ure , =m meal1 grun"
=$i=.(eas an" sugar6 A ,e2 ruu#
, #$a# miC#ure1 #a.en #2 r
#$ree #imes a "a% 2i#$ 2a#er 43
=ul" sus#ain a Pa#$an ,r "a%s6
)ra"uall%1 #$e men1 #$e 2ea an"
#$e su((lies /egan # ,l2 # #$e
se=re# assem/l% (in#s 2$i=$
#$e% 2ul" laun=$ #$eir =rusa"e
# sa+e #$eir *asl /r#$ers an"
sla.e #$eir an=es#ral #$irs# ,r
(illage6
N# nl% 2ere #$e +i=es a# /#$
en"s , #$e #ele($ne line En

/u# #$e% /elnge" # #2 , #$e
ms# im(r#an# men in Pa.is#an6
Sir )erge &unning$am 2as #$e
g+ernr , #$e Nr#$D@es#
!rn#ier Pr+in=e1 an" #$e man
# 2$m $e 2as #ele($ning
,rm $is ,,i=e in Pes$a2ar 2as
L#6 )en6 Sir !ran. Messer+%1 #$e
Pa.is#ani Arm%6
T sa%1 l" /%1 I $a+e #$e
im(ressin1' &unning$am #l"
Messer+%1 '#$a# sme#$ing
s#range is ging n $ere6' !r
"a%s1 $e sai"1 #ru=.s =r2"e"
2i#$ #ri/esmen =$an#ing ''
Alla$DA./ar' $a" /een (uring
#$rug$ Pes$a2ar6 His 2n
&$ie, Minis#er seeme" # /e #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
man s#irring u( #$e Pa#$ans6
E+er%ne1 in #$e =i#% eC=e(# $im
a((eare" a2are , #$e
"es#ina#in , #$a# en#$usias#i=
arma"a6
'Are %u a/slu#el% =er#ain1' $e
as.e" Messer+%1 '#$a# #$e
g+ernmen# is s#ill ((se" # a
#ri/al in+asin , *as$mir?'
&unning$am's #ele($ne =all $a"
=aug$# #$e general in #$e mi""le
, $is (re(ara#ins ,r a #ri(6 T$e
g+ernmen# , Pa.is#an $a"
ma"e =er#ain #$a#1 2$en #$e
#ri/al in+asin /egan1 #$e
FBri#is$ &mman"erDinD&$ie,
2ul" /e 9444 miles a2a% in
Ln"n #r%ing # (ur=$ase arms
# re(la=e #$se In"ia $a" ,aile"
# "eli+er6
T =an assure %u I'm ((se" #
an% su=$ i"ea1' Messer+% #l" $is
=lleague1 'an" #$e Prime
Minis#er $as (ersnall% gi+en
me $is assuran=e $e is #6'
'@ell1' &unning$am sai"1 '%u'"
/e##er in,rm $im , 2$a#'s
ging n u( $ere6'
Messer+% =alle" n Lia'a# Ali
*$an a ,e2 $urs la#er n $is
2a% # Ln"n6 As serene as a
Bu""$a n a /asDrelie, in #$e
#em(les , )an"$ara1 Lia'a# Ali
*$an reassure" #$e =mman"er
, $is arm%6 His ,ears 2ere
grun"less1 $e sai"6 Pa.is#an
2ul" ne+er #lera#e su=$ an
a=#in6 He 2ul" imme"ia#el%
=n#a=# #$e &$ie, Minis#er , #$e
Pr+in=e an" r"er $im # s#(
$is u#rageus a=#ins6 T$us
reassure"1 Messer+% ,le2 ,, #
Ln"n # (ur=$ase #$e s$ell an"
=annn # ,uel #$e =n,li=# #$a#
$a" /een s =are,ull% "esigne"
# eru(# "uring $is a/sen=e6
T$e Pa.is#aniD*as$miri !rn#ier1
55D5A O=#/er 37A8
I#s lig$#s u#1 i#s m#r =u#1 #$e
(reD2ar !r" s#a#inD2agn sli"
#$rug$ #$e gla=ial nig$# # "ra2
# a s#( a $un"re" %ar"s ,rm
#$e /ri"ge6 Be$in" i# s#re#=$e" a
=$ain , "ar. s$a"2s1 a =lumn
, #ru=.s ea=$ ,ille" 2i#$ silen#
men6 T$e ,ra=as , #$e #rren#s
, #$e J$elum Ri+er rus$ing
#$rug$ i#s r=.% /e" /el2
#$em ,ille" #$e nig$#6 In #$e
s#a#inD2agn1 Saira/ Ha%a#
*$an1 a 5?D%earDl" lea"er , #$e
Mslem League's )reen S$ir#s1
ner+usl% (i=.e" a# #$e
'*ASHMIR D ONLY
*ASHMIR!'
#i(s , $is ,laring mus#a=$e6
T$e #erri#r% , #$e s#a#e , *a
la% a# #$e #$er en" , #$e /ri"ge
/e,re $im6
E%es ,iCe" # #$a# /ri"ge1 $e
2a#=$e" ,r #$e ,lare 2$i=$ #ell
$im #$a# #$e Mslem #r(s ,
Hari Sing$'s arm% n #$e si"e
$a" mu#inie"1 .ille" #$eir Hin"u
,,i=ers1 =u# #$e #ele($i #
Srinagar an" seiQe" #$e guar" a#
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$eir en" , #$e /ri"ge6 Sui $e
sa2 i#s rsea#e #ail =u# an ar=
agains# #$e /la=. nig$# s.%6 *$an
s#ar#e" $is s#a#inD2agn an"
lur=$e" a=rss #$e /ri"g 2ar ,r
*as$mir $a" /egun6
A ,e2 minu#es la#er $is =lumn
rlle" un((se" in# #$e =i s$e"
, #$e li##le =i#% ,
MuQa,,ara/a"6 A (air , slee(ing
= agen#s s#um/le" u# # 2a+e i#
# a $al# ,r #$eir ins(e=#in6 S$
#$eir 2ar=ries1 #$e Pa#$ans lea(#
n #$em6 T$e% (ursue" ne =
/a=. # $is s$e" 2$ere $e
"es(era#el% #rie" # =li=. sme
li,e i "ea" #ele($ne6 T$ere #$e
angr% Pa#$ans #ie" $im u( 2i#$ #l
, #$e useless ins#rumen#6
T$e %ung lea"er , #$e
in+asin's a"+an=e guar" 2as Bi
T$e (era#in =ul" n# $a+e
/een mre su==ess,ul6 T$e r
Srinagar la% (en /e,re #$e
Pa#$ans1 3?0 miles , (a+
"e,en"e" ra"1 a (rmena"e
2i#$u# "anger #$e% =ul" =V
/e,re "a%/rea.6 @i#$ #$e ,irs#
lig$# , "a2n1 #$usan"s ,
#ri/esmen 2ul" s2ee( in# #$e
slee(ing =a(i#al , Hari Saira/
Ha%a# *$an an" $is a"+an=e
guar" 2ul" +er2/ (ala=e6 He
2ul"1 $e #$ug$#1 /ring #$e
Ma$araBa $is / #ra% an" 2i#$ i#
#$e ne2s #$a# 2as ging # ,l%
arun" #$e +I #$is 55n" ,
O=#/er 37A86 *as$mir
/elnge" # Pa.is#an6
T$e %ung man 2as 'ui=.l%
"isa/use" , $is "ream6 T$e s#
2$ $a" =n=ei+e" #$is in+asin
$a" ma"e ne ,a#al mis=al=
@$en Saira/ Ha%a# *$an
2an#e" # se# $is ,r=e n #$e
Srinagar1 $e "is=+ere" i# $a"
"isa((eare"6 T$ere 2as n#
Pa#$an arun" $is +e$i=les6 T$e%
$a" ,a"e" in# #$e nigl =rusa"e
# "eli+er #$eir Mslem /r#$ers
, *as$mir $a" /e a n=#urnal
eC=ursin # #$e Hin"u /aQaar ,
MuQa,!ara/a
Be=ause , #$e l# in i#s s=res
, s$(s1 M$amme" A 2ul"
ne+er again +isi# #$e -ale ,
*as$mir6 'I# 2as e+er% $imsel,1'
Saira/ *$an re=alle"6 FT$e
#ri/esmen s$# smas$e" in
"rs an" ri((e" u# an%#$ing ,
+alue6'
Des(airing1 Saira/ *$an an" $is
,,i=ers #rie" # s#V li#erall%
#ugging a# #$eir r/es in an e,,r#
# (ull #$em ai #$eir l#6 '@$a#
are %u "ing?' $e .e(# (lea"ing6
'@e $ # Srinagar6'
I# 2as a =n=er# ,r #$e "ea,6
N#$ing =ul" =$e=. #$a# i

,renQ% ,r l#6 Srinagar 2as n#
ging # /elng # #$se Pa#$an
#ri/esmen #$a# O=#/er nig$#6
Or"ering #$eir a"+an=e # #$e
r$%#$m , #$eir (illaging1 #$e%
2ul" re'uire A: $urs # =+er
#$e neC# 80 miles "2n # #$e
(2er s#a#in 2$se "es#ru=#in
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$a" (lunge" #$e (ala=e , Hari
Sing$ in# "ar.ness6
Ne2 Del$i1 5A O=#/er 37A8
T$e ,irs# ne2s , #$e #ri/al
in+asin , *as$mir rea=$e"
Ne2 Del$i mre #$an A: $urs
a,#er Saira/ Ha%a# *$an's
a"+an=e guar" $a" seiQe" i#s .e%
/ri"ge +er #$e J$elum Ri+er6
T$e In"ian )+ernmen# re=ei+e"
i#1 n# in a "es(airing
=mmuni=a#in ,rm #$e
Ma$araBa1 /u# #$rug$ a =$annel
as remar.a/le as i# 2as
unr#$"C6 Alng #$e (rin=i(al
$ig$2a% , #$e PunBa/'s eC"us1
a/+e #$e ra" 2$ere ,r eig$#
2ee.s #$e 2re#=$e" millins $a"
,le"1 sus(en"e" ,rm #$e (les
n 2$i=$ #$e /la#e" +ul#ures
s#ill (er=$e"1 2as a #ele($ne
line Un.ing In"ia an" Pa.is#an6
T$an.s # #$a# line i# 2as s#ill
(ssi/le ,r Ra2al(in"i 384A #
=all a num/er 2$i=$ mig$# $a+e
/een a 2rl" a2a%1 Ne2 Del$i
?4386 T$se 2ere #$e (ri+a#e
num/ers , #$e &mman"ersDinD
&$ie, , #$e Pa.is#ani an" In"ian
Annies6 T$e% 2ere Bri#is$6 T$e%
2ere =lse ,rien"s6 T$e% 2ere
,rmer =mra"es in #$e l"
In"ian Arm%6
Jus# /e,re ,i+e '=l=. n #$e
a,#ernn , !ri"a%1 5A O=#/er1
MaB6 )en6 Duglas )ra=e%1
re(la=ing )eneral Messer+%
2$'" /een sen# # Ln"n1 g#
$is ,irs# in#ima#in , 2$a# $a"
$a((ene" in *as$mir #$rug$ a
se=re# in#elligen=e re(r#6 I# ga+e
#$e rai"ers' s#reng#$1 armamen#
an" #$eir l=a#in6 )ra=e% "i"
n# $esi#a#e6' He imme"ia#el%
2en# # #$e (ri+a#e ($ne in
Messer+%'s 'uar#ers an"
=mmuni=a#e" #$a# (re=ius
in,rma#in # #$e las# man
Jinna$ 2ul" $a+e 2an#e" # ge#
i#1 #$e man 2$ =mman"e" #$e
nl% ,r=e 2$i=$ =ul" "en%
*as$mir # #$e rai"ers1 #$e
In"ian Arm%6
L#6 )en6 Sir R/ L=.$ar#1 a
S=# an" a San"$urs# =lassma#e
, )ra=e%'s1 2as s#unne" /% $is
l" ,rien"'s re(r#6 He in #urn
=mmuni=a#e" i# # #2 mre
(e(le1 /#$ , #$em Englis$H
#$e )+ernrD)eneral1 Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 an" !iel"DMars$al
Au=$inDle=.6
T$e "ialgue ini#ia#e" /%
)ra=e%'s #ele($ne =all #$a#
a,#ernn 2as #$e ,irs# in an
eC#rar"inar% series ,
=n+ersa#ins6 T$e =n,li=# Bus#
eru(#ing 2ul" (se ,r #$e
Englis$ ,,i=ers in+l+e" in i# an
a((alling mral "ilemma6 As
men1 #$e% 2ere =n=erne" 2i#$
(re+en#ing #$e s(rea" , #$e
=n,li=#1 2i#$ s#((ing #$e
In"ians an" Pa.is#anis 2$ $a"
/een #$eir =mra"es in arms
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,rm .illing ea=$ #$er6 As
,,i=ers1 #$e r"ers #$e% 2ul"
re=ei+e 2ul" ,re'uen#! run
"ire=#l% =un#er # #$se "esires6
T$e =ll'u% (ene" in )ra=e%'s
an" L=.$ar#'s eC=$ange 2u
=n#inue1 e+en 2$en #$e armies
#$e% =mman"e" 2ere ,a=ing ea;
#$er in #$e sn2s , *as$mir6
T$eir a##i#u"e 2ul" earn ,r #$
un$a((% Englis$men #$e se+ere
"isa((r+al , #$e g+ernmen#s
#$ ser+e" an" $as#en #$eir
"e(ar#ure ,rm #$e su/D
=n#inen#6 Ye#1 # ,a=# #$a# an allD
u# 2ar1 2i#$ all #$e senseless
.illing i# 2ul" $a in+l+e"1 "i"
n# /rea. u# /e#2een In"ia an"
Pa.is#an #$a# au#ui 2as "ue in n
small (ar# # #$e se=re#
eC=$anges =arrie" /% #l
#ele($ne 2ire lin.ing
Ra2al(in"i 384A # Ne2 Del$i
?4386
Mun#/a##en re=ei+e" #$e ne2s
as $e 2as "ressing ,r a /an' in
$nur , T$ailan"'s !reign
Minis#er6 @$en #$e las# gues# 3
le,#1 $e as.e" Ne$ru # s#a%
/e$in"6 T$e Prime Minis#er 2as
s#um /% #$e ne2s6 T$ere 2as
s=ar=el% a (ie=e , in,rma#in
#$a# == $a+e u(se# $im mre6 He
l+e" $is an=es#ral $me a/+e
all (la li.e 'a su(remel%
/eau#i,ul 2man 2$se /eau#%
is alms# im(ers= an" a/+e
"esire'6 He l+e" 'i#s ,eminine
/eau#% , ri+er an" +s an" la.e
an" gra=e,ul #rees'6 Time an"
again "uring #$e s#ruggle
,ree"m $e $a" gne $me #
=n#em(la#e #$e '$ar" munl an"
(re=i(i=es an" sn2D=a((e"
(ea.s an" gla=iers1 an" =ruel
,ier=e #rren#s rus$ing "2n #
#$e +alle%s /el2'6
T$e )+ernrD)eneral 2as #
"is=+er an#$er Ne$ru r
*as$mir issue6 T$e =l1
"e#a=$e" in#elligen=e
Mun#/a##e a"mire"
"isa((eare"1 # /e re(la=e" /%
an ins#in=#i+e1 em# res(nse
,uelle" /% (assins e+en #$e
*as$miri Bra$min =uli =n#rl6
'As &alais 2as 2ri##en u(n #$e
$ear# , %ur Lueen U Ne$ru
2ul" =r% u# # $im ne "a% #
eC(lain $is a##i#u" *as$mir is
2ri##en u(n mine6'
S#ill an#$er s#rm% in#er+ie21
#$is ne 2i#$ !iel"DMT
Au=$inle=.1 remaine" ,r
Mun#/a##en6 T$e Su(reme
&mm #l" #$e )+ernrD
)eneral $e 2an#e" # airli,#
imme"ia#el% a / , Bri#is$ #r(s
# Srinagar # (r#e=# an"
e+a=ua#e i#s $un"r re#ire"
Bri#is$ers6 I, #$e% 2eren'# g#
u#1 $e 2arne"1 #$e% 2 #$e
+i=#ims , a ,rig$#,ul rg% ,
ra(e an" massa=re6
'I am srr%1' Mun#/a##en sai"1 'I
=ann# agree6' H2e+er< #$a#
(rs(e=# 2as1 $e =ul" n#
en"rse #$e use , Bri#is$ s n
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$e sil , a su/D=n#inen#
/e=me in"e(en"en#6 I, #$e
ging # /e mili#ar% in#er+en#in
in *as$mir1 $e "e=lare"1 a< $e
2as =n=erne" i# 2ul" $a+e #
/e /% In"ian1 n# Bri#is$1 'T$se
(e(le u( #$ere 2ill all /e
mur"ere" an" #$eir /l= /e n
%ur $an"s1' an angr%
Au=$inle=. (r#es#e"6 '@ell1' #$e
un$a((% Mun#/a##en re(lie"1 'I
s$all Bus# $a+e #$a#
res(nsi/ili#%6 I#'s #$e (enal#% ,
$a+ing #$e B/6 Bu# I'm n# ging
# ans2er ,r 2$a# 2ill $a((en i,
Bri#is$ #r(s ge# in+l+e"6'
T$e ,ll2ing a,#ernn a D&?
, #$e R%al In"ian Air !r=e
(u# "2n n #$e a/an"ne" "ir#
s#ri( , Srinagar Air(r#6 I#
=arrie" -6 P6 Menn1 #$e =i+il
ser+an# 2$ $a" (resi"e" +er
s man% (rin=el% a==essins #
In"ia1 &lnel Sam Mane.s$a2
, #$e In"ian Arm%1 an" an air
,r=e ,,i=er6
T$e "e=isin # sen" #$e #$ree
men # Srinagar $a" /een #a.en
/% an eC#rar"inar% mee#ing ,
#$e =a/ine#'s De,en=e &mmi##ee
#$a# mrning6 T$e =mmi##ee
$a" /een =n,rn#e" 2i#$ a (lea
,r $el( ,rm #$e /eleaguere"
Ma$araBa6 @rrie" /% $is
=n+ersa#in 2i#$ Au=$inle=.1
a2are , $2 in#ense Ne$ru's
,eelings 2ere1 Mun#/a##en $a"
realiQe" mili#ar% in#er+en#in
2as li.el%6 De#ermine" i# s$ul"
$a+e a legal ,rame2r.1 $e $a"
=n+in=e" $is g+ernmen# #$a#
In"ia s$ul" n# sen" $er #r(s
in# *as$mir un#il #$e Ma$araBa
$a" ,,i=iall% a==e"e"1 #$us
ma.ing $is s#a#e legall% a (ar# ,
In"ia6
He 2en# e+en ,ur#$er6 He 2as as
a##a=$e" # =er#ain "em=ra#i=
n#ins in In"ia's ser+i=e as $e
$a" /een in #$e ser+i=e ,
)erge -I6 Jus# as $e $a" al2a%s
/elie+e" i# 2ul" /e im(ssi/le
,r Bri#ain # remain in In"ia
agains# In"ia's 2ill1 s $e
/elie+e" #$ere =ul" /e n
slu#in in *as$mir #$a# ran
a#$2ar# #$e sen#imen#s , i#s
Mslem maBri#%6 He $a" n
"u/# 2$a# #$e% 2ere6 'I am
=n+in=e"'1 $e 2ul" 2ri#e in a
re(r# # $is =usin #$e *ing n
8 N+em/er1 '#$a# a ((ula#in
=n#aining su=$ a $ig$
(r(r#in , Mslems 2ul"
=er#ainl% +#e # Bin Pa.is#an6'
Des(i#e Ne$ru's reser+a#ins1 $e
(ersua"e" $is Prime Minis#er
an" $is &a/ine# # a##a=$ #
*as$mir's a==essin a =a(i#al
(r+isin6 T$e Ma$araBa's
a==essin 2ul" /e =nsi"ere"
#em(rar%6 I# 2ul" /e ren"ere"
(ermanen# nl% a,#er la2 an"
r"er $a" /een res#re" an" i#
$a" /een =n,irme" as
re(resen#ing #$e 2ill ,
*as$mir's ((ula#in /% a
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(le/is=i#e6
-6 P6 Menn 2as r"ere" #
Srinagar # (resen# #$e &a/ine#'s
#erms i #$e Ma$araBa 2$ile #$e
,,i=ers a==m(an%ing $im
s#u"ie" #$e mili#ar% si#ua#in6
@$ile #$e% ,le2 ,,1 #$e ,rmer
Su(reme Allie" &mman"er
Su#$DEas# Asia se# in m#in
#$e (re(ara#ins ,r an $is#ri=
airli,# # *as$mir6 He r"ere" ali
In"ia's =i+il air #rans(r# # "r(
#$eir (assengers 2$ere+er #$e%
2ere an" $ea" ,r Del$i6
U>K E E >
S$r#l% /e,re mi"nig$# n
Sa#ur"a%1 59 O=#/er1 %e#
an#$er re,ugee Bine" #$e
grea#es# eC"us in $is#r%6 T #$e
#en an" a $al, millin Hin"us1
Si.$s an" Mslems 2$ $a"
,le" #$eir $mes #$a# au#umn
2as a""e" ne mre ,igure1 Hari
Sing$1 #$e Ma$araBa , *as$mir
His /ull=. =ar# 2as a
=m,r#a/le Ameri=an s#a#inD
2agn lea"in a =ara+an , #ru=.s
an" =ars in#K2$i=$ $is ms#
(re=ius /elnging $a" /een
(a=.e"6 N marau"ing /an"s
2ere ging # mena=e $i ,lig$#H
$is 2ellDarme" /"%guar" 2ul"
2a#=$ +er $is +%age Nr
2ul" $is #ri( "eli+er #$e
"2n=as# Ma$araBa # a =$lera
in,es#e" re,ugee =am(1 /u# # a
(leasura/le eCile in %e# an#$e
(ala=e1 $is 2in#er (ala=e in
Jammu1 2$ere $e $a" n=e
2el=me" #$ Prin=e , @ales
an" $is %ung AD&1 Lr" Luis
Mun#/a##er T$ere1 2$ereD$is
su/Be=#s 2ere (re"minan#l%
Hin"u1 $e =ul" $( # "2ell in
sa,e#%6
Mr 'A' an" $is ,u#ile $(es ,
in"e(en"en=e $a" /een engul,e
/% #$e (re=i(i#us rus$ , e+en#s6
All Hari Sing$'s maneu+res $a
2n $im /arel% #$ree mn#$s
u#si"e #$e a((le /as.e# Luis
Murn /a##en $a" #en"ere" $im6
On #$e a"+i=e , -6 P6 Menn1 $e
2, lea+ing $is mena=e" =a(i#al
2$ile Menn re#urne" # Del$i
# in,ri $is =lleagues #$a# #$e
Ma$araBa 2as rea"% # a==e(#
an% #erms #$e (r(se" in re#urn
,r #$eir ai"6
He 2ul" ne%er again se# ,# in
#$e (ala=e $e 2as ,leeirig #$
nig$#6 In a ,e2 %ears1 2$en #$e
(ala=e $a" /een =n+er#e" in#
luCur% $#el1 #$e =rri"rs alng
2$i=$ $e $a" ,rli=.e" 2i#$ #l
,,i=ers , #$e arm% 2$se
l%al#% $a" (r+e" s ,ragile
2u 2el=me 2eal#$% Ameri=an
#uris#s6 @$ile $is ser+an#s
em(#i $is s#rng/Ces , #$eir
(earls1 emeral"s an" "iamn"s1
Hari Sin $imsel, sug$# u# #$e
#2 /Be=#s $e #reasure" ms#1
$is ma#=$ Pur"e% s$#guns 2i#$
2$se /lueD/la=- /arrels $e $a"
/las#e" 3 2a% # #$e 2rl"'s
"u=. s$#ing re=r 36 A glum
eC(ressin n 3 ,a=e1 $e =aresse"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$eir 2ellDile" s#=.s6 T$en1
=are,ull% l=.i #$em in# #$eir
lea#$er =ase1 $e =arrie" #$em #
$is 2ai#ing V $imsel,6
A,#er a "i,,i=ul# se+en#eenD$ur
#ri(1 #$e Ma$araBa's =araU rea=$e"
Jammu6 T$e eC$aus#e" Hari
Sing$ 2en# imme"ia#el% $is
(ri+a#e 'uar#ers # re#ire6 Be,re
ging # slee(1 $e =alle" an Al #
issue $is las# r"er as a ruling
ma$araBa6 '@a.e me u( (nlg -6
P6 Menn re#urns ,rm Del$i1' $e
sai"1 '/e=ause #$a# 2ill mi In"ia
$as "e=i"e" # =me # m%
res=ue6 I, $e "esn'# =me /e,i
"a2n1 s$# me in m% slee( 2i#$
m% ser+i=e re+l+er1 /e=ause i,
$asn'# arri+e"1 i# 2ill mean all is
ls#6'
As sn as #$e%'" re#urne" #
Del$i1 -6 P6 Menn an" #$e i
,,i=ers 2$'" a==m(anie" $im
# Srinagar ma"e #$eir re(r

an#$er mee#ing , #$e &a/ine#'s
De,en=e &mmi##ee6 T$eir
2r"s ma"e sm/re $earing6
T$e Ma$araBa 2as rea"% a# las#
# (resen# *as$mir # In"ia1 /u#
#$e Pa#$an rai"ers 2ere nl% ?0
miles ,rm Srinagar an" =ul" a#
an% mmen# seiQe #$e nl%
air(r# in *as$mir n 2$i=$
In"ia =ul" lan" $er #r(s6
T$e Bri#is$ =mman"ers , In"ia
s arm% an" air ,r=e /#$ raise"
/Be=#ins # mili#ar%
in#er+en#in6 I# 2ul" /e a
"is#an#1 "angerus (era#in in
#$e mi"s# , a ((ula#in 2$i=$
=ul" 2ell (r+e $s#ile6
Sensing #$e in#ensi#% , In"ian
em#in n #$e issue1
Mun#/a##en +errule" #$em6 He
2arne" #$a# #$e (era#ins #$e%
2ere em/ar.ing n =ul" /e
lng an" in+l+e ,ar mre men
an" resur=es #$an an%ne mig$#
,resee6 Bu# 2i#$ $is &a/ine#
"e#ermine" # a=#1 Mun#/a##en
#$re2 #$e ,ull 2eig$# , $is 2n
mili#ar% eC(erien=e in# #$e
/alan=e6
He r"ere" an airli,# # s#ar#
,l%ing #r(s # Srinagar a# "a2n
#$e ,ll2ing mrning6 E+er%
a+aila/le #rans(r# in #$e
=un#r%1 =i+il an" mili#ar%1 2as
# /e use" in #$e e,,r#6 T$e
#r(s 2ul" $a+e # =ling a# all
=s#s # #$e air(r# an" Srinagar
un#il rein,r=emen#s in armur
an" ar#iller% =ul" rea=$ #$em /%
lan"6 T$se rein,r=emen#s 2ere
r"ere" # lea+e imme"ia#el% /%
#$e nl% lan" lin. Bining In"ia
# *as$mir1 #$e ina"e'ua#e ra"
&%ril Ra"=li,,e's (en=il $a"
(r+i"en#iall% "eli+ere" # In"ia
2$en $e $a" assigne" Ne2
Del$i #$e #2n , )ur"as(ur
2i#$ i#s largel% Mslem
((ula#in6
@$ile #$e ,renQie" (re(ara#ins
,r #$e (era#in 2ere un"er
2a%1 Mun#/a##en r"ere" -6 P6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Menn # ,l% # Jammu6 Hari
Sing$ 2ul" n# "ie , a /ulle#
in #$e /rain n #$e ,irs# nig$# ,
$is ,lig$#6 -6 P6 Menn rea=$e"
$is /e"si"e /e,re #$e eC(ira#in
, #$e ul#ima#um #$e Ma$araBa
$a" gi+en $is AD&6 @i#$ $im1
a2ai#ing nl% Hari Sing$'s
signa#ure1 2as #$e A=# ,
A==essin 2$i=$ 2ul" (r+i"e
a legal ,rame2r. ,r In"ia's
a=#in6
-6 P6 Menn 2as /a=. in $is
Del$i $me la#e n #$e e+ening
, #$a# same Sun"a%1 59 O=#/er6
AleCan"er S%mn1 Bri#ain's
De(u#% Hig$ &mmissiner1
Bine" $im ,r a "rin. a ,e2
minu#es a,#er $is re#urn6 Menn
2as Bu/ilan#6 He (ure" #$em
ea=$ a s#i,, "rin.6 As #$e% sa#
"2n1 an enrmus smile s(rea"
a=rss $is ,a=e6 He raise" $is
glass # S%mn6 T$en $e (ulle" a
(ie=e , (a(er ,rm $is Ba=.e#
(=.e# an" 2a+e" i# gail%
#2ar"s #$e Englis$man6
'Here i# is1' $e sai"6 '@e $a6'e
*as$mir6 T$e /as#ar" signe" #$e
A=# , A==essin6 An" n2 #$a#
2e'+e g# i#1 2e'll ne+er le# i# g6'
> > >
In"ia 2ul" /e #rue # -6 P6
Menn's (rmise6 T$e ?57 Si.$s
, #$e
!irs# Si.$ Regimen# an" eig$#
#ns , ma#erial lan"e" /% nine E
n a mira=ulusl% em(#%
Srinagar air,iel" a# "a2n1
Mn"a% O=#/er1 2ul" /e Bus#
#$e ,irs# ins#almen# in an
unin#erru(#e" , men an"
ma#erial In"ia 2ul" (ur in#
*as$mir6 E+en#i 3441444 In"ian
sl"iers 2ul" ,ig$# in #$e
sn2% $ig$lan"s #$a# /een
(ara"ise ,r s man% #ru#
,is$ermen an" $un#ers , #$e e$
i/eC6
&uriusl%1 i# 2as n# s mu=$ #
mili#ar% genius r # #$e er an"
"e#ermina#in , #$eir sl"iers
#$a# #$e In"ians 2ul" 2e
ini#ial su==ess in *as$mir1 as #
,ur#een !ren=$1 S=##is$1 S(a
I#alian an" Pr#uguese nuns ,
#$e !ran=is=an Missinaries , N
B% (ausing # sa=. #$eir =n+en#
in #$e li##le =i#% , Baram nl%
?4 miles ,rm Srinagar1 2$en
#$e% s$ul" $a+e /een "r n #$e
=a(i#al , *as$mir an" i#s +i#al
air,iel"1 #$e Pa#$an ra 2ul" en"
Jinna$'s "ream , Bining
Je$angir's /el+e" +ale # na#in6
All "a%1 Mn"a%1 58 O=#/er1
2$ile #$e !irs# Si.$s sei #$eir
,ragile $l" n *as$mir's nl%
air(r#1 #$e Pa#$ans in mulla$
2ere gi+ing +en# # #$eir an=ien#
a((e#i#es ,r ra(e (illage6 T$e%
+ila#e" #$e nuns1 massa=re" #$e
(a#ien#s in #$eir =lini=1 l#e" #$e
=n+en# =$a(el "2n # i#s las#
/rass "rD.
T$a# e+ening1 =lu#=$ing $er
=ru=i,iC an" (ra%ing ,r '#$e
=n+V
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
, *as$mir'1 #$e =n+en#'s
Belgian M#$er Su(erir1 Sis#er
A"el#ru"e1 "ie" , $er 2un"s6
Her sa=ri,i=e an" #$a# , $er
nuns an" (a#ien#s 2ul" n#
s$a.e #$e $l" , Islam n i#s ai
Li1 *as$miri s#rng$l" a#
#$e ,# , #$e Himala%as6 Bu#
#$eT
gi+en #$e sl"iers , Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru #$e =ri#i=al $urs #$e% n #
ins#all #$emsel+es in #$e -ale ,
*as$mir6
T$e% 2ul" n# lea+e again6 B%
#$e #ime #$e Pa#$ans resume=
a##a=. i# 2as # la#e6 T$e
In"ians s#emme" #$eir a"+an=e1
2$en #$eir ,irs# armure" =ars
arri+e" +er Ra"=li,,e's ra"1 i
#$e rai"ers in a (i#=$e" /a##le
u#si"e Srinagar6 )ra"uall% #$e%
#$em in "isr"er /a=. u( #$e
-ale , *as$mir1 alng #$e
#$rug$ 2$i=$ #$e%'" "es=en"e"
n Srinagar1 #2ar"s #$e # #$e%'"
seiQe" n a /i##er O=#/er nig$#
/elie+ing all *as$mir /e #$eirs
2i#$u# ,iring a s$#6 See#$ing
2i#$ anger1 Jinna$ #$e Bri#is$
=mman"ers , $is arm% /%
sen"ing Pa.is#ani "isguise" as
irregulars # *as$mir # s#i,,en
#$e "emraliQe" rT Mre #ri/al
le+ies 2ere raise"1 an" ,r
mn#$s in #$e $s#ile = 2in#er
#$e 2ar 2ul" rage n6
Ul#ima#el%1 #$e "is(u#e 2ul"
rea=$ #$e Uni#e" Na#inH l+el%
+ale1 2$se name $a" /een #$e
las# 2r"s # (ass #$e liB "%ing
Mg$ul1 2ul" #a.e i#s (la=e
alngsi"e Berlin1 Pales#ir *rea
in #$e galler% , #$e 2rl"'s
unsl+e" (r/lems6 T$e

?0:

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

=i#e # 2$i=$ Mun#/a##en $a"
2i#$ su=$ "i,,i=ul#% se=ure"
Ne$ru's agreemen# 2ul" /e
relega#e" # #$a# +as# ,ile ,
,rg##en g" in#en#ins6 T$e
s#a#e 2ul" remain "i+i"e"
alng #$e /a##le lines , 37A:1
#$e -ale , *as$mir in In"ian
$an"s1 #$e nr#$ern #erri#ries
arun" )ilgi# 2i#$ Pa.is#an6 A
'uar#er , a =en#ur% la#er1
*as$mir's "is(u#e" (ssessin
2ul" remain #$e (rin=i(al
su/Be=# , "is=r" /e#2een In"ia
an" Pa.is#an1 #$e ne seemingl%
insurmun#a/le /arrier # #$eir
re=n=ilia#in6
T2 Bra$mins ,rm Pna
Pna1 3 N+em/er 37A8
T$e %ung Hin"u mili#an# 2$
$a" le" $is ,ll2ers n 30 Au
in #$eir salu#e # #$e s2as#i.aD
s#am(e" /anner , #$e R i i V1
=nl (la#e" 2i#$ 2n"ering e%es
#$e 2$i#e2as$e" s$e" 2$i=$ 2as
al # /e=me #$e ne2 $me ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$is ne2s(a(er #$e Hin"u
Ras$#ra1 Hin"u Na#in6 T$e s$e"
s$el#ere" a ,la#D/e" (ress an" a
#ele ma=$ine , #$e Press Trus#
, In"ia6 NeC# # i#1 a leanD#
s#re#= +er #$e ,e2 u(#urne"
(a=.ing =ases an" #res#le #a/les
#$a# s#i#u#e" #$e (a(er's e"i#rial
,,i=es6
T$a# 2as $ar"l% an ins#alla#in
# ins(ire a R#$ermere Hears#1
%e# n AnglDSaCn'(ress lr"
e+er eCul#e" +er $is ^ an" s#eel
$ea"'uar#ers 2i#$ a (urer B%
#$an #$a# ra"ia#ing ,rn ,a=e ,
Na#$uram )"se6 He 2as
"resse" in #$e s(ar#an 2ar" #$a#
2as $is uni,rmH a /agg% 2$i#e
s$ir#1 a +es# , ra2 =##n1 a
sarngDli.e "$#i =are,ull%
arrange" in #$e #ra"i#inal Mar
s#%le1 i#s le,# en" $.e" un"er
$is leg an" #$e /ul. , i#s H
ga#$ere" n $is rig$# $i(6 His
usuall% "ur mien 2as enli+ene"
2i"e i, sme2$a# #ense smile as
$e m+e" ,rm gues# # g
slemnl% assuring ea=$ , $is
"e#ermina#in # re"e"i=a#e $is
Bi # #$e Hin"u =ause6
A# #$e =en#re , #$e (ar.ing l#
2as a small #a/le 2$se =n
)"se $a" arrange" $imsel, 2i#$
#$e ,ussiness , a $s#ess se u#
#ea ,r #$e +isi# , #$e l=al
"2ager6 As #$is 2as an aus(ii
==asin1 i# 2as la"en 2i#$
ar#,ull% "is(la%e" (iles ,
s2ee#sH mun"s , /ar,i1 =ils ,
$al+a1 gela#inus S'uares ,
am/er emeral" =an"ies "us#e"
2i#$ sugar6 Be$in" #$em1
(er=la#ing gs 2as an enrmus
(# , =,,ee6 )"se 2as n#e"
#$rug$u na#i+e Pna ,r #$ree
#$ings1 $is (li#i=s1 $is mn.D
li.e li,e an" $is a""i=#in #
=,,ee6 He 2ul" li#erall% 2al.
miles # "r =u( , =,,ee in a
=a,e 2$se /re2 (ar#i=ularl%
(lease" $im6
As $e (asse" u# $is =,,eeD
=u(s1 an#$er ,igure sli((e" ai
#$e gues#s a==e(#ing #$eir
=ngra#ula#ins6 T$ere 2as n
s(ar#an a/u# #$e 2ar"r/e ,
Nara%an A(#e6 Tnig$# $e 2H
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(r#ru"e" ,rm #$e un"ersi"e ,
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$is s.ull s #$a#1 in (r,ile1 A(#e1
2i#$ $is sl(ing ,re$ea" an"
lng ,ine nse1 resem/le" a .in"
, mas=uline Ne,er#i#i6 His
"minan# ,a=ial ,ea#ure 2as $is
e%es6 T$e% 2ere s,# an" /la=.
an" #$eir gaQe ne+er le,# $is
in#erl=u#r's ,a=e6 A(#e1 ne ,
$is ,rien"s sai"1 's(.e 2i#$ $is
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(e(le lis#ene"'6
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as immerse" in #$e 2rl" as
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2as a "er an" a m+er1 an
rganiQer an" a (lanner6 N2
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s#e((e" # #$e =en#re , #$e
(ar.ing l# an" =la((e" $is
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, #$e /ar" "eli+ering $is
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,r #$e ,irs# /ars , $is aria1
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, #$e Pna &ID6 In#en#l%1 $e
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/een ,r2ar"e" # Bm/a% an"
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+irulen=e an" (assin , $is
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#$rug$ #$e su/Be=#s #$a# $a"
(re==u(ie" $im sin=e Luis
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(ar#i#in (lanH
)an"$i1 &ngress an" In"ia's
"i+isin6 ')an"$i sai" In"ia 2ul
"i+i"e" +er $is "ea" /"%1' $e
in#ne"6 'In"ia is "i+i"e"1 /u# )a
li+es6 )an"$i's nnD+ilen=e $as
le,# #$e Hin"us "e,en=eless /V
#$eir enemies6 N21 2$ile Hin"u
re,ugees are s#ar+ing1 )a
"e,en"s #$eir Mslem
((ressrs6 Hin"u 2men are
#$r2ing #l sel+es in# 2ells #
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
sa+e #$emsel+es ,rm /eing
ra(e"1 an" )a #ells #$em F+i=#r%
is in #$e +i=#imF6 One , #$se
+i=#ims =ul m% m#$er I
T$e m#$erlan" $as /een
+i+ise=#e"1' $e =alle"1 $is +i=e
n= s#ri"en# s$rie.1 '#$e +ul#ures
are #earing $er ,les$1 #$e =$as#i#T
Hin"u 2men is /eing +ila#e"
n #$e (en s#ree#s 2$ile #$e
&ng eunu=$s 2a#=$ #$is ra(e
=mmi##e"6 H2 lng1 $1 $2
lng ne /ear #$is?'
A rar , a((lause ,ll2e" $is
=n=lusin6 T$a# i# s$ul" n#
sur(rising6 !r #$ree an" a $al,
=en#uries #$e +=a#in , =i#% ,
Pna1 337 miles inlan" ,rm
Bm/a%1 $a" /een eC#r Hin"u
na#inalism6 I# 2as in #$e $ills
/e%n" Pna #$a# Hin"u!T
grea#es# $er1 #$e 2arrir
S$i+aBi1 $a" /een /rn an" $a"
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agains# #$e Mg$ul Em(err
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#ig$# =li'ue , &$i#(a2an D
'(uri,ie" /% ,iC Bra$mins $a"
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?95
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e la2 2ere n# #$eirs1 $2e+er6
Arres#e" in Ln"n in 3734 ,r
$a+ing =mman"e" ,rm a
"is#an=e #$e assassina#in , a
Bri#is$ /ureau=ra#1 $e 2riggle"
u# , a (r#$le in Marseilles
,rm #$e s$i( #a.ing $im /a=. #
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
In"ia ,r #rial6 E+en#uall%
"e(r#e" ,rm !ran=e1 $e 2as
gi+en a "u/le li,eDsen#en=e #
#$e (enal =ln% , #$e An"aman
Islan"s1 nl% # /e release" in a
(s#D2ar (li#i=al amnes#%6
Sa+ar.ar "e#es#e" &ngress 2i#$
i#s (leas ,r Hin"uDMslem
uni#% an" i#s )an"$i an nnD
+ilen=e6 His "=#rine 2as
Hin"u#+a1 #$e "=#rine , Hin"u
ra=ial su(rema=%1 an" $is "ream
2as , re/uil"ing a grea# Hin"u
em(ire ,rm #$e sur=es , #$e
In"us # #$se , #$e
Bra$ma(u#ra1 ,rm &a(e
&mrin # #$e Himala%as6 He
$a#e" #$e Mslems6 T$ere 2as
n (la=e ,r #$em in #$e Hin"u
s=ie#% $e en+isine"6
T2i=e $e $a" (resi"e" +er #$e
Hin"u Ma$asa/$a D #$e )rea#
Hin"u S=ie#% D #$e rig$#D2ing1
na#inD2i"e Hin"u (li#i=al
(ar#%6 His real in#eres#1 $2e+er1
2as i#s !as=is# (araDmili#ar%
arm1 #$e RSSS6 I#s =en#ral =re
2as a se=re# s=ie#%1 #$e Hin"u
Ras$#ra Dal1 2$i=$ Sa+ar.ar $a"
,un"e" in Pna n 30 Ma%
37A56 Ea=$ , i#s mem/ers
s2re an a#$ , (ersnal
allegian=e # Sa+ar.ar 2$ 2as
re,erre" # as #$e m+emen#'s
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/lin" allegian=e # #$eir
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an" meaning,ul , In"ian /n"s
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eli#e , &$i#(a2an Bra$mins1 #$e
$eirs , #$e (es$2as6 Amng
#$em 2ere #$e e"i#r an" #$e
a"minis#ra#r , #$e Hin"u
Ras$#ra6
An alms# 2rs$i(,ul silen=e
,ll2e" #$e en" , Sa+ar.ar s
,ilm6 T$a# /rie, =elluli"
a((earan=e , #$e Hin"u
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, #$e e+ening6 Arm in arm1 A(#e
an" )"se 2al.e" # #$eir (ress6
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a"+an=e" /% Sa+ar.ar $a"
laun=$e" #$eir Burnal an" n
ne "u/#e" i# 2as His Mas#er's
-i=e in #$is =i#a"el , mili#an#
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=la((e"1 #$e #2 %ung men
(se" ,r a (i=#ure6 T$en1 2i#$ a
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,ingers a# #$e re" /u##n 2$i=$
se# #$eir ,la#/e" (ress in m#in
,r #$e ,irs# #ime6
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,r#$ #$e la#es# e(is"e in #$e
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an" #$e' &ngress Par#%1 #$e li##le
ga#$ering /egan # /rea. u(6 A#
$is 2in"2 #$e (li=eman 2$'"
2a#=$e" #$e (r=ee"ings 2as
a/u# # =lse I
T@O BRAHMINS !ROM
POONA
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$is n#e/. 2$en $e s#ar#e"6 In
#$e s$a"2s in ne =rner , l#
$e'" s(##e" A(#e in anima#e"
=n+ersa#in6 His in#erl=u#r
2as .n2n # #$e (li=e6 His
"ssier /re #$e same n#a#in
A(#e'sH 'P#en#iall% "angerus6'
T$e (li=eman s=ri//le" a $s
n#e6 A(#e's name 2ul"
$en=e,r#$ /e lin.e" in #$e ,iles
, #$e PV (li=e 2i#$ #$is
+isi#r 2$'" Burne%e" siC#%
miles # a##en" #$e augura#in ,
a (rin#ing (ress6 I# 2as -is$nu
*ar.are1 #$e 2 , #$e De==an
)ues# Huse in A$me"nagar6 He
2as #$e inn.ee in# 2$se
em/ra=e Ma"anlal Pa$2a1 #$e
man 2$se name 2= /e .n2n
#$rug$u# In"ia1 $a" ,allen a,#er
#$r2ing $is /m/ Mslem
(r=essin6
T$e #2 %ung men 2$se
,ingers $a" Bin#l% (us$e" #$e
/u##i #$e Hin"u Ras$#ra (ress
$a" nl% #2 #$ings in =mmn1
# ar"en#l% $el" (li#i=al
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#$e ele=# , In"ian s=ie#%1 #$e
Bra$ =as#e6
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,rm #$e /rain , Bra$ma1
Bra$mins in Hin"u m%#$lg%
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s$ne in #$e $ea+ens ,rm #$e
se+en s#ai #$e )rea# Bear6
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($ils($ers li+ing a ,rm #$e
2rl" an" i#s #em(#a#ins1 #$e%
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en#r% in# a ,ra#erni#% in + nl%
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mig$# =laim mem/ers$i(1 #$rus#
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mn#$6 Bu# #$a# $um/le =i+il
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s#ri=#es# Hin"u r#$"C
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#/ )"se 2as ,r=e" # learn an"
re=i#e "ail% in Sans.ri# +erses V
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Hin"u's sa=re" #eC#s1 #$e Rig
-e"a an" #$e )i#a6
Li.e ms# s#ri=# Bra$mins1 $is
,a#$er 2as a +ege#arian6 He a#e
2i#$ an%ne 2$ 2as n# a
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nl% # ser+e $is ,a#$er6 Be,re
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=lean =l#$es 2$i=$ $a" /een
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im(ure /eing Da "n.e%1 a (ig1 r
a mens#rua#ing 2man D =ul"
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$e al2a%s a#e 2i#$ $is ,ingers ,
#$e rig$# $an"1 ,irs# s(rin.ling
2a#er =l=.2ise arun" $is
(la#e1 #$en (us$ing asi"e a
(r#in ,r #$e /ir"s r #$e
nee"%6 He ne+er rea" 2$ile $e
a#eH in. 2as im(ure6
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s#ri=# Hin"u u(/ringing an"
"e+el(e" a #as#e ,r m%s#i=ism6
T #$e as#nis$men# , $is
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2rs$i(1 #$e .a(ali. (uBa6
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"ung # ne 2all , #$e ,amil%
$use6 T$en $e miCe" s# 2i#$
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+er a =ir=ular lea" (la##er 2$i=$
in #urn 2as lean# agains# #$e 2all
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,r a li,e , grea# a=$ie+emen#6
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%ung man$"1 $2e+er1 #
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$im #$e ges#ures , #$e nl%
(r,essin $e reall% mas#ere"1
ne $e =n#inue" # eCer=ise in
37A81 #$e #ailr's #ra"e6DD
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/e=ame a ra/i" ,ll2er ,
)an"$i an" #$e ,irs# +isi#
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Bail 2as n #$e Ma$a#ma's /e$al,
,r ,ll2ing $is =all # =i+il
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m+emen# # ,ll2 an#$er
(li#i=al mas#er1 a man 2$ 2as1
as $e 2as a &$i#D(a2an
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N lea"er e+er $a" a mre
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an" in"e,a#iga/le s$a"2
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
minis#ering # $is mas#er's ms#
m"es# nee"s6 Un"er #$e
mas#er's #u#elage1 )"se
/lssme"1 # realiQe1 a# las#1 #$e
(rmise , #$e %u#$ 2$'" rea"
#$e (r#en#s in #$e s#6 He rea"
an" s#u"ie" =ns#an#l%1 rela#ing
e+er%#$ing $e a/sr/e" #
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He #urne" $imsel, in# an
a==m(lis$e" 2ri#er an" ra#r6
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"e+#in # Sa+ar.ar an" $is
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(li#i=al #$in.er6 B% 37A51 #$e
)"s , #$? %iu$ /rug$# u( in
#$e ms# religius , $use$l"s
2ere n lnger Bra$ma1 S$i+a
an" -is$nu1 /u# a galler% ,
mr#als1 #$e mar#ini lea"ers 2$
$a" ,e" #$e Hin"u u(risings
agains# #$e Mg$uls an" #$e
Bri#is$6 He a/an"ne" ,r e+er
#$e #em(les , $is /%$" ,r a
ne2 .in" , se=ular s$rine1 #$e
$ea"'uar#ers , #$e RSSS6h
I# 2as in ne , #$se #em(les
#$a# )"se me# Nara%an A(#e ,r
#$e ,irs# #ime6 T$eir (a(er1
,un"e" a# Sa+ar.ar's re'ues# in
Januar% 37AA1 2as #$e ms#
s#ri"en# Burnal in Pna6 &alle"
a# ,irs# T$e Agrani1 i# 2as =lse"
/% #$e Bm/a% (r+in=ial
g+ernmen# ,r i#s +irulen#
su((r# , a 'Bla=. Da%'
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2$i=$ 2as (r=laime" /%
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Ma$asa/$a ,r ? Jul% 37A86
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au#$ri#%1 )"se an" A(#e $a"
re(ene" #$e (a(er in #en "a%s
un"er i#s ne2 name1 #$e Hin"u
Ras$#ra6
T$eir rles n #$e (a(er 2ere
#%(i=al , #$eir rela#ins$i(H
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?99

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

T@O BRAHMINS !ROM
POONA

?98

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?9:

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

T@O BRAHMINS !ROM
POONA

?97

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108
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108
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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2ere ,ar less =n"u=i+e #
su==ess #$an $a" /een #$eD=ase
in &al=u##a6 T$e =a(i#al 2as +
,l2ing 2i#$ re,ugees =r%ing u#
#$eir $a#re" , #$e Mslems1
es=a(e #$e =l" an" miser% ,
#$e re,ugee =am(s1 #$e% $a" seiT
ms'ues an" Mslem $mes all
a=rss #$e =i#%6 N2 #$eir Ma$a#
2an#e" #$em # re#urn #$se
"2ellings # #$eir $a#e" Mslem
2n an" g /a=. # #$eir
2re#=$e" =am(s6 )an"$i's
"e=isin # ma.e (a%men# #
Pa.is#an , i#s 004 millin
ru(ees a =n"i#in ,r en" $is
,as# als in,uria#e" a 2i"e
segmen# , (u/li= (inin an"
"i+ii #$e In"ian )+ernmen#6
All #$se =nsi"era#ins1
$2e+er1 n2 la% /e$in" #$e s.ii
=#genarian slee(ing in #$e sun
u#si"e Birla Huse6 !r 2ei
e+en mn#$s1 i# mig$# $a+e
seeme" # sme #$a# )an"$i
In"ia's ,rg##en man1 #$e
message $e $a" (rea=$e" a
=n+enie "is=ar"e" "=#rine6 N
mre6 B% #urning n $is 2n
=un#r%! #$a# an=ien# 2ea(n ,
#$e ris$is 2$i=$ $e $a" use" s
"rama#i= agains# #$e Bri#is$1
)an"$i $a" su""enl% remin"e"
all In"ia ' $e 2as an" 2$a# $e
s#" ,r6 !r #$e las# #ime1 $e
2as ,r=ing =un#r%men #
(n"er #$e meaning , $is li,e
an" #$e niessag $a" sug$# #
"eli+er #$em6
Pna1 3? Januar% 37A:
Se+en $un"re" miles ,rm #$e
=a(i#al , In"ia1 in #$e 2$i#eD2a
s$e" in 2$i=$ /arel% #en 2ee.s
earlier #$e% $a" inaugura#e" #$e
,,i=es , #$eir Hin"u Ras$#ra
ne2s(a(er1 #2 men s#" #rans
/e,re #$e glass 2in"2 , a
#ele#%(e ma=$ine6 T$e ,l2 , u
/ulle#ins (uring ,rm #$eir
#ele(rin#er 2ul" al#er irre+=a/l
"es#inies , Na#$uram )"se
an" Nara%an A(#e6 T$e% ann+
#$e /eginning , )an"$i's ,as#
an" #$e =n"i#ins $e'" se# ,r =i
i#6 One , #$em =a#al%se" #$e
+irulen# em#ins , #$e #2 #
Qeal#s an" #$rus# #$em n #$e
ra" # a =rime #$a# 2ul" $e #$e
2rl"6 I# 2as )an"$i's "eman"
,r #$e (a%men# , Pa.iH 004
millin ru(ees6
Na#$uram )"se (ale"6 I# 2as
(li#i=al /la=.mail6 T$e ma
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$m $e $a" n=e gne # Bail
an" 2$m $e n2 la#$e" 2i#$
in#ensi#% 2as #r%ing # =er=e
In"ia's g+ernmen# in# surren=
# #$e Mslem ra(is#s an"
mur"erers6 Li.e A(#e1 li.e all #$e
Hin"u ,ana#i=s , Pna1 )"se
$a" ,#en (r=laime" i# 2# a
/lessing i, )an"$i 2ere ,r=i/l%
rem+e" ,rm #$e In"ian (
s=ene6 His 2r"s1 as #$eirs1 $a"
/een n#$ing mre #$an #$e rs ,
a (li#i=al ,ana#i=6
)"se #urne" # A(#e6 AH $is
gran"ise (lans ,r guerrilla
(aigns in H%"era/a"1 ,r .illing
Jinna$1 2ere 'si"es$2s'1 $e

Onl% ne a=# s$ul" =n=ern
#$em n26 T$e% mus#
=n=en#ra#e all #$eir energies1 all
#$eir resur=es1 n ne su(reme
/Be=#i+e6 '@e mus# .ill )an"$i1'
)"se "e=lare"6
T$e las# s$a,#s , Del$i's 2in#er
sunlig$# 2arme" #$e slen"er
/r2n ,igure , Ma$a#ma
)an"$i as $e a"+an=e" 2i#$
s#ea"% s#ri"es a=rss #$e
imma=ula#el% #rimme" la2n ,
Birla Huse6 One $an" res#ing
lig$#l% n Manu's s$ul"ers1 #$e
#$er n A/$a's1 $e s$u,,le" u(
#$e ,ur re" san"s#ne s#e(s #
#$e $ear# , #$e gar"en1 a raise"
la2n #$e siQe , a (air , #ennis
=ur#s1 i#s (erime#er ringe" /% a
.neeD$ig$ /alus#ra"e rising
a/+e a s=arle# s2a#$e , rses6
T$ere1 in #$e #ran'uil /eau#% ,
#$a# gar"en1 )an"$i $a" ,un"
#$e s(# $e (re,erre" in Del$i ,r
$is regular ren"eQ+us 2i#$ $is
=un#r%men1 $is e+ening (ra%er
mee#ing6
A# #$e e"ge , #$e raise" la2n1
un"er #$e "e=ra#i+e ar=$es , a
san"s#ne (a+ilin lining ne ,
i#s si"es1 )an"$i's ,ll2ers $a"
ins#alle" a 2"en (la#,rm siC
in=$es $ig$6 On i# 2ere a s#ra2
(alle# ,r #$e Ma$a#ma an" a
mi=r($ne6 Manu =are,ull% se#
u# /esi"e $is (alle# #$e #$ree
ar#i=les #$a# al2a%s a==m(anie"
$im # #$e (ra%er grun"H $is
)i#a1 $is n#e/. 2i#$ #$e #eC#
, $is a""ress1 an" $is /rass
s(i##n6 Be=ause , #$e
eC#rar"inar% im(r#an=e , #$is
"a%1 +er 944 (e(le =r2"e" in
,rn# , #$e (la#,rm6 )an"$i
/egan #$e (ra%er /% as.ing #$e
=r2" # Bin $im in singing
Tagre's $%mn 2$i=$ $e $a"
sung ea=$ "a% a %ear earlier as
$e $a" s#r"e #$rug$ #$e
mars$es , Na.$ali n $is
Peni#en#'s PilgrimageH 'I, #$e%
ans2er n# #$% =all1 2al. alne1
2al. alne6'
A $us$ s#ille" #$e =r2" as $e
(re(are" # s(ea.6 His ,as#1 $e
"e=lare"1 2as 'an a((eal # )"
# (uri,% #$e suls , all an"
ma.e #$em #$e same6 Hin"us an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Si.$s an" Mslems mus# ma.e
u( #$eir min" # li+e in ami#%
$ere as /r#$ers6'
Lis#ening # #$se 2r"s1 ea=$
(rnun=e" 2i#$ su=$ /urning
=n+i=#in1 Li,e MagaQine's
Margare# Bur.eD@$i#e
su""enl% #$ug$#1 'T$is is reall%
i#6 He $as a religius (si#in ,
$is 2n # "e,en"1 $is /elie, in
#$e /r#$er$" , men6' Li.e
man% in #$e gar"en , Birla
Huse #$a# e+ening1 s$e sense"
'grea#ness $+ere" +er #$a# ,rail
li##le ,igure #al.ing s earnes#l%
in #$e "ee(ening #2ilig$#'6
'Del$i is n #rial n21' $e
2arne"6 '@$a# I "eman" is #$a#
n amun# , slaug$#er in In"ia
r Pa.is#an s$ul" "e,le=# #$e
(e(le , Del$i ,rm #$e (a#$ ,
"u#%6' S$ul" all #$e Hin"us an"
Si.$s in Pa.is#an /e .ille"1 '#$e
li,e , e+en a (un% Mslem =$il"
in #$is =un#r% mus# /e
(r#e=#e"'6 All =mmuni#ies1 all
In"ians1 s$ul" /e=me again
'#rue In"ians1 /% re(la=ing
/es#iali#% 2i#$ $uman I, #$e%
=ann# " s1 m% li+ing in #$is
2rl" is ,u#ile6'
A 2rrie" silen=e s#ille" #$e
gar"en1 2$ile Manu ga#$ere" u(
s(i##n an" $is )i#a6 T$en1
2r"lessl%1 #$e =r2" (ar#e"1
(enini alle% #$rug$ 2$i=$ #$e
li##le man mig$# (ass /a=. a=rss
#$e li # Birla Huse6 Margare#
Bur.eD@$i#e 2a#=$e" $im g1
($V gra($ing 2i#$ a,,e=#ina#e
e%es $is lean /r2n ,igure
"isa((eai ,rm #$e gar"en1
2n"ering 2i#$ s man% #$ers1
'2$e#$er 2e 2= e+er see
)an"$iBi again'6
Pna1 3? Januar% 37A:
N (r%ing e%es /ser+e" #$e
mee#ing , #$e ,ur men in #$e
,,i# #$e Hin"u Ras$#ra #$is #ime6
T$e (li=eman 2$1 #$ree m
earlier1 $a" "is=ree#l% 2a#=$e"
#$e inaugura#in , #$e (a(er's (
$a" /een r"ere" # "is=n#inue
$is a=#i+i#ies6 I# 2as a #rage"%
#$e 2r"s s(.en /% Na#$uram
)"se #$a# nig$# 2ere #$e i
im(r#an# an In"ian (li=eman
=ul" $ear6 Besi"e $im1 un=$ara
is#i=all% silen#1 2as $is (ar#ner
A(#e6 O((si#e $im 2ere -i
*ar.are1 #$e 2ner , #$e
De==an )ues# Huse1 an" Ma"
Pa$2a1 #$e PunBa/i re,ugee
2$m #$e s#ars $a" "es#ine"
n#rie#%6
)"se re+ie2e" #$e In"ian
(li#i=al s=ene ,r #$em6 T$e
+2e"1 '@e mus# #a.e a=#inJ
'@e mus# s#( )an"$i1' $e
"e=lare"6
His 2r"s eli=i#e" Ma"anlal
Pa$2a's imme"ia#e agreei
Be,re Ma"anlal a# las# 2as #$e
((r#uni#% # sa+ur #$a# re3
$e'" sug$# sin=e $e'" le,# $is
,a#$er n $is $s(i#al /e" in !er
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
siC mn#$s earlier6 *ar.are
agree" as 2ell6
!rm #$e Hin"u Ras$#ra1 #$e
,ur men 2en# # #$e $me V
arms (e""ler 2$ 2al.e" a/u#
Bm/a% Pr+in=e "isguise"
sa"$u6 Li.e a Be2eller la%ing u#
$is earrings an" ne=.la=es V
/la=. +el+e# =l#$1 Digam/er
Ba"ge se# n # a rug n $is ,l
=$i=es# i#ems in $is armur%6
He $a" e+er%#$ing eC=e(# #$e
+i#al #l , all D an easil%
=n=eala/le au#ma#i= (is#l6
T$e% a sele=#in , $an"D
grena"es1 "e#na#rs an" $ig$
eC(lsi+es as.e" #$em all #
mee# $im a,#er "ar. n
@e"nes"a%1 3A JaH in #$e ,,i=e
, #$e Hin"u Ma$asa/$a in
Da"ar1 a 2r.inT 'uar#er ,
Bm/a%6 T$en #$e% "is=ree#l%
sli((e" ,, in# #$e
Be,re lea+ing #$e =i#% in 2$i=$
$e'" /een /rn an" in 2$i=
a/sr/e" $is Qeal#'s ($ils($%1
)"se $a" a ,inal a=# # (e Li.e
#$e lea"er $e 2an#e" # mur"er1
Na#$uram )"se 2as a i ,e2
(ssessins6 His 2ere
re(resen#e" /% #$e #2 sli(s ,
(a

?:4

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

se# /e,re a =ler. in #$e Pna
,,i=e , #$e Orien#al Li,e
Insuran=e &6 T$e% 2ere a (air
, li,e insuran=e (li=ies #
2$i=$ )"se $a" ne+er
s#i(ula#e" a /ene,i=iar%6 He
ma"e +er #$e ,irs#1 num/er
3399343 ,r ?444 ru(ees1 # #$e
2i,e , $is %unger /r#$er
)(al 2$ $a" agree" # Bin
$im in Del$i 2i#$ a (is#l6 T$e
se=n"1 num/er 3399345 ,r
5444 ru(ees1 $e assigne" # #$e
2i,e , $is (ar#ner A(#e6 Li.e a
=n"emne" man 2$'" "ra2n u(
$is las# 2ill an" #es#amen#1
)"se 2as n2 rea"% # "ie in
$is e,,r# # mur"er #$e man $al,
#$e 2rl" $el" # /e a sain#6
As lng as $is s#reng#$
(ermi##e"1 )an"$i insis#e" n
=arr%ing n 2i#$ $is nrmal
ru#ine "uring a ,as#6 An" s1 in
#$e =l" "a2n , @e"nes"a%1 $e
2as u( as usual re=i#ing $is )i#a6
A ,e2 minu#es la#er1 2$ile $e
massage" $is gums an" #$e ,e2
#ee#$ le,# in $is mu#$ 2i#$ $is
'##$/rus$'1 a =are,ull% s$re""e"
s#i=.1 Manu $ear" $im eC=laimH
'A$1 I reall% "n'# ,eel li.e
,as#ing #"a%!'
A# #$se 2r"s #$e %ung girl1
2$ #2i=e "uring #$e nig$# $a"
2.en u( # ma.e sure $er
Ma$a#ma 2as (r(erl% s$iel"e"
,rm #$e =l"1 $an"e" )an"$i
$is ,irs# 'meal' , #$e "a%1 a glass
, lu.e2arm 2a#er an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
/i=ar/na#e , s"a6 )an"$i
l.e" a# i# 2i#$ a grima=e1 #$en
gul(e" i# "2n6
@$en $e $a" ,inis$e"1 $e #urne"
# a #as. $e $a" /een /r"ing
+er sin=e #$e "a% /e,re1
ans2ering a m+ing a((eal ,rm
$is %unges# sn1 De+a"as1 #
renun=e $is ,as#6 '@$a# %u =an
a=$ie+e 2$ile li+ing1 %u =ann#
a=$ie+e /% "%ing1' $is sn $a"
2ri##en6 &alling Manu # $is
si"e1 $e "i=#a#e" $is re(l%6
'Onl% )" 2$ $as r"aine" #$is
,as# =an ma.e me gi+e i# u(1' $e
2r#e6 'Yu an" all #$e #$ers
s$ul" /ear in min" #$a# i# is
e'uall% unim(r#an# 2$e#$er
)" en"s m% li,e r all2s me
# sur+i+e6 I $a+e nl% ne
(ra%er # ,,erH FO )"1 .ee( me
,irm "uring #$e ,as# les# I s$ul"
$as#il% /rea. i# in #$e #em(#a#in
# li+e6F'
His =$an=es , sur+i+al 2ere
alrea"% a =n=ern # #$e %ung
girl 2$ 2as $is "=#r6 His
($%si=al resur=es $a"
"iminis$e" n#a/l% sin=e $is
re#urn # Del$i6 His .i"ne%s $a"
s#ill n# re=+ere" ,rm #$e
s#rain $is ,as# in &al=u##a $a"
(la=e" n #$em6 His anguis$ a#
e+en#s in #$e PunBa/ $a"
"es#r%e" $is a((e#i#e an"
su/Be=#e" $im # ,i#s , la/ile
/l" (ressure 2$se
(re=i(i#us rises =ul" in"u=e
s(asms in $is /l" +essels6T$=
nl% me"i=ine Dr Sus$ila
Na%%ar =ul" ge# $im # #a.e
2as a (#in ma"e ,rm #$e /ar.
, #$e Sar(agan"$a #ree1 an"
e+en #$a# 2as n2 (rs=ri/e" /%
#$e rigrus rules $e'" lai" "2n
,r $is ,as#6 An%2a%1 n
me"i=ine =ul" mi#iga#e $is age1
8:6 )ui"ing $im # 2$a# 2ul"
/e an agniQing "ail% ri#ual1
?:3
'LET )ANDHI DIE!'
$is
2eig$ing6Sus$ilaNa%%ara"mi##e
" #$ersel, #$a# s$e "i" n# .n2
$2 mu=$ s#rain #$e s%s#em ,
#$e man /esi"e $er =ul" s#an"6
T$e nee"le , $er s=ale ga+e a
#en#a#i+e an" "is=n=er#ing
ans2er # $er 'ues#in6 T$e ,irs#
#2en#%D,ur $urs , #$e ,as# $a"
=s# )an"$i #2 (re=ius
(un"s6 His 2eig$# #$a# mrning
2as 347 (un"s6 T$ere 2as li##le
,a# # s(are n $is slen"er ,rame1
an" Sus$ila .ne2 #$a#1 /e,re
lng1 2$a# li##le )an"$i $a" #
/urr 2ul" /e gne6 !r )an"$i1
as ,r an%ne n a ,as#1 #$e
=ri#i=a mmen# 2ul" =me
#$en1 2$en $e $a" =nsume"
#$se reser+es = ,a# an" $is
s%s#em /egan # "e+ur i#s
(r#ein6 T$a# /egan a (r=eT
2$i=$1 i, n# s#((e"1 2ul" /e
,a#al6 In )an"$i's 2ea.ene" =i
"i#in i# =ul" /egin1 Sus$ila
Na%%ar .ne21 2i#$ /ru#al
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
s2i,#ness1
T$a# in #$se =ru=ial $urs , $is
,as# )an"$i s$ul" $a+e == #i"e"
#$e #as. , =aring ,r $im
me"i=all% # a %ung 2man
ins#e , ne , #$e eminen#
($%si=ians in In"ia's =a(i#al1
re,le=#e" a li# .n2n /u#
essen#ial (ar# , $is ($ils($%6
!rm #$e mmen# $a" laun=$e"
$is ,irs# =i+il "is/e"ien=e
=am(aign in Su#$ A,r 2men
$a" al2a%s /een in #$e ,re,rn#
, $is m+emen#6
T$ere =ul" /e n $(e ,r #$e
eman=i(a#in , In"ia1 $e ne+er
=ease" # main#ain1 s lng as
In"ia's 2men 2ere n# em6'
(a#e"6 @men 2ere '#$e
su((resse" $al, , $umani#%' an"
#$e i , #$eir ser+i#u"e la%1 $e
/elie+e"1 in #$e narr2 =ir=le ,
"n =$res # 2$i=$ a maleD
"mina#e" s=ie#% =n"emne"
#$em1 #$e es#a/lis$men# , $is
,irs# as$ram in Su#$ A,ri=a $e
$a" "e #$a# men an" 2men
2ul" s$are e'uall% in "mes#i=
#as. a/lis$e" se(ara#e ,amil%
.i#=$ens in ,a+ur , a =mmn
T$e 2men1 #$us un/ur"ene" ,
#$eir $use$l" "ru"ger%1 2=
,ree # (ar#i=i(a#e e'uall% 2i#$
men in #$e =mmuni#%'s s=
(li#i=al a=#i+i#ies6
An" (ar#i=i(a#e #$e% "i"6 A#
e+er% s#age , In"ia's , s#ruggle
#$e% $a" s#" e'uall% 2i#$ men
/e,re #$e =$arge Bri#is$ (li=e6
T$e% $a" ,ille" #$e Bails an" le"
#$e mass m3
)an"$i 2ul" n# $a+e /een
)an"$i1 $2e+er1 $a" e,,r#s n
/e$al, , In"ia's 2men /een
a==m(anie" (i'uan#
=n#ra"i=#ins6 His a"+i=e #
girls mena=e" 2i#$ re PunBa/
$a" /een # /i#e #$eir #ngue an"
$l" #$eir /n #$e% "ie"6 He $a"
al2a%s reBe=#e" m"ern /ir#$
=n#rl as # In"ia's saring
((ula#in ra#e /e=ause $e ,el#
#$e re'uire" 2ere in=m(a#i/le
2i#$ $is i"eas n na#ural me=
nl% ,rm , /ir#$ =n#rl $e
a==e(#e" 2as #$e ne (ra=#ise" D
seCual =n#inen=e6
Nne#$eless1 a s=ie#% 2$i=$
=en#uries earlier $a" =r 2i"2s
# lea( in# #$e /laQing ,uneral
(%re , #$e

?:5

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

'LET )ANDHI DIE'6'

$us/an"s1 $a" s e+l+e" un"er
)an"$i's (rm(#ing #$a# a
mem/er , #$e ,irs# =a/ine# , an
in"e(en"en# In"ia 2as a 2man6
Jus# /e,re mi""a%1 #$e mem/ers
, #$a# =a/ine# ga#$ere" arun"
#$e man 2$ 2as /e=ming
again #$e =ns=ien=e , In"ia6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Hea"e" /% Ne$ru an" Pa#el1 #$e%
$a" a/an"ne" #$eir sum(#uus
,,i=e /uil"ings # $l" a =a/ine#
mee#ing arun" #$e =$ar(i ,
#$e man 2$ $a" (ene" #$e
"rs , #$se e"i,i=es ,r #$em6
T$e su/Be=# #$a# /rug$# #$em #
)an"$i's /e"si"e 2as $is
"eman" ,r #$e (a%men# ,
Pa.is#an's 004 millin ru(ees6
T$a# "eman" $a" s$=.e" an"
angere" ms# , #$e =a/ine# an"
(ar#i=ularl% -alla/$/$ai Pa#el6
Ne$ru1 #$en Pa#el1 #rie" # Bus#i,%
#$e "e=isin # 2i#$$l" #$e
mne%6 )an"$i1 2ea. an" "iQQ%1
la% n $is (alle# s#aring silen#l%
u( a# #$e =eiling as #$e% (resse"
#$eir argumen#s6 He sai"
n#$ing6 Pa#el (resse" n6
Sl2l%1 (ain,ull%1 #ears in $is
e%es1 )an"$i raise" $imsel, n
$is el/2s an" l.e" a# #$e
man 2$ $a" s#" /% $is si"e
"uring s man% /i##er s#ruggles6
'Yu are n# #$e Sar"ar I n=e
.ne21' $e sai" in a $arse
2$is(er1 an" #um/le" /a=. n #
$is ma##ress6
All #$a# "a% a s#ream , Mslem1
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(as# $is /e" /egging )an"$i #
a/an"n $is ,as#6 T$eir =n=ern
s(rang ,rm an a2areness , a
($enmenn , 2$i=$ )an"$i's
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(r#e=#i+e s$el#er , Birla
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,irs# #ime1 a ,as# /% In"ia's lea"er
2as s#irring #$e a=#i+e
resen#men# , a num/er , $is
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=mmer=ial $ear#1 &nnaug$#
&ir=us1 in #$e =r2"e" alle%s ,
Ol" Del$i's &$an"ni &$a2.1
e+er% =n+ersa#in #urne" n #$e
,as#6 Bu# as a s$=.e" &ngress
Par#% ,,i=ial1 )6 N6 Sin$a1
"is=+ere" as $e mingle" 2i#$
#$ese =r2"s1 n ar"en# "esire #
sa+e )an"$i's li,e anima#e"
#$em6 T man%1 #$e su,,erings ,
#$e man n $is =$ar(i in Birla
Huse seeme" a (reBu"i=e"
maneu+re "esigne" # ai" #$e
Mslems6 T$e 'ues#in Sin$a
$ear" ms# ,re'uen#l% #$a#
Januar% a,#ernn in Del$i's
/aQaar 2as n#1 'H2 =an
)an"$i's li,e /e sa+e"?' /u#
'@$en 2ill #$a# l" man s#(
/#$ering us?' In #$e =en#re ,
#$e =i#% an angr% gang ,
re,ugees e+en /r.e u( a
"emns#ra#in =alling ,r
=mmunal (ea=e # sa+e
)an"$i's li,e6
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,amiliar sun" "ri,#e" #2ar"s
Birla Huse6 H(e,ul an" eager1
)an"$i's en#ure ge lis#ene"6
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&al=u##a1 #$e =$an#e" slga is ,
a "is#resse" ((ula#in
/esee=$ing #$eir Ma$a#ma #
a/an"n $is ,as#6 One ,
)an"$i's se=re#aries ra=e" # #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
ga#e6 In #$e in"isTin=# glare , #$e
s#ree# lig$#s $e =ul" see #$e
(r=essin m+ing # +ar"s $im
"2n Al/u'uer'ue Ra"1 a
,res# , 2a+ing /anners an=
/lurre" ,igures6
Insi"e1 in #$e "ar.ene" rm
2$ere )an"$i la%1 #$e sun=
=lser6 @ea. an" "iQQ%1 )an"$i
2as s#re#=$e" u# in #$e si n $is
=$ar(i $al, aslee(6 !inall%1 as
#$e "emns#ra#rs rea" ga#e1 #$e
rum/le , #$eir =$an#e" slgans
+i/ra#e" #$rug$ #$e )an"$i
/e=.ne" $is se=re#ar% P%arelal6
'@$a#'s ging n?' $e as.e"6
'I#'s a =r2" , re,ugees
"emns#ra#ing1' P%arelal re(lie"6
'Are #$ere man%?' 'N1 n# man%6'
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slgans6'
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#r%ing # un"ers#an" #$e e=$ ,
#$eir =$an#6 '@$a# are #$e%
sa%ing?' $e as.e"6 P%arelal
(ause"1 (n"ering $is ans2er6
T$en $e s2all+ FT$e% are
=$an#ing1 FLe# )an"$i "ie!F ' $e
sai"6
Bm/a%1 3A Januar% 37A:
T$ree men 2$ 2an#e" )an"$i
# "ie s#" in #$e "ar. an irn
grille /arring #$e en#ran=e # a
#a2"r% #2Ds#re% 2ea#$erD
/ea#en =emen# in #$e
nr#$ernms# su/ur/ , BV nl%
#ra=e , elegan=e n i#s ,a=a"e
2as a mar/le (la'ue ne 2all6 I#
"en#e" in Mara#$i #$e /uil"ing's
,un=#i Sa"an D Sa+ar.ar's
Huse6 1
!e2 men in In"ia la#$e" #$e
man l%ing n $is =$a Huse 2i#$
an in#ensi#% =m(ara/le # #$a#
anima#H s#%le" "i=#a#r ,
mili#an# Hin"uism 2$ li+e" in
#$ -eer '#$e Bra+e' Sa+ar.ar
"e#es#e" alms# all #$e ( 2$i=$
)an"$i s#"6 I, )an"$i $a"
ma"e Birla Hn #$er (la=e $e'"
li+e" #em(les , nnD+ilen=e1
Sa+ar. inn=en#l% amng #$e
(alms an" me"lar #rees , Bm/
Ra"1 2as a s$rine # +ilen=e6
N#$ing 2as mre na# #$e ,irs#
a=# n arri+ing in Bm/a%1 , #$e
men 2 mur"er )an"$i1 $a" /een
# ma.e #$eir 2a% # i#s gO
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arm a #a/la1 an In" e+ening
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"ress n# as a musi=ian1 a
"isguise 2$i=$ =ame na#urall% #
a mar =as#e , 2an"ering
mins#rels 2$ $a" gne a/u#
ear an" "an=ing6 T$e "rum un"er
$is arm =n=eale" , arms #$e
=ns(ira#r $a" ma"e a# $is s$(
in Pm
A guar" s$2e" #$e #ri in#
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imme"ia#el%
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(ersnal 'uar#ers , #$e "i=#a#r
, #$e Hin"u Ras$#ra Dal6
Na#$uram )"se an" Nara%an
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
A(#e 2ere amng #$em6
Digam/er Ba"ge 2as n# an" s1
#a.ing Ba"ge's #a/la1 #$e% 2en#
u(s#airs 2i#$u# $im6
)"se1 A(#e an" Ba"ge 2ere n#
#$e ,irs# , #$eir li##le gru( #
(ene#ra#e #$e $ea"'uar#ers ,
-eer Sa+ar.ar #$a# Januar% "a%6
Earlier1 *ar.are $a" us$ere"
Ma"anlal in# #$e mas#er's
(resen=e6 *ar.are $a" "es=ri/e"
#$e %ung PunBa/i as 'a +er%
"aring 2r.er>6 Sa+ar.ar's
res(nse 2as # /es#2 ne ,
$is gla=ial smiles n Ma"anlal6
T$en $e $a" =aresse" $is /are
,rearm as a man mig$# s#r.e a
.i##en's /a=.6 '*ee( u( #$e g"
2r.1' $e $a" urge"6
T$eir mee#ing 2i#$ Sa+ar.ar
,inis$e"1 #$e #ri s(li# u( ,r #$e
nig$#6 Ba"ge 2en# # #$e
=mmn "rmi#r% , #$e Hin"u
Ma$asDa/$a6 A(#e an" )"se1
#$e #2 &$i#(a2an Bra$mins1
le,# ,r a mre /e=ming
"es#ina#in1 #$e Sea )reen H#el6
As sn as #$e%'" rea=$e" #$e
$#el #$e irre(ressi/le A(#e ma"e
a #ele($ne =all6 T$e num/er $e
re'ues#e" 2as #$e las# in #$e
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=mmi# In"ia's =rime , #$e
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re'ues#e" eC#ensin ?406 T$ere
a# #$e #$er en" , #$e line 2as
#$e 2el=ming +i=e , #$e girl
2$ 2ul" s$are A(#e's /e" #$a#
e+ening1 #$e "aug$#er , #$e
&$ie, Surgen , #$e Bm/a%
Pli=e6
T$e =ri#i=al mmen# )an"$i's
%ung "=#r $a" /een 2a#=$ing
,r sin=e $e'" /egun $is ,as#
arri+e" 2i#$ a s2i,#ness s
s$=.ing #$a# e+en s$e $a" n#
,reseen i#6 Anal%sing $is urine
n #$e mrning , T$urs"a%1 30
Januar%6Sus$ila Na%%ar ,un" in
i# #$e "rea" (resen=e , a=e#ne
an" a=e#i= a=i"6 T$e ,a#al (r=ess
$a" /egun6 )an"$i's reser+es ,
=ar/$%"ra#es 2ere gne6 His
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2n en#rails1 # =nsume i#s li,eD
sus#aining (r#ein6 Barel% ,r#%D
eig$# $urs a,#er $e'" laun=$e"
$is ,as#1 #$e eC$aus#e"
=#genarian 2as alrea"% gli"ing
in# #$e me"i=al "anger Qne6
Nr 2as #$a# #$e nl% sign
2rr%ing #$e girl 2$'" gi+en u(
a Uni#e" Na#ins' ,ell2s$i( in
#$e Uni#e" S#a#es # =are ,r
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eCamina#in , $is urine $a"
un=+ere" an#$er6 In #$e
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, #$e lu.e2arm 2a#er an"
/i=ar/na#e , s"a $e s
"e#es#e"6 Her are,ul #a/ula#ins
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
s$2e" $e $a" elimina#e" nl%
#2en#%Deig$#6
)an"$i's .i"ne%s1 "amage" /%
$is &al=u##a ,as#1 2ere n#
,un=#inii (r(erl%6 Dee(l%
=n=erne"1 Sus$ila #rie" #
eC(lain # )an"$i #l seriusness
, $is =n"i#in1 2$% #$is #ime
$e mig$# ne+er re=+ ,rm $is
r"eal6 He 2ul" n# lis#en6
'I, I $a+e a=e#ne in m% urine i#
is /e=ause m% ,ai#$ in Rama
in=m(le#e1' $e murmure"6
'Rama $as n#$ing # " 2i#$ i#1'
Sus$ila re(lie"6 Pa#ien#l% s
eC(laine" #$e s=ien#i,i= (r=ess
/eginning 2i#$ #$e a((earan=e
#$se ,reign /"ies in $is
"is=$arge6 He lis#ene" in silen=e6
@l s$e'" ,inis$e"1 $e ,iCe" $is
e%es n $er ,a=e6
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.n2 e+er%#$ing?' $e as.e"6 'H
%u ,rg##en #$e Lr" *ris$na's
2r"s in #$e #en#$ =$a(#er ,
)i#a D FI /ear #$is 2$le 2rl" in
an in,ini#el% small (ar# ,
/eingF?'
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2$ile )an"$i remin"e" $is %
"=#r , #$e $rni#a#ins , $er
s=ien=e1 a 2ellD"resse"
Nara%an J 2al.e" in# #$e ,,i=e
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as.e" #2 #i=.e#s n #$e
Bm/a%DDel$i D&? ser+i=e n
#$e a,#ern Sa#ur"a%1 38
Januar%1 ,r Mr D6 N6 *armar.ar
an" Mr S6 Mars @$ile $e /egan
# =un# u# #$e ,are1 ?4: ru(ees1
#$e =ler. (l en'uire" i, $e
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smile"6 N1 $e sai"1 $e an
ass=ia#e $a" n (lans ,r #$eir
re#urn6 T$e% nl% 2an#e" ne
#i=.e#s6
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=n"i#in1 )an"$i insis#e"1 i
2ul" e+er% "a% , $is ,as#1 n
#$a# ri#ual #$a# =ns#i#u#e" a re
(ar# , $is $%gieni= ="e1 an
enema6 I#s (urging li'ui" (urine
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(uri,ie" #$e sul6 T$e (ersn re
si/le ,r #$a# "eli=a#e an"
in#ima#e (era#in 2as #$e sel,D
e, li##le Manu # 2$m )an"$i
$a" "e=lare" n #$e e+e , $i
'Yu are m% sle (ar#ner in #$is
grea# sa=ri,i=e6'
Hers 2as n# an eas% rle6 I#
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(rising num/er , (e##% "eman"s
an" (e#ulan# u#/urs#s , man
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sereni#% an" "e#a=$m ,e2
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surge , ann%T nee in )an"$i6
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'nl% 2$en r a #rial su=$ as a
,as#6'
T$e enema le,# $im1 Manu
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
n#e"1 lim( 2i#$ eC$aus#in an"
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mean #$e lss , In"ia's sul'6 I#
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# #$e same si#e n 30 Augus# #$e
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,,i=ial meals # /e =an=elle" u#
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
millin ru(ees6
Bm/a%1 30 Januar% 37A:
Li.e a gru( , =ra(s$#ers1 #$e
men 2$ $a" "e=i"e" # .ill
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#$e
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#$e e+ening /e,re6 T$e ,alse
sa"$u (ene" $is "rum an" se#
i#s =n#en#s /e,re #$em6
Pa#ien#l%1 li.e a salesman
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.ni,e a# a =un#r% ,air1 $e
s$2e" #$em $2 # inser# ,uses
in# #$e sla/s , $ig$ eC(lsi+e1
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ai" n2 seeme" s essen#ial1
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# s#ar# #$e #re. a=rss $al, #$e
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in"e(en"en=e6 T$e arms Ba"ge
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rll6 He an" *ar.are 2ul"
/egin #$eir #2D"a% Burne% #$a#
nig$#1 =a#=$ing #$e !rn#ier Mail
a# #$e -i=#ria Terminus1 #$e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s#a#in in 2$i=$ s man% %ung
Englis$men $a" $a" #$eir ,irs#
in#r"u=#in # #$e lan" #$e%'"
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se(ara#e #rains A: $urs la#er6
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ren"eQ+us 2ul" /e #$e Hin"u
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/een ,,ere" # Del$i /% #$e
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man #$e% (lanne" # .ill 2as
li+ing6
?::
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Hun"re"s , ,ai#$,ul =r2"e"
#$e la2ns /e$in" Birla Huse a#
"us. n T$urs"a% e+ening1
$(ing sme mira=le mig$#
all2 #$e legen"ar% ,igure #
a##en" $is (ra%er mee#ing6 I# 2as
a "me" $(e6 )an"$i n
lnger $a" #$e s#reng#$ # 2al.
r e+en si# u( unsu((r#e"6 He
,,ere" $is au"ien=e #$e nl%
(ie=e , $imsel, $e =ul"1 a ,e2
2r"s 2$is(ere" in# a
mi=r($ne /% $is /e"si"e an"
"eli+ere" +er a lu"s(ea.er #
#$e ga#$ering n #$e (ra%er
grun"s6 T$e ,amiliar +i=e #$a#
$a" gal+aniQe" In"ia's masses
,r ##LDee "e=a"es 2as s ,ain#
#$a# i# seeme" # sme n #$e
la2n #$a# e+ening #$a# $e 2as
alrea"% a""ressing #$em ,rm
/e%n" #$e gra+e6
&n#em(la#e #$eir na#in an" i#s
nee" ,r /r#$er$"1 $e urge"1
n# $is su,,ering6 'D n# /e
2rrie" n m% a==un#6 He 2$
is /rn in #$is 2rl" =ann#
es=a(e "ea#$6
'Dea#$1' $e 2en# n1 'is a grea#
,rien" # all6 I# is al2a%s 2r#$%
, ur gra#i#u"e /e=ause i#
relie+es us , all sr#s ,
miseries n=e an" ,r all6'
@$en #$e (ra%ers $a" ,inis$e"1 a
=lamur rse ,rm #$e ga#$ering
,r "ars$an1 ,r a glim(se a#
leas# , #$eir /el+e" lea"er6
@men ,irs#1 #$en men1 #$e
au"ien=e assem/le" in# a lng
=lumn6 In a (ignan# silen=e1
(alms (resse" #ge#$er in #$e
ri#ual ges#ure , namas#e1 #$e%
/egan # ,l2 (as# #$e glasse"Din
+eran"a 2$ere )an"$i sle(#1
eC$aus#e" /% #$e ,e2 2r"s $e'"
a""resse" # #$em6 He 2as
=urle" u( in a ,e#al (si#in1 a
2$i#e s$a2l "ra2n +er $is
ema=ia#e" ,rame1 $is e%es
=lse"1 $is ,a=e line" %e#
sme$2 ra"ia#ing an alms#
su(erna#ural gl26 His $an"s
2ere =las(e" in #$e (si#in ,
namas#e1 re#urning e+en in slee(
#$e gree#ing , $is srr2ing
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
a"mirers6
Manu =ul" n# /elie+e $er e%es6
T$e un(re"i=#a/le l" man 2$
#$e e+ening /e,re "i" n# $a+e
#$e s#reng#$ # raise $is #rs
,rm $is /e" 2as n2 s#an"ing
u(1 s$u,,ling (ain,ull% a=rss #$e
rm # #a.e $is (la=e a#
mrning (ra%ers6 A,#er #$e
(ra%er1 )an"$i sa# "2n # an
a=#i+i#% as remar.a/le as i# 2as
=urius in a man 2$ $a" gne
2i#$u# nuris$men# ,r ,ur
"a%s an" 2as mena=e" /% "ea#$6
He /egan $is "ail% s#u"% ,
Bengali1 a language $e'" s#ri+en
# mas#er sin=e $is #ur ,
Na.$ali6 T$en1 2i#$ a +i=e
#$a# 2as sur(risingl% ,irm1 $e
/egan # "i=#a#e #$e message $e
2is$e" rea" u# a# $is e+ening
(ra%er mee#ing6
His a((aren# +igur 2as an
illusin1 $2e+erT li.e #$e
(eri"s , remissin a==r"e" a
(a#ien# 2i#$ #erminal =an=er
"uring $is "es=en# # #$e a/%ss6
A ,e2 minu#es la#er1 #r%ing # ge#
# #$e /a#$rm n $is 2n1 $is
$ea" /egan # reel an" $e
=lla(se" un=ns=ius n #$e
,lr6
Sus$ila Na%ar rus$e" # $is si"e
an" $el(e" =arr% $im /a=. $is
/e"6 S$e .ne2 2$a# $a"
$a((ene"6 )an"$i's lean /r2n
,rs 2as /e=ming 2a#erlgge"
/e=ause $is "amage" .i"ne%s
2ere a/le # (ass #$e 2a#er $e
2as a/sr/ing6 T$e s#rain 2as
n2 a,,e=i $is $ear#6 S$e $a"
,reseen i# a ,e2 minu#es earlier
2$en s$e'" $im n $er s=ale6 I#s
nee"le $a" remaine" se# n #$e
,igure i# regis#ere" ,r A: $ursH
348 (un"s6 A =$e=. , $is
/l" (ress an" (ulse =n,irme"
#$e %ung girl's "iagnsis6 T$e
=ar"igram # $ear# s(e=ialis#
rus$e" # Birla Huse (r+i"e"
#$e ,inal =rrl a#i+e e+i"en=e ,
#$e "e#erira#in in #$e 8:D%earD
l" )an"$i's I rgan6 A su""en1
,a#al en" # )an"$i's ,as# $a"
n2 /e=rr "is#in=# (ssi/ili#%6
Alms# 2rse 2as #$e "anger
#$a#1 i, #$e =n#inue" mu=$
lnger1 #$e resul#1 e+en i, i#
en"e" su==ess,i 2ul" /e
(ermanen# an" irre(ara/le
"amage # )an"$i's i rgans6
Her 2n $ear# a=$ing1 Sus$ila
#. a (en=il in $an" an" 2 #$e
,irs# , $er #2i=eD"ail% /ulle#ins
n #$e s#a#e , )an"$i's $eT I#
2as a grie,Ds#ri=.en =r% , alarm6
Unless a ra(i" #erm 2as SE $is
su,,erings1 s$e 2r#e1 #$e s#rain
$is s%s#em 2as un"erging 2V
lea+e In"ia's /el+e" Ma$a#ma
an in+ali" ,r #$e res# , $is "
On=e again1 #$a# eC#rar"inar%
=urren# 2$i=$ sme$2 lin.e"
InV millins # #$eir )rea# Sul
emana#e" ,rm Birla Huse6
Ins#H i+el%1 e+en 2i#$u# #$e
2arning , Sus$ila Na%ar's
/ulle#in1 I $a" sense" #$a# !ri"a%
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
mrning #$a# )an"$i's li,e 2as
in "ai As $a" $a((ene" s ,#en
/e,re "uring $is ,as#s1 #$e m"
, I =$ange" 2i#$ (uQQling
s(ee"6 T$e se=n" ms#
((ulus na#i= #$e 2rl" /egan
# $ang a##en"an# n #$e s#ruggle
/e#2een a an" $is =ns=ien=e in
Birla Huse6
All In"ia Ra"i s#ar#e" #
/ra"=as# $url% /ulle#ins n
)an =n"i#in "ire=# ,rm
Al/u'uer'ue Ra"6 DQens ,
In"ian ,reign ne2smen
ga#$ere" in a "ea#$ 2a#=$ a# i#s
ga#es6 Hun"rG Mai"ans in e+er%
=i#% an" #2n su""enl% s2arme"
2i#$ s$i =r2"s 2a+ing
/anners1 =r%ing 'Br#$er$"'1
'Hin"uDM= Uni#%'1 'S(are
)an"$i'6 E+er%2$ere in In"ia
'Sa+e )an"$i's =mmi##ees
s(rang u(1 #$eir mem/ers$i(
=are,ull% sele=#e" # r a ,ull
s(e=#rum , (li#i=al +ie2s an"
religius =mmuni#ies1 ,,i=e
em(l%ees all a=rss In"ia
=an=elle" millins , le##ers #$a
/% 2ri#ing '*ee( &mmunal
Pea=e D Sa+e )an"$i's Li,e' a
#$eir s#am(s6 T$usan"s
ga#$ere" in (u/li= (ra%er
mee#ings1 /eT ,r $is "eli+er%6
T$ere 2as n# a ms'ue in In"ia
#$a# "i" n# ,r $im a# !ri"a%
(ra%ers6 T$e Un#u=$a/les ,
Bm/a% s m+ing =a/le #elling
)an"$i 'Yur li,e /elngs # us'6

Bu# i# 2as a/+e all in Del$i1
Del$i #$e $ere#,re in"i,,eren#1
#$a# #$e =$ange 2as ms#
s#ar#ling6 !rm e+er%
neig$/ur$"1 e+er% /aQaar1
e+er% m$alla1 #$e =$an#ing
=r2"s n2 rus$e" ,r#$6 S$(s
an" s#res =lse" in
a=.n2le"gemen# , )an"$i's
agn%6 Hin"us1 Si.$s an"
Mslems ,rme" 'Pea=e
Briga"es'1 mar=$ing #$rug$ #$e
=a(i#al 2i#$ lin.e" arms1
#$rus#ing a# (assersD/% (e#i#ins
/egging )an"$i # gi+e u( $is
,as#6 &n+%s , #ru=.s rlle"
#$rug$ #$e =i#% Bamme" 2i#$
=la((ing1 =$eering %u#$s =r%ing
')an"$iBi's li,e is mre (re=ius
#$an urs'6 S=$ls an"
uni+ersi#ies =lse"6 Ms# m+ing
, all1 544 2men an" =$il"ren1
2i"2e" an" r($ane" /% #$e
slaug$#ers , #$e PunBa/1
(ara"e" # Birla Huse "e=laring
#$a# #$e% 2ere ging # renun=e
#$eir misera/le re,ugees' ra#ins
# Bin a ,as# , s%m(a#$% 2i#$
)an"$i6
I# 2as an eC#rar"inar%1
+er2$elming u#/urs# ,
em#in /u# i# le,# #$e man n
$is =# in Birla Huse 'ui#e
unm+e"6 I# $a" #a.en mre #ime
#$an an%ne $a" eC(e=#e" ,r
)an"$i's ,as# # s#ir $is
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=un#r%men /u#1 n2 #$a# i# $a"1
$e 2as "e#ermine" n# # le# g1
# "ri+e $imsel, as =lse # #$e
"ar.ness as $e =ul" g s as #
,r=e #$e "ee( an" meaning,ul
=$ange $e 2an#e" in# $is
=un#r%men's $ear#s6
'I am in n $urr%1' $e #l" #$e
2rrie" =r2" a# $is (ra%er
mee#ing in a +i=e #$a#1 e+en
magni,ie" /% lu"s(ea.ers1 2as
/arel% a 2$is(er6 'I " n# 2is$
#$ings $al, "ne6' )as(ing ,r
/rea#$ 2i#$ ea=$ 2r"1 $e sai"1 'I
2ul" =ease # $a+e an% in#eres#
in li,e i, (ea=e 2ere n#
es#a/lis$e" all arun" us +er
#$e 2$le , In"ia1 #$e 2$le ,
Pa.is#an6 T$a# is #$e meaning ,
#$is sa=ri,i=e6'
Ne$ru /rug$# a "elega#in ,
lea"ers # $is /e"si"e # assure
$im #$ere $a" /een a ra"i=al
=$ange in Del$i's a#ms($ere6
Alms# =$eer,ull% $e #l" #$em1
'Dn'# 2rr%6 I 2n'# (( ,,
su""enl%6 @$a#e+er %u "1
s$ul" ring #rue6 I 2an# sli"
2r.6'
As #$e% #al.e" a #elegram arri+e"
,rm *ara=$i6 &ul" Mslems
2$'" /een =$ase" ,rm #$eir
$mes in Del$i n2 re#urn # reD
==u(% #$em1 i# as.e"6
'T$a# is a #es#1' )an"$i
murmure" as sn as #$e #eC#
2as rea" u# # $im6
Ta.ing #$e #elegram1 )an"$i's
,ai#$,ul P%arelal Na%ar rus$e"
,, n a #ur , #$e =a(i#al's
re,ugee =am(s1 eC(laining #
#$eir em/i##ere" Hin"u an" Si.$
inma#es #$a# )an"$i's li,e 2as
n2 in #$eir $an"s6 O+er 3444 ,
#$em signe" a "e=lara#in #$a#
nig$# (rmising # 2el=me
re#urning Mslems # #$eir
$mes e+en i, i# mean# #$e% an"
#$eir ,amilies 2ul" $a+e #
en"ure #$e 2in#er =l" in a #en#
r in #$e s#ree#s6 A gru( , #$eir
lea"ers re#urne" # Birla Huse
# =n+in=e #$e Ma$a#ma
sme#$ing $a" reall% =$ange"6
'Yur ,as# $as m+e" $ear#s all
+er #$e 2rl"1' #$e% #l" #$e
s$ri+elle" li##le ,igure n $is =#6
'@e s$all 2r. # ma.e In"ia as
mu=$ a $me ,r Mslems as i#
is ,r Hin"us an" Si.$s6 Pra%
/rea. %ur ,as# # sa+e In"ia
,rm miser%6'
Sus$ila Na%%ar 2a#=$e" #$e
nee"le's ,lu=#ua#ins2i#$
anguis$e" e%es I# mig$# seem a
(ara"C %e#1 n #$is ,i,#$ "a% ,
Ma$a#ma )an"$i'! ,as#1 s$e
"es(era#el% 2an#e" #$e s=ales #
in"i=a#e $er 2ea.ening (a#ien#
2as lsing 2eig$#6 T$e% "i" n#6
T$e nee"le =ame # res an
alms# immeasura/l% small
"is#an=e /el2 #$e ,igure n
2$i=$ i $a" remaine" ,iCe" ,r
#$e (as# #$ree "a%s1 348 (un"s6
)an"$i' .i"ne%s s#ill re,use" #
"is=$arge #$e 84 un=es , 2a#er
$e 2a a/sr/ing regularl% ea=$
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
"a%6 T #$e s#rain #$a# ,i+e "a%s
2i#$u ," 2as (la=ing n $is
$ear# 2as /eing a""e" #$e
s#ea"il% in=reasinT /ur"en , #$e
su(er,luus /"% ,lui" $is
,al#ering .i"ne%s =ul" n
e+a=ua#e6
All #$e #$er eCamina#ins #
2$i=$ s$e an" #$e #$ree
($%si=ian 2$ $a" Bine" $er
(u# $im #$a# mrning (r"u=e"
e'uall% "ismaB ing resul#s6 T$e
eC=ess , a=e#i= a=i" in $is urine
2as n2 a gra+ (r/lem6 E+en
)an"$i's /rea#$ ree.e" , a=i"6
His /l" (ressui 2as 3:A1 $is
(ulse ,as# an" ,ee/le1 #$e /ea# ,
$is 8:D%earDl" $eai irregular6
T$e ,ur "=#rs $a" n# in ,a=#
nee"e" #$eir ins#rumen#s #
"e#ermine )an"$i's =n"i#in6
T$eir e%es alne $a" /een
enug$ 3 #ell #$em i# 2as
"es(era#e6 T$e% 'ui=.l% rea=$e"
a =mmn =i elusin6 )an"$i
=ul" n# sur+i+e n $is ,as# ,r
mre #$an 85 $ur !ar 2rse1 all
#$e =n"i#ins 2$i=$ =ul" lea"
# $is "ea#$ in le #$an 5A $urs
2ere n2 (resen#6 T$eir ,irs#
/ulle#in #$a# Sa#ur"i 2as #erse
an" s#raig$#,r2ar"6
'I# is ur "u#%'1 #$e% 2r#e1 '# #ell
#$e (e(le # #a.e imme"ia s#e(s
# (r"u=e #$e re'uisi#e
=n"i#ins ,r en"ing #$e ,as#
2i#$ "ela%6'
Pna1 38 Januar% 37A:
A s$i+er , ner+us eC=i#emen#
,lu##ere" #$rug$ #$e s#=.%
2rn as1 in a =lu" , $issing
s#eam1 #$e Bm/a% EC(ress
rlle" # a $ in #$e Pna
rail2a% s#a#in6 'I am #$e nl%
ne1' s$e #$ug$#1 3 e%es
s=anning #$e ,a=es , #$e =r2"
(us$ing (as# $er $us/a #2ar"s
i#s #$ir"D=lass 2agns1 'I am #$e
nl% ne 2$ .n2s 2 m%
$us/an" is ging # Del$i6'
)(al )"se 2as ging # Del$i
#$a# mrning # .i'l Ma$a#i
)an"$i6 He $a" /een g" # #$e
2r" $e'" (le"ge" $is /r#l

Na#$uram6 In $is /e""ing 2as a
D?5D=ali/re (is#l $e'" (ur=$ase"
,r 544 ru(ees ,rm a ,ell2
2r.er in Pna's mili#ar% s#res
"e(#6 He $a" e+en #es#e" i# in
#$e 2"s near $is $me6 His
2i,e1 2$ s$are" $is (assina#e
=n+i=#ins1 2as #$e nl% (ersn
# 2$m $e'" re+eale" #$e use #
2$i=$ $e in#en"e" # (u# #$a#
(is#l6 S$e $a" /lesse" $im ,r
i#6
N2 s$e $el" #$eir ADmn#$Dl"
"aug$#er Asila#a D 'S2r" Bla"e'D
u( ,r $is ,inal em/ra=e6 '@e
2ere in #$e /lm , ur %u#$1'
s$e 2ul" remem/er 50 %ears
la#er1 re=alling #$a# (ar#ing in a
=r2"e" rail2a% s#a#in6
'Rman=e an" re+lu#in 2ere
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
ur "reams6'
As )(al rea=$e" #$e =arriage
"r1 s$e (ulle" $im # $er6
'@$a#e+er $a((ens1 "n'# 2rr%1'
s$e 2$is(ere"1 'I s$all ,in" a
2a% # #a.e =are , m%sel, an"
#$e =$il"6' S$e (resse" in# $is
$an"s a (a=.e# , =$a(a#is s$e
$a" ma"e ,r $im # ea# "uring
#$e +%age6 T$en s$e "re2 /a=.
an" 2a#=$e" $im se##le in# $is
sea#6 In a =a=($n% , /anging
=u(lings an" s$u#e" ,are2ells1
#$e #rain /egan # lur=$ ,r2ar"6
@a+ing #$eir "aug$#er's =$u//%
arm1 s$e s#" #rans,iCe" n #$e
(la#,rm1 2a+ing g"/%e1
2a#=$ing $is (ru" sil$ue##e
"isa((ear1 silen#l% 2is$ing $im
'#$e /es# , su==ess' 2i#$ all #$e
ar"ur , $er mili#an#'s $ear#6
Des(i#e $is =ri#i=al s#a#e1
)an"$i's min" remaine" =r%s#al
=lear #$a# Sa#ur"a% mrning6 He
$a" en#ere" #$e #$ir" an" ,inal
($ase , a ,as#6 T$e ,irs# A:
$urs 2ere al2a%s =$ara=#eriQe"
/% in#ense s#ma=$ =ram(s an"
$unger (ains6 T$en #$e nee" ,r
," (asse"1 # /e ,ll2e" /%
#2 r #$ree "a%s , nausea an"
"iQQiness6 @$en #$e% in #urn $a"
run #$eir =urse a s#range
#ran'uilli#% in+a"e" $im6 A(ar#
,rm a =ns#an# a=$ing in $is
Bin#s1 2$i=$ Manu an" $is #$er
ai"e massage" 2i#$ g$ee1 $e n
lnger su,,ere"6 @$ile Sus$ila
an" $er #$ree =lleagues "e/a#e"
$2 man% $urs , li,e
remaine" # $im1 $e 2as
#ran'uill% 2ri#ing a ,e2 2r"s in
Bengali n #$e /a=.s , $is l"
en+el(es6
@$en $e'" ,inis$e" $e ges#ure"
# $is se=re#ar% P%arelal Na%ar6
His un,ailing sense , #iming
$a" n# a/an"ne" $im6 I, $is
,as# 2as n #$e +erge ,
a=$ie+ing i#s gal as $is
,ll2ers (rmise" $im i# 2as1
#$en #$e #ime $a" =me # ma.e
sure #$a# 2$a# i# se=ure" 2ul"
/e (ermanen# an" n# Bus# #$e
resul# , a =m(assina#e "esire
# sa+e $is li,e6 He "i=#a#e" #
P%arelal a se+enD(in# =$ar#er ,
#$e =n"i#ins $e 2is$e"
,ul,ille" i, $e 2as # en" $is ,as#6
T$e lea"ers$i( , e+er% (li#i=al
rganiQa#in in Del$i1 in=lu"ing
$is ,es , #$e Hin"u
Mal#asa/$a1 2ul" $a+e # sign
i# /e,re $e 2ul" =nsi"er $is
#erms $a" /een me#6 T$e
=n"i#ins 2ere un/Be=#ina/le
in (rin=i(le1 %e# rea=$e" u# #
#u=$ alms# e+er% ($ase , #$e
=i#%'s li,e6 T$e% range" ,rm
re#urning # #$e Mslems #$e 33'
ms'ues seiQe" an" =n+er#e"
in# $mes r #em(les /%
re,ugees #V en"ing #$e /%=## ,
Mslem s$(.ee(ers in #$e
/aQaars , 43V Del$i an"
guaran#eeing #$e sa,e#% ,
Mslem +%agers6
Na%ar rus$e" ,, # (resen# $is
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=n"i#ins # #$e Pea=e &m
mi##ee es#a/lis$e" # sa+e
)an"$i's li,e6 Del$i 2as
2ra((e" in ] m" , #ensin
an" eC=i#emen# su=$ as i# $a" n#
seen sina In"e(en"en=e Da%6 A
2a+e , ((ular ,er+ur
eC(l"e" ,rn &nnaug$# &ir=us
# #$e ms# rem#e alle%2a%s ,
#$e =i#%6 E+er% 2$ere (e(le
mar=$e" a/u# in =$an#ing
=r2"s6 Del$i's =mmer=ia li,e
sim(l% s#((e"6 O,,i=es1 s#res1
,a=#ries1 /aQaars1 =a,es1 all 2ere
=lse"6 Alms# a $un"re"
#$usan" (e(le , all =as#es an"
=mmuni#ies assem/le" in a
mamm#$ rall% /e,re Ol"
Del$i's Juma MasBi"1 s$u#ing
,r #$eir lea"ers # a==e(#
)an"$i's "eman"s T$e Hin"u
,rui# (e"lars , Sa/Qiman"i1 ne
, #$e =a(i#al's ms# eC(lsi+e
areas1 rus$e" # Birla Huse #
in,rm )an"$i #$a# #$eI 2ere
en"ing #$eir /%=## , #$eir
Mslem =lleagues6
Insi"e1 )an"$i s2ung /e#2een
/urs#s , lu=i"i#% an" a =ma#se
s#a#e6 Smene sugges#e" a""ing
a ,e2 #eas(ns , range Bui=e
#= $is 2a#er6 Aler#1 $e (ene" $is
e%es an" (r=laime" #$a# 2ul"
/e a sa=rilege 2$i=$ 2ul"
/lige $im # ,as# ,r 53 "a%s6
Sus$ila Na%%ar /egge" # /e
all2e" # '=u(' $is .i"ne%s1 #
=+er #$em 2i#$ su=#in =u(s
2$i=$ mig$# s(ee" u( #$eir
sl2ing r$%#$m6 He re,use"6
'Bu# Ba(u'1 s$e (r#es#e"1 'i#'s a
(ar# , #$e na#ure =ure %u
a==e(#'6
'T"a%1' $e murmure" 2ea.l%1
')" is m% nl% na#ure =ure6'
His ms# "e+#e" "is=i(le1
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru1 a/an"ne" $is
Prime Minis#er's ,,i=e # si# /%
$is (alle#6 T$e s(e=#a=le , #$e
l" man's "e=line 2as # mu=$
,r #$e lea"er 2$'" /een $is
,a+uri#e sn +er #$e lng %ears
, #$eir =rusa"e #ge#$er6 Una/le
# /ear i#1 Ne$ru #urne" $is ,a=e
# a =rner an" 2e(#6
Luis Mun#/a##en an" $is 2i,e
=ame in #$eir #urn6 T$e eCD
-i=er% 2as as#nis$e" #
"is=+er #$a#1 "es(i#e #$e
#rmen#s $e'" en"ure"1 )an"$i
s#ill $a" a '=$i(mun.is$ gl2'1
$e 2as s#ill =a(a/le , li##le
/urs#s , $umur6
'A$1' )an"$i sai" in gree#ing1 'i#
#a.es a ,as# n m% (ar# # /ring
#$e mun#ain # Ma$me#6'
E"2ina 2as (r,un"l%
sa""ene"6 As #$e% le,# $is rm1
s$e /urs# in# #ears6 'Dn'# /e
sa"1' $er $us/an" #l" $er6 He
$a" /een ins(ire" /% #$e sig$#6
'He's "ing 2$a# $e 2an#s # "1'
$e sai"6 'He's a ms# /ra+e li##le
man6'
N ($enmenn 2as as "ee(l%
r#e" in #$e In"ian (s%=$e1D nr
as
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
"e,ian# , (re=ise "e,ini#in1 as
#$e m%s#i= ri#e , "ars$an6 A
(easan# eC(erien=e" "ars$an
2$en1 a,#er 2al.ing /are,# ,r
$un"re"s , miles1 $e ,irs#
glim(se" #$e 2a#ers , #$e Hl%
M#$er )anges6 He .ne2 i#
again 2$en #$e ,irs# ri+ule#s ,
#$a# sa=re" 2a#er =urse" "2n
$is s.in6 A man mig$# $a+e i# in
Hin"uism's ms# sa=re" s$rines1
a# a =rema#in1 a# a (li#i=al
rall%1 in #$e =r2" arun" a grea#
lea"er r1 a/+e all1 in #$e
(resen=e , a $l% man6 Dars$an
(r"u=e" an in"e,ina/le =urren#1
(assing ,rm gi+er # re=ei+er1 a
/lessing1 a /ene"i=#in1 #$e
emana#in , sme /ene,i=en#
s(iri#ual in,luen=e6
On #$e a,#ernn , Sa#ur"a%1 38
Januar%1 #$a# an=ien# an"
im(erius In"ian nee" ,r
"ars$an ,un" eC(ressin ,r
#2 men se(ara#e" /% 844 miles1
/% an alms# un/ri"gea/le gul,
, sen#imen#1 %e# 2$se names
2ere sn # /e lin.e" /% #$e
#i"es , $is#r%6
T$e +i=e #$a# rea=$e" #$e
,ai#$,ul 2$ =r2"e" n # #$e
la2n , Birla Huse #$a#
a,#ernn ,r )an"$i's e+ening
(ra%ers 2as li##le mre #$an a
,ain# gas(6 )an"$i /arel% $a" #$e
,r=e # s(ea. ,r #$ree minu#es1
an" e+en #$se minu#es 2ere
(un=#ua#e" /% lng silen=es as
$e gr(e" ,r #$e s#reng#$ # g
n6 'I# is n# 2i#$in an%/"%'s
(2er # sa+e m% li,e r en" i#1>
$e sai"6 'I# is nl% in )"'s
(2er6'
T"a% $e #l" $is au"ien=e $e
sa2 'n reasn' ,r en"ing $is
,as#6 A 2rrie" gran es=a(e"
#$e =r2"6 As sn as #$e (ra%er
2as =n=lu"e" all ,ell in# a lng
=lumn ,r #$eir e+ening
"ars$an6 T$e sense , anguis$
,illing #$se men an" 2men
2as #erri/le6 T$e ne2s , $2
=lse )an"$i 2as # "ea#$ $a"
/% n2 #u=$e" #$em all6 Man%
a srr2ing In"ian 2al.ing
sl2l% a=rss #$e la2n , Birla
Huse in #$e ,as#D,alling sunse#
2n"ere" 2$e#$er $e 2as a/u#
# see In"ia's )rea# Sul ,r #$e
las# #ime6J !r alms# an $ur
#$eir #u=$ing "ars$an 2en# n1
#$e lng an" silen# =lumn
s$u,,ling /%1 man% ,a=es 2e#
2i#$ #ears1 2$ile n #$e sunD
(r=$ #$e ,rail an" 2i#$ere" li##le
#$ing #$a# 2as #$e =en#re , #$eir
a##en#in #sse" in ,i#,ul slee(
un"er $is 2$i#e s$a2l6
E+er%#$ing 2as rea"% n26
Ma"anJal an" *ar.are 2ere in
Del$i 2i#$ #$eir $an"Dgrena"es1
#ime /m/s an" #$e $meDma"e
(is#l Ba"ge $a" ,un" #$em6
)(al )"se 2i#$ a se=n"
(is#l 2as en ru#e # Bin #$em6
Ba"ge 2ul" lea+e in $is #urn
#$a# e+ening6 An" in /arel% an
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$ur's #ime1 A(#e an" Na#$uram
)"se 2ul" /ar" #$e Air In"ia
D&? #$a# 2ul" se# #$em
irre+=a/l% n #$e ra" Birla
Huse6
T$e #2 men 2ere 2el=me" #
Sa+ar.ar Sa"an 2i#$ #$e sa
"e,eren=e #$e% $a" /een s$2n
n @e"nes"a% e+eningD T$is #i
#$eir s#a% 2as /rie,6 Sa+ar.ar
a==m(anie" #$em /a=. "2n i
s#airs # #$e grille , $is sa"an6
His ms# ar"en# "is=i(les 2ere
se## u# # mur"er a man -eer
Sa+ar.ar "e#es#e" 2i#$ all #$e
,ur% 2$i=$ $is Qeal#'s sul 2as
=a(a/le6 Des(i#e #$a# ,a=#1 #$ere U
n#$ing in $is rigi"l% =m(se"
"emeanur # in"i=a#e #$e ennr
, #$a# mmen#6 Har"l% an
em#in regis#ere" n $is gla=ial
rega $is #au#1 (urse" $(s6 He lai"
a $an" n )"se an" A(#e's
s$ul"e
'Be su==ess,ul1' $e 2/is(ere"1'666
an" =me /a=.6'
In Ne2 Del$i an in#ermina/le
,l2 , $uman /eings =n+erge"
Birla Huse1 i#s mem/ers
/esee=$ing )an"$i # en" $is
,as#6 T$ (ure" "2n
Al/u'uer'ue Ra"1 a =lumn
3441444 s#rng1 #$i miles in
leng#$1 2a+ing a galaC% ,
=lure" ,lags an" /anners1 I
rar , #$eir =r% 'Li+e )an"$i #'
#en #$usan" #imes s#rnger #$
#$e =ries , 'Le# )an"$i Die' #$a#
$a" rung u# n #$a# same s#r6
,i+e "a%s earlier6
T$e Ass=ia#in , Tnga
Dri+ers'1 FT$e Rail2a% @r.e
Unin>1 'Ps# an" Telegra($
Em(l%ees'1 FT$e HariBans , I
B$angi S2ee(ers' &ln%'1
'Del$i's @men's League'T #$e%
/; #$e signs , an en#ire (e(le
seiQe" /% #$e urgen# nee" # rus$
2ar"s #$e (alle# 2$ere #$e
Ma$a#ma la% "%ing6 T$e%
,l"e" #$ru #$e ga#es , Birla
Huse1 #ram(ling i#s ,l2er/e"s
an" rse gar"e a ///ing #i"e ,
$ea"s =r%ing u# #$eir slgans ,
/r#$er$i ,,ering #$eir li+es #
sa+e )an"$i's6
Sensing #$eir m"1 sensing
(er$a(s #$a# #$e =limaC , )an"l
e,,r#s 2as a# $an"1 Ne$ru
m+e" # #$e mi=r($ne n #$e
(raT grun" ,rm 2$i=$ #$e
Ma$a#ma a""resse" $is
,ll2ers6
'I sa2 #$e ,ree"m , In"ia as a
+isin1' $e sai"6 'I $a" =$ar! #$e
,u#ure , Asia n m% $ear#6' I#
2as )an"$i1 $e #l" #$e =r+ 'an
""Dl.ing man 2i#$ n ar# ,
"ressing an" n (lis$ in 3 2a%
, s(ee=$'1 2$ $a" gi+en $im
#$a# +isin6
'T$ere is sme#$ing grea# an"
+i#al in #$e sil , ur =un#
2$i=$ =an (r"u=e a )an"$i1' $e
=rie"6 'N sa=ri,i=e 2as # grV
# sa+e $im /e=ause nl% $e =an
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
lea" us # #$e #rue gal an" n# #
,alse "a2n , ur $(es6'
A su""en "is=r"an# n#e1 #$e
angr% =r% , (r#es# , a re,u# in
#$e =r2" milling in ,rn# ,
Birla Huse1 gree#e" $is 2r=6s6
=ame ,rm #$e li(s , Ma"anlal
Pa$2a6 Dri+en /% a .in" ,
mr/i" =urisi#%1 *ar.are an"
Ma"anlal $a" ,ll2e" #$e
=r2"s # Birla Huse1 lis#ening
# #$em /esee=$ing #$e man #$e%
$a" =me # Del$i # .ill # en"
$is ,as#6 Una/le # =n#rl $is
em#in a# Ne$ru's 2r"s1 #$e
54D%earDl" Ma"anlal $a"
=mmi##e" #$e in=re"i/l% s#u(i"
/lun"er , s$rie.ing u# $is
(r#es#6
*ar.are 2a#=$e" in "es(air as
#2 (li=emen #. $im in#
=us#"%6 I, #$e $a#e" ,igure
insi"e #$e $use sur+i+e" $is
,as#1 *ar.are #l" $imsel,1 $e
mig$# n21 /e=ause ,
Ma"anlal's i"i#i= ges#ure1 ne+er
$a+e # ,a=e #$eir a##em(# n $is
li,e6
*ar.are's ,ears 2ere grun"less6
A ,e2 minu#es la#er1 as #$e
=r2"s "ri,#e" a2a%1 Ma"anlal
2as release"6 Disgrun#le"
re,ugees 2ere =mmn(la=e in
Del$i6 T$e (li=e $a" n# e+en
/#$ere" # 'ues#in $im r #a.e
$is name6%
La#e in #$e e+ening a man rus$e"
in# Birla Huse6 In $is $an"s
P%arelal Na%ar /re #$e ne
message 2$i=$ =ul" sa+e
)an"$i ,rm #$e "ea#$ $is
"=#rs ,eare" 2as imminen#6
)an"$i's li,e $ung n a #$rea"
#$a# nig$#6 His (ulse 2as 2ea.
an" irregular6 He $a" /een
"elirius earlier in #$e e+ening6
His =n#inuing ina/ili#% # (ass
urine seeme" # ,re#ell a
general =Bla(se , $is s%s#em6
)an"$i 2as aslee( 2$en
P%arelal en#ere" #$e rm1 /u# a
,unereal a#ms($ere (er+a"e"
$is 'uar#ers6 P%arelal 2$is(ere"
# $is /el+e" em(l%er6 He "i"
n# m+e6 !inall%1 $e s$. $is
s$ul"ers6 )an"$i s#irre" an" $is
e%es (ene"6 P%arelal "re2 a
(a(er ,rm $is (=.e#1 un,l"e"
i# an" $el" i# u( # #$e
Ma$a#ma's ,a=e6 I# 2as a =$ar#er
#$e Pea=e &mmi##ee $a" Bus#
signe"1 $e eC(laine"1 a (le"ge #
res#re '(ea=e1 $armn% an"
,ra#erni#% /e#2een #$e
=mmuni#ies'6
)an"$i ga+e a sig$ ,
sa#is,a=#in6 T$en $e as.e" i, all
#$e =i#%'s lea"ers $a" signe" i#6
P%arelal $esi#a#e"6 I# s#ill la=.e"
#2 signa#ures1 $e a"mi##e"1
#$se , #$e lea"ers , #$e l=al
/ran=$es , #$e rganiQa#ins
$ea"e" /% $is ms# im(la=a/le
,es1 #$e Hin"u Ma$asa/$a an"
#$e RSSS6
T$e% 2ul" sign #mrr21
P%arelal sai"6 T$e #$ers
guaran#ee" #$eir signa#ures an"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$eir a==e(#an=e , #$e =$ar#er6
Brea. $is ,as# n21 P%arelal
/egge"1 #a.e sme#$ing #
sus#ain $im #$rug$ #$e =ming
nig$#6
)an"$i s$. $is $ea" in an
im(a#ien# li##le ges#ure6 @i#$
"i,,i=ul#% $e #urne" # $is
se=re#ar%6
'N1' $e murmure"6 'N#$ing
mus# /e "ne in $as#e6 3 2ill n#
/rea. m% ,as# un#il #$e s#nies#
$ear# $as mel#e"6'
A #ele($ne's Barring ring
in#erru(#e" #$e mee#ing in #$e
,,i=e ,
Dr RaBen"ra Prasa"1 #$e
Presi"en# , #$e &ngress Par#%6
T$ =ame ,rm Birla Huse6
)an"$i's =n"i#in $a" #a.en a sU
#urn ,r #$e 2rse6 I, #$e
reslu#in a==e(#ing $is se+en
(in#! #ime signe" /% all #$e
lea"ers 2$se signa#ures $e'"
re'ues#e" n# rus$e" # $is
/e"si"e i# mig$# 2ell arri+e #
la#e6 I# 2as 33644 Sun"a%1 3:
Januar%6 !r alms# an $ur1
)an"$i $a" /een "a usl% =lse
# sli((ing in# a =ma6
A s$a##ere" eC(ressin n $is
,a=e1 Prasa" (asse" #$e ne2s <
men =r2"ing $is ,,i=e6 T$e%
2ere #$ere # (u# #$e las# signs
n #$a# =ri#i=al "=umen#1 #$e
(a(er $is se=re#ar% $a" s$2n
)T #$e e+ening /e,re6 Ta.ing a
,e2 .e% lea"ers 2i#$ $im an" #
#$e #$ers # ,ll2 as ,as# as
#$e% =ul"1 Prasa" rus$e" #
Huse6 )an"$i 2as l%ing
un=ns=ius n $is /e"1 #$e
mem/# $is en#urage $+ering
arun" $im li.e nurses arun" a
V (a#ien#6 As $e $a" #$e e+ening
/e,re1 P%arelal #rie" # =all #$en
# 2a.e $im /% gen#l% =aressing
$is ,re$ea"6 He "i" n (n"6
Smene /rug$# a "am(
=m(ress 2$i=$ 2as a((lie" 3
$ea"6 As i#s =$ill (ene#ra#e" $is
/eing1 )an"$i s#irre"1 #$en (
$is e%es6 Seeing #$e ga#$ering
arun" $im1 a ,ain# smile =rease
,a=e6 He $a" a==m(lis$e" a
mira=le , 2$i=$ nl% $e 2as
=a( T$e men s#an"ing /% $is
/e"si"e 2ere "i+i"e" /% ri+ers
, /l= an#agnisms =en#uries
l"6 T$ere 2ere Si.$s in #$e /lue
#ur/a #$e mili#an# A.ali se=# neC#
# Mslems in ,eQQes an"
,l2ing rV &ngressmen in
"$#isT Parsees an" &$ris#ians in
Ln"nDi lunge sui#sT Hin"u
Un#u=$a/les ,rm #$e B$angi
S2ee &ln%T rangeDr/e"
sa"$usT #$e lea"ers , #$e
eC#remis#s Hin"u Ma$asa/$aT
an" e+en #$e sel"mDseen
re(resen#a#i+e , /r#$er$" ,
Qeal#s1 #$e RSSS1 s#an"ing
#ran'uill% alngsi" Hig$
&mmissiner , Pa.is#an6
RaBen"ra Prasa" .nel# "2n
/esi"e #$e ,igure =rum(le" u(
=$ar(i6 His se+enD(in# =$ar#er1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$e #l" )an"$i1 n2 /re al
signa#ures $e'" re'ues#e"6 I# 2as
#$eir unanimus1 "ee(l%D,el# #$a#
$e /rea. $is ,as#6 One /% ne #$e
men arun" #$e /e" =n,$
Prasa"'s 2r"s 2i#$ #$eir 2n6
A# #$eir re=i#al1 an air , sen
,l2e" a=rss #$e Ma$a#ma's
=un#enan=e6 He in"i=a#e" #$a
2an#e" # s(ea.6
Manu (resse" $er ear agains# $is
li(s6 S$e n#e" "2n ea=$ (i in a
n#e/.1 #$en (asse" i# #
P%arelal 2$ rea" i# # #$e ga#$eH
T$e% $a" gi+en $im e+er%#$ing
$e $a" as.e" ,r1 /u# $e 2as n#
'ui#e rea"% # (rnun=e #$e
2r"s #$e% s "es(era#el% 2a #
$ear6 @$a# #$e% $a" a=$ie+e" in
Del$i #$e% mus# n2 see a=$ie+e
#$rug$u# all In"ia1 $e 2arne"6
I, #$e% 2ere (le"ging ( in Del$i
/u# 2ere ging # /e in"i,,eren#
# +ilen=e else2$ere1 #

(le"ge 2as 2r#$less an" $e
2ul" /e ma.ing a mis#a.e #
/rea. $is ,as#6
E+en in $is ,ee/le =n"i#in1 #$e
=unning "es(# , /r#$er$"
.ne2 $e $a" #$e men arun"
$im 2$ere $e 2an#e" #$em1 an"
$e in#en"e" # eC#ra=# #$e las#
measure , a==r" ,rm #$em6
Pan#ing1 Le (ause" ,r #2
minu#es # ga#$er $is s#reng#$
/e,re /eginning again6 P%arelal1
+er=me /% em#in1 =ul" n
lnger rea" u# #$e s=ra(s ,
(a(er Manu (asse" u( ,rm
)an"$i's =$ar(i6 He $an"e" #$e
#as. +er # $is sis#er Sus$ila6
'N#$ing =ul" /e mre ,lis$
#$an # #$in. In"ia mus# /e ,r
Hin"us alne an" Pa.is#an ,r
Mslems alne6 I# is "i,,i=ul# #
re,rm #$e 2$le , In"ia an"
Pa.is#an1 /u# i, 2e se# ur $ear#s
n sme#$ing1 i# mus# /e=me a
reali#%6
'I,1 a,#er lis#ening # all #$is1 %u
s#ill 2an# me # gi+e u( m% ,as#1
I s$all " s6 Bu# i, In"ia "es
n# =$ange ,r #$e /e##er1 2$a#
%u sa% is a mere ,ar=e6 T$ere
2ill /e n#$ing le,# ,r me /u# #
"ie6'
A #remr , relie, ri((le"
#$rug$ #$e rm6 One /% ne
#$e men (resen# =ame #
)an"$i's /e"si"e # assure $im
#$e% un"ers#" #$e ,ull im(r#
, #$eir =+enan# 2i#$ $im6 T$e
lea"er , #$e RSSS1 #$e
rganiQa#in #$a# =laime" #$e
allegian=e , #$e =mman"
2$i=$ 2as in Del$i # mur"er
)an"$i1 a""e" $is (le"ge # #$e
#$ers6 'Yes1' $e +2e"1 '2e
s2ear ,ull% # =arr% u# %ur
=mman"s6'
@$en #$e las# , #$eir
(r#es#a#ins , g" ,ai#$ $a"
/een u##ere"1 )an"$i /e=.ne"
Manu /a=. # $is si"e6 'I 2ill
/rea. m% ,as#6 )"'s 2ill /e
"ne1' s$e 2r#e n $er (a"6 A
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s$rie. , #$e (ures# B% /urs#
,rm $er li(s as s$e rea" #$se
2r"s # #$e ga#$ering6
An eC#rar"inar% air , relie,
an" #rium($ s2e(# #$e rm1 a
/urs# , en#$usiasm as eCu/eran#
as #$a# gree#ing #$e ne2s , a
((ular =an"i"a#e's ele=#ral
#rium($6 @$en i# $a" s#ille"1
)an"$i insis#e" #$a# all Bin $im
in (ra%er1 a Bu""$is# man#ra1
rea"ings ,rm #$e )i#a1 #$e
*ran1 #$e Bi/le1 #$e 'MaQ"a$'
(ra%er , Rras#erism1 ,inall% a
$%mn # #$e Si.$'s grea# guru1
)+in" Sing$1 2$se ,eas# "a% i#
2as6 )an"$i's e%es remaine"
=lse"6 A ra"ian# air , B%
illumina#e" $is (in=$e" li##le
,a=e as $e lis#ene"1 $is $(s
m+ing a# ea=$ (ra%er6
!r=ing $er 2a% #$rug$ #$e
=r2" , ne2smen an"
($#gra($ers 2$'" s2arme"
in# #$e rm a# #$e ne2s #$a#
)an"$i 2as /rea.ing $is ,as#1
A/$a /rug$# a glass , range
Bui=e rein,r=e" 2i#$ glu=se #
)an"$i's /e"si"eS+iaulana AQa"1
a Mslem an" ,rmer (resi"en#
, &ngress1 an" Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru1 /#$ #rem/ling 2i#$
em#in1 #. #$e glass in #$eir
$an"s an" raise" i# # )an"$i's
li(s6 T$e glare , eC(l"ing
,las$D/ul/s ,ille" #$e rm 2i#$
"aQQling

In"ia's resilien#1 in"mi#a/le
)rea# Sul 2as emerging ,rm
#$e s$a"2s6
A# a/u# #$e same #ime as
)an"$i 2as mun#ing $is s=ales1
siC men emerge" in# a li##le
=learing in #$e "ense
un"ergr2#$ s#re#=$ing /e$in"
Ne2 Del$i's Birla Tem(le6
T$ere1 2ell u# , ears$# , an%
=urius +isi#rs1 #$e% (ause"6
Be,re "e=i"ing 2$en an" $2
# ma.e #$eir a##em(# n
)an"$i's li,e1 Na#$uram )"se
an" Nara%an A(#e 2an#e" # #es#
#$e 2ea(ns 2i#$ 2$i=$ #$e%
(lanne" # .ill $im6
)(al )"se #. u# ,rm
un"er $is Ba=.e# #$e D?5 =ali/re
(is#l $e'" /ug$# in Pna ,r
544 ru(ees6 He la"e" i#1 (i=.e"
u# a #ree1 /a=.e" 50 ,ee# an"
(ulle" #$e #rigger6 N#$ing
$a((ene"6 He s$. i# an"
(ulle" #$e #rigger again6 Again
n#$ing $a((ene"6
A(#e m#ine" # Ba"ge # #a.e
u# $is (is#. @$ile $is ,ell2
=ns(ira#rs l.e" n #ensel%1
Ba"ge (in#e" #$e gun a# #$e #ree
a# 2$i=$ )(al $a" /een aiming6
He (ulle" #$e #rigger6 T$is #ime
#$ere 2as a s$ar( re(r#6 T$e
=ns(ira#rs rus$e" # #$e #ree #
=$e=. #$e mar. #$e /ulle# $a"
ma"e6 T$ere 2as nne6 I# $a"
,allen # #$e grun" $al,2a% #
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e #ree6 Ba"ge ,ire" again6 T$is
#ime #$e run" ,le" 2ell # #$e
rig$# , #$e #ree6 He ,ire" ,ur
mre #imes6 N# a single run"
$i# #$e #arge#6 As A(#e $a" ,eare"
in Bm/a%1 $is (is#l 2as as
li.el% # .ill #$em as i# 2as #
.ill )an"$i6
A "ismal silen=e se##le" +er #$e
=ns(ira#rs6 Na#$uram )"se
2a#=$e" 2i#$ silen# ,ur% as $is
/r#$er /egan # (i=. a# $is
(is#l 2i#$ $is ineC(er# ,ingers6
E+er%#$ing $a" 2r.e"
(er,e=#l%1 $e #$ug$#1 e+er%#$ing
eC=e(# #$e +i#al elemen# #$a# 2as
a# #$e $ear# , #$e ma##er1 a
,irearm #$a# =ul" .ill a man a#
50 ,ee#6 T$e% $a" g# #$emsel+es
an" #$eir luggage # Del$i
un"e#e=#e"6 T$e% 2ere all
=mmi##e" # #$e "ee"6 Bu# n21
unless $is /r#$er =ul" ,iC $is
,irearm1 #$e% 2ul" $a+e # .ill
)an"$i 2i#$ ne (is#l #$a#
"i"n'# 2r. an" a se=n" #$a#
=ul"n'# $i# an%#$ing6
T$e ms# im(r#an# +isi#r #
en#er Birla Huse #$a# "a% 2as
#$e Bm/a% =##nD/r.er
2$m )an"$i $a" sen# #
*ara=$i # arrange $is +isi# #
Pa.is#an6 As )an"$i $a" /een
li+ing $is r"eal1 Je$angir Pa#el
$a" /een =n"u=#ing se=re#
neg#ia#ins 2i#$ Jinna$ ,r a
#ri( 2$i=$ $a" a((eare" less an"
less li.el% e+er # #a.e (la=e
2i#$ ea=$ (assing "a%6 Jinna$'s
,irs# rea=#in $a" /een 2ar% an"
$s#ile6 His "ee(1 ingraine"
mis#rus# , #$e man 2$se
#a=#i=s $a" "ri+en $im %ears
/e,re ,rm #$e ran.s , #$e
&ngress Par#% remaine"
uns$a.en6 In a""i#in $is alms#
(arania= sus(i=in , In"ia's
in#en#ins (rm(#e" $im # l.
,r sme ul#erir m#i+e in #$e
(r(sal , #$e man $e'" n=e
la/elle" a '=unning Hin"u ,C>6
In"ia's "e=isin # (a% $im #$e
ru(ees $e s "es(era#el% nee"
an" #$e gr2ing realiQa#in
amng $is 2n =un#r%men #$a#
i# 2 a,#er all1 ,r #$eir ,ell2
Mslems in In"ia #$a# )an"$i
2as su,,eri s,#ene" Jinna$'s
s#an"6 I, )an"$i's ,as# $a" n#
(ene" #$e "i # $is $ear#1 i# $a"
a# leas# (ene" #$e "rs , $is
ne2 na#in1 #$e "a% #$e ,as#
en"e"1 Jinna$ ,inall% agree" #
2el=me $is (li#i=al ,e # #$e
sil , Pa.is#an6
T$e "e=isin aruse" a saring
sense , (ur(se an" +igui #$e
Ma$a#ma6 ASrea# #urningD(in#
in $is li,e $a" /een rea=$e"1 las#
$e =ul" m+e $is "=#rine ,
nnD+ilen=e u# , In"ia6 He _
al2a%s re,use" # " s /e,re
/e=ause In"ian in"e(en"en=e
2as ,irs# #as.6 N2
in"e(en"en=e 2as se=ure" an"
$is ,as# $a" se# =un#r%men /a=.
n #$e =urse $e'" =$ar#e" ,r
#$em6 @$ere /e # /egin $is ne2
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
missin #$an in Pa.is#an? T$e
In"ian su/D=n#ii $a" ls# i#s
($%si=al uni#%1 /u# $e1 a# leas#1
2ul" s#ri+e # res#n s(iri#ual
uni#%6
N# nl% 2ul" $e g #
Pa.is#an1 /u# $e $a" a +isin ,
$U 2ul" g6 I# 2as a "ream
#$a# $a" /een s#irring 2i#$in $im
,r 2e Jinna$ 2an#e" $im # g
/% /a# ,rm Bm/a% #
*ara=$i1 /u# 2as # /anal a
means , l=m#in ,r a man
2i#$ )an= genius ,r #$e
"rama#i= ges#ure6 As $e $a"
mar=$e" a=rss #$e /r , #$e
Trans+aal1 as $e $a" gne "2n
# #$e sea ,r $is ,is#,ul , as $e
$a" gne # a #$usan" +illages
# (rea=$ /r#$er$"1! +ilen=e
an" (r(er $%giene1 s 2ul" $e
g # Pa.is#anH n 3 He 2ul"
2al. # Jinna$'s ne2 na#in
a=rss #$e sre an" /lee PunBa/1
alng #$e ra"s , #$e eC"us n
2$i=$ s man% H ,ell2s $a"
su,,ere" an" "ie"6 Jus# a %ear
/e,re $e $a" /een 2al #$rug$
#$e mars$es , Na.$ali
"eli+ering 2i#$ ea=$ s#e(
Peni#en#'s Pilgrimage $is $ealing
message6 N2 $e 2ul" se again
n a ne2 (ilgrimage1 a
(ilgrimage , $(e # /in" u_
na#in's 2un"s an" su/s#i#u#e a
s(iri#ual /n" , /r#$er$"
Bus#i=e ,r #$e ($%si=al /n"s
(ar#i#in $a" =as# a2a%6
!r #$e mmen# #$e ,ee# )an"$i
2an#e" # =arr% $im # Pa. =ul"
n# =arr% $im e+en a=rss #$e
la2n , Birla Huse6 He n#1
$2e+er1 ging # le# #$a#
$an"i=a( .ee( $im ,rm #$e
regular an" re+ere" , $is
a((in#men#s1 $is "ail% =n,rn#
2i#$ $is =un#r%men a# $is
e+ening (ra%er mee#ing6 Des(i#e
#$e , $is en#urage #$a# $e 2as
s#ill # 2ea. # a##en" in (e
)an"$i insis#e" n /eing =arrie"
# #$e mee#ing in a =$air6 3 al,#
n #$e s$ul"ers > a (air , $is
,ll2ers1 $e r"e li.e Orien#al
(#en#a#e #$ri6 >$ #$e 2ai#ing
=r2"1 $is $an"s Bine $ea"
/2ing in #$e namas#e gree#ing
# #$e s=res , (e(le 2ai#e"
,r a ne2 "ars$an 2i#$ In"ia's
resus=i#a#e" (r($e#6

6 +er% e%e in #$e =r2" ,ll2e"
$is (rgress (as# Birla's lng
6Hellis1 /ill2ing 2i#$ i#s range
an" s=arle# /ugain+illaea
/lssms1 u( #$e li##le ,lig$# ,
san"s#ne s#e(s1 a=rss #$e la2n
# #$e (la#,rm ,rm 2$i=$ a
2ee. earlier $e $a" annun=e"
$is nearD,a#al ,as#6 N# all #$e
e%es s=ru#iniQing $is m+emen#s
as $e se##le" n # $is s#ra2
(alle# s#u"ie" #$em 2i#$ a2e an"
re+eren=e1 $2e+er6 A# 2i"el%
s=a##ere" in#er+als n #$e la2n1
#$ree (airs , e%es 2a#=$e" 2i#$
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
an assassin's glare6 Na#$uram
)"se1 $is /r#$er )(al1 an"
Nara%an A(#e $a" n# =me #
#$e (ra%er mee#ing # re=ei+e
)an"$i's "ars$an6 T$e% 2ere
#$ere # s#u"% #$e grun"s ,
Birla Huse an" # ,in" a 2a% #
assassina#e $im6
I# 2as #$e ,irs# #ime in $is li,e
)(al )"se $a" seen )an"$i6
He 2asn'# im(resse" /% #$e 2an
sil$ue##e s'ua##ing n $is (ra%er
(la#,rm6 T )(al $e 2as 'Bus# a
s$run.en li##le l" man'6 He "i"
n# ,eel an% surge , $a#re"
l.ing a# $im6 '*illing $im1' $e
2ul" ne "a% "e=lare1 '2as an
im(ersnal #$ing # me6 He 2as
a /a" in,luen=e n #$e (e(le6'
@$a# #$e 2ar% )(al )"se "i"
sense 2as #$e (resen=e in #$e
=r2" , a num/er , (lainD
=l#$es (li=emen6 Lea+ing #$e
(ra%er grun"s $e n#i=e" a su/D
ma=$ineDgun n #$e =am( #a/le
, #$e (li=e #en# a# #$e ga#e6
'@e $a+e +er% li##le =$an=e ,
ge##ing a2a%1' $e #$ug$# #
$imsel,6
!r#%D,i+e minu#es la#er1 #a.ing
(re=au#ins # see #$a# #$e% 2ere
n# ,ll2e"1 #$e (rin=i(al
=ns(ira#rs sli((e" ne /% ne
in# Rm A4 , #$e Marina
H#el in Ne2 Del$i's &nnaug$#
&ir=us 2$ere A(#e an" )"se
$a" regis#ere" as S6 an" N6
Des$(an"e6 *ar.are r"ere"
2$is.ies ,r $imsel, an" A(#e6
A(#e annun=e" #$e #ime $a"
=me # #a.e a "e=isin6 His
/ser+a#ins a# Birla Huse $a"
=n+in=e" $im #$ere 2as nl%
ne mmen# 2$en #$e% =ul" /e
=er#ain )an"$i 2ul" /e
eC(se" an" +ulnera/le6 T$a#
2as 2$en #$e% 2ul" s#ri.e6
T$e% 2ul" .ill )an"$i1 $e sai"1
a# ,i+e '=l=. #$e neC#
a,#ernn1 Tues"a%1 54 Januar%1
"uring #$e ri#ual 2$i=$ $a"
=ns#i#u#e" #$e Ma$a#ma's ms#
,ai#$,ull% .e(# a((in#men# 2i#$
$is (e(le1 $is (ra%er mee#ing6
S$r#l% a,#er 7 a6m6 n #$e
,ll2ing mrning1 a #aCi rlle"
alng #$e re" /ri=. 2all
s=reening #$e rear , #$e Birla
es#a#e u( # #$e 2$i#e2as$e"
2"en ga#e #$a# 2as i#s ser+ =e
en#ran=e6 Unmles#e"1 i#s #2
(assengers 2al.e" #$rug$ #$e
ga+e in# a li##le =ur#%ar"1 n
ne si"e , 2$i=$ 2as a neD
s#re% =emen# s$e" "i+i"e" in#
=ellli.e rms6 I# $use" #$e
es#a#e's ser+an#s6 T$e rear , #$a#
s$e" =ns#i#u#e" #$e re"
san"s#ne 2all , #$e (a+ilin in
,rn# , 2$i=$ )an"$i $el" $is6
e+ening (ra%ers6
i# 2ui" /urn6 Ba"ge li# #$e =r"6
I# ,lame" u( in a =lu" , sm.e
#$a# le,# #$e se+en =ns(ira#rs
=ug$ing an" =$.ing6 As #$e
a=ri" ,umes /ill2e" #$rug$ #$e
/a#$rm1 #$e% all /egan # (u,,
,ran#i=all% n =igare##es # =+er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$e sm.e #$a# seeme" =er#ain #
/e#ra% #$em6
@$en =alm 2as res#re"1 A(#e
assem/le" #$em in #$e /e"rm
# assign ea=$ man $is #as.6 T$e
man 2$se su""en
"e#ermina#in # .ill )an"$i $a"
/rug$# #$em # Del$i #. n
(ar# in #$e "is=ussins6
Na#$uram )"se la% graning
n $is /e"1 =ri((le" /% a
migraine $ea"a=$e6 Ma"anlal1
A(#e eC(laine"1 2ul" $i"e a
#ime /m/ agains# #$e u#si"e
e"ge , #$e /ri=. 2all /e$in"
Birla Huse near #$e (ra%er
ga#$ering6 I#s eC(lsin 2ul"
laun=$ #$eir a=#in an" se# ,, a
2a+e , (ani= # ,a=ili#a#e #$e
assassina#in6
Ba"ge an" )(al )"se 2ul"
in #$e mean#ime $a+e en#ere" #$e
ser+an#s' =ell #$a# $e an" Ba"ge
$a" re=nni#re" #$a# mrning6
I, smene s#((e" #$em1 #$e%
2ul" eC(lain #$a# #$e% 2ere
ging # ($#gra($ )an"$iBi
,rm #$e rear as $e a""resse" $is
(ra%er mee#ing6 A# #$e ins#an#
Ma"anlal's /m/ 2en# ,,1
Ba"ge 2ul" (en ,ire n
)an"$i ,rm alms# (in#D/lan.
range6 )(al /esi"e $im 2ul"
(us$ a $an"Dgrena"e #$rug$ #$e
a(er#ure6
T /e a/slu#el% =er#ain #$eir
+i=#im "i" n# es=a(e1 *ar.are1
arme" 2i#$ a grena"e1 2ul" /e
in ,rn# , )an"$i1 mingling
2i#$ #$e ,ai#$,ul6 He # 2ul"
$url $is grena"e n )an"$i a#
#$e mmen# Ma"anlal's /m/
2en# ,,6 Na#$uram an" A(#e
2ul" =n#rl #$e (era#in6
Na#$uram 2ul" signal # A(#e
2$en *ar.are 2as in (la=e in
,rn# , )an"$i1 an" A(#e 2ul"
gi+e Ma"anlal #$e sign #
"e#na#e $is /m/6
In #$eir "e#ermina#in #
eC#ermina#e )an"$i1 inn=en#
li+es1 A(#e a"mi##e"1 2ul" /e
ls#6 T$a# =ul" n# /e $el(e"6 A
,e2 mre inn=en# li+es 2as #$e
(ri=e In"ia 2ul" $a+e # (a%
,r #$e "ea#$ , #$e man $e $el"
res(nsi/le ,r #$e slaug$#er ,
s man% $un"re"s , #$usan"s
, Hin"us in #$e PunBa/6
An eC=ru=ia#ing #ensin se##le"
+er #$e rm6 Na#$uram )"se
la% s(ra2le" n $is /e" maning
s,#l% un"er #$e #r#ure , $is
$ea"a=$e6 S #$a# #$ere 2ul" /e
n +isi/le lin. /e#2een #$em
#$e% "resse" #$emsel+es as
"i,,eren#l% as (ssi/le6 T
a==m(lis$ #$e su(reme ges#ure
, $is eCis#en=e1 A(#e1 #$e l+er
, 2ellD=u# #2ee"s1 (u# n a
"$#i6 *ar.are "ar.ene" $is
e%e/r2s an" (resse" a re" #ila.
"# # $is ,re$ea"6 Ma"anlal
"nne" a ne2 /lue sui# $e $a"
/ug$# in Bm/a%6 T$e re,ugee
,rm #$e PunBa/ 2as ging # #$e
ren"eQ+us #$e as#rlgers $a"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
(re"i=#e" a# $is /ir#$ "resse" as a
gen#leman6 !r #$e ,irs# #ime in
$is li,e1 Ma"anlal Pa$2a 2as
2earing a =a# an" #ie6

#l" $im # g in# $is rm6
Ba"ge #. $al, a "Qen s#e(s
#2ar"s #$e "r an" ,rQe6
N#$ing 2ul" e+er ma.e
Digam/er Ba"ge g in# #$a#
rm6 N $a#re"1 n (assin1 n
mena=e 2ul" /e s#rng enug$
# "ri+e $im a=rss i#s #$res$l"6
A +i=e $a" s(.en # Ba"ge6 I#
2as #$e +i=e , an In"ia as l"
as i#s ris$is an" i#s rain ,res#s1
#$e In"ia , signs an" (r#en#s6
T$e 2ner , #$e rm1 si##ing
/as.ing in #$e sun1 $a" ne e%e6
T$ere 2as n men as
inaus(i=ius as #$a#6 Trem/ling1
Ba"ge re#urne" # A(#e6 'He $as
ne e%e1' $e 2$is(ere"1 'I'm n#
ging in# $is rm6'
A(#e $esi#a#e"6 On #$e (ra%er
grun" #$e $%mns $a" ,inis$e"
an" )an"$i 2as /eginning #
s(ea.6 His +i=e 2as s 2ea.
#$a# Sus$ila Na%%ar $a" #
re(ea# ea=$ ($rase $e u##ere" #
#$e =r2"6 &learl%1 #$e
eC$aus#e" )an"$i's s(ee=$ 2as
n# ging # las# lng6 A(#e
realiQe" $e "i" n# $a+e #ime #
argue6 He #l" )(al )"se #
g in# #$e rm as (lanne" an"
(us$ $is grena"e #$rug$ #$e
2in"2 2$en $e $ear" #$e
eC(lsin , Ma"anlal's /m/6
He assigne" #$e relu=#an# Ba"ge
a ne2 missin6 MiC 2i#$ #$e
=r2" in ,rn# , )an"$i1 $e
sai"6 )e# in as =lse as (ssi/le
an" ,ire a# $im $ea" n 2$en #$e
#ime =mes6
)(al )"se 2al.e" # #$e
ser+an#s' rm1 n""e" # i#s
neDe%e" 2ner1 an" =lse" #$e
"r /e$in" $im6 In #$e "ar.ness
$e s#ar#e" # m+e #2ar"s #$e
lig$# (uring #$rug$ #$e
2in"2s ,rm 2$i=$ $e 2ul"
#$rus# $is grena"e #2ar"s #$e
Ma$a#ma's /a=.6
On #$e (ra%er grun"1 )an"$i
=n#inue" $is a""ress6 'He 2$
is an enem% , Mslems is an
enem% , In"ia1' $e "e=lare"6
)(al )"se =ul" $ear Sus$ila
re(ea#ing $is 2r"s as $e m+e"
#$rug$ #$e "ar.ness #2ar"s #$e
grille6 @$en $e rea=$e" i#1 $e
"is=+ere" # $is $rrr #$e ,irs#
gra+e ,la2 in A(#e's s=$eme6
A(#e $a" n# /#$ere" # en#er
#$e =ell n $is mrning
ins(e=#in6 T$e grille #$rug$
2$i=$ )"se 2as su((se" #
(us$ $is grena"e 2as eig$# ,ee#
a/+e #$e grun"6 A(#e $a" n#
un"ers#" in ma.ing $is
=al=ula#ins #$a# #$e le+el , #$e
(ra%er grun" la2n 2as
=nsi"era/l% $ig$er #$an #$e
le+el , #$e =ur#%ar" in 2$i=$
#$e ser+an#s' 'uar#ers 2ere
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
l=a#e"6 E+en 2i#$ $is arms
eC#en"e" ,ull leng#$1 )(al's
,inger#i(s /arel% rea=$e" #$e
/ase , #$e grille6 Des(era#el%1
$e gr(e" in #$e "ar.ness ,r #$e
neDe%e" man's =$ar(i6 !inall%
l=a#ing i# $e ,ran#i=all% /egan #
(ull i# #2ar"s #$e 2in"2 s
#$a# i# =ul" ser+e as a /ase n
2$i=$ # =lim/6
Ou#si"e e+er%#$ing 2as se#6
Na#$uram )"se sa2 *ar.are in
(si#in1 (re(are" # #$r2 $is
grena"e a# #$e man 2$ a# #$a#
ins#an# 2as "is=ussing #$e '=ruel
#rea#men#' , /la=.s in Ameri=a6
T$e #ime $a" =me6 Na#$uram
(u# $is $an" # $is =$in an"
s=ra#=$e"6
A(#e sa2 $im6 He in #urn raise"
$is arm # Ma"anlal6 T$e PunBal
2as rea"%6 T$e mmen# ,r
2$i=$ $e'" /een 2ai#ing sin=e
$e'i 2al.e" a=rss #$e /ri"ge a#
Suleman.i Hea" #$a# Augus#
a,#ernB $a" arri+e"6 He 2as
ging # ge# $is re+enge6 I# 2as a
=$an=e $e 2a n# ging # miss6
&alml%1 "eli/era#el%1 $e "re2 n
$is =igare##> T$en $e /en# +er
an" (resse" i#s gl2ing #i( # #$e
,use , #$e /m a# $is ,ee#6
'I, 2e =ling # #$e eC=ellen#
"e=isins #a.en1' Sus$ila 2as
re(ea#in # #$e assem/l%1 '2i#$
)" as ur 2i#ness1 2e s$all rise
# a mu= $ig$er mral (lane 6 66'
A# #$a# (re=ise mmen# #$e rar
, Ma"anlal's eC(l"ing #im
/m/ /urs# +er #$e (ra%er
grun" 2i#$ ,rig$#ening ,ur%6 A
=lum , sm.e s(e2e" u( ,rm
#$e /m/ si#e6 'O$ M#$er!'
Sus$i! gas(e"6
'@$a# /e##er "ea#$ =ul" %u
as.1' )an"$i as.e" $er1 re(ra=
in $is ,ain# +i=e1 '#$an # "ie in
#$e a=# , (ra%er?'
In #$e =ell Bus# /e$in" #$em1
)(al )"se 2as =lim/ing n #
=$ar(i # rea=$ #$e grille a/+e
$im6 T$e r(es , #$e =$ar(i
2$i= $e'" =un#e" n as a
(la#,rm 2ere s sla=. #$a# #$e%
sagge" alm # #$e "ir# ,lr6 His
e,,r#s $a" a""e" /arel% #$ree
in=$es # $ $eig$#6 Balan=ing n
i#s 2"en ,rame1 )(al (ulle"
$imsel, u( i ,ar as $e =ul"6 His
e%es s#ill "i" n# 'ui#e rea=$ #$e
/ase , #l (ening6 T$e nl%
#$ing $e =ul" " 2as (us$ #$e
grena"e /lin" #$rug$ #$e grille
an" le# i# ,all n 2$e+er 2as
si##ing #$ere6 ! rea=$e" ,r #$e
grena"e6 As $e "i" s1 $e
realiQe" n sun" V ,iring1 n
rar , *ar.are's eC(l"ing
grena"e 2as =ming ,rT #$e
(ra%er grun"6 All $e =ul" $ear
2as #$e +i=e , )an"$i =allir
,r r"er6
@i#$ all #$e s#reng#$ , $is 2ea.
,rame1 )an"$i 2as (lea"ir # #$e
=r2"6 'Lis#en! Lis#en!' $e sai"6
'I#'s n#$ing6 I#'s Bus# #l arm%
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$a+ing sme (ra=#i=e6 Si# "2n
an" /e =alm6 T$e (ra%e
=n#inue6'
&n,usin $a" s2e(# #$e gar"en
in #$e 2a.e , Ma"anlal's /m
N ne $a" /een inBure" /% #$e
eC(lsin1 /u# i# $a" (r+.e
eCa=#l% #$e /urs# , (ani= #$e
=ns(ira#rs $a" =un#e" n #
=+i #$e assassina#in6 Un"er i#s
=+er1 *ar.are (us$e" u( # 2i#$
,i,#een ,ee# , )an"$i6
T$e 2ea.ene" man 2as an
eC(se"1 $el(less #arge#1 as
"e,en=ele as a =ri((le in a
2$eel=$air6
*ar.are s#ar#e" # (ull u# $is
grena"es6 As $e "i" s $e l.=
a# #$e grille /e$in" )an"$i's
$ea" ,r #$e =n,irming glin# ,
a (is#V /arrel r #$e #um/ling
/la=. s$a(e , a grena"e6 T,aere
2as n#$in *ar.are ,rQe6

)(al )"se Bum(e" "2n ,rm
#$e =$ar(i6 He 2asn'# ging #
" i#6 Le# #$e #$ers s#ri.e1 $e
#$ug$#6 He 2asn'# (re(are" #
"r( $is grena"e 2i#$ n i"ea
2$m $e 2ul" .ill6 He $urrie"
#$rug$ #$e "ar.ness # #$e "r
an" gras(e" ,r i#s =las(6 He
=ul"n'# ,in" i#6 @$en $is
ner+us ,ingers l=a#e" i#1 #$e%
=ul"n'# ma.e i# 2r.6 A sense
, (ani= s2e(# $im6 He 2as
ging # /e #ra((e" #$ere in #$e
rm , #$e neDe%e" man6
In #$e gar"en1 *ar.are1 $is
,ingers 2ra((e" #ig$# arun" $is
$an"Dgrena"e1 =n#inue" # s#are
a# #$e li##le grille1 2ai#ing ,r
sme gleam , a (is#l6 @i#$
ea=$ (assing ins#an#1 #$e =urage
, #$e 2ner , #$e De==an
)ues# Huse ,a"e"6 Su""enl% $e
sa2 Ba"ge in #$e =r2" ?4 ,ee#
a2a%6 '@$a#'s $e "ing $ere?'
*ar.are #$ug$#6 '@$% "esn'#
$e " sme#$ing?'
Ba"ge n lnger $a" an%
in#en#in , "ing an%#$ing
eC=e(# ,lee6 T$e man 2$'" $a"
?8 arres#s "i" n# (r(se # ge#
an#$er6 He 2as n# an i"ealis#
r a (li#i=al ,ana#i= /u# a
/usinessman6 His /usiness1 $e
#l" $imsel,1 2as selling arms1
n# using #$em6 A+i"ing
*ar.are's glare1 $e sli((e" ,,
in# #$e =r2"6
T #$e rear , Birla Huse #$e
m#$er , a ?D%earDl" /%
(la%ing /e$in" #$e /ri=. 2all
$a" seen Ma"anlal lig$# $is
/m/ an" 2al. a2a%6 N2 s$e
(in#e" $im u# # an air ,r=e
,,i=er6 'I#'s $im! I#'s $im 3' s$e
s=reame"6
)(al1 sl+ing a# las# #$e ri""le
, #$e "rD=las(1 emerge" ,rm
$is =ell /lin.ing a# #$e sunlig$#6
He $ear" $er s=reams1 #$en sa2
#2 men1 ne in a /lue uni,rm1
"ragging Ma"anlal # #$e
grun"6 He s(##e" A(#e an" $is
/r#$er in #$e =r2"6 T$e%
seeme" /e2il"ere"1 n# %e#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=m(re$en"ing #$e enrmi#% ,
#$eir ,ailure6 )(al Bine" #$em6
T$e #$ree &$i#(a2an Bra$mins
$esi#a#e" a se=n" #$en1 realiQing
#$eir e,,r# $a" /een a ##al
,ailure1 $ea"e" ,r #$e green
&$e+rle# #aCi A(#e $a" $ire"6
@i#$u# a #$ug$# ,r #$eir
,ell2 =ns(ira#rs1 #$e% g# in
an" #l" #$e "ri+er # $ea" ,r
"2n#2n Del$i as ,as# as $e
=ul"6
A ,e2 se=n"s la#er *ar.are sa2
#$e (li=e /un"ling Ma"anlal
alng #$e "ri+e a# ne si"e , #$e
gar"en #2ar"s #$e #en# #$e%'"
se# u( in ,rn# , #$e $use6
@$a#e+er reslu#in $e $a" le,#
n2 "isa((eare"6 He relaCe" $is
gri( n $is grena"e6 He $a" nl%
ne #$ug$#H $2 # es=a(e6
On #$e (la#,rm1 )an"$i $a" a#
las# res#re" r"er6 @$ile #$e
rumur #$a# 'a =raQ% PunBa/i
re,ugee' $a" ma"e a
"emns#ra#in agains# $im s2e(#
#$e =r2"1 $e =alml% annun=e"H
T ma% s#ar# ,r Pa.is#an n26 I,
#$e g+ernmen# an" "=#rs
(ermi# me1 I =an s#ar#
imme"ia#el%6' T$en1 smiling
$a((il%1 'ui#e una2are , #$e
mira=ulus es=a(e $e'" Bus#
eC(erien=e"1 )an"$i 2as li,#e"
/a=. in# $is =$air an =arrie" in
#rium($ ,rm $is (ra%er
mee#ing6
An +er2$elming sense ,
,ailure assaile" A(#e an" #$e
)"ses i #$eir #aCi $ea"ing /a=.
# #2n6 Na#$uram /urie" $is
$ea" in $ $an"s1 #$e (ain , $is
$ea"a=$e $a" /e=me
un/eara/le6 T$e% $i n i"ea
2$a# #$eir neC# s#e( s$ul" /e6
T$eir =n,i"en=e in A(#e s=$eme
$a" /een s =m(le#e #$a# nne
, #$em $a" e+en en+isagi #$e
(ssi/ili#% , i#s ,ailing6 T$e%
2ere in gra+e "anger n26 Ma"a
lal "i" n# .n2 #$eir names1 /u#
$e .ne2 #$e% =ame ,rm Pi
an" $e .ne2 #$e name , #$eir
(a(er6 @i#$ #$a#1 i# 2ul" n# #a
#$e (li=e lng # ge# #$em6
T #$e /i##er "raug$# , ,ailure
2as a""e" #$e (ang , $umilia#i=
T$e% $a" ,aile" #$e ,ana#i=s in
Bm/a% ,rm 2$m #$e%'" #a.
mne% ,r #$eir 'im(r#an#
missin'6 A/+e all1 #$e% $a"
,aile" # Qeal# a# Sa+ar.ar Sa"an
# 2$m #$e%'" s2rn
allegian=e6
Na#$uram aruse" $imsel, ,rm
$is s#u(r an" #l" $is /r#$er
Mara#$i # g /a=. # Pna an"
es#a/lis$ an ali/i6 He $a" a ,am
# 2rr% a/u#6 He an" A(#e
2ul" "e=i"e n #$e neC# s#e(6
A_ r"ere" #$e "ri+er # s#(6
)(al g# u#6 T$e #aCi /earing
A(#e a $is /r#$er "isa((eare" in
#$e #ra,,i=6
A# Birla Huse #$e m" 2as
similar # #$a# 2$i=$ $a" ,ll+
)an"$i's es=a(e ,rm "ea#$
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2$en $e'" /r.en $is ,as# #2 "T
/e,re6 Telegrams /egan # (ur
in =ngra#ula#ing #$e Ma$a#i T$e
($ne rang in=essan#l%6 Ne$ru
an" Pa#el rus$e" # em/r $im6
S=res , +isi#rs "es=en"e" n
$is 'uar#ers6 Amng #$e ,irs'
arri+e 2as E"2ina Mun#/a##en6
'I $a+e s$2n n /ra+er%1'
)an"$i gail% #l" #$e eCD-i=erei
He reall% $a" #$ug$# Ma"anlal's
/m/ 2as an arm% uni# (ra=#isi
'A$1' $e sig$e"1 '/u# i, smene
,ire" a# me (in# /lan. an ,a=e"
$is /ulle# 2i#$ a smile1 re(ea#ing
#$e name , Rama1 #$e s$ul"
in"ee" /e "eser+ing ,
=ngra#ula#ins 3'
T$ree messages rea=$e" #$e
/e"si"e , D6 @6 Me$ra1 #$e De,
Ins(e=#rD)eneral , Pli=e ,r
Del$i1 an" #$e man 2$ 2=
nrmall% $a+e /een res(nsi/le
,r in+es#iga#ing #$e a##em(#
)an"$i's li,e 2as #$a# e+ening
l%ing in /e" 2i#$ #$e ,lu an" a _
,e+er6 T$e ,irs# sim(l% in,rme"
$im smene $a" eC(l"e" a
/; a# )an"$i's (ra%er mee#ing
an" #$e /m/ #$r2er $a" /een
arres T$e se=n"1 #2 $urs
a,#er #$e ,irs#1 in,rme" $im #$e
/V #$r2er 2as resis#ing
in#errga#in6 Me$ra au#$riQe"
#$ir"D"e (r=e"ures6
I# 2as #$e #$ir" an" las# message
$e re=ei+e" #$a# 2as gin

"e#ermine #$e =urse , #$e
in+es#iga#in6 I# =ame ,rm #$e
man 2$ 2as #$e nminal $ea"
, #$e'Del$i (li=e1 D6 J6
SanBee+i1 a (li#i=al (li=eman
2$se real ,un=#in 2as
"ire=#ing In"ia's &en#ral
In#elligen=e Bureau6 A #a=i#
a==r" eCis#e" /e#2een #$e #2
men6 SanBee+i $a" arrange" #
/e assigne" #$e #( B/ in Del$i
/e=ause1 as $e eC(laine" #
Me$ra1 '/e,re I re#ire I 2an# a
,lag ,l%ing n m% =ar1 a Bee(
es=r# an" a guar" (resen#ing
arms 2$en I ge# # #$e ,,i=e'6
He g# #$a# /% ma.ing $imsel,
Del$i's (li=e =$ie,1 /u# $e $a"
al2a%s le,# running #$e (li=e #
Me$ra6 N21 # Me$ra's
sur(rise6SanBee+i /lun#l%
in,rme" $imH 'Dn'# /#$er
a/u# #$e Ma"anlal =ase6 I'll
$an"le #$e in+es#iga#in m%sel,6'
In $is =ell in #$e Parliamen#
S#ree# (li=e s#a#in1 Ma"anlal
2as /eginning # (a% #$e (ri=e
, $is n#rie#%6 Bruise" an"
eC$aus#e"1 $e /egan # =a+e in
un"er #$e (ressure /rug$# /%
#$e #$ree (li=emen 2$ $a"
/een in#errga#ing $im ,r #2
$urs6 Ma"anlal 2as s#ill l%al
# $is ,ell2 =ns(ira#rs6
Des(i#e #$e ,a=# $e alne $a"
a=#e"1 $e 2as sure #$e% 2ul"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#r% again6 He 2as "e#ermine" #
2in #$em as mu=$ #ime as $e
=ul" /% re,using # #al.6
Nne#$eless1 a# #$e +er%
/eginning $e %iel"e" a +i#al
(ie=e , in,rma#in6 He
a"mi##e" $e 2as n# a =raQ%
PunBa/i re,ugee a=#ing alne1 /u#
ne , a gru( , .illers6 He
ga+e #$e num/er , (e(le
in+l+e"1 se+en6 T$e% $a"
agree" # .ill )an"$i1 $e sai"1
/e=ause '$e 2as ,r=ing #$e
re,ugees # gi+e u( #$e ms'ues1
2as res(nsi/le ,r gi+ing
Pa.is#an $er ru(ees an" $el(ing
#$e Mslems e+er% 2a% $e
=ul"'6
T$en1 =al=ula#ing #$a# #$e #$ers
$a" /% n2 $a" #ime # ,lee1 $e
ga+e a $armless a==un# , #$eir
a=#i+i#ies in Del$i6 Su""enl%1 in a
mmen# , sel,Dasser#in1 $e
ga+e #$e (li=e a se=n" =lue6
He a"mi##e" $e $a" /een a#
Sa+ar.ar Sa"an 2i#$ $is
ass=ia#es an" /as#e" $e $a"
(ersnall% me# #$e ,amus
(li#i=al ,igure6 T$e (li=e #$en
,r=e" $im # "es=ri/e ea=$ ,
$is ,ell2 =ns(ira#rs6 His
"es=ri(#ins 2ere n# +er%
$el(,ul6 He ga+e nl% ne name1
*ar.are's1 an" manage" # gi+e
i# 2rngH '*ir.ree6'
His "es=ri(#in , )"se1
$2e+er1 =n#aine" a #$ir" +i#al
s=ra( , in,rma#in6 He ga+e
$is ==u(a#in6 He sai" $e 2as
#$e 'e"i#r , #$e Ras$#ri%a r
Agrani Mar$a##a language
ne2s(a(er'6 T$e name , #$e
(a(er 2as in=m(le#e an" misD
s(elle"1 /u# #$se 2r"s 2ere
s#ill #$e ms# (re=ius s=ra( ,
in,rma#in #$e (li=e =ul"
$a+e $a"6
@$ile #$e in#errga#in
=n#inue"1 (li=e rus$e" ,, #
sear=$ #$e Hin"u Ma$asa/$a an"
#$e Marina H#el6 T$e% ,un" n
ne6 Ba"ge an" $is ser+an# 2ere
miles a2a% n a #rain $ea"ing
,r Pna6

>@e Mus# )e# )an"$i Be,re
#$e Pli=e )e# Us'
Ne2 Del$i an" Bm/a%1 53D57
Januar% 37A:
)(al )"se's $al,Dea#en /is=ui#
=lung # #$e r, , a mu#$
su""enl% gne "r% a# #$e sig$#
/e,re $im6 Han"=u,,e"1 a $"
in# 2$i=$ e%eDsli#s $a" /een =u#
+er $is $ea"1 a s=re ,
(li=emen surrun"ing $im1 a
man 2as /eing mar=$e" s#raig$#
#2ar"s #$e lun=$ =un#er a#
2$i=$ )(al an" *ar.are s#"
in #$e Ol" Del$i rail2a% s#a#in6
Pe#ri,ie"1 )(al re=gniQe" $is
rum(le" /lue sui#6 I# 2as #$e sui#
Ma"anlal $a" s (ru"l% "nne"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e "a% /e,re # .ill )an"$i6
As un/#rusi+el% as (ssi/le1 $e
#urne" /a=. # #$e =un#er #r%ing
# "isa((ear in# i#s "ar.
2"en /ul.6 Un"er $is s#i,ling
$"1 Ma"anlal =n#inue" $is
mar=$6 !r #$e ,i,#$ #ime sin=e
"a2n1 in #$eir sear=$ ,r $is =D
=ns(ira#rs1 #$e (li=e 2ere
,r=ing $im # s=ru#iniQe #$e
(assengers /ar"ing a #rain in
Del$i s#a#in6
Hungr%1 "iQQ% 2i#$ ,a#igue1 $e
=n#em(la#e" #$e =r2"s rus$ing
#2ar"s #$e =ars , #$e Bm/a%
EC(ress 2i#$ #$e res#ri=#e"
+isin im(se" /% #$e sa=. +er
$is $ea"6 As $is e%es ,ell n #$e
,amiliar /ul. , *ar.are's /a=.
$un=$e" +er #$e lun=$ =un#er1
$e s#ar#e"6 A (li=eman1 sensing
$is m+emen#1 =aug$# $is arm6
Ma"anlal =ug$e" # =+er $is
ina"+er#en# ges#ure6 T$en $e
mar=$e" s#raig$# (as# )"se an"
*ar.are # #$e 2ai#ing Bm/a%
#rain6 T$e las# #2 =ns(ira#rs
le,# in Del$i 2ul" ,lee
un"e#e=#e"6
T$e maBr (re==u(a#in , #$e
(li=e in #$e a,#erma#$ ,
Ma"anlal's /m/ eC(lsin 2as
assuring )an"$i's sa,e#%6 I, $is
nminal su(erir1SanBee+i1$a"
#a.en +er res(nsi/ili#% ,r #$e
in+es#iga#in1 )an"$i's
(r#e=#in 2as s#ill #$e
res(nsi/ili#% , #$e ,luDs#ri=.en
D6 @6 Me$ra6 Bun"le" u( in an
+er=a#1 $is ,e+er s#ill raging1
Me$ra (resen#e" $imsel, a# Birla
Huse a# mi""a%6
'Du/le mu/ara.1' $e sai"1 as $e
/2e" in gree#ing # In"ia's
lea"er6
'@$% #$is "u/le mu/ara.T
as.e" )an"$i6
'Be=ause'1 Me$ra sai"1 '%u
su==ess,ull% =m(le#e" %ur ,as#
an" "i" 2$a# m% (li=e =ul"
n# "6 Yu /rug$# (ea=e #
Del$i6 Se=n"l%1 %u es=a(e" #$e
/m/6'
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$an"s , )"6' I# 2as (re=isel%
/e=ause $e 2an#e" #$e Ma$a#ma
# (u# i# in $is $an"s #$a# Me$ra
2as in #$e gar"en , Birla
Huse6
T$e man 2$ $a" #rie" # .ill
$im1 Me$ra eC(laine" # )an"!
$a" n# a=#e" alne6 He 2as ne
, a gru( , se+en (l##ers6 T$,
2as a serius li.eli$" #$a# #$e
#$ers 2ul" #r% again6 He 2anl
$is (ermissin # in=rease #$e
guar" a# Birla Huse1 an" # seai
sus(i=ius =$ara=#ers =ming #
$is (ra%er mee#ings6
'I 2ill ne+er agree1' )an"$i sai"
in a sr# , $al, s$rie.6 'D ?
sear=$ (e(le ging in# a
#em(le r =$a(el ,r (ra%er?'
'N1 Sir1' Me$ra re(lie"1 '/u#
#$ere is n ne in #$em 2$ i
#arge# ,r an assassin's /ulle#6'
'Rama is m% nl% (r#e=#in1'
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
)an"$i re#r#e"6 'I, $e 2an#! en"
m% li,e1 n/"% =an sa+e me1
e+en i, a millin , %ur (li=ei
2ere (s#e" $ere # guar" me6
T$e rulers , #$is =un#r% $a+e
,ai#$ in m% nnD+ilen=e6 T$e%
#$in. %ur (li=e guar" 2ill ! m%
li,e6 @ell1 m% (r#e=#in is
Rama1 an" %u 2ill n# +ila#e
(ra%er mee#ings 2i#$ %ur (li=e
r s#( (e(le =ming in6 I, "1 I
2ill lea+e Del$i an" "enun=e
%u as #$e reasn ,r lea+ing6'
Me$ra 2as =res#,allen6 He .ne2
)an"$i 2ell enug$ # . $e 2as
n# ging # =$ange $is min"6
He 2ul" $a+e # ,in" a #
(r#e=# #$e Ma$a#ma in s(i#e ,
$imsel,6
'A# leas#1' Me$ra sai"1 '2ill %u
all2 me # =me # #$e (T
mee#ing e+er% "a% (ersnall%?'
'A$1' sai" )an"$i1 'as an
in"i+i"ual %u are al2a%s
2el=me
A# #en minu#es # ,i+e1 "es(i#e
$is ,e+er1 Me$ra 2as /a=. a#
Huse in =i+ilian =l#$es6 He $a"
alrea"% in=rease" #$e _
=n#ingen# arun" #$e $use
,rm ,i+e # #$ir#%DsiC1 ms# ,
(lainD=l#$es men r"ere" #
mingle 2i#$ #$e =r2"6 Hi""en
Me$ra's =a#1 la"e" an" ==.e"1
2as a @e//er an" S=## ?i
+e#eran , #$e !rn#ier =ul" ge#
i# ,, $is $i( an" (u# #$ree r in a
/ull'sDe%e #2en#% ,ee# a2a% in
less #$an ,i+e se=n"s6 3
Ma$a#ma le,# $is 'uar#ers ,r #$e
(ra%er grun"1 Me$ra # #$e s(#
$e in#en"e" # ==u(% e+er%
a,#ernn 2$ile & remaine" in
Del$i6 I# 2as rig$# a# )an"$i's
si"e6 As lng as 3 #$ere1 #$e
+e#eran (li=eman ,el#
reasna/l% =n,i"en# n aH 2as
ging # .ill )an"$i6
On=e again1 )an"$i $a" # /e
=arrie" # $is (ra%er (la#,r ,irs#
2r"s 2ere ,r #$e $a#eD,ille"
%ung re,ugee 2$'" + #a.e
re+enge ,r #$e su,,erings
(ar#i#in $a" #$rus# n $im i
,amil%6 'D n# $a#e r =n"emn
#$e man 2$ #$re2 #$e )an"$i
(lea"e"6 He urge" #$e (li=e #
release Ma"anlal6 '- n rig$# #
(unis$ a (ersn 2e #$in.
2i=.e"1' $e sai"6
!r #$e man 2$ $a" s
uneC(e=#e"l% #a.en +er #$e
in+es in# #$e a##em(# n
)an"$i's li,e1 ne #$ing 2as
/+ius6 T$e =ns(ira=% 2i#$
2$i=$ $e 2as =n,rn#e" $a"
/een $a#=$e" in Bm/a%
Pr+in=e6 Ma"anlal $a"
in"i=a#e" $is ,ell2 =ns(ira#rs
2ere all Ma$aras$#rans6 He
$imsel, $a" =me # Del$i ,rm
Bm/a% 2$ere $e a"mi##e"
$a+ing +isi#e" Sa+ar.ar's
resi"en=e6 SanBee+i's ,irs# a=#in1
#$ere,re1 2as # aler# #$e
Bm/a% (li=e an" as. #$em #
assign smene # #$e =ase6 T
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=Dr"ina#e Bm/a%'s
in+es#iga#in 2i#$ $is1 SanBee+i
r"ere" #2 ,,i=ers , #$e Del$i
&ID # ,l% # Bm/a% # (resen#
#$e Bm/a% (li=e ,,i=er
assigne" # #$e =ase 2i#$ 'all #$e
,a=#s' un=+ere" in Del$i6
T$eir #ri( 2ul" (r"u=e #$e
,irs#1 alms# in=m(re$ensi/le
/lun"er , #$e in+es#iga#in in#
#$e a##em(# n )an"$i's li,e6 T$e
#2 Del$i (li=emen negle=#e"
# #a.e 2i#$ #$em a =(% , #$e
.e% "=umen# in #$e
in+es#iga#in1 Ma"anlal's
(reliminar% s#a#emen# =m(le#e"
an" #%(e" /e,re mi"nig$# #$e
e+ening /e,re6 T$e nl%
"=umen# #$e% #. 2as a #2
/% ,ur =ar" n 2$i=$ a ,e2
salien# ,a=#s $a" /een B##e"
"2n /% $an"6 T$e% in=lu"e"
*ar.are's name1 misDs(elle" as
'*ir.ree'6 Missing 2as #$e ms#
+i#al in,rma#in #$e Del$i
(li=e (ssesse"1 #$e
a((rCima#e i"en#i,i=a#in ,
A(#e an" )"se's ne2s(a(er6
T$e man ,r 2$m #$eir re(r#
2as "es#ine" alrea"% $a" mre
an" /e##er in,rma#in si##ing n
$is "es. #$an #$e% $a" n #$eir
li##le sli( , (a(er6 A# ?51
Jams$i" 'Jimm%' Nagar+alla 2as
a De(u#% &mmissiner ,
Pli=e in =$arge , #$e Bm/a%
&ID S(e=ial Bran=$'s Se=#ins
One an" T21 res(nsi/le ,r #$e
ga#$ering , l=al (li#i=al
in#elligen=e an" #$e sur+eillan=e
, ,reigners6 I# 2as n# ,r $is
a/ili#ies as an in+es#iga#r1
$2e+er1 #$a# Nagar+alla $a"
/een assigne" # #$e Ma"anlal
=ase6 T$e reasn s(.e +lumes
a/u# #$e "ilemma =n,rn#ing
#$e In"ian (li=e in sele=#ing
men ,r #$e in+es#iga#in6 I# 2as
$is religin6 T gi+e #$e =ase # a
Mslem $a" seeme"
ina((r(ria#e6 T (u# i# in #$e
$an"s , a Hin"u ris.e"
sele=#ing an ,,i=er 2$
$ar/ure" se=re# an#iD)an"$i
sen#imen#s6 Nagar+alla1
,r#una#el%1 2as nei#$er6 He 2as
a Parsee6
Bm/a% Pr+in=e's Hme
Minis#er6MrarBi Desai1$a"
gi+en $im #$e =ase alng 2i#$
#$e (re=ius s=ra( , in,rma#in
n $is "es.6 Desai $a" re=ei+e"
#$is ,rm a sur=e # 2$m
Ma"anlal $a" /as#e" , $is
in#en#in # .ill )an"$i #$e 2ee.
/e,re6 Ma"anlal's (rin=i(al
ass=ia#e1 #$e sur=e re+eale"1
2as a man name" *ar.are6 He
=ame ,rm A$me"nagar6>
> B% an eC#rar"inar%
=in=i"en=e1 Desai n 35
Januar% $a" =me u(n #$e
A$me"nagar (li=e re(r# , #$e
"is=+er% n 3 Januar% ,
*ar.are's arms =a=$e in #$e
rm , #$e manager , $is
$#el6 Desai $a" imme"ia#el%
"eman"e"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Nagar+alla se# #$e ma=$iner% in
m#in # i"en#i,% $im6 !r #$e
%ung ,,i=er #$ere seeme" n
'ues#in #$a#1 sner r la#er1 #$e
ra" # #$e men 2$ $a" #rie" #
mur"er )an"$i $a" # (ass /%
#$e 'uie# $use amng #$e (alms
an" me"lar #rees , *elu.sar
Ra"6 Nagar+alla $a" as.e"
Desai ,r (ermissin # arres#
Sa+ar.ar n #$e /asis ,
Ma"anlal's +isi# # $im #$e 2ee.
/e,re6 Desai $a" re,use" 2i#$
#$e angr% 'uer%H 'Are %u ma"?
D %u #$in. I 2an# #$is 2$le
(r+in=e # g u( in sm.e?'
I, Nagar+alla =ul" n# =n,ine
Sa+ar.ar # a (risn =ell1
$2e+er1 $e =ul" a# leas#
=n,i"e $im # a /rillian#
rganiQa#in =rea#e" /% #$e
Bri#is$ #$a# 2as #$e (ri"e , #$e
Bm/a% &ID1 i#s @a#=$ers'
Bran=$6 T$e /ran=$ 2as
=m(se" , 304 men an"
2men 2$se i"en#i#ies 2ere
.n2n nl% # #$eir =mman"er6
Blin" men1 /eggars 2i#$ s#un#e"
lim/s1 Mslem 2men in
/ur'as1 ,rui# (e"lars1 s2ee(ers1
#$e% $a" .e(# Bm/a%'s (li#i=al
agi#a#rs un"er #$eir gaQe ,r a
'uar#er , a =en#ur%6 During all
#$se %ears1 #$e% li.e" # /as#1
n# a single ,igure assigne" #
#$eir s=ru#in% $a" es=a(e" #$em6
NagarD+alla's ,irs# a=#in in $is
ne2 assignmen# 2as # ,iC #$eir
2a#=$,ul e%es n -eer Sa+ar.ar
an" $is Bm/a% resi"en=e6
Nagar+alla's in+es#iga#in /egan
2i#$ #$e same (rmising
s2i,#ness as Del$i's $a"6 @i#$in
a ,e2 $urs $e $a" g# #$e ,ull
i"en#i#% , -is$nu *ar.are1 as
2ell as $is ==u(a#in an" #$e
,a=# #$a# $e $a" /een missing
,rm A$me"nagar sin=e 9
Januar%6 S$r#l% #$erea,#er1 $e
learne" ,rm a (li=e in,rmer
#$a# 'ne Ba"ge , Pna'1 a
(e##% arms mer=$an#1 2as an
ass=ia#e , *ar.are in $is
'=ns(ira=% # #a.e #$e li,e , #$e
Ma$a#ma'6
Imme"ia#el% in,rme" , #$e
re(r#1 #$e Pna (li=e =alle"
n Ba"ge's s$( # ,in" $e 2as
missing6 T$e% #l" Nagar+alla $e
2as (r/a/l% $i"ing 'in
#$eBungles arun" #$e =i#%'6
Un,r#una#el%1 #$e Pna (li=e
ne+er /#$ere" # +eri,% #$e
=n#inue" a/sen=e , #$e 2an#e"
arms (e"lar6 A ,e2 $urs a,#er
#$e ,irs# en'uir%1 Ba"ge re#urne"
# #$e =i#% ,rm $is eC(e"i#in #
Del$i6 !r #$e neC# #en "a%s1
2$ile #$e (li=e 2$'"
ass=ia#e" $is name 2i#$
Ma"anlal's /m/ less #$an ,r#%D
eig$# $urs a,#er i#s eC(lsin
2$% *ar.are $a" n# /een
arres#e"6 T$e sl2 Burne% , $is
'uer% #$rug$ ,$V =$annels ,
#$e In"ian (li=e (r+i"e" a
(ain,ul illus#ra#in , an#$er
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
,a=#H "es#ine" # re#ar" #$e
in+es#iga#in , #$e /m/ a#
Birla Huse1 #$e =rus$ini /ur"en
, re" #a(e s#rangling ('=e
(r=e"ures6 I# #. se+en "a%s1
un#il 37 Jan uar%1 ,r Desai's
'uer% # rea" #$e A$me"nagar
&ID6 T$ere1 i# 2ul" si# ,
an#$er ,i+e "a%s /e,re a
2arran# ,r *ar.are's arres#
2ul" /e issue" n P Januar%6
Desai $imsel,1 2$ sa2
$un"re"s , similar (a(ers =rss
$is "es. ea=l "a%1 "i" n#
remem/er #$e re(r# a# #$e #ime
$e re=ei+e" #$e name ,
Ma"anlal3 =lleagues6
2ere l.ing ,r $im1 #$e ,a.e
sa"$u 2ul" /e si##ing in #$e
/a=. rm , $is arms s$(
.ni##ing u( #$e /ulle#D(r, +es#s
, 2$i=$ $e 2as s (ru"6
)i+en #$e (rgress , $is 2n
in+es#iga#in1 Nagar+alla 2as
n# im(resse" /% #$e in,rma#in
$an"e" # $im /% #$e Del$i
(li=e ,,i=ers6 Mre+er1 #$e
#2 men1 ne , 2$m 2as a
Si.$1 $a" ele=#e" # s#a% in a
$#el 2$se (r(rie#r 2as
.n2n # #$e Bm/a% &ID as a
Si.$ eC#remis# agi#a#r6 T$a#
$ar"l% seeme" # Nagar+alla a
Bu"i=ius a=#in n #$e (ar# ,
,,i=ers assigne" # in+es#iga#e a
=ns(ira=% # .ill )an"$i6
He "e=i"e" $e "i"n'# nee" #$eir
$el(6 Brus'uel%1 $e r"ere" #$em
# re#urn # #$eir $#el an" s#a%
u# , sig$# un#il $e sen# ,r
#$em6 T$e ,ll2ing "a%1 5?
Januar%1 $e =alle" #$em1 ga+e
#$em #$e in,rma#in $e $a"
un=+ere"1 an" r"ere" #$em #
re#urn # Del$i6
On #$eir re#urn1 #$e1 senir , #$e
#2 ,,i=ers su/mi##e" a (li=e
=ase "iar% =+ering #$eir +isi# #
Bm/a%6 I# =n#aine" an
as#nis$ing "e=lara#in6 T$e%
$a"1 $e sai"1 lai" 's(e=ial s#ress'
n #$e 'imme"ia#e a((re$ensin'
, #$e e"i#r , #$e 'Hin"u
Ras$#ri%a r #$e Agrani
ne2s(a(er'6 T su/s#an#ia#e #$e
re(r#1 #$e ,,i=er a((en"e" #
$is "iar% a "=umen# =n#aining
#$a# in,rma#in 2$i=$ $e
=laime" # $a+e s$2n #
Nagar+alla6 T$e Bm/a%
(li=eman $a" ne+er lai" $is
e%es n i#6 Years la#er1 i# 2ul"
/e =n=lusi+el% es#a/lis$e" #$a#
#$e "=umen# 2as 2ri##en a,#er
#$e Del$i (li=emen $a" le,# ,r
Bm/a%1 an" a((en"e" /% #$em
# #$eir "iar% ,ll2ing #$eir
re#urn # #$e =a(i#al6
A# mi""a% n #$e !ri"a%
,ll2ing #$e a##em(#e" mur"er1
#$e in+es#iga#in in# #$e
=ns(ira=% in In"ia's =a(i#al #.
an enrmus lea( ,r2ar"6
Ma"anlal ,inall% /r.e "2n
an" #l" $is in#errga#rs $e 2as
rea"% # ma.e a ,ull s#a#emen#6
T$e PunBa/i re,ugee 2ul"
=laim $is "e=isin 2as #$e resul#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
, #r#ure1 a =$arge #$e Del$i
(li=e 2ul" al2a%s "en%6> I#
#. $is in#errga#rs alms# #2
,ull "a%s # re=r" an" #%(e $is
0AD(age =n,essin6 Ma"anlal
,inall% reDrea" i# an" signe" i# in
$is =ell a# 536?4 n #$e e+ening
, 5A Januar%6 I# 2as
imme"ia#el% rus$e" in #rium($
# SanBe+i's "es.6
> In a series , in#er+ie2s 2i#$
#$e au#$rs , #$is /. in #$e
s(ring an" au#umn , 378?1
Ma"anlal =laime" /l=.s , i=e
$a" /een sus(en"e" ,rm /is
#es#i=les /% a s#ring # ge# $im #
#al.6 On an# ier ==asin1 $e
=laime" sugare" 2a#er 2as
s(las$e" n $is ,a=e1 an" a $r"e
, an#s se# u(n i#6 Su=$ =$arges
are "ismisse" /% #$e Del$i
(li=e as Ma"anlal's ,an#asies6
T$eir 2n re=r"s , $is
in#errga#in n#e #$a# n 53 an"
55 Januar%1 $e 2as re(ea#e"l%
2arne" $e 2as gi+ing in=rre=#
in,rma#in an" #$e in#errga#rs
2ere #l" # 'ins#ru=# $im
a==r"ingl%>6
T$is #ime1 Ma"anlal $a" n# $el"
/a=.6 E+er%#$ing $e .ne2 2 in
$is s#a#emen#6 Al#$ug$ $e "i"
n# i"en#i,% Ba"ge /% name1 3
"es=ri/e" $im as #$e 2ner ,
#$e S$as#ra B$an"ar , Pna6 I
ga+e *ar.are's name an" #$e
"e#ails , $is (li#i=al a=#i+i#ies6
A/ all1 #$is #ime #$e name
Ma"anlal ga+e ,r )"se an"
A(#e's (a( 2as alms# le##er
(er,e=#1 Hin"u Ras$#ri%a6 Ms#
im(r#an#1 $e ga i#s l=a#in1
Pna6 T i"en#i,% i#s (r(rie#r
an" e"i#r 2as n= ,r SanBee+i
an a=# , alms# Bu+enile
sim(li=i#%6 He $a" nl% # sei an
ins(e=#r # ne , #2 (la=es in
Del$i1 #$e Hme De(ar#me r
#$e In,rma#in an"
Bra"=as#ing De(ar#men#1 #
eCamine a si +lume =alle" #$e
Annual S#a#emen# ,
Ne2s(a(ers1 Bm/a% Pi +in=e6
One , i#s (ages =n#aine" #$e
,ll2ing en#r%H
'Hin"u Ras$#ra6 A Mara#$i "ail%
, Pna6
E"i#rH N6 -6 )"se6 Pr(rie#rH
N6 D6 A(#e6 A Sa+ar.ar gru(
ne2s(a(er6'
T$e =n=lusi+e e+i"en=e #$a# #$e
man #$e% 2ere l.ing ,r + 'N6
-6 )"se' $a" /een "e(si#e" in
#$e la(s , #$e Del$i (l #$e "a%
Ma"anlal $a" /egun # ma.e $is
=n,essin6 I# 2as a (ile laun"r%
le,# /e$in" /% #$e ==u(an#s ,
#$e Marina H#el's Rm in #$eir
$as#% "e(ar#ure n 54 Januar%6
T$e s(ar#an i#ems , a((O in #$e
/un"le #urne" +er # #$e (li=e
/% #$e $#el's laun"r%man
=n#aine" ne =mmn laun"r%
mar.1 #$e ini#ials N6-6)6
!rm #$e mmen# $e $a" #a.en
n #$e =ase1 a (uQQling la=. , 5
$a" =$ara=#eriQe" D6 J6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
SanBee+i's $an"ling , i#6 He 2as
a +# se=re#i+e man an" $e $a"
2a#=$e" +er #$e in+es#iga#in
2i#$ /sessi+e Bealus% #$a#
ma"e $im $s#ile # an% a##em(#
n #$e # , $is su/r"ina#es #
/e=me in+l+e"6 He $a"
re/u,,e" e+en e,,r#s , $is
senir ai"e # Bin #$e
in+es#iga#in6
He n2 $a" in Ma"anlal's
=n,essin #$e ma#erial nee"e"
ra(H # es#a/lis$ #$e i"en#i#% , a#
leas# ,i+e , #$e siC men
in+l+e" in =ns(ira=%6 Ye# n
ne ,rm #$e Del$i (li=e1 n
ne ,rm ,,i=e1 e+er ma"e #$e
ru"imen#ar% ges#ure ,
=nsul#ing #$e lis Bm/a%
Pr+in=e ne2s(a(ers in 2$i=$
)"se's name 2as #= ,un"6 Nr
"i" an%ne 'ues#in #$e Hin"u
Ma$asa/$a ,,i=ial 2l #eC# $a"
/een ,un" in #$e Marina H#el
an" 2$ $a" .n2n i an" )"se
,r alms# a "e=a"e6 He "i" n#
=mmuni=a#e #$e ir ma#in
=n#aine" in Ma"anlal's
=n,essin /% urgen# =urie
Nagar+alla in Bm/a%6 E+en
2rse1 $e ma"e n e,,r# # =i
#$e Pna (li=e /% #ele($ne #
as. #$e i"en#i#% , #$e e"i#= #$e
Hin"u Ras$#ra6 He 2as #$e
au#$r , a series , a=#s ,
s#aggering in=m(e#en=e1 s
=lse1 ,inall%1 # /eing =riminal
in na

A54

>@B MUST )ET )ANDHI
BE!ORE THB rOLI&E )ET6
US' A5

#$a# a 'uar#er , a =en#ur% la#er
In"ia 2ul" s#ill /e 2n"ering
$2 #$e% =ul" $a+e $a((ene"6>
Nr 2as $e #$e nl% (li=e
,,i=er 2$se /e$a+iur 2ul"
ne+er /e sa#is,a=#ril% eC(laine"6
In Del$i ,r a =n,eren=e n
Sun"a%1 50 Januar% 2as #$e
De(u#% Ins(e=#rD)eneral ,
Pli=e in =$arge , #$e &riminal
In+es#iga#in Di+isin , #$e
Pna Pli=e1 U6 H6 Rana6 His
,iles in Pna =n#aine" #$e
ma#erial #$a# =ul" ins#an#l%
$a+e i"en#i,ie" )"se1 A(#e1
Ba"ge an" *ar.are6 T$e%
=n#aine" ($#gra($s ,
*ar.are an" A(#e 2$i=$ =ul"
$a+e /een gi+en # #$e (li=e a#
Bir'a Huse # (re+en# #$e
=ns(ira#rs re#urning # #$e
Ma$a#ma's (ra%er mee#ings6
T$e% =n#aine" all #$e re(r#s ,
#$enDHin"u eC#remis# a=#i+i#ies
2$i=$ $is 2n ,,i=ers $a" /een
ma.ing regularl% ,r mn#$s6
SanBee+i summne" $im # $is
,,i=e1 an" ,r #2 $urs 2en#
+er Ma"anlal's =n,essin 2i#$
$im (age /% (age6 Alms# e+er%
Use , #$a# #eC# s$ul" $a+e
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
aler#e" #$e Pna (li=e ,,i=er6
I# es#a/lis$e" #$e ,a=# #$a# a#
leas# #2 , #$e men 2$'" #rie"
# mur"er )an"$i =ame ,rm $is
Buris"i=#in in Pna6 I# 2as
in=n=ei+a/le #$a# #$e name
Hin"u Ras$#ra 2as n# alms# as
,amiliar # $im as #$a# , #$e
Times , In"ia6 T$e (a(er $a"
/een r"ere" # /e =lse" #$e
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sur+eillan=e1 , 2$i=$ #$e e"i#r
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ma#erial =n=erning $is
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al2a%s remain
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assassina#in an" #$e ,ailure ,
#$e (li=e # arres# $is .illers
a,#er #$e eC(lsin , Ma"anlal's
/m/ n 54 Januar% 37A: 2as
un"er#a.en in #$e la#e 3794s /%
an ,,i=ial &mmissin ,
In'uir%6 T$e 2r. , #$e
&mmissin1 $ea"e" /% Jus#i=e
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se+erel% $an"i=a((e" /% #$e ,a=#
man% , #$e .e% (li=e ,,i=ers
in #$e in+es#iga#in1 in=lu"ing
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n #$eir re#urn ,rm Bm/a%1 /u#
#$e ,,i=er res(nsi/le 2as "ea"6
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re(r# 2as su/mi##e" # #$e
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un$a((% =n=lusin #$a# a# n
(in# 2as #$e in+es#iga#in in#
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na#inal $er =n"u=#e" F2i#$
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2$i=$ an a##em(# n #$e li,e ,
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"eser+e"'6
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su/D=n#inen# n i#s ru#e ,rH
Del$i # Bm/a%6 He "i" n#
e+en #a.e a ,as# #rain6 He #.
ins#e# a run"a/u# ru#e #$a#
a""e" an a""i#inal siC $urs #
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
$ #ri(6
He 2ul" =laim $is /iQarre
/e$a+iur $a" /een ins(ire" /%
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, #$e in+es#iga#in6 I, ne
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#$em as a /un=$ , =ra=.( His
2as #$e inna#e =n+i=#in #$a#
a,#er #$e lamen#a/le ,ias= 54
Januar%1 #$e% 2ul" ne+er raise
#$e =urage # s#ri.e again6 3
2as 2rng6 Time 2as running
u# n SanBee+i an" #$e 8:D%earD#
lea"er 2$ $a" s narr2l%
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urgen=%6
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, Bm/a%6 I# 2as a sense ,
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=mmi# mur"er6
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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59 Januar% 37A: 2as a
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
eig$#een %ears earlier1 n 59
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
sugges#e" $e mig$# rea" $er
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Islam D Ms'ue a# Me$rauli1
se+en miles su#$ , Del$i1 a#
mi"Dmrning n 58 Januar%6
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ma% li+e se(ara#el%1 /u# 2e are
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m"6 I# 2as a m" #$a# $a"
=me u(n $im in re=en# "a%s
2$er e+er $e (n"ere" #$e
meaning , $is es=a(e ,rm
Ma"anlal's /m#
His es=a(e1 $e n#e"1 '2as )"'s
mer=%'6 Bu#1 $e a""e"1 'I a# 'ui#e
(re(are" # /e% $is r"er 2$en
i# "es =me6 I #al. , lea+inT
Del$i n 5 !e/ruar%1 /u# I " n#
m%sel, ,eel #$a# I s$all /e a/le #V
g a2a% ,rm $ere6 A,#er all1
2$ .n2s 2$a# is ging #
$a((ei #mrr2?'
As Na#$uram )"se $a" r"ere"
$im #1 *ar.are (a=e" #$e
=ir=ulai gar"en arun" #$e 2a#er
#a( in ,rn# , #$e Ol" Del$i
rail2a% s#a#in ms# , #$e
a,#ernn , 58 Januar%6
Su""enl% $e sa2 $is #2 ,rien"s
"ri,#ing #2ar"s $im #$rug$ #$e
$r"e , re,ugees 2$ 2ere
slee(ing1 "e,e=a#ing1 /egging1
an" ==asinall% "%ing n #$a#
#ram(le" (a#=$ , grun"6 T$e%
seeme" =m(le#el% "is=urage"6
T$eir $urs =m/ing #$e

!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
re,ugee =am(s , Del$i $a"
(r"u=ea n#$ing6 T$se
s#re$uses , miser% in 2$i=$
#$e% $a" =un#e" n ,in"ing a
re+l+er =n#aine" nl%
su,,ering an" $a#re"6 An#$er
"a% $a" /een 2as#e" in #$eir
+ain (ursui# , a 2ea(n1
an#$er "a% in 2$i=$ #$e (li=e
2ere gaining n #$em1 an#$er
"a% in 2$i=$ #$e measures
(r#e=#ing )an"$i 2ere /eing
(er,e=#e"6 T$eir #ime $a" Bus#
a/u# run u#6 One las# (la=e
remaine" 2$ere #$e% mig$# ,in"
#$e (is#l1 a ,inal $(e ,
=arr%ing u# #$e assassina#in6 I#
2as 37A miles a2a% in )2alir6
I, e+en #$a# ,aile" # %iel" a
2ea(n #$e% 2ul" $a+e #
a/an"n #$eir e,,r#s an" a==e(#
#$e $umilia#in , #$eir ,ailure
/e,re Sa+ar.ar an" #$eir
su((r#ers in Bm/a%S %U#
T$e% #l" *ar.are # mee# #$em
#$ere again in 5A $urs6 T$en1
"is=urage"1 #$e% "isa((eare"
in# #$e s#a#in # =a#=$ #$e las#
#rain # )2alir6 Nara%an A(#e
2ul" miss $is ren"eQ+us 2i#$
$is /eau#i,ul Air In"ia
s#e2ar"ess a# #$e Im(erial H#el
a# eig$# '=l=. #$a# e+ening6 He
2as renun=ing #$e las#
se"u=#in in $is ama#r% =areer
# Burne% # )2alir in sear=$
, a (is#l 2i#$ 2$i=$ # .ill
Ma$a#ma )an"$i6 T$a# Burne%
2ul" ul#ima#el% =s# $im $is
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
li,e6
I# 2as Bus# /e,re mi"nig$# n 58
Januar% 2$en #$e urgen# =all ,
$is nig$# /ell 2.e #$e )2alir
$me(a#$ Da##ara%a Par=$ure6
He s#um/le" slee(il% # #$e "r
, $is "is(ensar%1 eC(e=#ing #
,in" a "is#raug$# m#$er
=lu#=$ing a =$il" 2i#$
(neumnia6 He ,un" ins#ea" a
(air , l" ,rien"s an" Qeal#s
2$se "e+#in # eC#reme
Hin"uism sur(asse" e+en $is
2n6 T$e "=#r 2$1 ,ur an" a
$al, mn#$s earlier1 $a" se#
Ma"anlal n #$e ra" #$a# $a"
en"e" in a Del$i Bail =ell 2as
Na#$uram )"se's las# $(e in
$is "es(era#e 'ues# ,r a (is#l6
All #$e neC# "a% A(#e an" )"se
sa# n #$e s(are 2"en /en=$es
, Par=$ure's 2ai#ingDrm
un"er #$e (rimi#i+e il (ain#ing
, #$e "=#r's guru1 a Hin"u
as=e#i= 2$ $a" s(en# $is li,e in
=n#em(la#in in #$e #igerD
in,es#e" ,res#s , )2alir6 T$e
#2 "2n=as#1 "e(resse" %ung
men a((eare" as mu=$ in nee"
, #$e "=#r's =are as an% , $is
un$a((% (a#ien#s arun" #$em1
=ug$ing u( lungs in,lame" /%
/rn=$i#is r (neumnia6 @$ile
$is me"i=al ai"es s=ure" #$e
mar.e#s , )2alir ,r #$e
=ar"amm see"1 nins1 /am/
s(ru#s1 an" #$e #$er (lan#s $e
miCe" "ail% in# $is /ene,i=en#
=m(un"s1 $is (li#i=al ai"es
=m/e" #$e =i#% ,r $is
(res=ri(#in ,r )"se an" A(#e6
T$e #2 ,inall% le,# )2alir
a/ar" #$e e+ening eC(ress Bus#
a,#er 34644 (6m6 n #$e e+ening
, 5: Januar%6 T$eir lng an"
=m(leC "%sse% 2as +er6 T$e
sear=$ #$a# $a" #a.en #$em #2i=e
a=rss $al,
'@E MUST )ET )ANDHI
BE!ORE THE POLI&E )ET
US> A5'
#$e sur,a=e , #$e su/D=n#inen#1
le" #$em in# re,ugee =am(s1
Hin"i #em(les1 #$e slums ,
Bm/a%1 # laun"ries1 (rin#ing
(resses an# Sa+ar.ar Sa"an1 $a"
en"e" in #$e ree. , $er/s an"
s(i=es in #in )2alir
$me(a#$'s ,,i=e6 @ra((e" in
an l" rag in a (a(er /aB un"er
)"se's arm 2as a /lun#1 /la=.
Bere##a au#ma#i= (is#l num/er
949:5ADP1 an" #2en#% run"s ,
ammuni#in6 All Na#$uran
)"se nee"e" n2 2as #$e s.ill
an" "e#ermina#in # use i#6
A# a/u# #$e same #ime A(#e an"
)"se 2ere /ar"ing #$eir #rail
in )2alir s#a#in1 an#$er man
+er :44 miles a2a% 2as
=m(le#inB a Burne%6 T$e lng1
sl2 +%age $me , U6 H6
Rana1 #$e De(u#T Ins(e=#rD
)eneral , #$e &ID in Pna 2as
+er a# las#6 T$e ,,i=e 2$se
,iles =n#aine" #$e in,rma#in
#$a# =ul" i"en#i,% )"se an#
A(#e an" /ar #$eir en#r% # Birla
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Huse 2as /a=. in $is
Buris"i=#in N ins(ire" urgen=%1
$2e+er1 "r+e #$e (li=eman as
$e s#e((e# ,, $is #rain in #$e
Pna railra" s#a#in6 He "i"
n# /#$er # gV # $is ,,i=e #$a#
e+ening6 He 2as #ire" a,#er $is
lng Burne%6 Hi 2en# $me #
/e" ins#ea"6
'@e'+e g# i#l O$1 *ar.are1 #$is
#ime 2e'+e reall% g# i#!' T$
Bu/ilan# Na#$uram )"se "re2
#$e 2ner , #$e De==an )ues
Huse u# , #$e =r2"s ringing
#$e 2a#er #a( ((si#e #$e li
Del$i rail2a% s#a#in6 T$en1 li.e
a smuggler ,,ering a ,lee#inH
glim(se , $is ,r/i""en g"s1
$e ,las$e" (en #$e ,l"s , $i
s$a//% /r2n =a#6 T$ere1
#u=.e" in# $is 2ais#D/an"1
*ar.are saU #$e /la=. glin# , #$e
(is#l #$e% $a" "es(aire" , e+er
,in"ing6
T$eir mur"er 2ea(n in $an" a#
las#1 e+en#s 2ere n2 # =arr #$e
#$ree men ,r2ar" # #$eir
ine+i#a/le =n=lusin 2i#$
=m(ellin s2i,#ness6 T$e nl%
mem/er , #$e #ri # sur+i+e
2ul" re=all #$em
As 2e s#" #$ere /% #$e 2a#er
#a(1 A(#e #l" us1 '#$is #ime 2e
" n= 2an# # ma.e a mis#a.e6
@e 2an# # /e sure , #$e (is#l's
aim1 #$a# #$ (is#l 2r.s6 @e
$a+e enug$ /ulle#s1 Bus# see!'
A# #$se 2r"s1 $e (ulle" (en
#$e (=.e# , $is =a#6 He 2as
rig$ Insi"e I sa2 man% /ulle#s6
S all #$ree , us "e=i"e" # g
in sear=$ , (la=e 2$ere 2e
=ul" $a+e a #rial , #$e
s$#ing6 Bu# e+er%2$ere 2
2en#1 2e ,un" #$e (la=es ,ull ,
(e(le6 T$e re,ugees 2ere
s(rea" a +er Del$i6
As 2e 2ere m+ing ,rm (la=e
# (la=e1 Na#$uram #l" a li##le
,a/$ T$a# 2as a/u# ne , #$e
Mara#$a (remiers6 RaBa Ra
Pes$2a6 H 2as 2aging ms# ,
#$e 2ars agains# #$e Mg$ul
Em(ire a# #$a# #im# an" $e 2as
al2a%s in nee" , mne%6 Bu#
/e,re ne 2ar 2ul" en=
an#$er 2ul" s#aDi an" $?
2ul" $a+e # /rr2 mre
mne%6
'@ellT sai" Na#$uram1 '#$a# is #$6
(si#in 2i#$ us6 @e $a+e /ee
/egging mne% ,r #$is #as.1 /u#
n#$ing $as /eeH a==m(lis$e"6
Ours 2ill /e #$e #erri/le
$umilia#in i, 2e " n#
su==ee"6''
!inall% 2e "e=i"e" # g # #$e
(la=e 2$ere 2e $a" (re+iusl%
gne ,r s$#ing an" #$a# (la=e
2as Bus# /e$in" Birla Man"ir r
Birla Tem(le6 @e 2en# #$ere6 @e
$a" # imagine 2$e#$er )an"$iBi
2ul" /e si##ing 2$en #$e #ime
,r #$e s$#ing =ame1 r
2$e#$er $e 2ul" /e in a
s#an"ing (si#in6 @e =ul" n#
.n2 2$i=$ i# 2ul" /e6 I# 2as a
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
ma##er , =$an=e s 2e $a" # #r%
#$ings /#$ 2a%s6
A==r"ingl%1 A(#e (i=.e" u# a
#ree 2$i=$ 2as a /a/ul #ree se#
a(ar# ,rm #$e #$ers6 He sa#
"2n /esi"e i# # imagine #$e
$eig$# )an"$iBi 2ul" $a+e /een
2$ile $e 2as si##ing6 @$ere $is
$ea" 2as1 $e ma"e sme mar.s
n #$e #ree 2i#$ a .ni,e6 ' @ell1'
$e sai" # Na#$uram1 '#a.e #$is #
/e )an"$iBi's $ea"T #$is # /e $is
/"%6 N2 ,in" #$e #arge#6'
Na#$uram "re2 a2a% # a range
, a/u# 54 # 50 ,ee#6 !rm
#$ere1 $e ,ire" a# #$e #arge#6 One
a,#er an#$er $e ges n ,iring1
,ur #imes6 He ,in"s $is #arge#H
$e ,in"s i# O6*6 A(#e 2en# u( #
#$e #ree6 He l.e" a# #$e (la=e
2$ere $e $a" ma"e #$e mar.s
,r )an"$iBi's $ea"6 T$e /ulle#s
2ere all #$ere6
'@ell1 Na#$uram1' $e sai"1
'i#'s(er,e=#!'
)an"$i's grea# 2r. in Del$i
2as alms# "ne6 He $a" arri+e"
,ur mn#$s /e,re in a =i#% ,
#$e "ea"1 i#s gran" /ule+ar"s
e"ge" 2i#$ =r(ses1 (ani= an"6
,ear ram(an# in i#s
neig$/ur$"s1 i#s g+ernmen#
,rig$#ene" an" in "isarra%6 N21
#$e =a(i#al 2as =alm6 Or"er $a"
/een res#re"6 T$e agn% , $is
,as# $a" "rama#i=all% al#ere" i#s
mral =lima#e6 I# 2as #ime ,r
$im # lea+e6
@$ile1 in a near/% gla"e1 a man
,ire" ,ur /ulle#s a# a mar. n a
#reeD#run. re(resen#ing $is $ea"1
)an"$i se# a #en#a#i+e "a#e ,r
$is "e(ar#ure ,rm Ne2 Del$i6
He =$se ? !e/ruar%6 He 2ul"
re#urn ,irs# # $is as$ram u#si"e
@ar"$a6 T$en1 #en "a%s la#er1 $e
2ul" s#ar# $is age" ,ee# "2n
#$e $ig$2a%s 2$ere s man%
$a" /een massa=re"1 $(ing
2i#$ #$e ,r=e , $is l+e #
re+erse #$e =urren#s , #$e
grea#es# migra#in in $uman
$is#r%1 see.ing in $is (ilgrimage
# Pa.is#an #$e las# grea# mira=le
/e=.ning # $im li.e a mirage
n a "eser# $riQn6
As al2a%s1 e+er% mmen# ,
)an"$i's "a% 2as =are,ull%
(lanne" an" use"6 He s(un6 He
$a" $is mu"(a=. an" $is enema6
He s#u"ie" Bengali6 He 2r#e a
"Qen le##ers6 He la/ure" n $is
"ra,# , $is ne2 =ns#i#u#in ,r
#$e &ngress Par#%6 He re=ei+e"
a s#ream , +isi#rs6 He B.e"
2i#$ In"ira )an"$i an" $er
=usin1 Tara Pan"i#T au#gra($e"
a (i=#ure ,r Margare# Bur.eD
@$i#e6 As $e "i" s1 $e #l" $er
Ameri=a s$ul" a/an"n #$e
a#mi= /m/6 Nn+ilen=e1 $e
sai"1 2as #$e nl% ,r=e #$e
/m/ =ul" n# "es#r%6 In an
a#mi= a##a=.1 $e 2ul" urge $is
,ll2ers # s#an" ,irm1 'l.ing
u(1 2a#=$ing 2i#$u# ,ear1
(ra%ing ,r #$e (il#'6
Su""enl%1 2i#$ #$e s2i,#ness , a
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
mnsn "2n(ur1 a =r"an#
n#e in#ru"e" u(n #$a# /us%1
$a((% "a%6 A gru#6 Hin"us an"
Si.$s ,rm #$e !rn#ier
Pr+in=e1 +i=#ims , a #en
massa=re n #$e "a% $e $a"
annun=e" $is ,as#1 =ame # =all6
Be )an"$i =ul" ,,er #$em an
eC(ressin , $is grie,1 ne , #
em/i##ere" num/er snarle" a#
$im1 'Yu $a+e "ne us enug$
$i Yu $a+e ruine" us u##erl%6
Lea+e us alne6 ) re#ire # #$e
! ala%as6'
His 2r"s s#unne" )an"$i6 T$e
li##le /"% seeme" # =rum(l $e
$ear" #$em1 as #$ug$ sme
#erri/le 2eig$# 2as =rus$ing "
n $im6 )ing u# # $is (ra%er
mee#ing $is (a=e 2as la/ure"1
$an"s #$a# usuall% res#e" n
Manu an" A/$a as lig$#l% as
2is( =##n .$a"i gri((e" #$eir
s$ul"ers ,r su((r#6
His +i=e s,# an" 2ea.1 a
#erri/le sa"ness un"erlining ea=l
$is s%lla/les1 In"ia's Ma$a#ma
/egan # a""ress $is =un#r%men
#$e las# #ime6 T$e s$a"2s ,
2in#er #2ilig$# 2ere alrea"%
/egini # #$rus# #$eir s#ains
a=rss #$e la2n as $e s(.e6
Ine+i#a/l%1 #urne" # #$e
eC=$ange 2i#$ #$e angr% re,ugee
#$a# $a" s u_ $im6
'@$m s$all I lis#en # ?' $e
as.e" #$e silen# ga#$ering /e,re
/ 'Sme as. me # s#a% $ere
2$ile #$ers as. me # g a2a%6
SV re(r+e an" re+ile me1
2$ereas #$ers eC#l me6 @$a#
am I # #$en?' $e as.e"
r$e#ri=all%1 $is +i=e s,# an"
,ull , $ur#6 T 2$a# )"
=mman"s me # "6 I see.
(ea=e ami"s# "isr"er6'
A,#er a lng an" #$ug$#,ul
silen=e1 )an"$i =n=lu"e"6 '
Himala%as1' $e sai"1 'are $ere6'
S$r#l% a,#er #$e =n=lusin ,
)an"$i's (ra%er mee#ing1 a l=
"is#an=e #ele($ne =all rea=$e"
#$e (li=e ,,i=er in =$arge ,
in+e ga#ing #$e a##em(# n $is
li,e6 Sin=e Ma"anlal $a" /r.en
"2nT gi+en $is "e#aile"
=n,essin1 SanBee+i's en'uir%
$a" ma"e li##le , gress6 S#ill
g+erne" /% $is uns$a.ea/le
=n+i=#in #$a# #$e .il 2ul" n#
re#urn1 $e $a" m+e" i# ,r2ar"
a# #$e same leisuT (a=e #$a# $a"
=$ara=#eriQe" i# sin=e $e $a"
#a.en i# un"er $is =i man"6
His =aller # $a" s=an# (rgress
# re(r#6 'Jimm%' Nagar+al
Bm/a% in+es#iga#in $a"
%iel"e" li##le ne2 a,#er i#s ,irs#
A: $ T$e Bm/a% @a#=$ers'
Bran=$ =n#inue" i#s +igilan=e a#
#$e gT , Sa+ar.ar Sa"an1 /u# #$e
Ma=$ia+ellian lea"er insi"e 2as
# =U # re+eal $is $an"6 An"
%e#1 sme malignan# ra"ia#in
seeme" emana#e ,rm #$a#
$use6 Sme#$ing in #$e =ns#an#
,l2 , Sa+ar. ,ll2ers in an"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
u# , i#s (remises s(.e #
Nagar+alla's (l man's ins#in=#s6
'Dn'# as. me 2$%1' $e #l"
SanBee+.'/u# I Bus# .n2 an#$er
a##em(# is =ming6 I#'s sme#$ing
I =an ,eel in #$e a#ms($ere
$ere6>
'@$a# " %u 2an# me #
" ?'SanBee+i eC(l"e"6Ne$ru
an" Pa#el $a" /#$ urge" )an"$i
# all2 #$e (li=e # sear=$ #$e
(u/li= =ming # $is (ra%ers6
)an"$i's ans2er1 SanBee+i
eC(laine" angril%1 2as1 >I, $e
sees a (li=eman in uni,rm a#
$is (ra%ers1 $e'll g n a ,as# #
"ea#$6 @$a# =an 2e "?'
T$e ans2er # SanBee+i's
'ues#in la% n #$e "es. ,
an#$er In"ian (li=eman 844
miles ,rm Del$i6 U6 H6 Ran a1
#$e De(u#% Ins(e=#rD)eneral in
=$arge , #$e &ID Pna1 $a"
,inall% /#aine" #$e in,rma#in
$e =ul" $a+e g# ,ur "a%s
earlier /% #$e sim(le eC(e"ien#
, a #ele($ne =all6 Nine "a%s
a,#er Ma"anlal's ,irs# s#a#emen#1
,i+e "a%s a,#er $is ,ull
=n,essin1 a (li=e ,,i=er 2as
,inall% in (ssessin , #$e
i"en#i#ies , #$e +enge,ul #rini#%
s2rn # (ene#ra#e #$e (re=in=#s
, Birla Huse6
Ye# Rana "i" n# #ele($ne r
=a/le a "es=ri(#in , A(#e an"
)"se # Del$i6 He ma"e n
e,,r# # rus$ #$eir ($#s # #$e
guar"s a# Birla Huse )a#e6
Ba"ge s(en# #$e "a% .ni##ing u(
$is /ulle#D(r, +es#s in $is
Pna arms s$(1 unmles#e" /%
Rana'? men6 T$e same
"e#ermine" /elie, #$a# m#i+a#e"
SanBee+i's a=#ins in Del$i
a((aren#l% g+erne" Rana's in
#$e =a(i#al , Hin"u eC#remism6
He seeme" =n,i"en# #$e
au#$rs1 , #$e ,ias= , 54
Januar% 2ul" ne+er "are s#ri.e
again6 T$e ms# im(r#an#
in,rma#in #$e In"ian (li=e
(ssesse" ne+er le,# $is "es.6
T$e #$ree men 2$ 2ere n#
su((se" # =me /a=. s#" in
#$e s(arsel% ,urnis$e" =n,ines
, Re#iring Rm Num/er SiC ,
#$e Ol" Del$i rail2a% s#a#in
2a#=$ing #$e /us#le , #ngas1
=ar#s1 =rea.ing /uses1 s2arming
/% in #$e s#ree# /el26 T$e (li=e
, In"ia n lnger $a" "a%s in
2$i=$ # sa+e #$e li,e ,
Ma$a#ma )an"$i6 T$e% $a" nl%
$urs6 )"se1 A(#e an" *ar.are
$a" Bus# ,iCe" in #$a# "im
railra" s#a#in rm #$eir
ren"eQ+us 2i#$ $is#r%6 T$e%
$a" =$sen #$e $ur 2$en #$e%
2ul" .ill M$an"as )an"$i6
T$e% 2ul" assassina#e $im a#
,i+e '=l=. #$e ,ll2ing "a%1
!ri"a%1 ?4 Januar%1 in #$e same
Birla Huse gar"en in 2$i=$
#$eir ,irs# a##em(# n $is li,e $a"
,aile"6S6
Na#$uram 2as in a g" m"
W*ar.are re=alle"_6 He 2as +er%
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
=$eer,ul6 He 2as relaCe"6 A#
a/u# :6?41 in a m"% 2a%1 $e
sai"1 '&me6 @e mus# all $a+e
ur las# meal #ge#$er6 @e mus#
$a+e a g" meal1 a ,eas#6 @e
ma% ne+er /e a/le # $a+e
an#$er6'
@e 2en# "2n an" s#ar#e" #
2al. #$rug$ #$e s#a#in un#il 2e
g# # a res#auran# name"
Bran"n's run /% a =n#ra=#r
2$ $a" a =$ain , su=$
res#auran#s in all #$e s#a#ins6
'@e =an'# g #$ere1' A(#e s
'*ar.are is a +ege#arian6'
Na#$uram #$re2 $is arm arun"
m% s$ul"er an" sai"H 'Yu rig$#6
Tnig$# 2e mus# all /e #ge#$er6'
S 2e 2en# in sear=$ , an
(la=e6
@e as.e" ,r a sum(#uus mealH
ri=e1 +ege#a/le =urries1 =$a(e
T$e 2ai#er sai" #$ere 2ere n
sur ga# =ur"s # "rin.1 a
,es#i+e "i ,r a +ege#arian meal6
Na#$uram =alle" #$e $ea"2ai#er
an" ga+e 3 ,i+e ru(ees6 'L.1'
$e sai"1 '#$is is a (ar#% meal6 @e
2an# =ur"s /ruB6 Yu g
an%2$ere %u $a+e # g1 %u
/u% a# an% (ri=e1 /u# %u /ring
/a=. =ur"s6'
Sa#is,ie" 2i#$ ur meal1 2e
2al.e" /a=. # #$e Re#iring
Rm1 2ere (re(are" # s'a% an"
=$a#1 /u# Na#$uram sai"H 'N6
N2 %u m le# me relaC6 I 2an#
# /e alne6'
As A(#e an" *ar.are s#ar#e" #
lea+e #$e rm1 *ar.are #urn
/a=. ,r a las# glan=e a# )"se6
T$e man 2$ 2as ging # .
)an"$i 2as alrea"% s#re#=$e"
u# n $is /e" rea"ing ne , #$e
#+ /.s $e $a" /rug$# 2i#$
$im # Del$i6 I# 2as an Erie
S#anl )ar"ner1 Perr% Masn
"e#e=#i+e s#r%6
Ma$a#ma )an"$i s(en# #$e ,inal
e+ening , $is li,e s#ruggling 3
,inis$ 2$a# 2ul" /e=me $is
las# 2ill an" #es#amen# # #$e
In"ia na#in1 $is "ra,# , a ne2
=ns#i#u#in ,r #$e &ngress
Par#%6 J 76301 #$e #as. ,inall%
=m(le#e"1 $e rse6 'M% $ea" is
reeling1' $e sig$e"6
He s#re#=$e" u# $ $is (alle#
an" res#e" $is /al" $ea" n
Manu la( 2$ile s$e sl2l%
massage" i# 2i#$ il6 !r #$e
$an",ul , "e+#e "is=i(les 2$
s$are" $is eCis#en=e1 #$se ,e2
mmen#s /e,re slee al2a%s
=ns#i#u#e" a res#,ul islan" in
#$eir =r2"e" "a%s1 a /rie
'uar#er , an $ur 2$en #$eir
Ba(u /elnge" # #$em an" n#
# #$ 2rl"6 RelaCe"1 =$a##ing
gail%1 )an"$i 2ul" re+ie2 #$e
"a%' e+en#s1 ma.ing #$e li##le
B.es $e l+e"6
T$is e+ening1 $2e+er1 #$ere
2as n B% n $is ,a=e6 He =ul"
n erase ,rm $is memr% #$e
$a#eD=ns#ri=#e" mu#$ , #$e
re,ugei u##ering $is =urse6 He
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
2as silen# ,r #2 r #$ree
minu#es 2$ili Manu's (r/ing
,ingers s#re#=$e" an" =n#ra=#e"
#$e s.in , $iH s=al(6 T$en $e
/egan # "is=urse n a su/Be=#
$is "ra,# =ns#i#u#ii $a" /rug$#
# $is min"1 #$e gr2ing signs ,
=rru(#in amng #$e men
2$se un"is(u#e" lea"er $e'"
n=e /een6
'H2 =an 2e l. #$e 2rl" in
#$e ,a=e i, #$is ges n?' $e
as.e" FT$e $nur , #$e 2$le
na#in $inges n #$se 2$ $a+e
(ar#i=i(a#e" in #$e ,ree"m
s#ruggle6 I, #$e% # a/use #$eir
(2er1 2e are sure # lse ur
,#ing6'
He la(se" in# an#$er , $is
melan=$l% silen=es6 T$en1 in a
,rlrn +i=eT $e $al,D2$is(ere"
a +erse , an Ur"u (e# , #$e
=i#% , Alla$a/a"6
'S$r# li+e" is #$e s(ring in #$e
gar"en , #$e 2rl"1' $e sig$e"6
'@a#=$ #$e /ra+e s$2 2$ile i#
las#s6'
A,#er lea+ing )"se1 A(#e an"
*ar.are 2ere ner+us6 T$e%
"e=i"e" # g # a =inema6
@e 2al.e" arun" an" 2en# in#
#$e ,irs# ne 2e sa2 W*ar.are
remem/ere"_6 I# 2as a ,ilm
/ase" n a s#r% , Ra/in"rana#$
Tagre1 #$e grea# (e#6 A# #$e
in#ermissin 2e 2ere s#an"ing
an" #al.ing in #$e l//%6 I 2as
=n=erne" /e=ause a# ur
,are2ell "inner1 Na#$uram $a"
sai"1 'I#'ll /e all +er #mrr2
r #$e "a% a,#er #mrr26'
'D %u remem/er Na#$uram's
2r"s?' I as.e" A(#e6
' Yes1' $e sai"6
'@ell1 2$% "i" Ae sa% s?' I
as.e"6 '@ill $e reall% /e a/le #
" i#1 /e=ause i#'s a $ea+% #as.?'
A(#e "re2 u( =lse # me6
'Lis#en *ar.are1' $e sai"1 8 .n2
Na#$uram /e##er #$an %u "6 I'll
#ell %u 2$a# $a((ene" an" %u
"ra2 %ur =n=lusin6 @$en 2e
le,# Del$i n 54 Januar%1 2e
2en# "2n # &a2nD(re in #$e
,irs#D=lass =m(ar#men#6 @e
2ere =$a##ing ,r a lng #ime an"
n# $a+ing a g" slee(6 A#
a/u# siC in #$e mrning1 as 2e
2ere nearing &a2n(re1
Na#$uram Bum(e" "2n ,rm
$is u((er /er#$6 He s$. me6
FA(#e1 are %u a2a.e?F $e
as.e"6 FLis#en1F $e sai"1 Fi#'s I
2$ am ging # " i#1 I an" n
ne else6 T$is mus# /e "ne /%
ne man 2$ is rea"% #
sa=ri,i=e $imsel,6 I 2ill /e #$a#
man6 I 2ill " i# alne6F'
A(#e l.e" a# me6 -er% ,ier=el%1
/u# +er% l2 s n ne arun"
us mig$# $ear1 $e sai"H 'lis#en
*ar.are1 2$en I $ear" Na#$uram
u##er #$se 2r"s1 I sa2 /e,re
m% e%es l%ing n #$e ,lr ,
#$a# =ar1 #$e "ea" /"% ,
Ma$a#ma )an"$i6 T$a# is $2
mu=$ ,ai#$ I $a+e in Na#$uram6'
A #erri/le ,i# , =ug$ing
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
engul,e" #$e slen"er ,igure n
$is (alle# in Birla Huse6 T$e
"e+#e" girl 2$ $a" s$are" s
man% , )an"$i's (ain,ul $urs
"uring #$e las# %ear ,el# #ears ,ill
$er e%es as s$e 2a#=$e" $is li##le
/"% 'ui+ering /esi"e $er6
Manu .ne2 #$a# Sus$ila Na%%ar
$a" le,# /e$in" a (a=.age ,
(eni=illin lQenges ,r )an"$i's
use n Bus# su=$ ==asins as
#$is6 Li,e in #$e ser+i=e , In"ia's
Ma$a#ma1 $2e+er1 2as n#
eas%6 Manu 2as a,rai" # sugges#
$e #a.e ne1 sure $er ges#ure
2ul" ,,en" $im6 !inall%1
una/le # /ear $er Ba(u's
anguis$ an% lnger1 s$e ,,ere"
# /ring $im ne6
)an"$i's re(l% # $er sli=i#u"e
2as eCa=#l% 2$a# Manu $a"
,eare" i# 2ul" /e1 a re(ra=$6
S$e 2as re+ealing1 $e sai"1 $er
la=. , ,ai#$ in $is sle (r#e=#r1
Rama6
'I, I "ie , "isease r e+en a
(im(le1' $e gas(e" /e#2een
/urs#s =ug$ing1 'i# 2ill /e %ur
"u#% # s$u# # #$e 2rl" ,rm
#$e r #(s #$a# I 2as a ,alse
ma$a#ma6 T$en m% sul1
2$ere+er i# ma% 2ill res# in
(ea=e6'
His sa" e%es ,iCe" #$e girl #
2$m $e $a" #rie" # /e a m#l
2$ $a" /een $is '(ar#ner an"
$el(er' in s man% , #$e
s#ruggleH #$e (as# mn#$s6 'Bu#1'
$e sai"1 'i, an eC(lsin #.
(la=e as i# las# 2ee.1 r
sme/"% s$# a# me an" I
re=ei+e" $is /ulle# n /are =$es#
2i#$u# a sig$ an" 2i#$ Rama's
name n m% $(s1 = #$en s$ul"
%u sa% I 2as a #rue ma$a#ma6
T$is 2ill /ene,i# In"ian (e(le6'
*ar.are an" A(#e gen#l% ease"
(en #$e "r # Re#iring Rm
an" (eere" insi"e6 Na#$uram
)"se 2as s#re#=$e" u# n $is
a# #$e en" , #$e rm1 slee(ing
sun"l%6 He seeme" # *arl
'2i#$u# a =are in $is $ea" r
min"'6 L%ing n #$e ,lr /esi"e
2as #$e "e#e=#i+e s#r% $e $a"
,inis$e" rea"ing #$a# e+ening6

THE SE&OND &RU&I!IMION

A?0

T$e Se=n" &ru=i,iCin
Ne2 Del$i1 ?4 Januar% 37A:
T$e las# "a% in #$e li,e ,
/egan as all $is "a%s sin=e Su#$
A,ri=a1 /% $is (ra%ing in #$e
"ar. rea=$es /e,re #$e "a2n6
&rssDlegge" n $is (alle#1 $is
/a=. #= a =l" mar/le 2all1 $e
an" #$e mem/ers , $is =urius
li##le =m(an% =$an#e" #ge#$er
,r #$e las# #ime #$e +erses , #$e
=eles#ial sng , Hin"uism1 #$e
B$aga+a" )i#a6 !r #$is !ri"a%
#$eir mrning re=i#a#in
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=m(rise" #$e ,irs# an" se=n"
, #$e )i#a's eig$#een "ialgues6
)an"$i's $ig$1 s,# +i=e
/len"e" 2i#$ #$se , $is
,ll2ers singing u# #$e
,amiliar s#anQas6
!r =er#ain is "ea#$ ,r #$e /rn
an" =er#ain is /ir#$ ,r #$e "ea"B
T$ere,re +er #$e ine+i#a/le
T$u s$ul"s# n# grie+e6
@$en #$e (ra%er 2as +er1 Manu
le" )an"$i in# #$e s(are rm
in 2$i=$ $e 2r.e"6 He "reame"
, 2al.ing # Pa.is#an1 /u# $e
2as n# %e# s#rng enug$ #
m+e ,rm ne rm # an#$er
unai"e"6 Si##ing "2n a# #$e
#run=a#e" #a/le #$a# ser+e" as $is
2ri#ingD"es.1 $e #l" Manu $e
2an#e" $er # =$an# ,r $im
#$rug$u# #$e "a% #2 lines , a
$%mn6 '@$e#$er #ire" r n#1 O
man1 " n# #a.e res#!'
As #$e% $a" agree" #$e e+ening
/e,re1 A(#e an" *ar.are
re#urne" # Re#iring Rm
Num/er SiC a# #$e Ol" Del$i
railra" s#a#in s$r#l% a,#er 8
a6m6 # ,in" )"se alrea"%
a2a.e6
!r #2 $urs 2e 2ere si##ing
#ge#$er in #$e rm1 $a+ing
=$a#s1 "rin.ing #e" an" =,,ee
#ge#$er6 @e 2ere B.ing1
#al.ing1 "is=ussing6 T$en 2e
s#ar#e" ge##ing serius6 T$e
reasns ,r #$is seriusness 2as
#$a#1 al#$ug$ Na#$uram $a"
"e=i"e" # .ill )an"$iBi #$a# "a%
in #$e e+ening1 2e s#ill $a" n
i"ea a# all $2 $e 2as ging #
" i#6
A==r"ingl%1 2e $a" # ,in" a
(lan6 @e i nagine" #$a# a,#er #$e
/m/ eC(lsin , #$e 54#$1 #$e
(la=e arun" )an"$iBi a# Birla
Huse 2ul" /e $ea+il% guar"e"
an" i# 2ul" /e "i,,i=ul# ,r us #
ge# an en#ran=e6 Pr/a/l% #$e
(e(le ging # #$e (ra%er
mee#ing 2ul" /e sear=$e" ,r
arms an" s 2e .ne2 2e nms#
,in" #$e sa,e1 sure 2a% # ge# #$e
gun in an" " #$e "ee"6
@e "is=usse" ,r sme #ime an"
#$en Na#$uram $a" #$is i"ea6 @e
2ul" g in# #$e s#ree# an" /u%
,rm a ($#gra($er ne ,
#$se l"s#%le =ameras n a
#ri(" 2i#$ a /la=. $" un"er
2$i=$ #$e ($#gra($er 2r.s6
@e 2ul" =n=eal #$e (is#l
insi"e #$e /ase , #$e =amera6
Na#$uram 2ul" se# $is =amera
/e,re #$e mi=r($ne 2$ere
)an"$i 2ul" /e s(ea.ing6 He
2ul" (u# #$e $" +er $is
$ea"1 #a.e u# #$e (is#l an"
2$ile )an"$iBi 2as #al.ing1
s$# $im ,rm un"er #$e
=n=ealmen# , #$e
SA==r"ingl%1 2e 2en# "2n
in# #$e s#ree# in sear=$ , a
($#gra($er 2$se =amera 2e
mig$# /u%6 @e ,un" ne near
#$e s#a#in1 /u# a,#er 2e s#u"ie"
$im ,r a 2$ile1 A(#e annun=e"
i# 2as a /a" i"ea6 He sai"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
n/"% use" =ameras li.e #$a#
an% mre1 an" an%ne ging #
)an"$iBi s (ra%er mee#ing #
#a.e $is (i=#ure 2ul" use a
small )erman r Ameri=an
=amera6
@e 2en# /a=. # #$e Re#iring
Rm # #$in. , sme #$er
i"ea6 Smene sugges#e" 2e
#a.e a /ur'a1 #$e garmen# #$a# is
generall% use" /% Mslem
2men # m+e a/u# in #$e
s#ree#s6 T$ere 2ere man%
Mslem 2men =ming #
)an"$iBi's (ra%ers in #$se #imes
/e=ause $e 2as #$eir sa+iur6 In
a""i#in1 #$e 2men 2ere
usuall% =lses# # $im1 s #$a#
2a% Na#$uram =ul" ge# in ,r a
=lse s$#6 @e 2ere +er% eC=i#e"
/% #$is i"ea6 @e 2en# # #$is
/aQaar an" (ur=$ase" a /ur'a1
#$e /igges# ne 2e =ul" ,in"6
@e /rug$# i# /a=. # #$e
Re#iring Rm6
@$en Na#$uram (u# i# n1 $e
,un" u# ins#an#l% #$a# #$e i"ea
2ul" n# 2r. a# all6 T$e ,l"s
.e(# ge##ing in #$e 2a% an"
$in"ering $im6 8 2ill ne+er /e
a/le # #a.e u# #$e (is#lT $e
sai"1 8 2ill /e =ug$' in #$is
2man's "ress # m% e#ernal
s$ame 2i#$u# $a+ing .ille"
)an"$iBi6'
S n2 2e $a" # #$in. , sme
#$er i"ea6 @e $a" 2as#e" ms#
B ur mrning n /a" i"eas6 @e
$a" nl% siC $urs le,# /e,re #$e
#in> , #$e .illing an" 2e s#ill
"i" n# $a+e ur (lan6 !inall%1
A(#e sai"H' @ell1 Na#$uram1
sme#imes #$e sim(les# #$ings
are #$e /es#1' He sai" 2e s$ul"
"ress Na#$uram in a .in" ,
gre%is$ mili#ar% sui# +er% mu=$
usee /% #$e (e(le a# #$a# #ime6 I#
$a" a lse s$ir# 2$i=$ $ung a#
#$e si"es B #$e (an#s 2$i=$
2ul" =+er #$e /ul. , #$e
(is#l n $is la(6 Sme2$a in
"es(air1 2e "e=i"e" #$a# 2as ur
/es# I"ea6 A==r"ingl%1 2e
re#urne" A #$e /aQaar an"
(ur=$ase" #$is u#,i# ,r
Na#$uram1
T$en 2e 2en# /a=. # #$e s#ree#
, #$e =ameraman 2e $a" seen
earlie in #$e mrning1 an" 2$se
=amera 2e $a" =n#em(la#e"
/u%ing6 T$er 2e ma"e #$e
+er2$elmingl% s#u(i"1
ama#euris$ an" sen#imen#al ges#a
, $a+ing a (i=#ure #a.en6
@e re#urne" # #$e rm # relaC
an" "e=i"e n ur (lan6 N"l$ura
2ul" g ,irs# # Birla Huse1
an" A(#e an" I 2ul" ,ll26
@$en #l #ime ,r #$e "ee" $a"
=me1 ne , us 2ul" s#an" n
ea=$ si"e ,Na#$ura In #$a# 2a%1
i, an%ne #rie" # in#er,ere 2i#$
$is s$#ing1 2e mig$# s#i #$em
an" Na#$uram 2ul" $a+e #ime
# #a.e =are,ul aim /e,re
s$##n I# 2as /% #$en #ime #
+a=a#e #$e Re#iring Rm
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
a==r"ing # #$e rules #$a# (la=e1
Na#$uram #. u# #$e (is#l6 He
=are,ull% (u# se+en /ul/ insi"e6
T$en $e (la=e" I# n $is U( an"
2e le,#6
@e 2en# "2n # #$e 2ai#ingD
rm , #$e rail2a% s#a#in #
(ass i $urs In #$a# ann%mus
(la=e un#il i# 2as #ime # g6
A,#er 2e $a"/# #$ere,r sme
#ime1 Na#$uram annun=e" # us
$e $a" a "esire ,r grun" nu#s1
#$a# is (eanu#s6 I# 2as a (e##%
#$ing $e 2as as.ing1 an" 2e
2ere ,eeling s #en"erD$ear#e"
#2ar"s $im 2e 2ere /u##er in
$is $an"s6 He 2as a/u# #
sa=ri,i=e $imsel,6 @e "i" n#
2an# an%#$ing # "is#ur/ $im r
"is#ra=# $im6 @$a#e+er $e
2an#e"1 2e 2ul" " ,r $im6
A==r"ingl%1 A(#e 2en# ,, #
sear=$ ,r (eanu#s6 A,#er sme
#ime $e =ame /a=.1 #elling #$a#1
2ell1 #$ere 2ere n (eanu#s
a+aila/le in Del$i1 2ul" =as$e2
nu#s " in (la=e1 r almn"s "
in (la=e?
Na#$uram sai" 'N6 Bring me
sme (eanu#s nl%6'
@e "i" n# 2an# # ma.e $im
u(se# in +ie2 , #$e grea# #as.
#$a# 2as /e,re $im6 An" s1
A(#e se# ,, again in sear=$ ,
(eanu#s6 !inall%1 a,#er sme #ime1
$e =ame /a=. 2i#$ a large /ag
,ull , #$se nu#s6 Na#$uram #.
i# an" eagerl% /egan # g//le
#$em u(6
B% #$e #ime $e $a" ,inis$e"1 i#
2as #ime ,r us # lea+e6 @e
"e=i"e" # g ,irs# # Birla
Tem(le6 A(#e an" m%sel,
(ar#i=ularl% 2an#e" # (ra% #
#$e "ei#ies #$ere # $a+e "ars$an6
Na#$uram1 $2e+er1 2as n#
in#eres#e" in su=$ #$ings6 He
2en# arun" # #$e gar"en
/e$in" #$e Tem(le1 near #$e
,res# 2$ere 2e $a" ma"e #$e
(ra=#i=e s$#ing # 2ai# ,r us6
@e rem+e" ur s$es a# #$e
en#ran=e an" 2en# /are,#6 A#
#$e en#r% 2e rang #$e /rass /ell
$anging +er ur $ea"6 T$a# is a
ges#ure # aler# #$e )"s # ur
(resen=e6 @e 2en# ,irs# # #$e
=en#ral i"l1 #$a# , La.s$mi
Nara%an1 a "ei#%1 a =u(le1 (ius
# #$e Hin"us6 T$en 2e le,# #$a#
al#ar ,r #$e al#ar , *ali1 #$e
)""ess , Des#ru=#in1 # $a+e
ur "ars$an #$ere6 !irs#1 2e
/2e" ur $ea"s in silen=e 2i#$
$an"s ,l"e"6
@e #$re2 a ,e2 =ins a# #$e
)""ess's ,ee#6 T$en 2e ga+e a
,e2 mre =ins # #$e Bra$min
(ries# 2$ 2as #$ere6 In re#urn1
#$e Bra$min ga+e us sme (e#als
, ,l2ers an" sme "$is#a1 #$e
sa=re" 2a#er , #$e Jumna6 @e
#$re2 #$e ,l2ers # #$e
)""ess1 as.ing $er ,r su==ess
in ur en"ea+ur6 T$en 2e
#u=$e" ur e%es 2i#$ #$e (ius
2a#er , #$e Jumna6
Ou#si"e1 2e ,un" Na#$uram
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s#an"ing in #$e gar"en6 He 2as
s#an"ing /% a s#a#ue ,S$i+aBi1
#$e grea# Hin"u 2arrir6 He
as.e" us '"i" %u $a+e %ur
"ars$an?'
@e sai" '%es' an" Na#$uram sai"
'2ell1 I $a" m% "ars$an1 #6'
T$e "ars$an , Na#$uram )"se
$a" n# /een 2i#$ an% ,igure in
#$e (an#$en , Hin"uism's g"s
insi"e #$a# san=#uar% re"len#
2i#$ Basmine an" in=ense6 His
"ei#% 2as #$a# ,igure n #$e (illar
a/+e $im1 #$e 2ir% 2arrir 2$
$a" "ri+en #$e Mg$uls ,rm #$e
$illsi"es , Pna6 I# 2as in $is
name1 an" ,r #$e "ream , a
mili#an# Hin"u em(ire #$a# $is
a=$ie+emen#s ins(ire" in $im1
#$a# )"se 2as (re(are" #
=mmi#1 in Bus# ne $ur's #ime1
a mur"er #$a# 2ul" $rri,% #$e
2rl"6
T$e #$ree men s#rlle" in #$e
gar"en ,r se+eral minu#es6
!inall% A(#e l.e" a# $is 2a#=$6
I# 2as ,urD#$ir#%6
'Na#$uram1' $e sai"1 '#$e #ime $as
=me6'
Na#$uram glan=e" a# A(#e's
2a#=$6 T$en $e l.e" a# $is #U
=lleagues6 He (resse" #$e (alms
, $is $an"s #ge#$er in ,rn# $is
=$es# an" n""e" # #$em6
'Namas#e1' $e sai"6 '@e " n#
.n2 2$e#$er an" $2 2e s$
e+er /e #ge#$er again6'
*ar.are's regar" ,ll2e" $im as
$e =lim/e" "2n #$e s#e(s #$e
#em(le an" 2en# #$rug$ #$e
=r2" in sear=$ , a #nga1
,un" ne1 g# in an" '2i#$u#
l.ing /a=. (r=ee"e" #2ai
Birla Huse 2$ere )an"$iBi 2as
$a+ing $is (ra%ers'6
Ma$a#ma )an"$i $a" li+e" $is
!ri"a%1 ?4 Januar% in s#ri=# a==
an=e 2i#$ #$e inBun=#in , #$e
$%mn $e r"ere" Manu # re( #
$im #$a# mrningH 'O Man1 "
n# #a.e res#!' !r #$e ,irs# #i
sin=e $is ,as#1 # #$e "elig$# ,
$is en#urage1 $e $a" 2al.e"
unai" His 2eig$# in"i=a#e" $e
$a" gaine" $al, a (un"1 (r,
#$e s#renT 2as =ming /a=. #
$is slen"er ,rame1 e+i"en=e ,r
)an"$i # )" s#ill $a" grea#
#as.s # la% /e,re $im6
A,#er $is mi""a% res# $e $a"
gne #$rug$ a "Qen in#er+ie
T$e ms# "i,,i=ul# 2as #$e las#
ne1 #$e ne #$rug$ 2$i=$ $e n
la/ure"6 His in#erl=u#r 2as
ne , $is l"es# an" ms# ,ai##
,ll2ers1 #$e #a=i#urn #2en#ie#$D
=en#ur% Mg$ul 2$ $a" muli
)an"$i's &ngress1 -alla/$/$ai
Pa#el6 T$e ine+i#a/le =n,li=#
/e#2 Pa#el1 #$e #ug$Dmin"e"
realis#1 an" Ne$ru1 #$e s=ialis#
i"ea $a" ,inall% eru(#e"6 On
)an"$i's li##le 2ri#ingD"es. 2as
a =(B Pa#el's le##er ,
resigna#in ,rm Ne$ru's
g+ernmen#6 )an"$i i Lr"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Mun#/a##en $a" "is=usse" #$e
'uarrel "uring #$eir &n sa#in
/e,re )an"$i's ,as#6 T$e
)+ernrD)eneral $a" ur )an"$i
n# # all2 Pa#el # resign6
'Yu =an'# le# $im g1'
Mun#/a##en $a" 2arne"1 '%u
=an'l Ne$ru g ei#$er6 In"ia
nee"s /#$ , #$em1 an" #$e%'+e
g# # le # 2r. #ge#$er6'
)an"$i agree"6 He =n+in=e"
Pa#el $e s$ul" 2i#$$l" $is re
na#in6 T$e #$ree , #$em1 $e1
Pa#el an" Ne$ru1 2ul" si# "V
#ge#$er n=e again as #$e% $a"
in #$e l" #imes1 "uring #$e =ril
mmen#s in #$e ,ree"m
s#ruggle6 Tge#$er1 #$e% 2ul"
#$ras$ ma##er u#6
@$ile $e #al.e"1 A/$a /rug$#
$is e+ening meal , ga#'s n
+ege#a/le Bui=e an" ranges6 As
sn as $e $a" ,inis$e" #$a# aus
re(as# $e =alle" ,r $is s(inningD
2$eel6 S#ill =arr%ing n $is anim
"ialgue 2i#$ Pa#el1 $e /egan #
#urn #$e =rea.ing 2"en "e
2$i=$ s%m/liQe" $im #
millins arun" #$e 2rl"1
,ai#$,ul " # #$se =lsing
mmen#s , $is li,e # ne , #$e
(rin=i(les

$a" g+erne" i#1 $is "i=#um #$a#
'/rea" #a.en 2i#$u# la/ur is
s#len /rea"'6
T$e .illers 2ere alrea"%
2an"ering in #$e gar"ens /e%n"
#$e rm 2$ere )an"$i #urne"
$is 2$eel6 !i+e minu#es a,#er
Na#$uram1 A(#e an" *ar.are $a"
in #$eir #urn #a.en a #nga #
Birla Huse6
T ur relie, an" sur(rise
W*ar.are remem/ere"_1 2e
,un" #$e en#ran=e , Birla
Huse (se" n (r/lem a# all6
T$e guar" $a" /een in=rease"1
/u# n ne 2as sear=$ing #$e
=r2" =ming in ,r 2ea(ns6
@e 2ere relie+e"6 @e .ne2 #$en
Na#$uram $a" ma"e $is en#ran=e
sa,el%6 @e 2al.e" u# # #$e
gar"en an" #$ere 2e sa2
Na#$uram mingling 2i#$ #$e
=r2"s6 He seeme" =m(se"
an" g"Ds(iri#e"6 @e1 , =urse1
"i" n# s(ea. # ne an#$er6 T$e
=r2" 2as s=a##ere" arun" #$e
la2n6 As ,i+e '=l=. an" #$e
#ime ,r #$e (ra%ers gre2 near1
#$e (e(le /egan # m+e
#ge#$er6 @e #(. Our (la=es n
ei#$er si"e , Na#$uram6 @e "i"
n# s(ea. r glan=e a#'$im s as
n# # re+eal ur se=re#6 He 2as
s mu=$ in $imsel,1 $e seeme"
# $a+e ,rg##en us1 # $a+e
,rg##en 2e 2ere #$ere6
Our (lan 2as # .ill )an"$i a,#er
$e $a" sa# "2n n #$e li##le
(ra%er mee#ing (la#,rm ,a=ing
#$e =r2"6 T " i#1 2e s#a#ine"
ursel+es a# #$e u#er rim , #$e
=r2" #2ar"s #$e rig$# as 2e
,a=e" #$e (la#,rm6 I# 2ul"
mean an a==ura#e s$# , a/u#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$ir#%D,i+e ,ee#6 SiQing u( #$e
"is#an=e I silen#l% 2n"ere" '&an
Na#$uram " i#?' He 2as n# an
eC(erien=e" r (ar#i=ularl% g"
s$#6 @ill $e /e ner+us an" lse
$is aim1 I 2n"ere"? I glan=e" a#
Na#$uram6 He 2as s#aring
s#raig$# a$ea"1 seemingl% =alm1
all 2ra((e" u( in $imsel,6 I
glan=e" a# m% 2a#=$6 )an"$iBi
2as =ming la#e6 I /egan #
2n"er 2$%6 I 2as a /i# ner+us6
Manu an" A/$a 2ere ner+us
#6 I# 2as alrea"% #en minu#es
(as# ,i+e6 T$e gen#le "i=#a#r
2$ ran #$eir li+es $a#e" n#$ing
s mu=$ as /eing la#e1 an" a/+e
all /eing la#e ,r $is e+ening
(ra%ers6 T$e #ne , $is #al. 2i#$
Pa#el $a" seeme" s gra+e1
$2e+er1 #$a# nei#$er , #$em
$a" "are" in#erru(# # remin"
$im , #$e #ime6 !inall%1 Manu
=aug$# $is e%e an" ges#ure" a#
$er 2a#=$6
)an"$i glan=e" "2n a# $is l"
Ingersll1 #$en alms# lea(# ,rm
$is (alle#6 'O$1' $e sai" # Pa#el1
'%u mus# le# me g ,ree6 I# is
#ime ,r me # g # )"'s
mee#ing6'
As $e emerge" ,rm #$e ,,i=e
in# #$e gar"en #$e li##le =r#ege
#$a# al2a%s es=r#e" )an"$i #
#$e (ra%er grun"s ,rme" u(
,r #$e las# #ime6 T2 , i#s
mem/ers 2ere missing6
Sus$ilaNa%%ar6#$e "=#r 2$
usuall% 2al.e" in ,rn# ,
)an"$i1 2as s#ill in Pa.is#an6
T$e (li=e ,,i=er 2$m #$e
/e"ri""en D6 @6 Me$ra $a"
assigne" # re(la=e $im a#
)an"$i's si"e 2as n# #$ere
ei#$er6 He $a" /een summne"
# an urgen# mee#ing in
"2n#2n Del$i # "is=uss

s#e((e" in# #$e =rri"r6 He $a"
#$e (is#l =n=eale" /e#2een $is
$an"s6 He /2e" sl2l% ,rm
#$e 2ais#1 an" $e sai" # $imH
'Namas#e )an"$iBi6'
Manu #$ug$# $e 2an#e" # .iss
)an"$i's ,ee#6 )en#l%1 s$e
eC#en"e" an arm # m#in $im
a2a%6 'Br#$er1' s$e murmure"1
'Ba(u is alrea"% #en minu#es
la#e6'
A# #$a# ins#an# Na#$uram's le,#
arm s$# u#1 #$rus#ing $er
/ru#all% asi"e6 T$e /la=. Bere##a
(is#l la% eC(se" in $is rig$#
$an"6 Na#$uram (ulle" #$e
#rigger #$ree #imes6 T$ree s$ar(
re(r#s s$a##ere" #$e s#illness ,
#$e (ra%er grun"6 Na#$uram
)"se $a" n# ,aile"6 All #$ree
run"s #re in# #$e =$es# , #$e
slen"er ,igure a"+an=ing
#2ar"s $im6
Manu1 gr(ing # re=+er #$e
s(i##n an" n#e/. Na#$uram
$a" .n=.e" ,rm $er $an"s1
$ear" #$e s$#s6 S$e l.e" u(6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Han"s =las(e" in gree#ing1 $er
/el+e" Ba(u seeme" # /e s#ill
m+ing ,r2ar"1 =$es# /are1
#r%ing # #a.e ne las# s#e(
#2ar"s #$e (ra%er (la#,rm
a$ea"6 S$e sa2 #$e re" s#ains
s(rea"ing +er #$e gleaming
2$i#e .$a"i6 )an"$i gas(e"1 'He
Ram D O )"!' T$en a li,eless
li##le /un"le1 $e sl2l% san. #
#$e grun" /esi"e $er1 $is $an"s
s#ill ,rQen in #$e ,inal ges#ure #
2$i=$ $is s(iri# $a" =mman"e"
#$em1 a gree#ing # $is assassin6
In #$e ,l"s , #$e /l"Dsa.e"
"$#i1 Manu sa2 #$e eig$#D
s$iUing Ingersll 2a#=$ 2$se
lss $a" s (aine" )an"$i #en
mn#$s /e,re6 I# 2as se+en#een
minu#es (as# ,i+e6
> > >
Luis Mun#/a##en re=ei+e"
#$eJne2s )an"$i $a" /een s$#
as $e #r##e" u( # )+ernmen#
Huse ,rm a ri"e6 His ,irs#
2r"s ,rme" a 'ues#in
millins 2ul" as. in #$e neC#
$ursH '@$ "i" i#?'
'@e "n'# .n21 sir1' #$e AD&
2$ $a" gi+en $im #$e ne2s
ans2ere"6 Mun#/a##en rus$e"
# =$ange6 Minu#es la#er1 as $e
"as$e" u# , )+ernmen#
Huse1 $e s(##e" $is (ress
a##a=$eS Alan &am(/ellD
J$nsn6 He r"ere" $im in# $is
2ai#ing =ar6
B% #$e #ime #$e #2 men rea=$e"
Birla Huse an enrmus =r2"
$a" alrea"% engul,e" i#s
grun"s6 As #$e% (us$e" #$eir
2a% #$rug$ #$e #$rng #
)an"$i's 'uar#ers1 a man1 $is
,a=e =n#r#e" 2i#$ ,renQ% an"
$%s#eria1 s$rie.e"1 'I# 2as a
Mslem 2$ "i" i#6'
A su""en silen=e ,rQe #$e
=r2"6 Mun#/a##en #urne" #
#$e man6
'Yu ,l1' $e s$u#e" as lu"l%
as $e =ul"1 '"n'# %u .n2 i#
2as a Hin"u ?'
Se=n"s la#er1 as #$e% (asse"
in# #$e $use1 &am(/ellD
J$nsn #urne" # $im6 'H2 =an
%u (ssi/l% .n2 i#'s a Hin"u?'
$e as.e"6 'I "n'#1' ans2ere"
Mun#/a##en1 '/u# i, i# reall% 2as
a Mslem1
In"ia is ging # li+e ne , #$e
ms# g$as#l% massa=res #$e 2r.
$as e+er seen6'
Mun#/a##en's =n=ern 2as
s$are" /% #$usan"s6 T$e
=er#ainS #$a# a "isas#er 2ul"
engul, In"ia i, )an"$i's assassin
#urne" u# #; /e a Mslem
(rm(#e" #$e "ire=#r , All
In"ia Ra"i # ma.e ai
eC#rar"inar% an" res(nsi/le
"e=isinH ins#ea" , in#erru(#ing
#$i ra"i's na#in2i"e =ir=ui#s
2i#$ In"ia's s=( , #$e =en#ur%1
$V r"ere" (rgrammes #
=n#inue as nrmal6 @$ile #$e%
"i"6'#$# $ea"'uar#ers , #$e
(li=e an" arm%1 em(l%ing #$eir
eraergen' #ele($ne =ir=ui#s1 (u#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
e+er% maBr arm% an" (li=e
=mman" ir In"ia n emergen=%
,#ing6 !rm Birla Huse1 #$e
(li=e rela%e= # #$e ra"i #$e
ms# +i#al ne2s , allH Na#$uram
)"se 2as e Hin"u , #$e
Bra$min =as#e6 Pre=isel% a# siC
'=l=.1 in an annun=e' men#
e+er% 2r" , 2$i=$ $a" /een
=are,ull% s#u"ie"1 #$e In"iar
(e(le learne" , #$e "ea#$ ,
#$e gen#le man 2$ $a" /rug$#
#$en ,ree"m6
'Ma$a#ma )an"$i1' #$e ra"i
annun=e"1 '2as assassina#e" !r
Me2 Del$i a# #2en#% minu#es
(as# ,i+e #$is a,#ernn6 His
assassir 2as a Hin"u6'
T$e slaug$#er $a" /een a+i"e"T
i# n2 remaine" # In"ia #=
murn6
Ma$a#ma )an"$i's =r(se 2as
#a.en /a=. in# Birla Huse ,rrr
#$e gar"en in 2$i=$ $e $a" /een
s$# an" (la=e" n #$e s#ra2
(allei n 2$i=$ $e sle(# neC# #
#$e s(inningD2$eel $e'" #urne"
,r #$V las# #ime a ,e2 minu#es
earlier6 A/$a lai" a 2llen
2ra((er +ei $is /l"Dsa.e"
"$#i6 Smene se# /esi"e $is
(alle# $is $an",u , /elngingsH
$is 2"en s$2er =lgs1 #$e
san"als $e'" /een 2ear ing 2$en
$e 2as s$#1 $is #$ree mn.e%s1
$is )i#a1 #$e IngersL 2a#=$1 $is
=are,ull% (lis$e" s(i##n1 #$e
#in /2l #$a# 2as $iH su+enir ,
Yera+"a Prisn6
B% #$e #ime Luis Mun#/a##en
s#e((e" in# #$e rm1 i# 2as
alrea"% =r2"e" 2i#$ murners6
Ne$ru1 $is ,a=e as$en1 2as
s'ua##inB n #$e ,lr1 $is $ea"
agains# #$e 2all1 #ears inun"a#ing
$is $an"sme ,ea#ures6 A ,e2
,ee# a2a%1 a #$un"ers#ru=. Pa#el
sa# li.e a s#n> Bu""$a1 $is e%es
ri+e#e" n #$e /"% , #$e man
# 2$m $J" /ee# s(ea.ing less
#$an an $ur /e,re6
A s,# ,lu##er , sun" ,la#e"
#$rug$ #$e rmH #$e 2mer
arun" )an"$i's im(r+ise" /ier
=$an#ing #$e )i#a6 T$e range
gl2 , a "Qen ilDlam(s
2ra((e" #$e Ma$a#ma's /"% in
#$eir sa= an" gen#le aura6 T$e
arma , in=ense $ung n #$e
air6 Manu sun"lessl% 2ee(ing1
$el" $er /el+e" Ba(u's $ea" in
$er la(6 @i#$ #$e ,ingers #$a# $a"
massage" i# 2i#$ il #$e e+ening
/e,re1 s$e gen#l% =aresse" #$e
li,eless s.ull ,rm 2$i=$ s
man% riginal i"eas $a" ,l2e"
u# # man.in"6
L%ing #$ere n $is (alle#1 $is
'"eBe=#e" s(arr2> seeme" #
Mun#/a##en # /e alrea"%
"iminis$e" in siQe1 a =$il"'s /"%
/arel% ,illing $is li##le (ie=e ,
,lr6 Smene $a" rem+e" #$e
s#eelDrimme" s(e=#a=les #$a# $a"
/e=me s mu=$ a (ar# ,
)an"$i's ,ea#ures1 an" ,r an
ins#an#1 l.ing "2n in #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
=an"lelig$#1 Mun#/a##en "i" n#
'ui#e re=gniQe $im6 An
as#nis$ing l. , re(se
=+ere" $is ,a=e6 Ne+er1
Mun#/a##en #$ug$#1 $a" $e
seen $is ,ea#ures as (ea=e,ul an"
=m(se" in li,e as #$e% 2ere
n2 in "ea#$6 Smene (resse"
a =u( , rse (e#als in#
Mun#/a##en's $an"s6 Sa"l%1 $e
le# #$e (in. lea+es #um/le # #$e
/"% /el21 #$e ,inal #ri/u#e ,
In"ia's las# -i=er% # #$e man
2$ $a" (u# an en" # $is grea#D
gran"m#$er's em(ire6 @a#=$ing
#$em ,all1 a #$ug$# s#ru=. Luis
Mun#/a##en1 a #$ug$# $e
2ul" re(ea# in a ,e2 $urs'
#ime # a =lse ,rien"6
'Ma$a#ma )an"$i1' $e #l"
$imsel,1 '2ill g "2n in $is#r%
n a (ar 2i#$ Bu""$a an" Jesus
&$ris#6'
Sli((ing #$rug$ #$e #$rng in
#$e murning =$am/er1
Mun#/a##en 2en# u( # Ne$ru
an" Pa#el6 He (u# an arm arun"
ea=$ man6 'Yu /#$ .n2 $2
mu=$ I l+e" )an"$iBi1' $e sai"6
'@ell1' $e =n#inue"1 'le# me #ell
%u sme#$ing6 T$e las# #ime 2e
#al.e" $e #l" me $2 2rrie"
$e 2as #$a# %u1 $is #2 grea#es#
,riea"s1 $is grea#es# su((r#ers1
#$e (e(le $e l+e" an" a"mire"
ms# in #$e 2rl"1 2ere "ri,#ing
a(ar#6
'He #l" me F#$e% lis#en # %u
n2 mre #$an #$e% " # me6
D %ur /es# # /ring #$em
#ge#$er6F T$a# 2as $is "%ing
2is$6 I, $is memr% means as
mu=$ # %u as %ur grie,
im(lies i# "es1 %u'll em/ra=e
an" ,rge# %ur "i,,eren=es6'
-isi/l% m+e" /% $is 2r"s1 #$e
#2 grie+ing lea"ers ,ell in# an
em/ra=e6
Mun#/a##en sn realiQe" #$a#
#$e ms# use,ul ser+i=e $e =ul"
,,er #$e na#in 2$i=$ $a" as.e"
$im # /e $er ,irs# )+ernrD
)eneral 2ul" /e # #urn $is
energies # #$e =eremn% n ne
in #$e ,irs# s$=. , grie, an"
lss $a" %e# =nsi"ere"1
)an"$i's ,uneral6
@i#$ Ne$ru an" Pa#el's
en"rsemen#1 Mun#/a##en
(r(se" em/alming )an"$i's
/"% s #$a# a s(e=ial ,uneral
#rain mig$# =arr% $is remains
a=rss In"ia1 gi+ing #$e millins
$e'" l+e" an" ser+e" a =$an=e
,r a las# "ars$an 2i#$ #$eir
Ma$a#ma6 )an"$i's #imi"
se=re#ar%1 P%arelal Na%ar1 en"e"
#$a# i"ea6 )an"$i1 $e sai"1 $a"
ma"e i# a/slu#el% =lear $e
2is$e" $is remains # /e
=rema#e" 2i#$in 5A $urs , $is
"ea#$ in s#ri=# a==r"an=e 2i#$
Hin"u =us#m6
'Yu realiQe1' Mun#/a##en #l"
Ne$ru an" Pa#el1 '#$a# in #$a#
=ase 2e 2ill $a+e =r2"s su=$
as In"ia $as ne+er seen in Del$i
#mrr26 T$ere is nl% ne
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
rganiQa#in in #$e =un#r% =a(a
, rganiQing an" =n"u=#ing a
,uneral (r=essin in #$se =
"i#insH #$e mili#ar%6'
T$e #2 In"ian lea"ers l.e"
ag$as# a# $is 2r"s6 T$e #$u
#$a# )an"$i1 , all men1 s$ul"
/e =n"u=#e" # $is ,uneral ( /%
#$se 2$se (r,essin 2as 2ar1
a((alle" #$em6
)an"$i a"mire" #$e "is=i(line ,
#$e ser+i=es1 Mun#/a# assure"
#$e #2 lea"ers6 He 2ul" $a+e
$a" n /Be=#in # #l ,illing #$e
rle6 Ne$ru an" Pa#el ,inall%
n""e" #$eir relu=#an# agi men#6
T$e las# +%age , In"ia's
(r($e# , nnD+ilen=e #$rug$
(e(le 2ul" /e =n"u=#e" as a
mili#ar% (era#in6
A,#er Mun#/a##en $a" se# #$e
ma=$iner% in m#in1 $e #urne=
Ne$ru6 'Yu .n21' $e sai"1 >%u
mus# ma.e an a""ress # #$e na#i
T$e (e(le 2ill /e l.ing #
%u ,r a lea" n26'
'I =an'#1' Ne$ru gas(e"6 'I'm #
u(se#6 I am n# (re(are"6 I "V
.n2 2$a# # sa%6'
Dn'# 2rr%1' Mun#/a##en
re(lie"1 ')" 2ill #ell %u 2$al
sa%6F
S(n#aneusl%1 in#ui#i+el%1 In"ia
rea=#e" # #$e ne2s , )an"
"ea#$ 2i#$ #$e ms# a((r(ria#e
, ges#ures6 As )an"$i $a" se#
(e(le n #$e mar=$ #
in"e(en"en=e 2i#$ a $ar#al1 a
na#in2i"e , murning1 s
In"ia n2 mar.e" $is (assing in
#$e srr2 silen=e , a real
$ar#al6
A/+e #$e +as# (lains1 #$e ,iel"s1
#$e =lu##ere" slums an" 2ri#!_
Bungles1 #$e air 2as =r%s#al =lear6
T$e man#le , In"ia's nig$#1 #$e
$aQe , #$e =2D"ung ,ires
/urning in a $un"re" millin
$ear $a" "isa((eare"6 T murn
#$e Ma$a#ma1 #$se $ear#$s 2ere
a
Bm/a% 2as a g$s# =i#%6 !rm
#$e /eau#i,ul mansins , Mala
Hill # #$e slums , Parel1 #$e
(e(le 2e(#6 &al=u##a's grea#
Mai 2as alms# em(#%6 T$rug$
i#s s#ree#s a /are,# sa"$u1 $is 3
smeare" 2i#$ as$es1 2al.e"1
=r%ingH FT$e Ma$a#ma is "ea"6
@ =mes an#$er su=$ as $e?'
In Pa.is#an1 millins , 2men
s$a##ere" #$eir /au/les #rin.e#s in
a #ra"i#inal ges#ure , grie,6 In
La$re1 n2 aln en#irel%
Mslem1 ne2s(a(er ,,i=es
s2arme" 2i#$ (e(le =lamui
,r ne2s6 T$ere 2ere #ru/le
s(#s #6 Pli=e $a" # (r#e=#
2$i#e2as$e" s$e" in Pna #$a#
s$el#ere" #$e (ress , #$e Hi
Ras$#ra6 A #$usan" (e(le #rie"
# s#rm Sa+ar.ar Sa"an in Bi
/a%6 M/s a##a=.e" #$e
$ea"'uar#ers , #$e Hin"u
Ma$asa/$a #$e RSSS in =i#ies
a=rss #$e na#in6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
RanBi# Lai1 #$e (easan# ,rm
&$a#$ar(ur1 a +illage u#si"e Ds
2$ $a" 2al.e" $me ,rm #$e
in"e(en"en=e =ele/ra#ins /ees
#ngas $a" /e=me #
eC(ensi+e1 $ear" #$e ne2s n a
gi,# 2$i=$ ,ree"m $a" /rug$#
$im an" $is ,ell2 +illagers1 a
ra"i1 (r+i"e" /% #$e Minis#r%
, Agri=ul#ure6 Ins#in=#i+el%1 a#
#$e 2r" , )an"$i's "ea#$1 Lai
an" #$e en#ire +illage rse6 Bla=.
sil$ue##es in #$e nig$#1
&$a#$ar(ur's in$a/i#an#s as 2ell
as #$se , s=res , #$er
+illages1 s#ar#e" # mar=$ a=rss
#$e $ills # Del$i1 re#urning #
#$e a+enues 2$ere #$e% $a"
=ele/ra#e" #$eir ,ree"m s as #
murn i#s ar=$i#e=#1 $ar/ingers
, #$e ,l" , $umani#%
Mun#/a##en $a" (re"i=#e"
2ul" (ur in# #$e =a(i#al a#
"a2n6
Burie" in rse (e#als an"
Basmine /lms1 )an"$i's /"%
2as =arrie" # an (en /al=n%
n #$e se=n" ,lr , Birla
Huse6 !ur ilDlam(s ,r #$e
,i+e elemen#s1 ,ire1 2a#er1 air1
ear#$ an" #$e lig$# 2$i=$ uni#es
#$em1 2ere aligne" a# $is $ea"6
T$en1 se# n a 2"en /ar"1 $is
remains 2ere eC(se" # #$e
+isi#rs /el21 =lamuring ,r a
(ar#ing glan=e a# #$eir ls#
Ma$a#ma6
T$e% $a" /een #$ere ,r $urs6
As #$e% $a" n=e /ra+e" #$e
la#$is , #$e Bri#is$ (li=e in
)an"$i's name1 #$e% $a" /ra+e"
#$em all e+ening # 2in ne
s2i,# l. #$rug$ #$e glass
"rs , Birla Huse in# #$e
rm in 2$i=$ $is /"% la%6
T$usan"s , #$ers $a"
s2arme" in# #$e gar"en 2$ere
)an"$i $a" /een s$#1 (lu=.ing
/la"es , grass as #$eir (ersnal
memrials , In"ia's li/era#r6
N21 #$e% ,l2e" (as# #$e
/al=n% in #$eir #$usan"s1 2$i#e
.$a"i "$#is an" "resses s$ining
in #$e glare , #$e sear=$lig$#s1
#$e +e#erans , an arm% , g$s#s
=me # murn #$eir ,allen
general6
On #$e #$er si"e , Del$i1 a
$ear#/r.en man ,un" in #$e
"e(#$s , $is srr2 #$e 2r"s
$e'" "es(aire" , ,in"ing6
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru's e%es 2ere
,ille" 2i#$ #ears as $e s#e((e"
/e,re #$e mi=r($ne , All
In"ia Ra"i6 As #$e% $a" /een
n In"e(en"en=e E+e1 #$e 2r"s
$e 2as a/u# # u##er 2ere
s(n#aneus1 /u# #$e% gl2e"
2i#$ un,rge##a/le /eau#%6
T$e lig$# $as gne u# , ur
li+es an" #$ere is "ar.ness
e+er%2$ere1' $e sai"6 'Our
/el+e" lea"er1 Ba(u1 as 2e
=alle" $im1 #$e ,a#$er , #$e
na#in1 is n mre6
T$e lig$# $as gne u#1 I sai"1
an" %e# I 2as 2rng6 !r #$e
lig$# #$a# s$ne in #$is =un#r%
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
2as n r"inar% lig$#6' In a
#$usan" %ears1 $e (re"i=#e"1
'#$a# lig$# 2ill s#ill /e seen 666 #$e
2rl" 2ill see i# an" i# 2ill gi+e
sla=e # innumera/le $ear#s6
!r #$a# lig$# re(resen#e"
sme#$ing mre #$an1 #$e
imme"ia#e (resen#T i# re(resen#e"
#$e li+ing1 #$e e#ernal #ru#$s1
remin"ing us , #$e rig$# (a#$1
"ra2ing us ,rm errr1 #a.ing
#$is an=ien# =un#r% # ,ree"m6'
T$e lig$# 2$se "isa((earan=e
Ne$ru murne" /elnge" # #$e
res# , #$e 2rl" as 2ell as #
In"ia6 !rm e+er% =rner , a
s$e gl/e1 messages ,
=n"len=e (ure" in# Ne2
Del$i6
T$e ne2s , )an"$i's "ea#$
m+e" Ln"n as n e+en# $a"
#$e en" , #$e 2ar6 Ln"ners
(asse" ea=$ #$er =(ies , #$e
u# e"i#ins , #$e e+ening (ress
annun=ing #$e mur"er
(er(leCing ,igure 2$'" =me #
#$eir =i#% ,i,#een %ears earliei
s$ee#1 a ga# /% $is si"e1 # as.
,r #$e re#urn , #$e =r2n Be2
#$eir em(ire6 *ing )erge -IT
#$e Prime Minis#er1 &lemen# A
)an"$i's l" ,e1 @ins#n
&$ur=$illT S#a,,r" &ri((sT #$e #
/is$( , &an#er/ur%T #$usan"s
, #$ers sen# #$eir =n"le
Nne 2ere as memra/le as #$e
#au# #ri/u#e ,rm #$e (la%2rig$#
)an"$i $a" me# in Ln"n in
37?31 )erge Bei S$a26 His
mur"er1 S$a2 sai"1 's$2s $2
"angerus i# is # g"'6
In Paris #$e Premier1 )erges
Bi"aul#1 remar.e"1 'All #$se
/elie+e in #$e /r#$er$" ,
men 2ill murn )an"$i's "ea#$6'
I Su#$ A,ri=a1 )an"$i's ,irs#
(li#i=al ri+al1 !iel"DMars$al Jan
Sr sen# a sim(le #ri/u#eH 'A
(rin=e amng us $as (asse"1' $e
sai" #$e -a#i=an1 Pius MII (ai"
#ri/u#e # 'an a(s#le , (ea=e
an" a ,# , &$ris#iani#%'6 T$e
&$inese1 #$e In"nesians 2ere
s$=.e" ai "isa((earan=e , #$e
man 2$ 2as #$e (re=ursr ,
Asian i (en"en=e6 In
@as$ing#n1 Presi"en# Harr%
Truman "e=lare"1 en#ire 2rl"
murns 2i#$ In"ia6'
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru's sis#er1 Mrs -6
L6 Pan"i#1 se# u# a regis#ei
=n"len=es in $er ne2l%
(ene" Em/ass% in Ms=26
N# a si mem/er , Jse, S#alin's
!reign O,,i=e en#ere" $is name
in i#6
FT$ere =an /e n =n#r+ers% in
#$e ,a=e , "ea#$1' )an= (rin=i(al
(li#i=al ri+al1 M$amme" Ali
Jinna$1 2r#e in $is mes ,
=n"len=e1 'He 2as ne , #$e
grea#es# men (r"u=e" /% Hin"u
=mmuni#%6' @$en ne ,
Jinna$'s assis#an#s1 re+ie2ing
#eC# 2i#$ $im1 sugges#e"
)an"$i's "imensins 2ere
grea#er #$ai 2n =mmuni#%1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Jinna$ "emurre"6 )an"$i $a"
ris.e" $is liT ,r#nig$# /e,re ,r
In"ia's Mslems an" # sa+e
Jinna$'s s ,rm /an.ru(#=%1 /u#
#$e Luai"DeDAQQam 2as as
in,leCi/le as e
'N1' $e sai"6 FT$a#'s 2$a# $e
2as D a grea# Hin"u6'
A((r(ria#el%1 in #$a# +as#
u#(uring , #ri/u#es1 i# 2as
In"ians #$emsel+es 2$
(r"u=e" #$e ms# memra/le
#es#im , all6 I# =ame n #$e
e"i#rial (age , #$e Hin"us#an
S#an"ar"6' (age 2as le,# /lan.1
ringe" /% a /la=. /r"er6 A# i#s
=en#re 2V single (aragra($ se# in
/l" ,a=e #%(e6 I# rea"H
')an"$iBi $as /een .ille" /% $is
2n (e(le ,r 2$se re"em(l
$e li+e"6 T$is se=n" =ru=i,iCin
in #$e $is#r% , #$e 2rl" /een
ena=#e" n a !ri"a% D #$e same
"a% Jesus 2as "ne

"ea#$ ne #$usan" nine $un"re"
an" ,i,#een %ears ag6 !a#$er1
,rgi+e us6'
Jus# a,#er mi"nig$#1 )an"$i's
/"% 2as /rug$# "2n ,rm
#$e /al=n% , Birla Huse6 !r
a ,e2 /rie, $urs $e /elnge"
again # #$e li##le =m(an% #$a#
$a" s$are" $is aus#ere eCis#en=eH
Manu an" A/$a1 P%arelal1 /is
se=re#ar%1 #2 , $is sns1
De+a"as an" Ram"as1 #$e
$an",ul , #$ers 2$ $a" /een
a# $is si"e in #$e #rium($s an"
$ear#/rea. , #$e las# %ear , $is
li,e6
!ll2ing #$e s#ri=# "i=#a#es ,
Hin"u =us#m1 Manu an" A/$a
smeare" ,res$ =2D"ung +er
#$e mar/le ,lr , Birla Huse
# (re(are i# # re=ei+e )an"$i's
=r(se6 @$en )an"$i's sns an"
se=re#aries $a" gi+en $im a ,inal
/a#$1 $is /"% 2as 2ra((e" in a
2in"ingDs$ee# , $mes(un
=##n an" se# n #$e ,lr n a
2"en (lan.6 A Bra$min (ries#
anin#e" $is =$es# 2i#$
san"al2" (as#e an" sa,,rn6
Manu (resse" a +ermilin "#
u(n $is ,re$ea"6 T$en s$e an"
A/$a l+ingl% 2r#e 'Hi Ram' in
laurel lea+es a# $is $ea" an"
'Om' in rse (e#als a# $is ,ee#6 I#
2as ?6?4 a6m61 #$e $ur a# 2$i=$
)an"$i usuall% a2.e ,r
(ra%er6 @ee(ing s,#l%1 $is
=m(anins sa# "2n /% $is /ier
an" ,ille" #$e li##le rm 2i#$ a
,are2ell $%mn # #$e man /e,re
#$em6
'&+er %ursel, 2i#$ "us#1' #$e%
sang1 '/e=ause ul#ima#el% %u
s$all /e a# ne 2i#$ #$e "us#6
Ha+e %ur /a#$ an" "ress in
,res$ garmen#s6 T$ere s$all /e
n re#urn ,rm #$ere 2$ere %u
are ging6'
T$en1 /e,re gi+ing #$e /"% ,
#$eir /el+e" Ba(u /a=. # a
2ai#ing 2rl"1 #$e% (er,rme" a
,inal ges#ure6 T$e% all .ne2 $2
)an"$i $a#e" #$e Hin"u =us#m
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
, garlan"ing #$e "e,un=# 2i#$
2rea#$s , ,l2ers6 An" s
De+a"as .n##e" arun" $is
,a#$er's ne=. #$e rnamen#
2ul" #a.e n /is +%age #
e#erni#%1 a l( , $mes(un
=##n %arn =u# ,rm #$e #$rea"s
$e'" #urne" #$a# a,#ernn 2i#$
#$e las# re+lu#ins , $is
=$eris$e" s(inningD2$eel6
!rQen in #$e s#ill sereni#% ,
"ea#$1 Ma$a#ma )an"$i ,,ere"
$is +isage # $is (e(le ,r an
ul#ima#e an" (a#$e#i= "ars$an6
On=e again1 n i#s raise" 2"en
(lan. $ea+% 2i#$ rse (e#als an"
Basmine1 $is /"% 2as eC(se"
a# sunrise # #$e (u/li= ,rm #$e
/al=n% , Birla Huse6 Dri+en
/% an irresis#i/le "esire ,r a las#
+isin , #$eir Ma$a#ma1 #$e
2a+es , murners $a" engul,e"
#$e $use 2i#$ #$e ,irs# ra%s ,
/rea.ing "a%1 /ea#ing u( agains#
i#s 2$i#e2as$e" 2alls in a
=ns#an#l% rene2e" sea , l+e
an" "es(air6
Jus# a,#er ele+en in #$e mrning1
/is "is=i(les =arrie" #$e 2"en
sla/ "2n ,rm #$e /al=n% an"
gen#r% se# i# u(n #$e +e$i=le
2$i=$

se# u# ,rm $is +illage #$e
e+ening /e,re a# #$e ne2s ,
)an"$i's assassina#in6 As #$e
=r#ege sl2l% sli((e" /el2 $is
(er=$1 RanBi# Lai sa2 ,r #$e
,irs# #ime in $is li,e #$a# ,amus
,a=e res#ing n i#s =us$in ,
,l2ers6 He ,el# #$e s#ing , #ears
in $is e%es6 One sim(le #$ug$#
anima#e" $is gra#e,ul /eing as $e
2a#=$e" )an"$i (assH 'He ga+e
me m% ,ree"m6'
!rm #$e "me , Dur/ar Hall1
Luis Mun#/a##en's (ress
a##a=$e Alan &am(/ellDJ$nsn
2a#=$e" #$e =r#ege a"+an=e
2i#$ alms# im(er=e(#i/le
m+emen# alng #$a# im(erial
a+enue1 #$e +e$i=le a# i#s $ear#
l=.e" in #$e em/ra=e , +as#
s2arms , (e(le6 T$ere1 n #$a#
/ule+ar" "esigne" # =ele/ra#e
#$e #rium($s , em(ire1 )an"$i1
$e realiQe"1 '2as re=ei+ing in
"ea#$ a $mage /e%n" #$e
"reams , an% -i=er%'6
!r ,i+e $urs1 an $ur # =+er
ea=$ mile , i#s ru#e1 #$a#
(r=essin 6=n#inue" i#s mar=$
#$rug$ #$e murning #$rngs #
#$e /an.s , #$e Jumna an"
)an"$i's ,uneral (%re6 T$ere a#
leas# an#$er millin (e(le
s#re#=$e" u# +er #$e /ra"
mea"2s /e%n" #$e 2ai#ing
(%rami" , lgs6 &n#em(la#ing
#$a# un/elie+a/le #$rng1
Margare# Bur.eD@$i#e
su""enl% ,el# s$e 2as a/u# #
re=r" 2i#$ $er Lei=a lens '#$e
larges# =r2" e+er # ga#$er n
#$e ,a=e , #$e ear#$'6
In a small =learing a# #$e $ear# ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$a# mass , $umani#%1 (r#e=#e"
nl% /% a #$in s=reen , In"ian
airmen1 2ere a $un"re"
"igni#aries a2ai#ing #$e ,uneral
=r#ege6 T$e lean sil$ue##e ,
Luis Mun#/a##en1 $is $ea"
=+ere" /% $is 2$i#e na+al
,,i=er's =a(1 rse a/+e #$em a#
#$e ,# , #$e ,uneral (%re i#sel,6
@$en a# las#1 (asse" ,rm $an"
# $an" a/+e #$e $ea"s , #$e
=r2"1 )an"$i's /"% /egan #
m+e #2ar"s #$e (%re1 a 2a+e
, un=n#rlla/le $%s#eria #$rus#
#$e mul#i#u"e ,r2ar"6 'T$ere'll
/e 'ui#e a s#ir in Ln"n 2$en
#$e% learn Mun#/a##en1 $is 2i,e1
$is "aug$#ers an" $is s#a,, $a+e
/een =rema#e" alng 2i#$
)an"$i1' MaBr Mar#in )illia#1 a
mem/er , #$a# s#a,,1 #$ug$#6
Sensing #$a# mena=e1
Mun#/a##en (a#ien#l% "r+e #$e
"igni#aries /a=. #2en#% %ar"s
,rm #$e enrmus (ile , lgs6
T$en $e m#ine" all , #$em #
si# "2n n #$e grun" #$a# #$eir
,ee# $a" alrea"% =$urne" # mu"6
He $imsel,1 "es(i#e $is
imma=ula#el% =lean /lue na+al
uni,rm1 ga+e #$e eCam(le alng
2i#$ $is 2i,e an" "aug$#er6
!inall%1 #$e (lan. /earing
)an"$i's =r(se rea=$e" #$e
en=lsure6 His sns gen#l% lai" i#
u(n #$e grea# run" lgs ,
san"al2"1 $is $ea" (in#e"
nr#$1 $is ,ee# (in#ing su#$
a==r"ing # #$e (res=ri(#ins ,
Hin"u ri#e6 I# 2as ,ur '=l=.
an" i# 2as #ime # $urr% i,1 as
=us#m "eman"e"1 #$e ra%s ,
#$e sun 2ere # l #$eir ,inal
/lessing # #$e ,a=e , #$e man
/eing =rema#e" a# I ins#an# #$e
,lames =nsume" $is /"%6
Ram"as1 )an"$i's se=n" sn
res(nsi/le a==r"ing # Hin
#ra"i#in ,r =n"u=#ing #$e
=eremn% in #$e a/sen=e , $is
el" /r#$er Harilal1 =lim/e" n
# #$e (%rami"6 @i#$ De+a"as1 i
%unges# /r#$er1 $e sa.e" #$e
(ile in g$ee1 =lari,ie" /u##er1 miC
2i#$ ==nu# il1 =am($r an"
in=ense6
L.ing a# #$e sil$ue##e , #$e
man $e $a" =me # .n2 2ell
in #$e /rie, s(an , a %ear1 Luis
Mun#/a##en 2as "eeB m+e"6
'He l.e" as #$ug$ $e 2as
slee(ing (ea=e,ull% #$e /e,re
ur e%es1' $e remem/ere"1 'an"
%e# in a ,e2 se=n"s 2$ 2e
l.e" n $e 2as ging #
"isa((ear in a ,las$ , ,lames6'
Ram"as )an"$i ma"e ,i+e
m%s#i= #ri(s arun" #$e (%re 2$
sa,,rnDr/e" (ries#s =$an#e"
#$eir man#ras6 T$en smene
(ass $im a #r=$ igni#e" /% a
gl2ing =$ar=al /rug$# ,rm
#$e e#en ,ire , #$e Tem(le , #$e
Dea"6 Ram"as raise" i# a/+e
$is $e an" (lunge" i# in# $is
,a#$er's ,uneral (%re6 As #$e ,irs#
un=er#a ,lames /egan # li=.
#$eir 2a% +er #$e san"al2"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
lgs1 a 'ui+eriH +i=e =$an#e" #$e
an=ien# -e"i= (ra%er 2$se
2r"s #$e =nsumi_ (%re
,ul,ille"H
Lea" me ,rm #$e Unreal # #$e
Real !rm Dar.ness # Lig$#
!rm Dea#$ # Immr#ali#%6
A# #$e sig$# , #$e =urls ,
sm.e #2is#ing u( ,rm #$e (%re1
#$ +as# assem/l% s#re#=$ing "2n
#$e ,iel"s # #$e ri+er's e"ge
$ea+e ,r2ar"6 Be$in" $er1
Pamela Mun#/a##en sa2 "Qens
, 2me 2ee(ing $%s#eri=all%1
#ear #$eir $air an" #$eir saris1
#$en #r% # #$ru #$eir 2a% (as#
#$e +er2$elme" (li=e1 $(ing
# a==m(lis$ #l an=ien# In"ian
ri#e , Sa#i1 #$e #ra"i#inal
sui=i"e , 2i"U #$r2ing
#$emsel+es in# #$eir $us/an"'s
,uneral (%re6 Onl% / ,a#$er's
,resig$# in ,r=ing #$em all #
si# n #$e mu""% grur sa+e" #$e
"igni#aries ,rm /eing "ri+en /%
#$e =r2"'s un=n#rlla/ surge
in# #$e ,lames in a massi+e an"
in+lun#ar% Sa#i6
T$e ,lames1 ,in"ing #$e +la#ile
,uel , #$e g$ee1 su""enl%
eC(l"e +er #$e ,uneral (%re6 A
,urius ge%ser , s(ar.s /ile"
in# #$e si as #$e =ra=.ling
2rea#$ , ,lame en+el(e" #$e
(%rami" , san"a 2" lgs6
T$e s#ill /r2n ,igure a# i#s $ear#
"isa((eare" ,re+i /e$in" an
range =ur#ain , ,ire6 T$e =l"
2in#er 2in" s2ee(ir "2n #$e
Jumna 2$i((e" #$e ,lames
$ig$er1 (ulling #$e "ense1 i
sm.e ,rm #$e (%re6 As #$a#
/la=. (illar mun#e" a s.%
in=arnT "ine" /% #$e ra%s , #$e
se##ing sun1 a murn,ul =r% rising
,rm millin =$es#s s$. #$e
(lains , #$e JumnaH 'Ma$a#ma
)an"$i amar $ ga%el D
Ma$a#ma )an"$i $as /e=me
immr#al6'
All nig$# 2$ile #$e ,uneral (%re
=le"1 #$e murners ,ile"
silen#l% (as# #$e sm.ing
remains , 2$a# $a" n=e /een a
grea# man6 Ls# amng #$em1
unre=gniQe" an" unremar.e"1
2as #$e man 2$ s$ul" $a+e li#
#$se ,lames1 a "ereli=# ra+age"
/% al=$l an" #u/er=ulsis1
Ma$a#ma )an"$i's el"es# sn
Harilal6
An#$er man1 #1 $is ,a=e
"is#r#e" /% grie,1 .e(# an allD
nig$# +igil +er #$e gl2ing
em/ers , #$e ,ire #$a# $a"
=nsume" #$e man $e $a" s
l+e" an" a"mire"6 A$ e(=$ in
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru's li,e $a"
en"e" in #$e /laQe #$a# $a" ma"e
$im an r($an6 A# ,irs# lig$# $e
lai" a li##le /u'ue# , rses n
#$e s#ill smul"ering as$es6
'Ba(uBi D Li##le !a#$er D ' $e sai"1
'$ere are ,l2ers6 T"a% a# leas# I
=an ,,er #$em # %ur /nes an"
as$es6 @$ere 2ill I ,,er #$em
#mrr2 an" # 2$m ?'
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
> > >
As Hin"u (ra=#i=e "i=#a#e"1 #$e
as$es , Ma$a#ma )an"$i 2ere
immerse" in a /"% , 2a#er
,l2ing # #$e sea n #$e #2el,#$
"a% a,#er $is =rema#in6 T$e si#e
=$sen # re=ei+e #$e remains
2as ne , #$e ms# sa=re" in
Hin"u"m1 #$e sangam a#
Alla$a/a"1 #$e s(# 2$ere #$e
mu""% 2a#ers , #$e E#ernal
M#$er )anges Bin #$e =lear
running Jumna an" #$e m%s#i=
Sara+as6 T$ere1 a# #$e =n,luen=e
, #$se grea# ri+ers 2$se
names $a" =urse" "2n
#$rug$ In"ia's $is#r%1 in #$e
maBes#i= #i"es #$a# $a" =arrie"
a2a% #$e as$es , s man% ,
#$se ,a=eless millins 2$se
B%s an" su,,erings $e $a" ma"e
$is 2n1 )an"$i 2ul" /len"
2i#$ #$e =lle=#i+e sul , $is
(e(le as a "r( , 2a#er in an
en"less sea6
T$e =((er urn =n#aining $is
as$es 2as /rne +er #$e ?7?
mile Burne% ,rm Ne2 Del$i #
Alla$a/a" in a #rain =m(se"
slel% , #$ir"D=lass =ars1 (assing
alng i#s ru#e #$rug$ a $uman
=rri"r , millins , In"ians
=me # ,,er a ,inal $mage #
In"ia's )rea# Sul6 A# #$e
Alla$a/a" s#a#in #$e urn 2as
=arrie" # a 2ai#ing #ru=. 2$i=$
"r+e i# #$rug$ #$e mamm#$
=r2"s # #$e 2a#er's e"ge6
T$ere1 a 2$i#e1 ,l2erD/an.e"
In"ian Arm% am($i/ius
+e$i=le1 a '"u=.'1 2ai#e" # /ear
i# # mi"Ds#ream6
Ne$ru1 Pa#el1 )an"$i's sns
De+a"as an" Ram"as1 Manu1
A/$a1 $is #$er =lse ass=ia#es1
#. #$eir (la=es /esi"e #$e urn
n #$e "u=.6 !rm #$e ri+er/an.1
? millin (e(le ,ll2e" i#s
(rgress a=rss #$e 2a#ers6
As #$e su/lime ins#an#
a((ra=$e"1 a =$rus , -e"i=
=$an#s an" #in.ling /ells mingle"
2i#$ #$e "issnan# 2ail , #$e
In"ian ,lu#e rse a/+e #$e
=r2"6 Hun"re"s , #$usan"s
, murne ,re$ea"s s#rea.e"
2i#$ as$es an" san"al2"
(as#e1 s#r"e ir #$e ri+er # Bin
in a gigan#i= an" m%s#i=
=mmunin6 T$e% #$ri ==nu#
s$ells ,ille" 2i#$ ,l2ers1 ,rui#1
s2ee#s1 mil.1 /i#s , $i n # #$e
=urren#6 T$en1 #$rus#ing #$eir
=u((e" (alms in# #$e 2a#e #$e%
gul(e" #$ree mu#$,uls , #$e
ri+er's sa=re" /r#$6
@$en #$e "u=. rea=$e" #$e
legen"ar% Bun=#in , #$e ri+e
Ram"as )an"$i ,ille" #$e urn
=n#aining $is ,a#$er's as$es 2i#$
# mil. , a Sa=re" &26 He
gen#l% s2irle" #$e urn's =n#en#s
2$ #$e (assengers n #$e "u=.
=$an#e" a las# $%mnH 'Hl% Sul1
m sun1 air an" ,ire /e aus(i=ius
un# #$eeT ma% #$e 2a#ers , all #
ri+ers an" #$e =eans /e $el(,ul
un# #$ee1 an" ser+e #$ee ,reU in
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
#$% g" "ee"s6'
T$en1 as #$eir =$an# =n=lu"e"1
$e leane" +er #$e "u=.'s gi
2ales an" sl2l% le# #$e miC#ure
in #$e urn ,l2 n # #$e 2a##
/el26 &aug$# /% #$e ri+er's
=urren#1 #$e mil.Dgre% sli=.
s(e=.! 2i#$ "ar. ,le=.s , as$1
sli" "2n #$e +essel's $ull6
L+ingl%1 ea , i#s (assengers
/en# +er an" s(rin.le" a ,is#,ul
, rse (e#als #$e s#ain #$a# n=e
$a" /een a man6
Brne n /% #$e ri+er's
remrseless =urren#s1 #$e gre%
,ilm 2 i#s =r2n , rse (e#als
gli"e" ,rm sig$# "2n # a
"is#an# $riQ= T$e as$es ,
M$an"as )an"$i 2ere ,, n
#$e las# (ilgrimage H "e+u#
Hin"u1 #$eir lng +%age # #$e
sea an" #$e m%s#i= ins#s 2$en
#$e E#ernal M#$er1 #$e )anges1
2ul" "e(si# #$em in # e#erni#%
, #$e =eans an" )an"$i's sul1
'u#saring #$e s$a" , #$e
nig$#'1 2ul" /e=me ne 2i#$
#$e Ma$a#1 #$e Su(reme1 # )"
, $is =eles#ial )i#a6
E(ilgue
Ma$a#ma )an"$i a=$ie+e" in
"ea#$ 2$a# $e $a" s#ri+en ,r in
$is las# mn#$s , li,e6 His
mur"er en"e" ,re+er #$e
insensa#e =mmunal .illing ,
neig$/ur /% neig$/ur in
In"ia's +illages an" =i#ies6 T$e
an#agnisms , #$e su/D=n#inen#
2ul" remain1 /u# #$e% 2ul"
$en=e,r#$ /e #rans,rme" # #$e
=n+en#inal (lane , a =n,li=#
/e#2een na#in s#a#es 2age"
/e#2een regular armies n #$e
/a##le,iel"6 T$e sa=ri,i=e in #$e
gar"ens , Birla Huse 2ul"
s#an" as #$e =limaC , #$e
#rium($ an" #rage"% 2$i=$
em/ra=e" #$e In"ian
su/=n#inen# in 37A8D:6
I#s au#$r1 Na#$uram )"se1 2as
#a.en in# =us#"% 2i#$ $is (is#l
in $is $an"6 He ma"e n e,,r# #
resis# arres#6 T$e arres# , #$e
remaining mem/ers , #$e
=ns(ira=% ,ll2e" 'ui H.l%6
Nara%an A(#e an" -is$nu
*ar.are 2ere /e#ra%e" # #$e
(li=e /% A(#e's amrus
a((e#i#es6 On1 a((r(ria#el%
enug$1 3A !e/ruar%1 S#
-alen#ine's Da%1 A(#e ans2ere"
a .n=. n #$e "r , #$e
Bm/a% $#el in 2$i=$ $e'"
/een $i"ing ,r A: $urs6 He
eC(e=#e" # ,in" $is mis#ress n
#$e "rs#e(6 He ,un" ins#ea"
#$ree Bm/a% (li=emen6 T$e
(li=e $a" "is=+ere" $is liaisn
2i#$ #$e "aug$#er , #$eir =$ie,
surgen an" $a" /een lis#ening
# #$e #ele($ne =n+ersa#in in
2$i=$ $e'" as.e" $er a ,e2
minu#es earlier # =me # $is
$#el rm6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Eig$# men1 A(#e1 Na#$uram an"
)(al )"se1 Ma"anlal1
*ar.are1 Sa+ar.ar1 Par=$ure an"
Digam/er Ba"ge's ser+an# 2ere
sen# # #rial n 58 Ma% 37A: ,r
=ns(ira=% # mur"er Ma$a#ma
)an"$i6 !rm #$e u#se#1
Na#$uram )"se =laime" sle
res(nsi/ili#% ,r #$e mur"er ,r
(li#i=al (ur(ses1 an" "enie"
#$e #$ers $a" (ar#i=i(a#e" 2i#$
$im in a =ns(ira=%6
Digam/er Ba"ge's as#nis$ing
re=r" , ?8 arres#s an" nl% ne
=n+i=#in 2as n# # /e
#arnis$e" /% $is (ar#i=i(a#in in
#$e mur"er6 T$e ,alse sa"$u
#urne" s#a#e's 2i#ness an" ne+er
$a" # s#an" #rial ,r #$e =rime6
Largel% n $is #es#imn%1 se+en
, #$e eig$# a==use" 2ere
=n+i=#e"6 -eer Sa+ar.ar 2as
a='ui##e" ,r la=. , e+i"en=e6
A(#e 2ere =n"emne" # "ea#$
,r #$e =rime6 A(#e 2ul" (a% n
#$e gail2s ,r #$e ren"eQ+us
$e $a" misse" 2i#$ an Air In"ia
s#e2ar"ess in Ne2 Del$i n #$e
e+ening , 58 Januar% 37A:6 He
2as sen#en=e" # "ie /e=ause $e
$a" /een (resen# in )2alir a#
#$e mmen# #$e mur"er 2ea(n
2as (r=ure"6
T$e Bu"ge sen#en=e" #$e ,i+e
remaining men # li,e
im(risnmi Par=$ure an"
Ba"ge's ser+an#1 $2e+er1
su==ee"e" in re+ersing #l
=n+i=#ins in A((eal &ur#6
T$eir 2n a((eals "enie"1 #$e
"a#e , Na#$uram )"se's i
Nara%an A(#e's eCe=u#in 2as
se# ,r 30 N+em/er 37A76 T2
)an"$i's sns1 $is =lse ,rien"s
an" ass=ia#es Bine" in a (e#i#
,r =lemen=% # #$e man 2$
$a" /een #$e ms# "e+#e" ,li'
, #$e (r($e# , nnD+ilen=e1
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru6 T$e (e#i#in U
"enie"6 A# "a2n1 30 N+em/er
37A71 as (r+i"e" ,r /% #$e In"
&"e , &riminal Pr=e"ures1
Nara%an A(#e an" Na#$uram )
2ere #a.en ,rm #$eir =ells # #$e
=ur#%ar" , Am/ala (risn 2$
#$e% 2ere '$ung /% #$e ne=. un#il
"ea"'6
A(#e $aa n# /elie+e" $e 2ul"
"ie ,r #$e mur"er , Ma$al
)an"$i un#il a $angman's
assis#an# (ene" $is =ell "r
#$a# m= ing6 He .ne2 #$a# a las#
minu#e re(rie+e 2ul" =me
/e=ause $e 3 rea" i# in #$e lines
, $is $an"6 S#an"ing a# #$e ,#
, #$e gali =n,rn#e" /% #$e
#erri/le e+i"en=e , $2 ,alli/le
a s=ien=e (almii 2as1 Nara%an
A(#e =lla(se"6 He $a" # /e
=arrie" # #$e 2ai# r(e6
Na#$uram )"se "e=lare" in $is
las# 2ill an" #es#amen# #$a# nl%
(ssessin $e $a" # lea+e $is
,amil% 2as $is as$es6 He =$ #
(s#(ne $is en#ran=e in#
immr#ali#% un#il #$e "ream ,r
2$ $e $a" =mmi##e" mur"er
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
$a" /een realiQe"6 De,%ing #$e
=annH Hin"u =us#m1 $e as.e"
#$a# #$se as$es s$ul" n# /e
immer in a /"% , 2a#er
,l2ing # #$e sea /u# /e $an"e"
"2n ins#e ,rm genera#in #
genera#in1 un#il #$e% =ul" /e
s(rin.le" in# In"us ri+er
,l2ing #$rug$ a su/D=n#inen#
reuni#e" un"er Hii rule6
Da##ara%a Par=$ure1 a,#er $is
=n+i=#in 2as re+erse"1 re#ur #
#$e ,,i=e 2$ere $e s#ill si#s
un"er #$e il (ain#ing , $is g#
(res=ri/ing $is =n==#ins ,
=ar"amm see"s1 /am/ s(ri
nins an" $ne% ,r #$e
=nges#e" lungs , #$e =i#iQens
, )2al
Digam/er Ba"ge1 ,earing ,r $is
li,e in Pna1 m+e" a,#er #rial
# 'uar#ers (r+i"e" ,r $im /%6
#$e (li=e in Bm/a%6 T$ $e reD
es#a/lis$e" $imsel, in #$e
(r,essin ,r 2$i=$ $e 2as
es#een #$rug$u# Bm/a%
Pr+in=eT .ni##ing u( $is =$ainD
mail1 /ul (r, +es#s6 Ba"ge $as
(rs(ere"6 His +es#s n2 sell ,r
3L4O rur6 ;O00< an" $is r"er
/. =n#ains a siC mn#$s'
/a=.lg6 He s #$em #$rug$u#
In"ia1 ms# ,re'uen#l% #
(li#i=ians 2$ $ reasn # ,ear
an a##em(# , #$eir li+es6

*ar.are1 Ma"anlal an" )(al
)"se1 $a+ing ser+e" #$eir
sen#en=es un"er #$e (r+isins
, In"ian la21 2ere release"
,rm Bail in #$e la#e 3794's6
*ar.are re#urne" # A$me"nagar
2$ere $e resume" "ire=#in ,
#$e De==an )ues# Huse1
,,ering #ra+ellers #$e
'ues#ina/le =m,r# , ne ,
$is =$ar(is1 se# se+en # a rm1
,r 3D50 ru(ees ;8 (en=e< a
nig$#6 He "ie" , a $ear#Da##a=.
in A(ril 378A6 Ma"anlal Pa$2a
se##le" in Bm/a%6 He
manu,a=#ures #%s in a l,#
/e$in" $is "2elling1 see.ing #
=m(e#e in $is small 2a% 2i#$
#$e Ja(anese in"us#rial /arns
2$se (r"u=#s ,l" #$e
mar.e#s , In"ia an" #$e !ar
Eas#6 T$e (ru"es# =rea#in
#"a% , #$e man 2$ #rie" #
"es#r% )an"$i 2i#$ a /m/ a#
Birla Huse is a r=.e# (2ere"
/% =m(resse" air 2$i=$ s$#s
344 %ar"s in# #$e s.%1 #$en
re#urns # ear#$ 2i#$ i#s 2n
(ara=$u#e6
)(al )"se resi"es n #$e #$ir"
,lr , a m"es# "2elling in
Pna6 On ne 2all , $is
#erra=e u#line" in 2rug$#Dirn
is an enrmus ma( , #$e en#ire
In"ian su/D=n#inen#6 On=e a
%ear1 n 30 N+em/er1 #$e
anni+ersar% , $is /r#$er's
eCe=u#in1 Na#$uram's as$es are
se# /e,re #$a# ma( in a sil+er
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
urn6 T$e ma( is u#line" in
gl2ing lig$# /ul/s6 Be,re i#1
)(al )"se assem/les #$e ms#
Qealus , #$e l" "is=i(les ,
-eer Sa+ar.ar6
N #2inge , remrse1 n $in# ,
=n#ri#in1 anima#es #$eir
ga#$ering6 T$e% are #$ere #
=ele/ra#e #$e memr% , #$e
'mar#%r' Na#$uram )"se an" #
Bus#i,% $is =rime # (s#eri#%6
Aligne" /e,re )(al's 2rug$#D
irn ma(1 s#irre" /% #$e
s#rumming , a si#ar1 #$se
unre(en#an# Qeal#s #$rus# #$e
(en (alms , #$eir rig$# $an"s
in# #$e air an" s2ear /e,re #$e
as$es , Na#$uram )"se #
re=n'uer '#$e +i+ise=#e" (r#in
, ur m#$erlan"1 all Pa.is#an1
# reuni#e In"ia un"er Hin"u rule
,rm #$e /an.s , #$e In"us
2$ere #$e sa=re" +erses , #$e
-e"as 2ere =m(se"1 # #$e
,res#s /e%n" #$e Bra$ma(u#ra'6
As $e $a" main#aine" $e 2ul"
,rm #$e mmen# $e a==e(#e"
#$e a((in#men#1 Luis
Mun#/a##en lai" "2n $is
=$arge as in"e(en"en# In"ia's
,irs# )+ernrD)eneral in June
37A:6 His ,inal 2ee.s in In"ia
2ere a/sr/e" 2i#$ an
unsu==ess,ul e,,r# # in"u=e #$e
ne In"ian (rin=e 2$ s#ill sa#
u(n $is #$rne1 #$e NiQam ,
H%"era/a"1 # a/an"n
(ea=e,ull% $is (re#ensins ,
in"e(en"en=e an" a==e"e # #$e
Dminin , In"ia6
T$e las# ,,i=ial ges#ure , $is
2i,e E"2ina 2as # +isi# #2 ,
#$e grea# re,ugee =am(s #
2$se inma#es s$e $a"
=nse=ra#e" s mu=$ , $er #ime
an" energ%6 B% #$e #$usan"s1
#$e 2re#=$e" in$a/i#an#s , #$se
=am(s rus$e" # /i" $er
,are2ell1 $nuring $er
"e(ar#ure 2i#$ #$e nl% gi,# #$eir
(r eCis#en=e (ermi##e"1 #$e
#ears , genuine srr2 ,illing
#$eir e%es6
On #$e e+ening /e,re #$e% le,#1
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru $nure" #$e
=u(le a# a ,are2ell /an'ue# in
#$e ,rmal "ining $all , #$eir
l" +i=eregal (ala=e6 Raising $is
glass # #$e =u(le # 2$m $e
2as lin.e" /% s man% /n"s ,
,rien"s$i( an" a,,e=#in1 ,rge"
"urin, #$e ms# memra/le %ear
, $is li,e1 $e =alle" ,r a #as# #
#$en /#$6
'@$ere+er %u $a+e gne1' $e
#l" E"2ina Mun#/a##en1 '%i
$a+e /rug$# sla=e1 %u $a+e
/rug$# $(e an"
en=uragemen# Is i# sur(rising
#$ere,re #$a# #$e (e(le , In"ia
s$ul" l+e %# an" l. u( #
%u as ne , #$emsel+es6
'Yu =ame $ere1 Sir1' $e sai" #
$er $us/an"1 '2i#$ a $ig$ re(u#a
#in1 /u# man% a re(u#a#in $as
,un"ere" in In"ia6 Yu $a+e
li+ee #$rug$ a (eri" , grea#
"i,,i=ul#% an" =risis1 an" %e# %ur
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
re(u#a#ii $as n# ,un"ere"6
T$a# is a remar.a/le ,ea#6'
His ri+al Pa#el a""e" $is 2r"s
# Ne$ru's6 '@$a# %u $a+
a=$ie+e" in #$e 2a% ,
,rien"s$i( an" g"2ill1' $e #l"
#$e Mun# /a##ens1 'em($asiQes
2$a# %ur (re"e=essrs misse"
as a resul# = #$eir al,ness an"
#$eir ,ailure # #a.e in# #$eir
=n,i"en=e #/ lea"ers , (u/li=
(inin6'
T$e ,ll2ing mrning as #$e
Mun#/a##ens r"e a2a% ,ri
Lu#%ens' (ala=e in #$e same
gil"e" =arriage as $a" "eli+ere"
#$em # i#s =eremnial gran"
s#air=ase ,i,#een mn#$s /e,re1
ne , #$e siCD$rse #eam Bi//e"6
A# #$e sig$# , #$a# /al.ing
animal re,usir # a"+an=e1 a
+i=e =alle" ,rm #$e =r2" #$e
,inal a==la"e , #$e $is#ri= an"
#umul#uus mn#$s in Ne2
Del$iH 'I# is a sign ,rm ) Yu
mus# remain in In"ia6'
T$e #erri/le "isease a Bm/a%
"=#r $a" "is=+ere" n
M$ammi Ali Jinna$'s lungs
en"e" $is li,e in Se(#em/er
37A:1 Bus# eig$# mn# a,#er #$e
mur"er , $is l" (li#i=al ,e1
/arel% #$ree mn#$s a,# #$e
eC(ira#in , #$e "ea#$ sen#en=e
$is ,rien" an" ($%si=ian $T
(rnun=e" n $im6
@i#$ #$e (ersnal =urage #$a#
$a" =$ara=#eriQe" all $is a=#ii
Jinna$ la/ure" # se=ure #$e
,u#ure , $is =$eris$e" Pa.is#an
lng as $is resur=es all2e"
$im # " s6 He "ie" in
*ara=$i1 3 /ir#$(la=e1 #$e
(r+isinal =a(i#al , #$e grea#
Islami= na#in /e /e=ause , $is
irn 2ill1 n 33 Se(#em/er 37A:6
E+en in "ea#$1 Jinn remaine"
,ai#$,ul # $is un=m(rmising
sel,6 A# #en minu#es # # #$a#
e+ening1 $is "=#r /en# =lse #
#$e "%ing Luai" an" 2$is(en
'Sir1 I $a+e gi+en %u an
inBe=#in6 )" 2illing %u are
ging li+e6'
Jinna$ ,iCe" $is un2a+ering
glare n #$e las# sig$# $is e%es
2ul" e+er see1 $is "=#r's ,a=e6
'N1 I am n#1' $e ,irml% re(lie"6
Hal, an $ur la#er $e 2as "ea"6
His na#in sur+i+e" #$e "i,,i=ul#
(eri" #$a# ,ll2e" i#s /ir#$1 /u#
#$e "em=ra#i= ins#i#u#ins 2i#$
2$i=$ i# $a" /een en"2e" "i"
n#6 A mili#ar% =u( "'e#a# le" /%
!iel"DMars$al A%u/ *$an in
370: en"e" a series ,
=rru(#inD(lague" =i+ilian
regimes6 A,#er a "e=a"e ,
au#$ri#arian /u# e,,e=#i+e rule1
*$an's regime 2as +er#$r2n
/% an#$er mili#ar% =u(6
T$e #rauma#i= eC(erien=e , #$e
3783 Bangla"es$ 2ar1 2$i=$
realiQe" Luis Mun#/a##en's
(r($e=% #$a# #$e unin /e#2een
#$e #2 $al+es , Pa.is#an 2ul"
n# las# a 'uar#er , a =en#ur%1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
/rug$# =i+ilian rule /a=. #
Pa.is#an un"er Rul,i.ar Ali
B$u##6 Dissi"en# #ri/al ,a=#ins
in Balu=$is#an an" alng #$e
!rn#ier 2$i=$ #$e Bri#is$ $a"
,un" s "i,,i=ul# # =n#rl
remain a =ns#an# =n=ern #
Pa.is#an's lea"ers6 Nne#$eless1
2i#$ #$e mre $mgeneus
na#in #$a# emerge" ,rm #$e
Bangla"es$ 2ar an" #$e
(ssi/ili#% , e=nmi=
assis#an=e ,rm #$eir ilDri=$
Mslem neig$/urs1 Pa.is#anis
=ul" =n#em(la#e #$eir na#in's
,u#ure in 3780 2i#$ grea#er
sereni#% #$an a# an% #ime sin=e
i#s =n=e(#in6
On a *ara=$i $ill#( a su(er/l%
(ru" mausleum s$el#ers #$e
/urial si#e , Pa.is#an's ,un"er1
a s#rangel% a((r(ria#e #ri/u#e
,rm $is (e(le # #$e las# ,
#$eir Mg$uls6
As Ma$a#ma )an"$i $a"
(re"i=#e"1 #$e #erri/le lega=% ,
(ar#i#in 2ul" #ru/le #$e su/D
=n#inen# ,r %ears # =me6
T2i=e1 in 3790 an" 37831 #$e
#2 na#ins s(rung ,rm a
=mmn 2m/ 2ul" ,a=e ea=$
#$er n #$e /a##le,iel"6 T$eir
=n#inuing =n,li=# im(se" a
s#aggering /ur"en , eC(en"i#ure
n #$em /#$1 "i+er#ing #$eir
limi#e" resur=es ,rm #$e
"e+el(men# , #$eir $ungr%
(e(le # #$e s#erile ins#rumen#s
, 2ar6
B#$ na#ins a==m(lis$e" in
/arel% a "e=a"e #$e (r"igius
,ea# , rese##ling an" in#egra#ing
in# a ne2 eCis#en=e #$eir
millins , re,ugees6 T$e ,er#ile
,iel"s , #$e PunBa/1 sa.e" 2i#$
#$e /l" , s man% inn=en#
+i=#ims in #$e au#umn , 37A81
,un" again #$e #in#s , $a((ier
"a%s1 #$e gl" , 2$ea# an"
mus#ar" ,iel"s1 #$e 2$i#e , #$i=.
s#an"s , =##n1 #$e green ,
sugar =ane (lan#a#ins6 In In"ia1
#$e (r+in=e1 anima#e" largel%
/% i#s Si.$ ((ula#in1 ma"e a
maBr =n#ri/u#in # #$e )reen
Re+lu#in 2$i=$1 /e,re #$e
searing "rug$#s , #$e mi"D
se+en#ies an" #$e 2rl"
(e#rleum =risis1 $a" /rug$#
In"ia # #$e #$res$l" , #$e
"ream , genera#insH sel,D
su,,i=ien=% in #$e (r"u=#in ,
," grains6
A re#urn # (rs(eri#%1 $2e+er1
"i" n# e,,a=e #$e /i##er
memries le,# /% #$e nig$#mare
, eC"us6 On /#$ si"es , #$e
,rn#ier =rea#e /% &%ril
Ra"=li,,e's (en=il a lega=% ,
$a#re"1 "ee( an" maligna!
remaine"6 One un,r#una#e man1
B#a Sing$1 #$e Si.$ ,armer 2l
$a" (ur=$ase" a Mslem girl
,leeing $er a/"u=#r1 =ame #
s%m/liT ,r millins , PunBa/is
#$e #ragi= a,#erma#$ , #$eir
=n,li=# as 2e as #$e $(e #$a#
ul#ima#el% man's en"uring
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
a(#i#u"e ,r $a((inei mig$#
+er=me #$e $a#re" se(ara#ing
#$em6
Ele+en mn#$s a,#er #$eir
marriage a "aug$#er 2as /rn #
Bl Sing$ an" Reni/1 #$e 2i,e
$e'" (ur=$ase" ,r 3044 ru(ees6
!ll2in Si.$ =us#m1 B#a
Sing$ (ene" #$e Si.$ Hl%
B.1 #$e )ran# Sa$i/1 a#
ran"m an" ga+e $is "aug$#er a
name /eginning 2i#$ #in ,irs#
le##er , #$e 2r" $e ,un" a# #$e
#( , #$e (age6 T$e le##e 2as a
'T an" $e =$se Tan+eer D
Mira=le , #$e S.%6
Se+eral %ears la#er1 a (air ,
B#a Sing$'s ne($e2s1 ,urius i
lsing a =$an=e # in$eri# $is
(r(er#%1 re(r#e" Reni/'s
(resen= # #$e au#$ri#ies 2$
2ere #r%ing # l=a#e 2men
a/"u=#e" "urin #$e eC"us6
Reni/ 2as 2ren=$e" ,rm B#a
Sing$ an" (la=e" in =am( 2$ile
e,,r#s 2ere ma"e # l=a#e $er
,amil% in Pa.is#an6
Des(era#e1 B#a Sing$ rus$e"
# Ne2 Del$i an" a==m(lis$e a#
#$e )ran" Ms'ue #$e ms#
"i,,i=ul# a=# a Si.$ =ul" (er,ra
He =u# $is $air an" /e=ame a
Mslem6 ReDname" Jamil
A$me= B#a Sing$ (resen#e"
$imsel, a# #$e ,,i=e , Pa.is#an's
Hig &mmissiner an"
"eman"e" #$e re#urn , $is 2i,e6
I# 2as a useles ges#ure6 T$e #2
na#ins $a" agree" #$a#
im(la=a/le rules 2ul g+ern
#$e eC=$ange , a/"u=#e"
2menH marrie" r n#1 #$e%
2ul /e re#urne" # #$e ,amilies
,rm 2$i=$ #$e% $a" /een
,r=i/lT se(ara#e"6
!r siC mn#$s B#a Sing$
+isi#e" $is 2i,e "ail% in #$e
"e#en#ii =am(6 He 2ul" si#
/esi"e $er in silen=e1 2ee(ing
,r #$eir ls "ream , $a((iness6
!inall%1 $e learne" $er ,amil%
$a" /een l=a#e" T$e =u(le
em/ra=e" in a #ear,ul ,are2ell1
Reni/ +2ing ne+er #= ,rge#
$im an" # re#urn # $im an"
#$eir "aug$#er as sn as siC
=ul"6
T$e "es(era#e B#a Sing$
a((lie" ,r #$e rig$# as a Mslem
#= immigra#e # Pa.is#an6 His
a((li=a#in 2as re,use"6 He
a((lie" ,i a +isa6 T$a# # 2as
re,use"6 !inall%1 #a.ing 2i#$ $im
$is "aug$#er1 rename" Sul#ana1
$e =rsse" #$e ,rn#ier illegall%6
Lea+ing #$e girl in La$re1 $e
ma"e $is 2a% # #$e +illage
2$ere Reni/'s ,amil% $a" se##le"6
T$ere $e re=ei+e" a =ruel s$=.6
His 2i,e $a" /een remarrie"
2i#$ a =usin nl% $urs a,#er
#$e #ru=. /ringing $er /a=. ,rm
In"ia $a" "e(si#e" $er in #$e
+illage6 T$e (r man1 2ee(ing
'gi+e me /a=. m% 2i,e'1 2as
/ru#all% /ea#en /% Reni/'s
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
/r#$ers an" =usins1 #$en
$an"e" +er # #$e (li=e as an
illegal immigran#6
Brug$# # #rial1 B#a Sing$
(lea"e" $e 2as a Mslem an"
/egge" #$e Bu"ge # re#urn $is
2i,e # $im6 I, nl%1 $e sai"1 $e
=ul" /e gran#e" #$e rig$# # see
$is 2i,e1 # as. $er i, s$e 2ul"
re#urn # In"ia 2i#$ $im an"
#$eir "aug$#er1 $e 2ul" /e
sa#is,ie"6
M+e" /% $is (lea1 #$e Bu"ge
agree"6 T$e =n,rn#a#in #.
(la=e a 2ee. la#er in a
=ur#rm +er,l2ing 2i#$
s(e=#a#rs aler#e" /% ne2s(a(er
re(r#s , #$e =ase6 A #erri,ie"
Reni/1 es=r#e" /% an angr% an"
(ssessi+e $r"e , $er rela#i+es1
2as /rug$# in# #$e =$am/er6
T$e Bu"ge in"i=a#e" B#a
Sing$6
'D %u .n2 #$is man?' $e
as.e"6
'Yes1' re(lie" #$e #rem/ling girl1
'$e's B#a Sing$1 m% ,irs#
$us/an"6' T$en Reni/ i"en#i,ie"
$er "aug$#er s#an"ing /% #$e
el"erl% Si.$6
'D %u 2is$ # re#urn 2i#$ #$em
# In"ia?' #$e Bu"ge as.e"6 B#a
Sing$ #urne" $is (lea"ing e%es
n #$e %ung girl 2$ $a"
/rug$# s mu=$ $a((iness #
$is li,e6 Be$in" Reni/1 #$er
e%es ,iCe" n $er 'ui+ering
,igure1 a /a##er% glaring a# $er
,rm #$e au"ien=e1 #$e male
mem/ers , $er =lan 2arning $er
agains# #r%ing # renun=e #$e
=all , $er /l"6 An a#r=ius
#ensin gri((e" #$e =ur#rm6
His line" ,a=e ali+e 2i#$ a
"es(era#e $(e1 B#a Sing$
2a#=$e" Reni/'s $(s1 2ai#ing ,r
#$e ,a+ura/le re(l% $e 2as sure
2ul" =me6 !r an un/eara/l%
lng mmen# #$e rm 2as
silen#6
Reni/ s$. $er $ea"6 'N1' s$e
2$is(ere"6
A gas( , anguis$ es=a(e" B#a
Sing$6 He s#aggere" /a=.
agains# #$e railing /e$in" $im6
@$en $e'" regaine" $is (ise1 $e
#. $is "aug$#er /% #$e $an"
an" =rsse" #$e rm6
'I =ann# "e(ri+e %u , %ur
"aug$#er1 Reni/1' $e sai"6 'I lea+e
$er # %u6' He #. a =lum( ,
/ills ,rm $is (=.e# an" ,,ere"
#$em # $is 2i,e1 alng 2i#$
#$eir "aug$#er6 'M% li,e is
,inis$e" n21' $e sai" sim(l%6
T$e Bu"ge as.e" Reni/ i, s$e
2is$e" # a==e(# $is ,,er , #$e
=us#"% , #$eir "aug$#er6 Again1
an agniQing silen=e ,ille" #$e
=ur#rm6 !rm #$eir sea#s
Reni/'s male rela#i+es ,uriusl%
s$. #$eir $ea"s6 T$e% 2an#e"
n Si.$ /l" "e,iling #$eir li##le
=mmuni#%6
Reni/ l.e" a# $er "aug$#er
2i#$ #$e e%es , "es(air6 T
a==e(# $er 2ul" /e # =n"emn
$er # a ,i,e , miser%6 An a2,ul
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
s/ s$. $er ,rame6 'N1' s$e
gas(e"6
B#a Sing$1 $is e%es
+er,l2ing 2i#$ #ears1 s#" ,r
a lng mmen# l.ing a# $is
2ee(ing 2i,e1 #r%ing (er$a(s #
,iC ,re+er in $is min" #$e
/lurre" image , $er ,a=e6 T$en
$e #en"erl% (i=.e" u( $is
"aug$#er an"1 2i#$u# #urning
/a=.1 le,# #$e =ur#rm6
T$e "es(airing man s(en# #$e
nig$# 2ee(ing an" (ra%ing in #
mausleum , #$e Mslem sain#
Da#a )ang Ba.s$1 2$ile $is
"aug$l sle(# agains# a near/%
(illar6 @i#$ #$e "a2n1 $e #.
#$e girl #= near/% /aQaar6 T$ere1
using #$e ru(ees $e'" #en"ere" #
$is 2i,e # a,#ernn /e,re1 $e
/ug$# $er a ne2 r/e an" a (air
, san" em/ri"ere" in gl"
/r=a"e6 T$en1 $an" in $an"1 #$e
l" Si an" $is "aug$#er 2al.e"
# #$e near/% railra" s#a#in ,
S$a$"a @ai#ing n #$e (la#,rm
,r #$e #rain # arri+e1 #$e
2ee(ing BV Sing$ eC(laine" #
$is "aug$#er #$a# s$e 2ul" n#
see $er m#l again6
In #$e "is#an=e a l=m#i+e's
2$is#le s$rie.e"6 B#a Sin
#en"erl% (i=.e" u( $is "aug$#er
an" .isse" $er6 He 2al.e" # 3
e"ge , #$e (la#,rm6 As #$e
l=m#i+e /urs# in# #$e s#a#in
3 li##le girl ,el# $er ,a#$er's arms
#ig$#en arun" $er6 T$en su""ei
s$e 2as (lunging ,r2ar"6 B#a
Sing$ $a" lea(# in# #$e (a#$ #$e
nrus$ing l=m#i+e6 T$e girl
$ear" again #$e rar , #$e 2$is
mingle" #$is #ime 2i#$ $er 2n
s=reams6 T$en s$e 2as in #$e
/lai ness /enea#$ #$e engine6
B#a Sing$ 2as .ille" ins#an#l%1
/u# /% a mira=le $is "aug$
sur+i+e" uns=a#$e"6 On #$e l"
Si.$'s mu#ila#e" =r(se1 #$e (l
,un" a /l"Dsa.e" ,are2ell
n#e # #$e %ung 2i,e 2$ /
reBe=#e" $im6
'M% "ear Reni/1' i# sai"1 '%u
lis#ene" # #$e +i=e , #$e
mul#i#u /u# #$a# +i=e is ne+er
sin=ere6 S#ill m% las# 2is$ is #
/e 2i#$ %i Please /ur% me in
%ur +illage an" =me ,rm #ime
# #ime # _ a ,l2er n m%
gra+e6'
B#a Sing$'s sui=i"e s#irre" a
2a+e , em#in in Pa.is#an a
$is ,uneral /e=ame an e+en# ,
na#inal im(r#an=e6 E+en in "ea
$2e+er1 #$e el"erl% Si.$
remaine" a s%m/l , #$se
#erri/le " 2$en #$e PunBa/ 2as
in ,lames6 Reni/'s ,amil% an" #$e
in$a/i#a , #$eir +illage re,use"
# (ermi# B#a Sing$'s /urial in
#$e +illi =eme#er%6 T$e +illage
males1 le" /% Reni/'s se=n"
$us/an"1 /ar en#ran=e # $is
=,,in n 55 !e/ruar% 37086
Ra#$er #$an (r+.e a ri#1 #$e
au#$ri#ies r"ere" #$e = an"
#$e #$usan"s , Pa.is#anis
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#u=$e" /% B#a Sing$'s "ra
2$'" ,ll2e" i# # re#urn #
La$re6 T$ere1 un"er a mun#ain
,l2ers1 B#a Sing$'s remains
2ere in#erre"6
Reni/'s ,amil%1 $2e+er1 enrage"
/% #$e $nur eC#en"e" B#a
Sing$1 sen# a =mman" #
La$re # u(r# an" (r, $is
#m/6 T$eir sa+age a=#in
(r+.e" a remar.a/le u#/urs#
,# #$e =i#%'s ((ula#in6 B#a
Sing$ 2as reDin#erre" un"er an#
mun#ain , ,l2ers6 T$is #ime
$un"re"s , Mslems +lun#ee
# guar" #$e gra+e , #$e Si.$
=n+er#1 illus#ra#ing /% #$eir
gener ges#ure #$e $(e #$a# #ime
mig$# e+en#uall% e,,a=e in #$e
PunBa/ #$e /i##er $eri#age ,
37A86>
In"ia's memrial # $er ls#
Ma$a#ma 2as a sim(le /la=.
s#ne (la#,rm se# u(n #$e si#e
a# 2$i=$ $is ,uneral (%re res#e"
a# #$e RaB )$a# n ?3 Januar%
37A:6 A ,e2 2r"s in Hin"i an"
in Englis$ n a (la'ue /esi"e i#
/ear M$an"as )an"$i's
(res=ri(#in ,r a ,ree In"ia6
'I 2ul" li.e # see In"ia ,ree
an" s#rng s #$a# s$e ma% ,,er
$ersel, as a 2illing an" (ure
sa=ri,i=e ,r #$e /e##ermen# ,
#$e 2rl"6 T$e in"i+i"ual1 /eing
(ure1 sa=ri,i=es $imsel, ,r #$e
,amil%1 #$e la##er ,r #$e +illage1
#$e +illage ,r #$e "is#ri=#1 #$e
"is#ri=# ,r #$e (r+in=e1 #$e
(r+in=e ,r #$e na#in1 #$e
na#in ,r all6 I 2an# *$u"ai RaB1
#$e .ing"m , )" n ear#$6'
)an"$i's +isin1 $2e+er1 2as #
remain #$e im(ssi/le "ream6
His =un#r%men (r+e" n less
sus=e(#i/le # #$e lures ,
#e=$nlg% an" in"us#rial
(rgress #$an an% #$er (e(le6
As $e $a" ,eare" #$e% 2ul" in
#$e las# %ear , $is li,e1 $is $eirs
#urne" #$eir /a=.s n $is
message6 In"ia =$se # (ursue
#$e #2en#ie#$ =en#ur%'s =ri#eria ,
(2er an" su==ess1 #$e
"e+el(men# , a s#rng
in"us#rial s=ie#%1 ins#ea" ,
,ll2ing #$e =urse )an"$i $a"
#rie" # in"i=a#e 2i#$ $is
s(inningD2$eel6 &en#ral
(lanning1 gr2#$ ra#e1 /asi=
in"us#r%1 in,ras#ru=#ure1 #$e #a.eD
,, (in#1 #$e re+lu#in , rising
eC(e=#a#ins1 #$e =mmn
language , a 2rl" %earning ,r
ma#erial (rgress1 /e=ame #$e
+=a/ular% , an in"e(en"en#
In"ia's ,irs# genera#in ,
lea"ers6 T$e in#eres#s , $er $al,D
millin +illages in 2$i=$ )an"$i
(r=laime" $er sal+a#in la%
2ere su/r"ina#e" # #$se ,
$er #2ns an" =i#ies1 sl2l%
,illing 2i#$ #$e grea# in"us#rial
=m(leCes ,r 2$i=$ )an"$i's
su==essrs %earne"6 T$e
&ngress Par#% )an"$i $a"
$(e" 2ul" /e=me a Pe(le's
Ser+i=e League =n#inue" in i#s
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
mre =n+en#inal an"
=m,r#a/le rle1 remaining
In"ia's "minan# (li#i=al ,r=e1
in=reasingl% (re% # #$e mala"%
i# $a" "emns#ra#e" in #$e ,irs#
mn#$s , in"e(en"en=e D
=rru(#in6
T$e ms# (ara"Ci=al ges#ure ,
all ==urre" in #$e s(ring ,
378A in #$e RaBas#$an Deser#6
T$e g+ernmen# , #$e lan"
2$se ms# ,amus =i#iQen $a"
urge" Ameri=a # a/an"n #$e
a#mi= /m/ #$e "a% /e,re $e
"ie"1 em(l%ing #$e resur=es ,
a =un#r% /arel% a/le # ,ee" i#s
((ula#in1 eC(l"e" a nu=lear
"e+i=e6 T$a# e+en#1 in #$e ms#
"rama#i= , ,as$ins1 mar.e" #$e
,inal reBe=#in /% In"ia , #$e
"=#rine , a$imsa1 #$e a==essin
, #$e lan" , #$e (r($e#
> B#a Sing$'s "aug$#er1
Sul#ana1 2as a"(#e" an" raise"
/% ,s#er (aren#s in La$re6
T"a%1 #$e m#$er , #$ree
=$il"ren1 s$e li+es in Li/%a 2i#$
$er engineer $us/an"6
, nnD+ilen=e # #$e sele=#
=ir=le , na#ins (ssessing #$e
ma#e 2ea(n in #$e arsenal ,
+ilen=e1 #$e a#mi= /m/6
An" %e#1 #$ug$ In"ia $a" n#
=$sen # ,ll2 in #$e (a#l
M$an"as )an"$i's im(ssi/le
"ream1 s$e $a" n# ,rsa.en all
i"eals ei#$er6 T$e sim(le =##n
.$a"i $e urge" u(n $is =un#r%_
is s#ill #$e uni,rm , man% an
In"ian mim's#er an" /ureau=
e+i"en=e #$a# #$e man un"er i#
re+eres a# leas# #$e memr% i,
n# message , #$e man 2$
es(use" i#6 T$a# ms# elegan# ,
n Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru1 =n#inue"
un#il $is "ea#$ # 2ear #$e sin
=l#$es in 2$i=$ )an"$i $a"
"resse" $im6 Sensi#i+e # )an"
a"mnis$men# # g+ernmen#
lea"ers # em(l% sim(li=i#% in s
an" res#rain# in eCam(le1 $e
=rsse" #$e =a(i#al , $is
=un#r%1 in a RllsDR%=e1 a
Mer=e"es BenQ r a &a"illa=1
/u# in a sr In"ian =ar 2i#$1 as $is
nl% es=r#1 #$e "ri+er a# i#s
2$eel6
Des(i#e #$e ,issi(arus (ressures
, i#s mul#i(li=i#% , langua
=ul#ures an" (e(le1 "es(i#e #$e
=%ni=al sugges#in , man%
Englis$man #$a# #$se ,r=es
2ul" s$a##er i#s uni#% n=e #$e
/ , Bri#is$ rule 2ere rem+e"1
)an"$i's In"ia $as remaine"
2$O /e=ame n 30 Augus# 37A81
a s#rng1 uni#e" na#in6 T$e
enrm areas an" "is(ara#e
(e(les , $er l" (rin=el% s#a#es
2ere in#egra in# In"ia's
a"minis#ra#i+e s#ru=#ure in
rela#i+el% (ainless ,as$i
N# a ,e2 , )an"$i's i"eas
2$i=$ n=e a((eare" an l" mi
'uir.s $a+e /e=me1 alms#
#$ree "e=a"es a,#er $is "ea#$1
s#ranB rele+an# in a 2rl" ,
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
"2in"ling resur=es an"
eC(an"ing ((i #ins6 &u##ing u(
l" en+el(es # ma.e n#e(a"s
ra#$er #$an 2asl (a(er1
=nsuming nl% #$e ,"
ne=essar% # nuris$ ne's ,ra
es=$e2ing #$e $ee"less
(r"u=#in , unnee"e" g"s1
/egan a((ear /% #$e se+en#ies
n# s mu=$ a se# , =$arming
e==en =i#ies as a (res=ri(#in ,r
man's un=er#ain ,u#ure n $is
eC$aus (lane#6
In ne "main1 a/+e all1
$2e+er1 In"ia 2ul" .ee( ,ai#$
+ #$e memr% , #$e lean /r2n
,igure 2i#$ #$e /am/ s#a+e 2$
le" $er ,amis$e" millins #
li/er#%6 In"ia 2as /rn a ,ree na#i
s$e 2ul" remain a ,ree na#in6
A,#er all $er %ears , #ra+ail T
s#ruggle1 "es(i#e #$e (ressures
in"u=e" /% #$e relen#less gr2#$
$er ((ula#in1 In"ia remains
2$a# s$e /e=ame n #$a# mi
s#r.e , mi"nig$#1 3A Augus#
37A81 #$e 2rl"'s ms# ((ul
"em=ra=%6 S$e1 alms# alne ,
#$e s=res , na#ins 2$ in #l
#urn /r.e #$e =$ains /in"ing
#$em # #$eir l" =lnial rulers1
,ree s=ie#%1 res(e=#,ul , #$e
rig$#s an" "igni#% , i#s in$a/i#a
2$se =i#iQens $a+e #$e rig$# #
"issen#1 # (r#es#1 # eC(ress #$V
sel+es ,reel% an" (enl% in a ,ree
(ress1 # sele=# #$eir g+ernmen
,ree1 se=re#1 $nes# ele=#ins6 S$e
$as resis#e" all #em(#a#ins

,ll2 #$e eCam(le , $er
&$inese neig$/ur1 /u%ing
(rgress /% re"u=ing i#s millins
# regimen#e" r/#s1 r #$e
mre numerus eCam(les ,
=$ea(Ba=. mili#ar% "i=#a#rs$i(s
2i#$ #$eir =are,ull% =a=$e"
=r2"s , =$eering =i#iQens an"
#$eir e'uall% =are,ull% =n=eale"
#r#ure =$am/ers6
In"ia's is an a=$ie+emen# ,
unsur(asse" magni#u"e1 2r#$%
, #$e 2rl"'s res(e=#1 2r#$%1
a/+e all1 , #$e grea# lea"er
2$ $a" le" $er # #$e li/er#%
s$e $a" re,use" # =as# a2a%6>
!i,#een "a%s a,#er #$e immersin
, Ma$a#ma )an"$i's as$es1 a
/rie, =eremn% in #$e s$a"2s
, #$e )a#e2a% , In"ia en"e"
#$e era $e $a" /egun 2$en $e
mar=$e" $me ,rm Su#$
A,ri=a #$rug$ #$a# same
ar=$2a% in Januar% 37301 $is
=(% , Hin" S2araB un"er $is
arm6 Salu#e" /% an $nur guar"
, Si.$s an" )ur.$as1 (la%e" ,,
/% an In"ian Na+% /an"1 #$e las#
Bri#is$ sl"iers le,# n #$e sil ,
an in"e(en"en# In"ia1 #$e men ,
#$e Smerse# Lig$# In,an#r%1
(asse" un"er #$e ga#e2a%'s
saring s(an an" sl2Dmar=$e"
"2n # i#s =n=re#e lan"ing6
As #$eir ,igures "isa((eare"
#$rug$ #$a# #rium($an#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
ar=$2a%1 an in=ngruus sun"
rse a/+e #$e =r2" , In"ians
alng #$e Bm/a% 2a#er,rn#
2a#=$ing #$em g6 I# =ame ,irs#
,rm a ,e2 s=a##ere" #$ra#s1
#$en ,rm #$ers1 un#il ,inall% i#
/urs# ,rm a #$usan" ,a=es6
Sa"l% m+ing1 i# 2as #$e s#rains
, 'Aul" Lang S%ne'6 &ngress
+e#erans1 sme , 2$se s.ulls
s#ill /re #$e s=ars , Bri#is$
la#$is1 2ee(ing 2men in saris1
#eenage s#u"en#s1 ##$less l"
/eggars1 e+en #$e men , #$e
In"ian $nur guar" ,iCe" a#
a##en#in in #$eir rigi" ran.s1 all
su""enl% an" in#ensel% a2are ,
#$e signi,i=an=e , #$e mmen#1
Bine" #$e =$rus6 @$ile #$e las#
, #$e Smerse#s s#e((e" in#
#$eir 2ai#ing /arges1 #$e sun"
, #$a# s(n#aneus sng rang
a=rss #$e es(lana"e , #$e
)a#e2a% , In"ia1 a (ignan#
re=essinal ,r #$e Englis$men
se##ing u# # sea6
I# 2as als a $%mn # #$e
memr% , #$e li##le ,igure 2$'"
2al.e" u( #$a# =n=re#e ram( n
a 2in#er mrning s lng ag6
!r1 i, an era 2as en"ing #$ere a#
#$e )a#e2a% , In"ia1 an#$er
2as /eginning1 #$e ne )an"$i
$a" (ene" ,r #$reeD'uar#ers ,
#$e in$a/i#an#s , #$e ear#$1 #$e
era , "e=lniQa#in6 T$e las# ,
#$e ra=e , #$e =a(#ains an" #$e
.ings 2ere "e(ar#ing an" #$e
,res$ening /reeQes s(ee"ing
#$em n #$eir $me2ar" Burne%
2ere #$e $eral"s , #$se 2in"s
, =$ange 2$i=$ 2ul" rema.e
#$e ma( , #$e 2rl" an" realign
#$e /alan=e , i#s ,r=es in #$e
neC# 'uar#er , a =en#ur%6
> T$is /. 2en# # (ress in
June1 37806 &nse'uen#l% i# "es
n# a##em(# # e+alua#e #$e
e+en#s , #$a# mn#$ r #
measure #$eir (ssi/le im(a=# n
#$e ,u#ure , In"ian "em=ra=%6
Be=ause , M$an"as )an"$i
an" 2$a# $e $a" 2rug$# in In
STa s(# n #$e gl/e 2ul"
2i#ness in #$e %ears # =n
=eremn% similar # #$e ne #$a#
#. (la=e in Bm/a% n
! nS2> #$em1 $2e+er1 2ul"
/e mar.e" /% #$e g" mSesTe"
#$a# mrning in #$e s$a"2s ,
#$a# n=eI #num($ ar=$ ,
em(ire6 I# 2as #$e ,inal a==la"e
# S"ia s mur"e Ma$a#ma1 ai" #
#$e In"ians an" Englis$men 2$
$a" $a" 2is"m # seiQe #$e
ineCra/le lgi= , $is message6

@HAT THEY BE&AME

@$a# T$e% Be=ame
-ALLABHBHAIPATEL
Pa#el su,,ere" #erri/l% in #$e
2ee.s ,ll2ing )an"$i's
assassina#in ,rm a 2$is(ering
=am(aign 2$i=$ insinua#e" #$a#1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
as Hme Minis#er1 $e s$are" in
#$e res(nsi/ili#% ,r #$e (li=e's
,ailure # a((re$en" #$e
Ma$a#ma's .illers /e#2een 54
Januar% an" $is mur"er6 Sme ,
$is (li#i=al ,es e+en =ir=ula#e"
#$e 2$ll% un,un"e" a==usa#in
#$a# $e $a" /een in"i,,eren# #
)an"$i's ,a#e /e=ause , $is 2n
"i,,eren=es 2i#$ $im6 T$e s#rain
, #$a# =am(aign , innuen"
=ming n #( , #$e genuine
grie, #$e mur"er $a" (r"u=e" in
$im1 le" # a maBr $ear#Da##a=.
in Mar=$ 37A:6 Pa#el re=+ere"
an" resume" $is (s#s as De(u#%
Prime Minis#er an" Hme
Minis#er6 A,#er Lr"
Mun#/a##en's "e(ar#ure1 $e
rganiQe" an" "ire=#e" #$e
'(li=e a=#in' agains# H%"era/a"
2$i=$ ,r=i/l% in#egra#e" #$e las#
, In"ia's l" (rin=el% s#a#es6 His
=n,li=# 2i#$ $is l" ri+al1
Ne$ru1 #em(raril% s$el+e" in
#$e mn#$s ,ll2ing )an"$i's
assassina#in1 /r.e u# again in
#$e /eginning , 37046 Pa#el's
"ea#$ , a $ear#Da##a=. n 30
De=em/er 37041 $2e+er1
(re+en#e" i# ,rm lea"ing # a
(u/li= (ar#ing , #$e 2a%s
/e#2een #$e #2 men6
JA@AHARLAL NEHRU
Un#il $is "ea#$ in Ne2 Del$i n
58 Ma% 379A1 Ne$ru ==u(ie"
#$e ,,i=e $e'" assume" n 30
Augus# 37A86 He emerge" as an
in#erna#inall% res(e=#e"
s#a#esman1 ne , #$e ms#
,amiliar ,igures , 2$a# /e=ame
.n2n as #$e #$ir" 2rl" an" #$e
(rin=i(al ar=$i#e=# , #$e (li=%
, nnDalignmen# 2$i=$ engage"
#$e su((r# , ms# , #$e A,rD
Asian na#ins #$a# emerge" ,rm
=lnial #u#elage in #$e ,i,#ies
an" siC#ies6 He #ra+elle"
eC#ensi+el% #$rug$u# #$e
2rl"1 +isi#ing ms# , Eur(e's
=a(i#als1 #$e USA1 #$e USSR an"
&$ina6 Dmes#i=all%1 $e (resi"e"
+er #$ree In"ian !i+eDYear
Plans "esigne" # (r+i"e ,r $is
na#in's in"us#rial an" s=ial
"e+el(men#T #$e =nsli"a#in
, In"ia's "em=ra#i=
ins#i#u#insT an" #$e ,r=i/le
in#egra#in , #$e Pr#uguese
en=la+e , )a in# #$e In"ian
Re(u/li=6
His ms# /i##er "isillusinmen#
=ame in O=#/er 3795 2i#$ #$e
massi+e &$inese in+asin , $is
=un#r%'s ,rn#ier in La"a.$
a/+e *as$mir an" in #$e Nr#$
Eas# !rn#ier Agen=% /e#2een
Ti/e# an" Assam6 Ne$ru ne+er
,ull% re=+ere" ,rm $is s$=. a#
#$a# a=#in /% #$e na#in
,rien"s$i( ,r 2$i=$ $a" /een
#$e =rners#ne , $is ,reign
(li=% ,r ,i,#een %ears6 !rm
#$a# mmen# $is $e ,al#ere"6 He
,ell seriusl% ill in Januar% 379A1
re=+ere"1 /u# i ,ur mn#$s
la#er6 Amng #$se 2$ rus$e"
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
# Ne2 Del$i # a#i $is
=rema#in 2as Luis
Mun#/a##en6 A((r(ria#el% #$e
(ai gi,# # $is =un#r%men , #$a#
ms# el'uen# , lea"ers 2as 2=
#$e 2r"s , $is las# 2ill an"
#es#amen# n2 ins=ri/e" u#si"e
Ne$ru Memrial Li/rar% in #$e
grun"s , #$e ,rmer resi"enV
In"ian Arm% in Ne2 Del$i #$em1
$e as.e" #$a# $is as$es /e
s=a##ere" ,rm an air=ra,# '+e
,iel"s 2$ere #$e (easan#s ,
In"ia #il s #$a# #$e% mi($# m
2i#$ #$e "us# , #$e sil , In"ia
an" /e=me an in"is#inguisl (ar#
, $er 66 6'
THE MOUNTBATTENS
In O=#/er 37A:1 RearDA"miral
Luis Mun#/a##en re#urns
a=#i+e na+al ser+i=e1 #a.ing u( in
Mal#a #$e =mman" , #$e
&ruiser S'ua"rn ,r 2$i=$ $e
$a" /een "es#ine" 2$en $e $a"
a((in#e" -i=er% , In"ia6 T$e
man 2$ as -i=er% $a" ra
se=n" nl% # #$e *ing
Em(err in #$e ?ri#is$ Em(ire
,un" $i ran.e" #$ir#een#$ in
Mal#a's s=ial r"er ,
(re=e"en=e6
His rise #$rug$ #$e senir ran.s
, #$e na+% 2as ra(i" an 3:
A(ril 37001 $e realiQe" $is
li,elng am/i#in6 He 2as a((=
!irs# Sea Lr"1 #$e ,,i=e ,rm
2$i=$ $is ,a#$er $a" /een $i /%
#$e u#=r% , a narr2Dmin"e"
(u/li= in 373A6 As !irs# Sea $e
(resi"e" +er #$e m"erniQa#in
, #$e R%al Na+% 2$i=$ /r
Bri#ain's Senir Ser+i=e $er ,irs#
nu=lear su/marine an" O missile
"es#r%ers6 In 370:1 as &$ie, ,
#$e De,en=e !r=es1 $e $is las#
maBr ,,i=ial #as.1 #$e
rerganiQa#in , #$e Bri#is$ J
!r=es an" #$eir in#egra#in in#
a uni,ie" De,en=e Es#a/lis$
Mun#/a##en le,# a=#i+e ser+i=e
in 3790 an" n2 "i+i"es $i
/e#2een $is es#a#e1 Bra"lan"s1
n #$e e"ge , Rmse%1 a LV ,la#
an" a =as#le in Irelan"6 T #$e
"isma% , $is "aug$#ei "=#rs1
$e re#ains un"iminis$e"1 n #$e
e+e , $is se+en# /ir#$"a%1 $is
=nsuming a((e#i#e ,r 2r.6 He
is an a=#i+e m , alms# 544
rganiQa#ins1 #$eir na#ure as
"i+erse as #$e In , Na+al
Ar=$i#e=#s1 #$e Ins#i#u#e ,
Ele=#rni= an" Ra"i Eng #$e
Ln"n Rlgi=al S=ie#%1 #$e
Magi= &ir=le1 #$e S"
)enealgis#s1 a Mal#ese s.aD
"i+ing gru(1 an" #$e R%al T
Ya=$# &lu/6
His (rin=i(al a=#i+i#ies1 $2e+er1
are =n=erne" 2i#$ #$e Ni
Ele=#rni=s &un=il1 , 2$i=$ $e
is #$e &$airman1 an" #$e 3

108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
A99

@HAT THEY BE&AME

@HAT THEY BE&AME

A

@rl" &llege1 2$i=$ main#ains
+er 3044 s#u"en#s n =am(uses
in Englan"1 &ana"a an"
Singa(re6
He main#ains a =lse an" a=#i+e
in#eres# in In"ia6 In 3797 $e
ser+e" as &$airman , #$e
)an"$i &en#enar% Year1
a""ressing #$e Remem/ran=e
Ser+i=e 2$i=$ (ene" i# a# Sain#
Paul's &a#$e"ral n ?4 Januar%
, #$a# %ear6 He $el(e" # raise
an" a"minis#er #$e Ja2a$arlal
Ne$ru !un" =rea#e" # $nur
#$e memr% , $is l" ,rien" /%
sen"ing In"ian s=$lars # s#u"%
in #$e Uni#e" *ing"m6
Alms# e+er% "a% #$e (s#man
"eli+ers sme (lea ,rm an
In"ian # $is "es.6 T$ese
au#$rs1 (er$a(s1 r ma$araBas
an" generals1 /earers an"
/an.ers1 are see.ing an
in#r"u=#in # smene in
Englan"1 r as.ing assis#an=e in
unra+elling #$e =m(li=a#ins ,
a (ensin ,un" r #$e regula#ins
g+erning immigra#in # #$e
U*6 Di+erse1 #u=$ing an"
ne+erDen"ing1 #$a# ,l2 , le##ers
is e+i"en=e , a s#rng #ra"i#inH
In"ia's las# -i=er% $as /e=me1
in a sense1 $er ,irs# Om/u"sman6
E"2ina Mun#/a##en =n#inue"
# "e+#e $ersel, # #$e Re"
&rss an" #$e S# J$n
Am/ulan=e Briga"e1 ser+ing
/#$ 2i#$ an energ% s$e re,use"
# "iminis$ e+en a,#er /eing
2arne" /% $er "=#rs #$a# s$e
2as eC$aus#ing $ersel,6 !ur
"a%s a,#er #$e 2e""ing , $er
%unger "aug$#er Pamela in
!e/ruar% 3794 s$e le,# n a #ur
, #$e !ar Eas# in $er =a(a=i#% as
su(erin#en"en# , S# J$n6
Des(i#e $er e+i"en# eC$aus#in1
s$e re,use" an% =ur#ailmen# ,
$er /us% s=$e"ule an" "ie" in
Brne a,#er $a+ing a##en"e" a
re=e(#in ,,ere" in $er $nur
n 53 !e/ruar% 37946 @$en #$e
ne2s , $er "ea#$ 2as
annun=e" n #$e ,lr , #$e
In"ian Parliamen#1 i#s mem/ers
rse # ,,er $er memr% #$e
s(n#aneus #ri/u#e , a mmen#
, silen=e6
!ur "a%s a,#er $er "ea#$1 as
re'ues#e" in $er 2ill1 s$e 2as
/urie" a# sea ,, S(i#$ea"6
Es=r#ing #$e Bri#is$ ,riga#e
@a.e,ul 2$i=$ #. $er # $er
/urial (la=e 2as #$e In"ian
,riga#e Tris$ul1 a (ignan#
(ar#ing ges#ure ,rm #$e na#in
s$e $a" l+e" # #$e las# , #$e
memsa$i/s6
THE POLI&EMEN
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T2 , #$e (rin=i(al ,igures in
#$e in+es#iga#in in# )an"$i's
mur"er sur+i+eH D6 @6 Me$ra
an" 'Jimm%' Nagar+alla1 #$e man
2$ =n"u=#e" #$e in+es#iga#in
in Bm/a%6 B#$ are re#ire"6
Me$ra is an eCe=u#i+e 2i#$ a
/re2er% u#si"e Del$i6
Nagar+alla engages in a
=mmer=e =urius ,r a man
2$ "e+#e" ms# , $is li,e #
(ursuing ,ugi#i+es6 He runs a
#ra+el agen=%6
THE MAHARAJAS
T$e (rin=es 2$ n=e rule" a
#$ir" , In"ia's (e(le $a+e
,a"e" ##all% ,rm #$e s=ene #$a#
#$eir "a%s , glr% n2 seem as
"is## as #$se , #$e Mg$uls6
T$eir (ala=es $a+e /e=me
museui s=$ls1 $#els1 r
=rum/ling ruins6 Sme $a+e
gne a/ra"1 sH in# /usiness1
r g+ernmen# ser+i=e6 A ,e21
li.e #$e RaB Ma#as )2alir an"
Jai(ur1 are a=#i+e in (li#i=s6
A,#er #$ree %ears s#ruggle1 #$e
In"ian Su(reme &ur# in #$e
s(ring , 378? u($e$
=ns#i#u#inal amen"men#
(rm#e" /% In"ira )an"$i's
g+ernmi 2$i=$ #ermina#e" #$e
=n=essins #$e (rin=es $a" /een
gran#e" 37A8 in re#urn ,r #$eir
(ea=e,ul a==essin # #$e In"ian
Unin6 3 ,l=. , gil"e"
(ea==.s $as "isa((eare" ,r
e+er ,rm #$e In" s.%line6

A=.n2le"gemen#s
As 2as #$e =ase 2i#$ #2 , ur
(re+ius /.s1 Is Paris
Burning? a O Jerusalem!1
!ree"m a# Mi"nig$# is #$e
resul# , alms# #$ree %ears lng
an" (a#ien# resear=$6 T$e #rail
+er 2$i=$ ur 2r. #. us +
"i,,i=ul#1 ,#en ($%si=all% #r%ing1
/u# ne+er "ull6 E+en#uall%1 i#
/rug$# in# =n#a=# 2i#$ alms#
044 (e(le1 In"ians1 Pa.is#anis1
Englis$men # 2men1 #. us
+er 9444 miles ,rm #$e
*$%/er Pass # !r# S# )e in
Ma"ras1 ,rm #$e /us#ees ,
&al=u##a # 'uie# +illages in
SusseC B *en#6
Ine+i#a/l% #$a# #rail /egan a# #$e
"rs#e( , #$e sle sur+i+r ,
'uin#e# , grea# men largel%
res(nsi/le ,r #$e su/D
=n#inen#'s "es#iC in 37A81
A"miral , #$e !lee# #$e Earl
Mun#/a##en , Burma6 O+er
=urse , ,i,#een #a(eDre=r"e"
in#er+ie2s in 3785D?1 #$e las#
-i=er% In"ia (ermi##e" $imsel,
# /e su/Be=#e" # #$e ms#
(ains#a.ing i eC$aus#i+e re+ie2
, $is In"ian eC(erien=es #
2$i=$ $e $as e+er / eC(se"6
T$e resul# , #$se in#er+ie2s
alne =+ere" alms# #$ir#% $e ,
#a(e an" 944 #%(e2ri##en (agesT
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e% #$ere,re =ns#i#u#e in
#$emse! a uni'ue re=r" , #$e
Mun#/a##en +i=er%al#%6
T$e las# -i=er% re#ains in $is
(ssessin 2$a# is (r/a/l% #$e
n eC#ensi+e =lle=#in ,
"=umen#s an" (a(ers in #$e
2rl" rela#ing $is +i=er%al#%
an" #$e (eri" ,ll2ing In"ia's
in"e(en"en=e6 B% nai a +er%
me#i=ulus man1 Lr"
Mun#/a##en $as re#aine" in
#$se ar=$ e+er% (a(er rele+an#
i #$e (eri"1 in=lu"ing ma#erials
as "i+erse as $an"D2ri##en n#e
sen# # $im /% $is =usin #$e
*ing n $is "e(ar#ure In"ia an"
#$e menus an" sea#ing
arrangemen#s ,r $is s#a#e
"inners6 Tl is1 $2e+er1 a series
, ,i+e se#s , "=umen#s 2$i=$
are #$e in"is(ensi $is#ri=al
re=r" , #$e (eri"6 T$e% areH
;3< T$e re=r" , Lr"
Mun#/a##en's =n+ersa#ins
2i#$ e+er%ne V en#ere" $is
,,i=e an" (ar#i=ularl% 2i#$ #$e
.e% In"ian lea"ersH )an Ne$ru1
Jinna$ an" Pa#el6 As eC(laine"
n (age :?1 Lr" Mun#/a me#
alne 2i#$ #$ese men1 limi#ing
$is #al.s # A0 minu#es an" "ie
ing a summar% , $is
=n+ersa#in # a se=re#ar% as
sn as ea=$ i le,#6 T$e
summaries , #$ese
=n+ersa#ins are +i+i"1 "e#aile"1
a((ear #"a% alms# as ,res$ as
a# #$e mmen# #$e% 2ere "i=#a#e"
;5< T$e minu#es , $is
alms# "ail% mee#ings 2i#$ $is
s#a,, a# 2$i=$ -i=er% $a" #$e
$a/i# , un/ur"ening $imsel,
2i#$ grea# ,ran.r
;?< T$e minu#es , #$e
mee#ings , #$e Emergen=%
&mmi##ee , In"ian &a/ine#
+er 2$i=$ $e (resi"e" "uring
#$e =risis in #$e Pun
;A< His se+en#een 2ee.l%
re(r#s #ge#$er 2i#$ #$e
eC#ensi+e anneCe #$e Se=re#ar%
, S#a#e "uring $is ser+i=e as
-i=er%T
;0< His Mn#$l% Re(r# #
#$e *ing "uring $is (eri" as
)+er )eneral6

A84

A&*NO@LED)EMENTS

A&*NO@LED)EMENTS

Lr" Mun#/a##en 2as a/le #
re,er =ns#an#l% # #$a# ma#erial
"uring #$e $urs , ur 2r.
#ge#$er1 as a means ,
re,res$ing $is 2n memr% an"
(r+i"ing an au#$en#i= an"
$is#ri=all% +ali" gui"e # $is
a=#i+i#ies in In"ia6 Our #$an.s1
#$ere,re1 mus# g ,irs# an"
,rems# # Lr" Mun#/a##en6
@e als 2e a s(e=ial "e/# ,
gra#i#u"e # #2 mem/ers , $is
(ersnal s#a,,T J$n Barra##1 $is
Pri+a#e Se=re#ar%1 an" Mrs
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Mllie Tra+is1 #$e Ar=$i+is# ,
#$e Bra"lan"s Ar=$i+es1 /#$ ,
2$m 2ere (ar#i=ularl%
generus in #$e #ime an" e,,r#
#$e% "e+#e" # ur /e$al,6 Lr"
Mun#D/a##en's #2 "aug$#ers1
La"% Bra/urne an" La"%
Pamela Hi=.s1 2ere /#$ .in"
enug$ # reminis=e 2i#$ us
a/u# #$eir (aren#s an"1 in La"%
Pamela's =ase1 a/u# $er
eC(erien=es 2i#$ #$em in In"ia6
Lr" Bra/urne1 $imsel, #$e sn
, a ,rmer )+ernr ,
Bm/a% an" Bengal (r+in=es1
2$ 2as ,r a mn#$ -i=er%1
.in"l% ga+e us $is agreemen# as
#$e (rin=i(al #rus#ee , #$e
Bra"lan"s Ar=$i+es # 2r. in
#$se areas 2$i=$ =n=erne" us6
T$e sur+i+ing mem/ers , Lr"
Mun#/a##en's s#a,, in In"ia in
37A8D: 2ere 2i#$u# eC=e(#in
ms# generus 2i#$ #$eir #ime1
su/mi##ing #$emsel+es agreea/l%
# ur lng an" eC$aus#i+e
in#er+ie2s1 in#er+ie2s 2$i=$ in
man% =ases =n=erne" #$ree r
,ur #a(eDre=r"e" sessins , a#
leas# #2 $urs ea=$6 N# nl%
"i" #$e% (a#ien#l% =m/ #$rug$
#$eir memries , #$e #ime1 /u#
#$e% als sear=$e" a##i=s an"
=un#r% $uses ,r "iaries "a#ing
/a=. # 37A81 le##ers 2ri##en #
2i+es an" (aren#s re=un#ing
#$eir eC(erien=es1 all , 2$i=$
2ere immensel% +alua/le # us
in re=ns#i#u#ing #$e a#ms($ere
, #$se remar.a/le "a%s6
Alan &am(/ellDJ$nsn1 Lr"
Mun#/a##en's (ress a##a=$e in
37A8D: an" #$e au#$r , a
remar.a/le1 ,irs#D$an" a==un#
, #$e (eri"1 Missin 2i#$
Mun#/a##en1 2as (ar#i=ularl%
$el(,ul6 S # 2ere Sir )erge
A/ell1 $is /rillian# (ri+a#e
se=re#ar%T -i=eDA"miral Sir
Rnal" Br=.man1 (ersnal
se=re#ar% # #$e -i=er%T RearD
A"miral Pe#er H2es1 Lr"
Mun#/a##en's senir AD&T
EliQa/e#$ &llins an" Muriel
@a#sn1 La"% Mun#/a##en's
se=re#aries 2$se re=lle=#ins
, #$e las# -i=ereine 2ere
(ar#i=ularl% $el(,ulT )6 -ernn
Mre1 a mem/er , #$e
-i=er%'s se=re#aria#1 2$
(r+i"e" us 2i#$ ms# $el(,ul
"es=ri(#insT L#D&l Mar#in
)illia#1 #$e Assis#an# Mili#ar%
Se=re#ar%T $is AD&s L#D&l
!re"eri=. Burna/%DA#.ins1 !l#D
L# #$e Hn6 @6 H6 &6 @en#2r#$
Beaumn#1 n2 Lr" Allen"ale1
an" Sir James S=##6 All ga+e us
+alua/le an" in,rmal glim(ses
in# #$e 2r.ings , -i=er%'s
Huse in 37A86
@e 2e a +er% (ar#i=ular "e/# #
#$a# remar.a/le an"
eC#rar"inar% man 2$ $as le,#
$is im(rima#ur n s man% ,
#$e .e% legal s#u"ies , $is #ime1
#$e R# Hn6 -is=un# Ra"=li,,e6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
@i#$in #$e limi#a#ins $e $as
al2a%s im(se" in #al.ing , $is
a2ar" D "e=lining # "is=uss #$e
reasning #$a# le" $im # an%
(ar#i=ular "e=isin D $e 2as
n#a/l% ,ran. an" $el(,ul "uring
#$e =urse , #2 lng
in#er+ie2s6
Our 2r. n #$e In"ian Arm%
/rug$# us in# =n#a=# 2i#$
numerus +e#erans , #$a#
remar.a/le rganiQa#inH
)eneral R/er# L=.$ar#T
)eneral Sir R% Bu=$erT #$e la#e
)eneral Sir !ran. Messer+%1
,irs#
Pa.is#an Arm%T L#D&l J$n R6
Pia##1' =mman"e" #$e Smerse#
Lig$# In,an#r% 2$en i# /e=ame
#$e las# un #$e Bri#is$ Arm% #
lea+e #$e sil , an in"e(en"en#
In"iaT &l E Birnie1 2$
,urnis$e" us 2i#$ an a==un# ,
#$e las# mn#$s in #$e lil
M$amme" Ali Jinna$ 2$m $e
$a" #$e $nur , ser+ing as ,irs#
MilH Se=re#ar%6
I# 2as als ur (leasure an"
(ri+ilege # /e a/le # mee# an"
in#er a num/er , #$a# =m(an%
2$i=$ gui"e" In"ia's "es#inies
,r #$reeD'ua , a =en#ur%1 #$e
I&S6 @e are (ar#i=ularl% gra#e,ul
# Sir Ola, &are las# )+ernr
, #$e Nr#$D@es# !rn#ier
Pr+in=e1 (r/a/l% #$e @
u#s#an"ing au#$ri#% n #$e
Pa#$an #ri/esmen $e l+e" an"
ser+e lngT Sir &nra" &r,iel"1
#$e las# s$e($er" , In"ia's
Prin=es1 am (rin=i(al "e(u#%1 Sir
Her/er# T$m(snT Lr"
Tre+el%an 2$= Hum($re%
Tre+el%an1 2as #$e au#$r , a
,as=ina#ing a==un# , $i as a
%ung I&S ,,i=er in In"ia1 T$e
In"ia @e Le,#T Ju"ge H6 &6
Beaun Lr" Ra"=li,,e's I&S ai"eT
an" Mauri=e an" Ta%a Rin.in1
2$ 2ere enug$ # rea" us
#$eir en#$ralling "iar% 2ri##en
"uring Del$i's #ri Se(#em/er ,
37A86
Amng #$e man% #$ers 2$se
assis#an=e 2as in+alua/le 2ere
#$e , Lis#2el1 Bri#ain's las#
Se=re#ar% , S#a#e ,r In"iaT Sir
AleC1 S%mn1 Bri#ain's ,irs#
De(u#% Hig$ &mmissiner #
an in"e(ei In"iaT an" Mr )6 R6
Sa+age1 2$ (r+i"e" a
,as=ina#ing a==un# V (l# # .ill
Jinna$ an" Mun#/a##en in
*ara=$i n 3A Augus# 37A86 )
Ma=*nig$# .in"l% ,urnis$e"
mu=$ ma#erial n (s#D2ar
Ln"n6
In !ran=e 2e 2e a s(e=ial "e/#
, gra#i#u"e # #$e Barn an" Ba#
)e,,r% "e &ur=el 2$1 as
!ran=e's Am/assa"r an"
Am/assa"r Ln"n1 ms# .in"l%
(r+i"e" #$e aus(i=es ,r ur
,irs# mee#ing Lr" Mun#/a##en6
Alain an" !ran=e Dane# als
(ene" ,r us "rs6
@e are als in"e/#e" # !ran=is
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Del=$e "e N%elle an" Jean
Ba= , #$e Luai "'Orsa% ,r #$eir
assis#an=e1 an" # MaC Oli+ierD
La=am Paul )uerin1 /#$
=rres(n"en#s in In"ia in 37A81
,r #$e a=V ,urnis$e" , #$eir
eC(erien=es6 B#$ are
#$emsel+es au#$rs , rema
2r.s , #$e (eri"1 Im(asse
In"ienne /% Oli+ierDLa=am(1
an" Les !amilieres /% )uerin6
In In"ia 2e are ,irs# , all
in"e/#e" # Prime Minis#er
In"ira )an"l s gra=iusl%
re=r"e" 2i#$ us $er
re=lle=#ins , $er ,a#$er Ja2V
Ne$ru an" $er 2n eC(erien=es
in 37A8T an" # $er aun#1 Mrs
Pan"i#1 Mr Ne$ru's sis#er1 2$
(r+i"e" us 2i#$ an in+alua/le
in# $er /r#$er's =$ara=#er6 !ur
, $is ,rmer (ri+a#e se=re#ariesH
Baig6S,1 ;- Ma#$a,l Tarl.
Sing$ an" H6 -6 R6 I%enagar1
als =n#i im(r#an#
re=lle=#ins , $im1 as "i"
Russ% *6 an" Aileen *arai
Amng #$e man% #$er (e(le
2$se assis#an=e 2as
(ar#i=ularl% 2as #$e la#e *ris$na
MennT )eneral an" Mrs D6 @6
Me$ra1 # an" "aug$#erDinDla2 ,
-6 P6 MennT Miss Mani/en
Pa#el1 "aug -alla/$/$ai Pa#el1
2$se re=lle=#ins , $er
eC(erien=es 2i#$ $ei 2ere
in+alua/leT $is la#e Hig$ness #$e
Ma$araBa Ya"a+in"ra Si
!6M6
Pa#ialaT #$eir Hig$nesses #$e RaB
Ma#as , Jai(ur an" )2alirT Dr
*aran Sing$1 sn , #$e
Ma$araBa , *as$mirT Ins(e=#rD
)eneral , Pli=e As$D2ini
*umar1 2$ ,urnis$e" us a
,as=ina#ing a==un# , $is
eC(erien=es as a %ung (li=e
,,i=er in #$e PunBa/ in 37A8T Mr
*us$2an# Sing$1 #$e au#$r , a
/rillian# n+el , #$e 37A8
massa=res1 Train # Pa.is#anT
Mrs Dina @a"ia1 #$e "aug$#er ,
M$amme" Ali Jinna$1 ,r $er
re=lle=#ins , $er ,a#$erT an"
$is "=#r1 Dr J6 A6 L6 Pa#elT Mrs
Sul=$na Panigra$i ,r a
(ar#i=ularl% m+ing a==un# ,
In"ia's In"e(en"en=e Da%T
A=$ar%a *riD(alani1 #$e las#
sur+i+r , #$e (rin=i(al In"ian
,igures in #$e in"e(en"en=e
s#ruggleT Miss Pa"maBa Nai"u1
2$ (r+i"e" a num/er ,
#ren=$an# /ser+a#insT Mr M6 S6
O/eri1 ,r $is re=lle=#ins ,
li,e in l" SimlaT RaBes$2ar
Da%al1 2$ ,,ere" an
in#eres#ing (ers(e=#i+e n #$e
li,e , an I&S ,,i=er seen
#$rug$ In"ian e%esT #$e 'Lin ,
*as$mir'1 S$ei.$ A/"ulla$1 ,r
$is re=lle=#ins , #$e #ri/al
in+asinT Sir &$an"ulal Tri+e"i1
I&S1 #$e ,irs# In"ian )+ernr ,
#$e PunBa/1 ,r $is +i#al a==un#
, #$e eC"us an" massa=res6
Na+al an" Simne Ta#a1 Nari H6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Das#ur1 Harr% an" Salina Ne"u
an" Pa#2an" Sing$ all sus#aine"
us 2i#$ #$eir $el( an" ,rien"s$i(6
!r ur ma#erial n )an"$i 2e
2e a +er% s(e=ial "e/# # Mr
P%arelal Na%ar1 $is se=re#ar%1
2$ sa# #$rug$ ,i+e gruelling
in#er+ie2s6 He is $imsel, #$e
au#$r , 2$a# is /e%n" an%
"u/# #$e ms# =m(le#e 2r.
n #$e las# ($ase , )an"$i's
li,e1 a mnumen#al #$reeD+lume
s#u"% =alle" Ma$a#ma )an"$i D
T$e Las# P$ase6 @e are als
(ar#i=ularl% in"e/#e" # $is sis#er
Sus$ila1 )an"$i's ($%si=ian1 an"
$is "e+#e" ai"e1 Bri.s$en
&$an"i2alla$6 An a==un# , ur
"ealings 2i#$ #$e sur+i+ing
mem/ers , #$e gru( , men
2$ .ille" $im 2ill /e ,un" in
#$e n#es "ealing 2i#$ #$e
=$a(#er n $is assassina#in6
@e als 2is$ # a=.n2le"ge a
"e/# # a +er% s(e=ial gru( ,
men1 2$ n# nl% $el(e" us
enrmusl% in ur 2r. /u#
2ere als "elig$#,ul an"
s#imula#ing =m(anins1 a
num/er , ,,i=ers , #$e In"ian
Arm%H )eneral Jangu T6
Sa#ara+ala1 2$se $s(i#ali#% 2e
s$all al2a%s remem/erT )eneral
J6 N6 &$au"$uriT )eneral M6 J6
&$(ra1 2$se name is engra+e"
a# #$e /r"er =rssing a# @aga
/e#2een In"ia an" Pa.is#anT
)eneral Har/a.s$ Sing$6
!inall%1 n a==un# , ur s#a% in
In"ia 2ul" /e =m(le#e 2i#$u#
a s(e=ial 2r" , #$an.s #
Am/assa"r an" Ma"ame Jean
Daniel Jurgensen1 !ran=e's
=$arming re(resen#a#i+es in Ne2
Del$i1 2$ 2ere s .in" # usT #
!ran=is Dre1 !ran=e's
remar.a/le &ul#ural A##a=$e in
In"ia's =a(i#alT # !lren=e
Pru+erelle1 ur l" ,rien" ,
#$er "a%s1 2$ is n2 Press
A##a=$e a# #$e !ren=$ Em/ass%
in Ne2 Del$iT an" # Rene an"
&lau"e "e &$iseulDPraslin an"
!ran=is an" Anni=. @a=Qiarg
2$ ma"e ur +isi#s # Bm/a%
s agreea/le6
Amng #$e man% Pa.is#ani
(ersnali#ies 2$ ma"e
im(r#an# =n#ri/u#ins # ur
2r. an" # 2$m 2e 2ul"
li.e # a""ress ur (ar#i=ular
#$an.s are A"miral S%e" A$san1
a na+al AD& # /#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en an" # M$amme"
Ali Jinna$1 2$ ga+e us an
in#ima#e insig$# in# #$e Luai"DiD
AQQam's mmen#us Burne% #
$is ne2 na#inT Ba"s$a$ *$an1
#$e '!rnr.r )an"$i'1 s#ill aler#
"es(i#e #$e /ur"en , $is %earsT
A6 I Dara1 2$ 2as /#$ a
=$arming an" $s(i#a/le ,rien"
an" in+a$iE sur=e ,
in,rma#in n $a((enings in
La$re in #$e summer an" au#u
, 37A8T Am/assa"r Ya=u/
*$an1 2$ ga+e us $is #u=$ing
an" +i a==un# , $is "e=isin #
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
(# ,r Pa.is#anT Am/assa"r
A.$/ar *l an" Saira/ *$a%a#
*$an1 /#$ , 2$m ,,ere"
uni'ue1 ,irs#D$i a==un#s , #$e
#ri/al in+asin , *as$mirT
Begum !erQ *$an Ni ms#
gra=ius $s#ess 2$ .in"l%
re=un#e" ,r us in "e#ail $er
remar.s a"+en#ure in #$e PunBa/
in 37A8T &$au"r% M$amme"
Ali1 2$ #ge# 2i#$ $is In"ian
=lleague H6 M6 Pa#el 2i#$
2$m $e $a" 2r.e" in In 2as
res(nsi/le ,r #$a# (r"igius
#as. , "i+i"ing #$e asse#s , #$e
s =n#inen#6
T$ese1 , =urse1 are nl% a ,e2
amng #$e man% 2i#$u# 2$se
$i en=uragemen# an" #ime #$is
/. 2ul" ne+er $a+e /een
(ssi/le6 S( (re+en#s us ,rm
a=.n2le"ging #$e real "e/# #$a#
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#$em #$e assuran=e #$a# #$eir
assis#an=e $as n# / ,rg##en6
One =lsing 2r"1 a ges#ure ,
gra#i#u"e # ,ur gen#lemen1 M[
T$ernisien an" Lu'ue# , Air
!ran=e in Ne2 Del$i1 Messrs
-ais$ an" )irr6"e , Air In"ia
an" Pa.is#an In#erna#inal
Air2a%s1 all , 2$ 2ere ms#
$el(,ul in $el(ing us unra+el #$e
=m(leCi#ies , ur numen #ra+el
arrangemen#s1 as 2as ur ,rien"
M6 H/$erg6
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ma#erial un=+ere" in ur
resear=$1 arrang i# in s%s#ema#i=
,as$in1 an" 2ri#ing #$e
manus=ri(#1 i# 2as ur immei
g" ,r#une # $a+e as
=mra"es an" ass=ia#es a #eam
, remar.a a/le (e(le6 *e%
amng #$em 2as Mile
Dmini'ue &n=$n ,r 2$i
!ree"m a# Mi"nig$# 2as #$e
#$ir" , ur /.s n 2$i=$ s$e
$as 2r. As al2a%s $er 2r.
2as in+alua/le1 $er s(iri#
in"e,a#iga/le6 S$e su(er+is #$e
=m(leC #as. , rganiQing ur
resear=$ ma#erial s #$a# ne+er ii
%ear , 2ri#ing "i" 2e mis(la=e
e+en ne , #$e 9?A5 (ages ,
resea# 2i#$ 2$i=$ 2e $a" #
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=$arming ne2=mer # ur #eam1
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se=n"ing Mile &n=$n1 rea"%
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(ar#i=ularl% Mi=$el Renuar"1
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#$e Uni+ersi#% , Rennes1 2$
"e+#e" $is sumrr $li"a% in
3785 # =n"u=#ing in#er+ie2s
,r us in )rea# Bri#ain6 I# 2as ,
us an es(e=iall% m+ing reuninT
Mi=$el1 as a 38D%earDl" s#u"en#1
2 #$e ,irs# resear=$er # /e=me
ass=ia#e" 2i#$ us 2$en 2e
/egan 2r. n Is Paris
Burning ?
Jeannie Nag% #rans=ri/e" ,r us
man% $urs , #a(eDre=r"e"
in#er+ie2s1 /ringing # #$e #as.
#$e ms# aler# S=##is$ ear in #$e
Su#$ , !ran=e6 Jeanne
&n=$n1 Mi=$el !u=$er1
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us a# ne #ime r an#$er in #$e
(re(ara#in , ur ,inal
manus=ri(#6
@e mus# a=.n2le"ge 2i#$
sa"ness a s(e=ial "e/# # #$e la#e
Ra%mn" &ar#ier , Paris
Ma#=$6 He ,irs# en=urage" us
n #$e ra" # !ree"m a#
Mi"nig$#6 T2i=e "uring #$e las#
mn#$s , $is li,e $e rea" #$e
manus=ri(#1 ,,ering n /#$
==asins #$e ms# $el(,ul an"
=ns#ru=#i+e , =ri#i=isms6 I# is
ur regre# #$a# $e =ul" n# $a+e
li+e" lng enug$ # rea" #$ese
,ial (ages , a manus=ri(# #
2$i=$ $e =n#ri/u#e" s mu=$6
@e 2e1 #1 a s(e=ial "e/# ,
gra#i#u"e # Na"ia &llins 2$
"e+#e" lng $urs # #ransla#ing
=$eer,ull% an" a/l% ur Englis$
#eC# in# !ren=$6 Paul An"re#a1
Pierre Peu=$maur"1 &le##e
M"ian1 au#$r , T2en#%
Sr/s in &$ina1 n2 (re(aring a
/. n Lueen -i=#ria1 Pierre
Ama" an" !ran=is Dre all
,un" #$e #ime # rea" #$e
!ren=$ manus=ri(# , !ree"m
a# Mi"nig$#1 ea=$ ,,ering
$el(,ul =mmen#s an" =ri#i=isms6
!inall% # Mi=$ael *r"a an"
Dan )reen , Simn an"
S=$us#er1 R/er# La,,n# an"
Daniel Marme# a# E"i#ins
La,,n#1 P$ili( Riegler an"
Mi=$ael H%"e a# &llins1 Mari
La=ruQ in Ma"ri"1 Dna#
Bar/ne in Milan1 An"reas H(,
in Muni=$1 Naren=$a *uman in
Del$i an" ur l" ,rien" an"
agen# Ir+ine LaQer1 g ur #$an.s
,r #$eir sure su((r# #$rug$ #$e
"i,,i=ul# mn#$s #$a# le" #
!ree"m a# Mi"nig$#6
L6&6 D6L6P6
La Bi=$e Ni=$e Les Bignlles
Rama#uelle1 !ran=e ? Mar=$
3780
Bi/ligra($%
I BOO*S
a//as1 *6 A$ma"1 A Re(r# #
)an"$i6 Bm/a%H Hin" *i#a/s1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
37A86 J @ri#e as I !eel D I D T$e
A#m Bm/ II D La$re
a=.erle%1 J6 R61 In#erme"e
Hin"u6 ParisH )allimar"1 37?06
ali1 &$au"$ri Mu$amma"1 T$e
Emergen=e , Pa.is#an6 Ne2
Yr.H &lui
Uni+ersi#% Press1 37986 anan"1
Bal2an# Sing$1 &ruel In#erlu"e6
In"eH Asia Pu/lis$ing Huse1
3793 anar%an1 A )ru( ,
Hin" S#ries6 Ln"nH @6 H6
Allen G &61 3::36 an2ar1
Mu$amme"1 Jinna$ Luai"DeD
AQam1 A Sele=#e" Bigra($%6
*ara
Na#inal Pu/lis$ing Huse
Limi#e"1 37846 as$e1 )e,,re%1
)an"$i D A S#u"% in Re+lu#in6
Bm/a%H Asia Pu/lis$ing H
379:6
a#al1 Amarna#$1 T$e Ma$araBa$
, Jai(ur D 3755D37A86
Alla$a/a"H
Alla$a/a" La2 Jurnal Press6
aQa"1 Maulana A/ul *alam1
In"ia @ins !ree"m6 Ne2 Yr.H
Lnemi
)reen G &61 37946 S
/aig1 M6 R6 A61 Muslim Dilemma
in In"ia6 Del$iH -i.as Pu/lis$ing
Huse I
L#"1 378A6 s
/amm1 Pe#er1 AleCan"re le
)ran"6 BruCellesH Else+ierD
Se'uia1 37976 /areau1 An"rV01
Bu""$a6 ParisH E"i#ins
Seg$ers1 37956 /ar% "e1
T$e"re1 Sur=es , In"ian
Tra"i#in6 Ne2 Yr.H &lum/ia #
+ersi#% Press1 379: ;5 +lumes<6
/e##el$eim1 &$arles1 L'In"e
In"i(en"an#e6 ParisH Arman"
&$en1 37956 /$ai#a=$ar%a1
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Li,e , -is=un# Mn=.#n
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37A76
/r/=$er1 Mi=$ael1 Ne$ru D A
Pli#i=al Bigra($%6 Bs#nH
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T$e &un#ess ,1 E"2ina
Mun#/a##en D Her Li,e in Pi=#ur1
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&amern1 James1 An In"ian
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=am(/ellDB$nsn1 Alan1 Missin
2i#$ Mun#/a##en6 Ln"nH
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L#"1 37036
=are1 Ola,1 T$e Pa#$ans6
Ln"nH Ma=millan G &6 L#"1
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379A6 =$an"i2ala1 BriB.ris$na1
A# #$e !ee# , Ba(u6
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Pu/lis$ing Huse1 370A6
=$a##erii1 Us$a1 La !emme "ans
L'In"e6 ParisH Pln1 379A
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Rise an
In,luen=e , #$e Mun#/a##en
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L#" 370? =li"'e1 Oli+ia1
)an"$i6 Bs#nH Hug$#n
Mi,,lin &61 378#
=maras2am%1 Anan"a *61 T$e
Dan=e , S$i+a6 Ne2 Yr.H H6
@l,,1 370F!

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Missin6 Ne2 Yr.H OC,r"
Uni+ersi#% Press1 37A56 =r=.er1
@al#er1 Ne$ru D A
&n#em(rar%'s Es#ima#e6 Ne2
Yr.H OC,r"
Uni+ersi#% Press1 37996 "anielu1
Alain1 His#ire "e L'In"e6 ParisH
!a%ar"1 37836 "as1 Durga1 In"ia
,rm &urQn # Ne$ru an" A,#er6
Ln"nH @m6 &llins
Sns S=6 &61 L#"61 37976 "ass1
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Uni+ersi#aires "e !ran=e1
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!ran=e1 378?6 "2sn1 J$n1 A
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Ln"nH Ru#le"ge G *egan
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OC,r"H A# #$e &laren"n Press1
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"g gal1 *ar#ar Sing$1 Ban.e"
!ires an" O#$er S#ries6
Bm/a%H Pearl Pu/li=a#ins
Pri+a#e L#"1 37976 Dea#$ , a
Sng an" O#$er S#ries6 Ne2
Del$iH Arnl"DHeinemann1 378?6
Nails an" !les$6 Bm/a%H Pearl
Pu/li=a#ins Pri+a#e L#"1 37976
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HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
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in Pa.is#an6 Ne2 Yr.H
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Ne2 Yr.1 @6 @6 Nr#n G &6
In=61 37976 es=ar(i#1 R/er#1
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T$e Li,e , Ma$a#ma )an"$i6
Ne2 Yr.H Har(er G R21
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a +i1 P$ili((e1 Le Triangle
In"ien D De Ban"eng au
Bangla"es$6 ParisH Le Seuil1
37856
)$s$1 Su"$ir1 )an"$i's
Emissar% D A Nn=n,rmis#'s
Insi"e S#r% , In"ia's
Pas# T2en#% Years6 Bs#nH
Hug$#n Mi,,lin &1 37981
'lis$1 -i#l" "e1 L'In"e
Im(u"#'ue "es Ma$araBa$s6
ParisH R/er# La,,n#1
378?6
S(len"eur e# &ri(us=ule "es
Ma$araBa$s6 ParisH Ha=$e##e1
379?6
gr2ala1 A6 D61 T$e Lueen ,
Beau#% an" O#$er Tales6
Bm/a%H A6 D6 ) 2ala1 37836
gran#1 @6 J6 T$e S(iri# , In"ia6
Ln"nH B6 T6 Ba#s,r" L#"1
37?:6 )ri,,i#$s1 Per=i+al J61 T$e
Bri#is$ Im(a=# n In"ia6 Ln"nH
Ma=Dnal"1 37
T$e Bri#is$ in In"ia6 Ln"nH
R/er# Hale L#"1 37A96 grss1
J$n1 Ru"%ar" *i(ling D T$e
Man1 His @r. an" His @rl"6
Ln"i
@ei"en,el" an" Ni=lsn1 37856
gerin1 Paul1 A I'A,,u# "e
)an"$i6 ParisH ;Emissin "e la
Ra"i"i,,usi
!ran=$ise "u ?4J43JA7<6 Les
In"es !amilieres6 ParisH E"i#in
"es DeuC Ar#isans1 37046
$"i2ala1 S$a(urBi *a+asBi1
His#r% , Hl% Irans$a$
;EC#ra=#s<6 Bm/H
)"reB M6 Prin#ing Press1 37996
$" sn1 H6 -61 T$e )rea# Di+i"e
D Bri#ain D In"ia D Pa.is#an6
Ln"nH Hu#=$
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
sn an" &61 37976
$u##n1 J6 H6 &as#e in In"ia D I#s
Na#ure1 !un=#in1 an" Origins6
&am/ri=
Uni+ersi#% Press1 37A96 isma%1
Lr"1 T$e Memirs , )eneral
Lr" Isma%6 Ln"nH Heinemar
37946
JAIN1 J6 &1 T$e Mur"er ,
Ma$a#ma )an"$i D Prelu"e an"
A,#erma#$6 Bm/s
&$e#ana L#"1 37936 Bnes1
S#anle%1 Ma$a#ma )an"$i Di An
In#er(re#a#in6 Ln"nH H""er
S#ug$#n1 37A:6
.amens.%1 Anna1 La B$aga+a"D
)i#a ;Le &$an# "u Seigneur<6
!ran=eH E"i#i J6 B6 Janin1 37A86
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Ne$ru6 Ln"nH )erge Allen G
Un2in L# 37946
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In"ia D 394:D37?86 Ln"n an"
Bs#
Ru#le"ge G *egan Paul L#"1
378?6 *i(ling1 Ru"%ar"1 Le &$a#
Mal#ais6 ParisH Mer=ure "e
!ran=e1 37586
Le H+re "e la Jungle an" Le
Se=n" Li+re "e la Jungle ;5
+ls6<6 Pari
Mer=ure "e !ran=e1 37?46
.ri(alani1 *ris$na1 )an"$i1 A
Li,e6 Ne2 Del$iH Orien#
Lngmans1 37976 la=m/e1 O61
)an"$i u la !r=e "e I'Ame6
ParisH Pln1 379A6 la=%1
&reig$#n1 T$e &ns=ien=e ,
In"ia6 Ne2 Yr.H Hl#1 Rine$ar#
ar
@ins#n1 37906
la.s$m Ann a1 &1 &as#e
D%nami=s in -illage In"ia6
Bm/a%H Na=$i.ei
Pu/li=a#ins L#"1 378?6 lassier1
SuQanne1 )an"$i e# la NnD
-ilen=e6 ParisH E"i#ins "u
Seuil1 37846 le /urgeis1
Ja='ues1 L'In"e auC &en#
&uleurs6 ParisH Ha=$e##e1 37?06
Lle2ell%n1 Bernar"1 !rm #$e
Ba=. S#ree#s , Bengal6 Ln"nH
)erge Alls
G Un2in L#"1 37006 lr"1 J$n1
T$e Ma$araBa$s6 Ne2 Yr.H
Ran"m Huse1 37836
LY3703AN'Ar#$ur &unning$am1
*ing"ms , Yes#er"a%6 Ln"nH
J$n MurraT
ma$a"e+ an1 T6 M6 P61 Ou#lines
, Hin"uism6 Bm/a%H &$e#ana
L#"1 37096 maBum" ar1 S6 *61
Jinna$ an" )an"$i D T$eir Rle
in In"ia's Lues# ,r !ree"n
&al=u##aH !irma *6 L6
Mu.$(a"$%a%1 37996

AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
K
malrauC1 An"rg1 An#im#mires6
ParisH )allirnar NR!1 37986
masani1 R6 P61 Bri#ain in In"ia6
Ln"nH OC,r" Uni+ersi#%
Press1 37946
masn1 P$ili(1 Ma##er , Hnur
D An A==un# , #$e In"ian Arm%
D I#s O,,i=ers an" Men6 Ln"n!
Jna#$an &a(e1 378A6
massn1 Ma"eleine1 E"2ina1
T$e Bigra($% , #$e &un#ess
Mun#/a##en , Burma6 Ln"nH
R/er# Hale L#"1 370:6
mauls1 Henr%1 S(ear$ea"
)eneral D T$e E(i= S#r% ,
)eneral Sir !ran. Messer+% an"
$is Men in Eri#rea1 Nr#$ A,ri=a
an" Burma6 Ln"nH TransD
2rl" Pu/lis$ers1 37936
mere#1 &$ris#ian1 Les &$imires
Bleues "e &$an"ernagr6 ParisH
R/er# La,i/n#1 379A6
me$#a1 *ris$na1 T$is Ha((ene"
in *as$mir6 Del$iH Pu/li=a#ins
Di+isin1 37996
;Minis#r% , In,rma#in an"
Bra"=as#ing )+ernmen# ,
In"ia6< me$#a1 -e"1 Pr#rai# ,
In"ia6 Ne2 Del$iH -i.as
Pu/li=a#ins1 37836
@al.ing #$e In"ian S#ree#s6 Ne2
Del$iH -i.as Pu/li=a#ins1 37856
menn1 -6 P61 T$e Trans,er ,
P2er in In"ia6 Prin=e#nH
Prin=e#n Uni+ersi#%
Press1 37086
mi#ra1 As.1 Del$i &a(i#al &i#%6
Ne2 Del$iH T$msn Press1
37846 mn1 Pen"erel1 Di+i"e
an" Lui#6 Ln"nH &$a## an"
@in"us1 37936
)an"$i an" M"ern In"ia6 Ne2
Yr.H @6 @6 Nr#n G &6 In=61
37976 mr$use1 )e,,re%1
&al=u##a6 Ln"nH @ei"en,el"
an" Ni=lsn1 37836 mrris1
James1 PaC Bri#anni=a6 Ln"nH
!a/er G !a/er1 379:6 msl/%1
Lenar"1 T$e )lrius !aul#6
Ne2 Yr.T Har=ur#1 Bra=e an"
&m(an%1 37946
T$e Las# Da%s , #$e Bri#is$ RaB6
Ln"nH @ei"en,el" G
Ni=lsn1 37936
nair6 *usum1 Blssms in #$e
Dus# D T$e Human Elemen# in
In"ian De+el(men#6 In"iaH
Allie" Pu/lis$ers Pri+a#e L#"1
37936
nan"a1 B6 R61 Ma$a#ma )an"$i D
A Bigra($%6 Ln"nH )erge
Allen G Un2in L#"1 37906
na%ar1 *ul"i(1 Dis#an#
Neig$/ursDA Tale , #$e
Su/=n#inen#6 Del$iH -i.as
Pu/lis$ing Huse1 37856
In"ia D T$e &ri#i=al Years6 Del$iH
-i.as Pu/li=a#ins D ;=<
@ei"en,el" G Ni=lsn1 37836
ne$ru1 Ja2a$arlal1 An
Au#/igra($%6 In"iaH Allie"
Pu/lis$ers Pri+a#e L#"1 37956
T$e Dis=+er% , In"ia6 Ne2
Yr.H T$e J$n Da% &m(an%1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
37A96 In"ia's !ree"m6 Ln"nH
Un2in B.s1 37906 Ma -ie e#
mes Prisns1 ParisH Denel1
37056
T2ar" !ree"m D T$e
Au#/igra($% , J6 Ne$ru6 Ne2
Yr.H T$e J$n Da% &m(an%1
37A36
Ni=$ls1 Be+erle%1 L'In"e
Se=ri#e6 ParisH Jules Tallan"ier1
37A96
nn1 !erQ *$an1 !rm
Memr%6 La$reH E"i#ins !erQ
Sns L#"1 37976
li+ierDla=am(1 MaC1 Im(asse
In"ienne6 ParisH !lammarin1
379?6
Les DeuC Asies6 ParisH )rasse#1
37996 (a%mas#er1 Rus#m
BurBrBi1 Earl% His#r% , #$e
Parsees in In"ia6 Bm/a%<
Rar#s$#i D$aram Sam/an"$i1
370A6 (ri+a#1 E"mn"1 AuCln"es
a+e= )an"$i6 ParisH DenSl1
37946
-ie "e )an"$i6 )ene+eH La/r e#
!i"es1 37A76 (% arelal1 Ma$a#ma
)an"$i D T$e Earl% P$ase6
A$me"a/a"H Na+aBi+an Huse1
37906
Ma$a#ma )an"$i D T$e Las#
P$ase6 A$me"a/a"H Na+aBi+an
Huse1 37906 ;5 +ls6<
r a i1 Sa#%a M61 Par#i#in , #$e
PunBa/ D A S#u"% , I#s E,,e=#s
On #$e Pli#i= A"minis#ra#in ,
#$e PunBa/6 37A8D37096 Ne2
Del$iH In"ian S=$l , I
na#inal S#u"ies1 37906
ra1 S$i+a B61 In"ia's !ree"m
M+emen#6 Del$iH Orien#
Lngman's1 37856
r/insn1 Dnal" H61 88.? RaB6
)reen2i=$ ;&nn6<H !a2=e##
Pu/li=a#ins1 37836
rllan"1 Rmain1 )an"$i e#
Rmain Rllan"
;&rres(n"en=e1 EC#rai
Jurnal e# TeC#es Di+ers<6 ParisH
Al/in Mi=$e<1 37946 sa$ni1 J6 N61
88.T Li" O,,6 Ne2 Del$iH Allie"
Pu/lis$ers1 37836 ' +#(rem1 Par le
&r(s "e la Terre u le
Sann%asin6 ParisH R/er#
La,,n#1 samr.ar1 -6 D61
Hin"u#+a D @$ Is a Hin"u?
Bm/a%H -eer Sa+T
Pra.as$an1 37976
sa%ee"1 *$ali" Bh Pa.is#an D
T$e !rma#i+e Pliase 3:08D
37A:6 Ln"nH O
Uni+ersi#% Press1 379:6 s=$mi"1
Pe#er1 In"ia D Mirage an"
Reali#%6 Ln"nH )erge )6
Harra(1 sen1 L6 P61 Slen"er @as
#$e T$rea"6 Bm/a%H Orien#
Lngmans1 37976 s$eean1
-in=en#1 Lea"1 *in"l% Lig$#6
Ln"nH &assell G &61 37046
Ma$a#ma )an"$i D A )rea# Li,e
in Brie,6 Ne2 Yr.H Al,re"
*n(,1 IS s$uBau""in1
Mu$amma"1 T$e Li,e an" Times
, Nr Ja$an6 La$re
&ara+an B. Huse1 37986
sing$1 Jgin"er1 Si.$
&eremnies6 &$au"igar$H Si.$
Religius B. S=
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
379:6
sing$1 *aran1 &n#em(rar%
Essa%s6 Bm/a%H B$ara#i%a
-i"%a B$a+an1 Pr($e# , In"ian
Na#inalism6 Bm/a%H B$ara#i%a
-i"%a B$a+an1 37' sing$1
*us$2an#1 In"ia D A Mirrr !r
I#s Mns#ers an" Mns#rsi#ies6
Bi IBH Pu/lis$ing &m(an%1
37976 T$e Si.$s T"a%6
Bm/a%H Orien# Lngmans1
37986 Las# Train # Pa.is#an6
Ln"nH &$a## G @in"us L#"1
37096 'sing$1 Par.as$1 )uru
Nana. an" His Ja(Bi6 Jullun"un
S2an Prin#ing 37976
sin$a1 Durganau"1 In"ian
-illages in Transi#in D A
M#i+a#inal Anal%sis
Del$iH Ass=ia#e" Pu/lis$ing
Huse1 37976 s(ear1 Per=i+al1 A
His#r% , In"ia6 Ln"nH
Penguin B.s1 37846 srini+as1
M6 N61 In"ia's -illages6 Bm/a%H
Asia Pu/lis$ing Huse1 379
s#='ueller1 J6 H61 T$e Han"
B. , Bri#is$ In"ia6 Ln"nH
@6 _
Allen G &1 3:0A6 s 2insn1
Ar#$ur1 Mun#/a##en @ar Lea"er
B. N6 96 Ne2 Yr.H Ball
B.s In=6 ;=< 37831 Ar#$ur
S2insn6 S%ming#n1 J6 M6 D61
In a BengalJungle D S#nes ,
Li,e n #$e Tea )ar1
Nr#$ern In"ia6 &$a(el Hill1
N6&61 37?0 =$eQ *egan Paul1
Ln"n N6 3 ian"n1 Pra.as$1
PunBa/i &en#ur% D T$e
!as=ina#ing S#r% , a -irile i
Del$iH Hin" P=.e# B.s1 37936
#en"ul.ar1 D6 )61 Ma$a#ma D Li,e
, M$an"as *aram=$an" )am
: +lumes<6 Ne2 Del$iH T$e
Pu/li=a#ins Di+isin Minis#r%
, In,n
an" Bra"=as#ing )+ernmen#
, In"ia1 379?6 ;-lume III1
37A8D37A3 #erraine1 J$n1 T$e
Li,e an" Times , Lr"
Mun#/a##en6 Ln"nH
B.s1 37846
#inier1 Hug$1 EC(erimen# 2i#$
!ree"m D In"ia an" Pa.is#an
37A86 Li
OC,r" Uni+ersi#% Press1 37986
## rnaire1 Helene1 Pi+re -er# D
L'In"e auC Ra%ns M6 ParisH
Raul
37906
#re+el%an1 Hum($re%1 T$e In"ia
@e Le,#6 Ln"nH Ma=millan1
37851
#r##er1 LJh T$e Li,e , H"sn
, H"sn's Hrse6 Ln"nH
S2ee(man's Li/rar%1 37356
#u./r1 !ran=is1 @$ile Memr%
Ser+es6 Ln"nH &assell G &6
L#"1 37046 +as#1 LanQa "el1 Le
Pilerinage auC Sur=es6 ParisH
Denel 37A?
-E(aris'D I,e?ie##e 379:YF "
-aPiUr F -O%age "
Tra-eF J'JF"e 'SeP#en#rinaleD
2ain2ri$#1 Mar%1 an" &6 H6
P$ili(s1 T$e Par#i#in , In"ia6
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Ln"nD)erge Allen G Un2in
L#"1 37846 2"ru,,1 P$ili(1 8Se
Men 2$ Rule" In"ia6 -l6 IH
883> !un"ers
1 6 -l6 IIH T$e )uar"ians
Ln"nH Jna#$an &a(e1 370A6
%ea#sD/r2n1 !61 Les
TrisLan"ers "u Bengale6 ParisH
Ha=ae##e 3700
%un1 Desmn"1 All #$e Bes#
Years6 Ne2 Yr.H Har(er G
Br#$ers1 37936
II O!!I&IAL DO&UMENTS
a=#s , (arliamen#
T$e )+ernmen# , In"ia A=# 5?
De=em/er 37376
7 G 34 )e6 -1 =6 3436
T$e )+ernmen# , In"ia A=#
5 Augus# 37?06 )e6 -6 a
56
T$e In"ian In"e(en"en=e A=# 3:
Jul% 37A86
34 G 33 )e6 -I1 =6 ?46
in"ian s#a#u#r% =mmissin
re(r#
;-l6 36 Sur+e%<
H6M6's S#a#iner% O,,i=e6 37?46
(arliamen#ar% (a(ers
&m" 9:?0 ;37A9<6
In"iaH S#a#emen# /% #$e &a/ine#
Missin1 50 Ma% 37A96 &m"
9:93 ;37A9<6
In"iaH S#a#emen# /% #$e &a/ine#
Missin6 &m" 9:95 ;37A9<6
In"ia ;&a/ine# Missin<H Pa(ers
rela#ing #B
;a< #$e Si.$s1
;/< #$e In"ian S#a#es1
;=< #$e Eur(ean
&mmuni#%1 Ma%DJune 37A96
&m" 84A8 ;37A8< In"ian Pli=%
S#a#emen# 54 !e/ruar% 37A86
&m" 83?9 ;37A8< In"ian Pli=%
S#a#emen#
? June 37A86
BIBLIO)RAPHY #ime nl% #
l. ,r2ar"
S(ee=$es , #$e Earl
Mun#/a##en , Burma as
-i=er% , In"ia an" )+eri
)eneral , #$e Dminin ,
In"ia 37A8D37A:6 /% Ni=$las
*a%e1 Ln"n1 37A76
Ill NE@SPAPERS AND
PERIODI&ALS
englan"
T$e Run" Ta/le1 Ln"n6 T$e
Times1 Ln"n6 Time MagaQine1
Ln"n6
,ran=e
His#ire (ur Tus
N6 3A9D3A8 D JuinJJuille# 37856
EC#ra=#H 'L'In"e De=$iree'
/% Pa#ri=. Tura/ull an" Al/er#
-ulILDQ6
His#ire (ur Tus
N6 304 D O=#/re 37856
EC#ra=#H 'Lr" Mun#/a##en en
Birmanie'
/% Al/er# -ullieQ6
Bulgne Billan=ur#1 E"i#ins
Ru,,1 37856 Le Mn"e1 Paris6
Har#Jan1 A$me"a/a"6
Illus#ra#e" @ee.l% , In"ia1
Bm/a%6
T$e Times , In"ia1 Bm/a%6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Da2n1 Ne2 Del$i6
T$e Hin"us#an Times1 Ne2
Del$i6
T$e Hin"us#an Times @ee.l%
Re+ie21 Ne2 Del$i6
T$e S#a#esman1 Ne2 Del$i6
(a.is#an
&i+il an" Mili#ar% )aQe##e1
La$re6 Pa.is#an Times1
*ara=$i6
uni#e" s#a#es
T$e Ne2 Yr. Times1 Ne2
Yr.6

I- SPE&IAL DO&UMENTS
RELATIN) TO )ANDHI'S
MURDER AND THE TRIAL
O! HIS ASSASSINS MADE
A-AILABLE TO AUTHORS6
=rime re(r#s
/% J6 D6 Nagar+alla6
!rm ?4J43JA: # 5:J40JA:6
S(e=ial Bran=$1 &ID1 Bm/a%6
gan"$i's assassina#in an" I
/% )(al )"se6
Asmi#a Pra.as$an1 Pna1 37986
;A+aila/le nl% in Ma$ara#$i6<
re(r# , in+es#iga#in mur"er
Se=6 ?45 IP& an" Ar#i=les A G 06
EC(lsi+e su/s#an=es A=# in#
#$e &ns(ira=% # Mur"er
Ma$a#ma )an"$i6 Dssier N6
99?JA6
O,,i=e , #$e De(u#%
&mmissiner , Pli=e1 S(e=ial
Bran=$1 &ID1 Bm/a%6
re(r# , #$e =mmissin ,
en'uir% in# =ns(ira=% #
mur"er ma$a#ma gan"$i
/% J6 L6 *a(ur1 Ju"ge , #$e
Su(reme &ur# , In"ia6 ;9
+lumes6< )+ernmen# , In"ia
Press1 Ne2 Del$i1 37846
is ,rm an in#er+ie2 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en an" $is n#es ,
#$eir #al. ma"e a# #$e #ime1 (lus
a (ersnal le##er sen# # $im /%
#$e *ing6 T$e (r#rai# , #$e las#
-i=er% is /ase" n in#er+ie2s
2i#$ Mun#/a##en $imsel,1 $is
"aug$#ers1 La"% Bra/urne an"
La"% Pamela Hi=.s1 $is +ale#1
&$arles Smi#$ an" a num/er ,
$is s#a,, an" ass=ia#es in=lu"ing
L#D&m"r Pe#er H2es1 Alan
&am(/ellDJ$nsn1 A"miral
Rnal" Br='6rnan1 &a(#6 Sir
James S=##6 @ri##en ma#erial
in=lu"es S2insn's Muun#/a##en1
Terraine's Li,e an" Times ,
Lr" Mun#/a##en1 an" Lr"
+Mun#/a##en's (ersnal "iar% ,
$is #ur , In"ia 2i#$ #$e Prin=e
, @ales in 37536
T$e #2 (assages n )an"$i in
Na.$ali are /ase" n
in#er+ie2s an" 2ri##en ma#erial
=+ering #$e same su/Be=# as se#
u# in #$e n#es in &$a(#er 56
T$e /igra($i=al (assages are
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$H #$e
Na%ars1 Bri.s$en &$an"i2alla$1
)ur=$aran Sing$1 A=$ar%a
*ri(alani1 Je$angir Pa#el1
Pa"maBa Nai"u1 Mme -6 L6
Pan"i#1 @ali an" Ba"s$a$ *$an1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#$e '!rn#ier )an"$i'1 *ris$na
Menn an" Ra%mn" &ar#ier6
@ri##en ma#erialH S$eean1 Lea"
*in"l% Lig$# an" )an"$iH A
)rea# Li,e in Brie,T &li"ge1
)an"$iT As$e1 )an"$iH A S#u"%
in Re+lu#inT Pa%ne1 )an"$iT
Na%ar1 )an"$iH T$e Las# P$aseT
Tis=$er1 T$e Li,e , Ma$a#ma
)an"$iT )an"$i1 An
Au#/igra($% r T$e S#r% ,
M% EC(erimen# 2i#$ Tru#$T
*ri(alani1 )an"$i1 A Li,eT
MBum"ar1 Jinna$ an" )an"$i6
T$e (assage n #$e Huse ,
&mmns' "e/a#e is ,rm
Hansar" an" =n#em(rar%
ne2s(a(er a==un#s6 T$e
"es=ri(#in , #$e Mun#/a##en's
"e(ar#ure is /ase" n in#er+ie2s
2i#$ Lr" Mun#/a##en1 A"miral
Br=.Dman1 L#D&m"r H2es an"
&$arles Smi#$6
&HAPTER A A Las# Ta## ,r a
D%ing RaB
T$e (assage "ealing 2i#$
)an"$i's rela#ins$i( 2i#$ $is
grea#Dnie=e Manu is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ P%arelal an"
Sus$illa Na%ar an" Na%ar's
/.&&er#ain )an"$i
'u#a#ins1 n#a/l% #$se "ealing
2i#$ $is "ream in Bm/a%1 are
,rm $is riginal e"i#rials
2ri##en ,r $is (a(er #$e HariBan
a# #$e #ime6
T$e a==un# , Mun#/a##en's
in#er+ie2 2i#$ Lr" @a+ell is
,rm an in#er+ie2 2i#$
Mun#/a##en an" $is n#es ma"e
a# #$e #ime ,rm #$eir
=n+ersa#in6 La"%
Mun#/a##en's (r,ile is /ase"
largel% n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ $er
$us/an"1 $er #2 "aug$#ers an"
$er #$ree se=re#aries in In"ia1
Muriel @a#sn1 EliQa/e#$ @ar"
&llins an" Ja%a T$a"ani6 T$e
'u#a#ins an" re,le=#ins
re,erring # Lr" Mun#/a##en's
3753 +isi# are ,rm $is (ri+a#e
"iar%6
His arri+al a# -i=er%'s Huse
an" $is s2earingDin as -i=er%
as 2ell as #$e a==un# , #$e
(re(ara#ins ,r #$e =eremn%
are /ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$
&$arles Smi#$1 &a(#6 Sir James
S=##1 &a(#6 !6 J6 Burna/%D
A#.ins1 L#D&m"r H2es1
A"miral Br=.man an" #$e
-i=er% $imsel,6 @ri##en sur=es
in=lu"e" =n#em(rar%
ne2s(a(er a==un#s1 &a(#6
S=##'s "iar%1 &am(/ellD
J$nsn's Missin 2i#$
Mun#/a##en an" #$e

NOTES

NOTES

A

,eren=e6 Amng #$se a##en"ing
2$ 2ere in#er+ie2e" 2ere Sir
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Ola, &are1 Sir> &$an"ulal
Tri+e"i an" Sir )erge A/eil6
T$e "es=ri(#in , Mun#D
/a##en's +isi# # Pes$a2ar an" #$e
PunBa/ is /ase" n in#er+ie2s
2i#$ Lr" Mun#/a##en1 Sir Ola,
&are1 A/"ul Ras$i"1 De(u#%
Su(erin#en"en# , Pli=e in
Pes$a2ar an" &l6 M$amme"
*$an1 an rganiQer , #$e
"emns#ra#ins6 )an"$i's "e/a#e
2i#$ $is =lleagues is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ P%arelal Na%ar
an" A=$ar%a *ri(alani6
&HAPTER 9 A Pre=ius Li##le
Pla=e
T$e "es=ri(#ins , Simla are
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ M6 S6
O/eri1 Mrs Perm Mn#ague1 Sir
&$an"ulal Tri+e"i an" a
"elig$#,ul 3:70 )ui"e/. #
#$e =i#%1 (lus a +isi# # #$e si#e
i#sel,6 T$e a==un# , #$e
-i=er%'s '$un=$' is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 Alan &am(/ellD
J$nsn1 #$e Earl , Lis#2el
an" A"miral Br=.man6 T$e
a==un# , Ne$ru's rea=#in 2as
,urnis$e" /% *ris$na Menn
2$ a==m(anie" $im6 -6 P6
Menn's "aug$#er1 Mrs D6 Misra1
(r+i"e" a==ess # $is (ersnal
(a(ers 2$i=$ in=lu"e a "e#aile"
a==un# , #$e in=i"en#6
&HAPTER 8 Pala=es an" TigersT
Ele($an#s an" Je2els
T$e a==un# , Sir &nra"
&r,iel"'s Ln"n +isi# 2as
(r+i"e" /% in#er+ie2s 2i#$ #$e
#2 .e% (e(le in+l+e"1
&r,iel" an" #$e Earl ,
Lis#2el6
T$e "es=ri(#in , #$e
Ma$araBas1 #$eir li+es an"
e==en#ri=i#ies are /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ &r,iel"1 $is
"e(u#% Sir Her/er# T$m(sn1
#$e RaB Ma#as , )2alir an"
Jai(ur1 #$e Ma$araBas , Pa#iala1
!ari".#1 *a(ur#ala1 Bun"i1
Bar"a1 De2as1 #$e Na2a/ ,
Maler.#la6 Als ms# $el(,ul
2ere La"% Ru#$+en1 #$e 2i"2
, #$e NiQam , H%"era/a"'s
legal a"+iser1 Sir @al#er
Mn=.#n1 an" Sir @al#er's
assis#an# J$n Pe%#nT )en6 Ali
Ya+ar Jung , Bm/a% 2$ 2as
n #$e NiQam's s#a,,T H6E6 *aran
Sing$1 a mem/er , #$e In"ian
g+ernmen# an" #$e sn , #$e
la#e Ma$araBa , *as$mir 2$
"es n# =$se # em(l% $is
#i#leT an" R/in Du,,6 Primar%
2ri##en sur=es are Lr"'s T$e
Ma$araBa$sT !r/es'1 In"ia , #$e
Prin=esT an" "e )lis$'s
S(len"eur e# &reF(us=ule "es
Ma$araBas6
&HAPTER : A Da% &urse" /%
#$e S#ars
T$e a==un#1 , Lr"
Mun#/a##en's +isi# # Ln"n1
$is mee#ing 2i#$ #$e =a/ine# an"
2i#,i Sir @ins#n &$ur=$ill is
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
Mun#/a##en an" $is n#es ,
#$se mee#ings "i=#a#e" a# #$e
#ime1 2i#$ Sir )erge A/ell 2$
2as als in Ln"n an" 2i#$ #$e
Earl , Lis#2el1 #$e Se=re#ar%
, S#a#e ,r In"ia1 2$ a##en"e"
#$e ,irs# mee#ing6
T$e (assage "ealing 2i#$ #$e
"es#ru=#in , #$e ar=$i+es , #$e
Ma$araBas' "ings an" #$e
ma#erial #$e% =n#aine"'is /ase"
n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Sir &nra"
&r,iel" an" $is "e(u#% Sir
Her/er# T$m(sn6 Sir &nra"
als all2e" ne , #$e au#$rs
# rea" an un(u/lis$e"
manus=ri(# =+ering $is
eC(erien=es 2i#$ In"ia's (rin=es1
#$eir "ings an" $is 2n =areer6
mee#ing 2i#$ #$e In"ian lea"ers
n 5 a ? June is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ $im an" #$e
a=#ual minu#es , #$e me ings
,rm $is ar=$i+es ,rm 2$i=$ all
"ire=# 'u#es are #a.en6 T$e
a==# , $is =n+ersa#ins 2i#$
Jinna$ an" )an"$i are /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2 Lr" Mun#/a##en
an" $is n#es #a.en , #$em a#
#$e #ime6 T$e 'u#a#i ,rm
)an"$i a# $is (ra%er mee#ing is
,rm HariBan6 T$e (ress =n,erei
2as re=ns#ru=#e" ,rm #$e
#rans=ri(# , #$e =n,eren=e an"
in#er+ie 2i#$ Lr" Mun#/a##en
an" Alan &am(/ellDJ$nsn6
T$e a==un# , as#rlger's
rea=#in is ,rm in#er+ie2s 2i#$
Lr" Mun#/a##en1 M6 Ma##$ai
an" S2amin Manaran 2$ s#ill
re#ains $is riginal =$ar#s an
=(% , $is le##er # #$e -i=er%6
&HAPTER 7 T$e Ms#
&m(leC Di+r=e in His#r% T$e
"es=ri(#in , #$e manner in
2$i=$ In"ia's asse#s 2ere "i+i"e=
/ase" (rin=i(all% n in#er+ie2s
2i#$ #$e #2 men res(nsi/le1 H6
Pa#el an" &$au"r% M$amme"
Ali6 A ,ull se# , #$e re(r#s
su/mi##e=3 #$em1 #$eir
re=mmen"a#ins an" #$e
minu#es , #$eir mee#ing 2ere
mT a+aila/le # #$e au#$rs6 T$e
"es=ri(#in , #$e "i+isin , #$e
+i=ere =arriages =mes ,rm
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ L#D&m"r H2es
an" )eneral Ya=V *$an6 T$e
(assage #rea#ing #$e /rea.ing u(
, #$e In"ian Arm% is /ase"
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ )eneral R%
Bu=$er1 &l M$amme" I"riss1
)enV Enai#$ Ha/i/ulla$1
)eneral *ar/a.s$ Sing$1 &a(#6
Sams$er Sin )eneral J6 N6
&$au"$uri1 )eneral !ran.
Messer+%1 !iel"DMars$al S
Mane.s$a21 )eneral D6 M6
Misra1 )eneral J6 T6 Sa#ara+ala1
MaB6D) A6 Du/e%6 An eC=ellen#
re=en# $is#r% , #$e In"ian
Arm% is a+aila/li Masn's1
Ma##er , Hnur6 Mu=$
in#eres#ing ma#erial n i#s #a=#i=s
i =am(aigns is # /e ,un" in
Elli##'s1 T$e !rn#ier 3:?7D
37A86
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
T$e (assage n Lr" Ra"=li,,e's
summns1 $is mee#ings 2i#$ #$e
L &$an=ellr an" &lemen# A##lee
is /ase" n $is 2n re=lle=#ins
re=r"e" in an in#er+ie21 (lus
=er#ain =rres(n"en=e rela#i+e
# a((in#men# eC=$ange"
/e#2een Ln"n an" -i=er%'s
Huse6 ' a==un# , $isOrs#
mee#ing 2i#$ Lr" Mun#/a##en
is #a.en ,rm in +ie2s 2i#$ #$e
#2 men6 T$e "es=ri(#in ,
Mun#/a##en's a((ra=l #$e
(r/lem , #$e (rin=es =mes
,rm in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a# Sir &nra" &r,iel"1
Pa#el's "aug$#er an" se=re#ar%
an" #$e (ri+a#e (a_ , -6 P6
Menn6
Lr" Mun#/a##en's nmina#in
# #$e (s# , )+ernrD)eneral
in"e(en"en# In"ia an" #$e
#$ug$# 2$i=$ (re=e"e" i# D #$a#
$e /e=n Bin# )+ernrD)eneral
, #$e #2 ne2 "minins is
#rea#e" in g leng#$ in Mn's
Di+i"e an" Lui# an" &am(/ellD
J$nsn's Missin Mun#/a##en6
T$e a==un# $ere is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr" M /a##en
an" #$e re=r"s , $is man%
"is=ussins , i# 2i#$ $is s#a,,
an" In"ian lea"ers$i(6
In "es=ri/ing #$e (reD(ar#i#in
#ru/les in #$e PunBa/1
in#er+ie2s 3 ,ur ,rmer ,,i=ers
, #$e PunBa/ (li=e1 )eral"
Sa+age1 Rule Dean1 H6 Ri=$ an"
Pa#ri=. !armer 2ere em(l%e"6
A =(% , #$e PunBa/ &!
2ee.l% summaries , e+en#s in
#$e (r+in=e 2as als ma"e
a+aila/le # #$e au#$rs6 T$e
a==un# , )an"$i's ,irs# =n#a=#
2i#$ #$e re,ugees is is ,rm
P%arelal Na%ar6
&HAPTER 34 '@e @ill Al2a%s
Remain Br#$ers'
T$e a==un# , #$e R%al Assen#
is /ase" n =n#em(rar%
ne2s(a(er re(r#s6
Mun#/a##en's ,inal a""ress #
#$e &$am/er , Prin=es1 #$eir
,are2ell "inner an" #$e
relu=#an=e , sme , #$e (rin=es
# a"$ere # ne , #$e ne2
"minins is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en an" $is re=r"s ,
#$e (r=ess1 #$e (ri+a#e (a(ers ,
-6 P6 Menn 2$ 2as #$e In"ian
,,i=ial ms# =lsel% =n=erne"1
an" in#er+ie2s 2i#$ #$e RaB
Ma#as , )2alir an" Jai(urT #$e
Ma$araBas , Pa#iala1
*ar(ur,$ala an" MalerD.#laT Sir
&nra" &r,iel"T La"%
Mn=.#nT Sir Her/er#
T$m(sn an" J$n Pe%#n6 T$e
"es=ri(#in , Lr"
Mun#/a##en's +isi# # *as$mir is
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ $im1
$is memran"a , =n+ersa#ins
"i=#a#e" a# #$e #ime1 #$e minu#es
, $is "is=ussins 2i#$ $is s#a,,
n $is #ri( an" $is re(r# n $is
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
#al. # #$e A##lee g+ernmen#6
T$e a==un# , #$e a##em(# #
assassina#e Jinna$ 2as ,urnis$e"
/% )6 R6 Sa+age1 2$ /rug$#
#$e in,rma#in # Del$i1 Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 an" =er#ain
"=umen#s 2$i=$ #$e las#
-i=er% ,un" in $is ar=$i+es
rela#i+e # #$e (l#6
re'ues# # )an"$i # g #
&al=u##a is /ase" n in#er+ie2s
2i#$ Mun#/a##en an" $is re=r"
, #$eir =n+ersa#in as 2ell as
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ P%arelal Na%ar1
Bri.s$en &$an"i2alla$ an" *6
Rangas2am%6
Jinna$'s "e(ar#ure ,r *ara=$i
an" $is ,lig$# 2as re=ns#ru=#e"
,rm
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ $is AD&s
A"miral A$sen1 @ing
&mman"er A#a Ra/ani
an" &l @illiam Birnie6 Lr"
Mun#/a##en's "e=isin # $l"
/a=. Lr"
Ra"=li,,e's a2ar" un#il a,#er
in"e(en"en=e 2as "is=usse"
2i#$ Lr" i
Mun#/a##en1 Lr" Ra"=li,,e an"
Sir )erge A/ell6 T$e 'u#a#ins
are
,rm #$e -i=er%'s las# re(r# #
Ln"n6 T$e earlier (assage n
$2 Lr"
Ra"=li,,e 2r.e" is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr" Ra"=li,,e
an" $is I&S
ai"e1 H6 &6 Beaumn#6 #
T$e a==un# , #$e ,are2ell
"inner a# #$e Del$i )%m.$ana
&lu/ is /ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$
a num/er , #$se (resen#6
&HAPTER 33 @$ile #$e @rl"
Sle(#
T$e a==un# , )an"$i's missin
# &al=u##a is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ P%arelal Na%ar1
R6 N6 BannerBee an" Ram
)/ur/$un6 @ri##en sur=es
in=lu"e T$e Las# P$ase1 HariBan
an" #$er =n#em(rar%
ne2s(a(er a==un#s6 T$e
a==un# , Mun#/a##en's ri"e
#$rug$ #$e s#ree#s , *ara=$i
2i#$ Jinna$ is /ase" largel% n
an in#er+ie2 2i#$ #$e las#
-i=er%6 @ri##en sur=es in=lu"e
Missin 2i#$ Mun#/a##en an"
=n#em(rar% ne2s(a(er
a==un#s6
T$e "es=ri(#in , In"e(en"en=e
nig$# a# #$e *$%/er Pass1
La$re1 Ne2 Del$i1 Bm/a%1
e#=61 =mes ,rm a grea# +arie#%
, sur=es6 T$e% in=lu"e
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 Alan &am(/ellD
J$nsn1 )enerals
-a=u/ *$an1 Messer+%1
L=.$ar#1 Bu=$er an" &$au"uri1
&l Bi# Brig6 M$amme" I"riss1
R6 E6 @6 A#.ins1 An2ar Ali1
*$2aBa M$iu" Mrs Su=$e#a
*ri(alani 2$ sang #$e In"ian
na#inal an#$em ,r &ns#i#uen#
Assem/l%1 H6 -6 R6 Iengar1 Mrs
-6 L6 Pan"i#1 )eneral H Mrs D6
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
Misra1 Dr Sus$ila Na%ar1 &l
M$amme" S$ari, *$an1 !
Dean1 @6 H6 Ri=$6 Amng #$e
2ri##en sur=es em(l%e" 2ere
#$e ,,i (rgrammes ,r #$e
=ele/ra#ins1 =n#em(rar%
ne2s(a(er a==ui s(e=ial re(r#s
n #$e =ele/ra#ins (re(are" /%
Lr" an" La"% Mu /a##en1
numerus le##ers an" "iaries
ma"e a+aila/le # #$e au#$rs6 3
s#r% , Ne$ru's #ele($ne =all
2as re=un#e" /% Pa"maBa
Nai"u1 "inner gues# #$a# e+ening6
T$e (assage n #$e +isi# , #$e
lea"ers Mun#/a##en is /ase" n
$is 2n re=lle=#ins , #$e
mmen#6
&HAPTER 35 'O$ L+el% Da2n
, !ree"m'
T$e "es=ri(#i+e (assage n
Benares an" #$e +illage ,
&$a#$ar(ur a /ase" n
in#er+ie2s an" resear=$ in #$e
#2 l=a#ins6 T$e "es=ri(#ins
#$e in"e(en"en=e =ele/ra#ins in
Del$i as 2ell as else2$ere in
In"ia ; 30 Augus# are /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr" Allen"ale1
EliQa/e#$ &llir &mm"re
Rusi )an"$i1 L#D&l Sir Mar#in
)illia#1 L#D&mman" H2es1
)en6 L=.ar#1 &a(#6 S=##1
Duggal Sing$1 In"ira )an"$i1
Li Mun#/a##en1 Ram
)/ur/$un1 *us$2an# Sing$1
)en6 S$a"i" Haaiii )en6
Ha/i/ulla$1 Pa"maBa Nai"u1
A$me" Ra$ur6 @ri##en sur=es
in=lu= #$e -i=er%'s ,inal re(r#
# Ln"n1 #$e "iar% , &a(#6
S=##1 le##ei 2ri##en a# #$e #ime
/% EliQa/e#$ &llins1
=n#em(rar% ne2s(a(er a==#
ni an" #$e ,,i=ial (rgrammes6
T$e a==un# , Pamela
Mun#/a##en's eB (erien=es is
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ $er an"
$er Oral His#r% Trans=ri( , #$e
in=i"en# n "e(si# a# #$e
Ja2a$arlal Ne$ru Li/rar% in
Ne2 Del$i T$e s#r% , #$e
#rains arri+ing in Amri#sar 2as
re=un#e" /% #$ s#a#in mas#er
&$ani Sing$6 T$e "es=ri(#in ,
#$e raising , #$e RSSS ,laB in
Pna is /ase" n #$e a==un# ,
#$e =eremn% in #$e Hin"u
Ras$#ra #$e #ime an" an
in#er+ie2 2i#$ #$e /r#$er ,
Na,$uram )"se1 )(a6 )"se6
Lr" Lis#2el "es=ri/e" $is +isi#
# Balmral 2i#$u# #$e missing
seals6 Sir )erge A/ell (r+i"e"
#$e a==un# , #$e +isi# #
&lemen# A##lee T$e mee#ing a#
2$i=$ Lr" Mun#/a##en
(resen#e" #$e Ra"=li,,e a2ar" #
#$e In"ian lea"ers 2as re=rea#e"
,rm in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en an" #$e minu#es ,
#$e mee#ing i#sel,6 T$e
"es=ri(#in , Ra"=li,,e's
"e(ar#ure is /ase" n in#er+ie2s
2i#$ Lr" Ra"=li,,e an" H6 &6
Be#umn#6
&HAPTER 3? 'Our Pe(le Ha+e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
)ne Ma"' &HAPTER 3A T$e
)rea#es# Migra#in in His#r%
T$e (assages in #$ese #2
=$a(#ers "es=ri/ing #$e
in#er=mmunal .illing in #$e
PunBa/1 #$e ,lig$# , #$e
re,ugees1 #$e #rain massa=res1 #$e
ra(e an" a/"u=#in , 2men
,rm /#$ =mmuni#ies are
/ase" (rimaril% n (ar#i=ular
eC(erien=es sele=#e" ,rm #$se
re=un#e" /% +=i A44 re,ugees
,rm /#$ si"es in#er+ie2e" in
#$e =urse , #$e resear=$ ,r
#$is /.6

A74

NOTES

NOiES

@$ere+er (ssi/le #$e (ersnal
eC(erien=es sele=#e" ,r use
2ere #$se 2$i=$ =ul" /e
au#$en#i=a#e" r =rr/ra#e" /%
a se=n" sur=e6 In a""i#in #
#$se re,ugees 2$se names are
em(l%e" in #$e /"% , #$e #eC#1
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ a num/er ,
#$er (e(le 2ere em(l%e" in
=ns#ru=#ing #$se (assages in
&$a(#ers 3? an" 3A6 T$e%
in=lu"e Sir &$an"ulal Tri+e"i1
#$e )+ernr , #$e In"ian $al,
, #$e (r+in=eT MaB6D)en6 M6 S6
&$(ra1 2$ su(er+ise" #$e
mili#ar% es=r# ,r #$e re,ugees
/un" ,r Pa.is#an ,rm #$e
In"ian si"e , #$e /r"erT
)eneral RaQa1 S$a$i" Hami"
an" A.$/ar *$an , Pa.is#anT
L#D&l Na2a/ Sir Mali. *$aQar
*$an Ti2ana1 2$ als
,urnis$e" a num/er ,
un(u/lis$e" s#u"ies n #$e
rigins , #$e +ilen=eT Mr )6 D6
Harring#n H2esT &l A6 D6
Ili,,T R6 E6 @6 A#.ins an"
E"2ar" Be$r6 T$e 2ri##en
sur=es em(l%e" in=lu"e" #$e
,ll2ingH =n#em(rar%
ne2s(a(er a==un#s1 )6 D6
*$sla's S#ern Re=.ning1 #$e
ms# "e#aile" In"ian s#u"% , #$e
u($ea+alsT #$e minu#es an"
re=r"s , #$e Emergen=%
&mmi##eeT a "e#aile" re(r# n
#$e re,ugee (r/lem (re(are" ,r
#$e S# J$n Am/ulan=e Briga"e
/% La"% Mun#/a##enT D6 !6
*arala's !ree"m Mus# N#
S#in.T Mn's1 Di+i"e an" Lui#T
&am(/ellDJ$nsn's Missin
@i#$ Mun#/a##enT H"sn's
T$e )rea# Di+i"eT *ul"i(
Na%ar's Dis#an# Neig$/urs6
Als a+aila/le is an eC=ellen#
n+el , #$e (eri"1 *us$2an#
Sing$'s Las# Train # Pa.is#an6
T$e a==un# , )an"$i's Mira=le
in &al=u##a is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ P%arelal Na%ar
an" $is T$e Las# P$ase1
Bri.s$en &$an"i2alla$1 Nirmal
*umar Bse1 Ram )/ur/$un
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
an" =n#em(rar% ne2s(a(er
a==un#s6 T$e "es=ri(#in , #$e
#ur , #$e PunBa/ /% Ne$ru an"
Lia'ua# Ali *$an is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ #2 , #$e men
2$ a==m(anie" #$em1 H6 -6 R6
I%enagar an" MaB6D)en6 Du/e%6
T$e (assage rela#ing #
Mun#/a##en's summns # Del$i
,rm Simla is /ase"1 ,irs#1 n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en an" a =n,i"en#ial
memran"um $e (re(are" a# #$e
#ime1 an"1 se=n"1 (a(ers , -6 P6
Menn an" in#er+ie2s 2i#$ $is
"aug$#er an" 2i#$ H6 -1 R6
I%enagar 2$ 2as 2i#$ $im
2$en #$e g+ernmen#'s senir
=i+il ser+an#s realiQe" In"ia 2as
=lse # =lla(se6
T$e a==un# , #$e Emergen=%
&mmi##ee's ini#ial sessin an"
i#s ,un=#in is /ase" n i#s
minu#es1 &am(/ellDJ$nsn's
Missin @i#$ Mun#/a##en an"
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 &6 H6 B$a/$a an"
H6 -6 R6 I%enagar6
T$e a==un# , #$e ,lig$# ,
Ma"anlal Pa$2a an" $is
su/se'uen# en=un#ers 2i#$ Dr
Par=$ure an" -is$nu *ar.are is
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ #$e
#$ree men6 T$e s#r% , B#a
Sing$ an" $is "aug$#er rela#e" in
#$is =$a(#er an" #$e e(ilgue is
$ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Ra/ia
Sul#an Lari 2$ /e=ame #$e
,s#er m#$er , $is "aug$#er
an" La$re ne2s(a(er a==un#s
(u/l.$e" a# $is #rial an" "ea#$6
&HAPTER 30 '*as$mir D Onl%
*as$mir!'
T$e a==un# , #$e lig$#s ,a"ing
"uring #$e Ma$araBa's Di2ali
=ele/ra#in is /ase" n an
in#er+ie2 2i#$ Dr *aran Sing$1
$is sn1 an" Mrs # lren=e
L"ge1 a Bri#is$ resi"en# ,
Sriaagar1 Jinna$'s e,,r#s #
s(en" a +a=a#in in *as$mir
2ere n#e" a# #$e #ime /% &l
Birnie in $is "ia T$e a==un# ,
$2 S$e Pa.is#an g+ernmen#
=ame # (lan i#s #ril in+asin ,
*as$mir 2as ,urnis$e" /% )en6
A.$/ar *$an1 n2 Pa.is#a
am/assa"r # Prague1 2$ 2as
in+l+e" in #$e (lanning ,rm
#$e u#s T$e a==un# , #$e
in+asin i#sel, an" #$e ($%si=al
(re(ara#ins ,r i# 2 ,urnis$e"
/% Saira/ *$a%a# *$an an" &l
M$amme" S$ari, *$an 2
/e=ame ($%si=all% in+l+e" a# a
la#er s#age6 T$e "es=ri(#in ,
#$e #e ($ne eC=$anges /e#2een
#$e Bri#is$ ,,i=ers =mman"ing
#$e #2 na#i armies 2as
(r+i"e" /% )enerals Messer+%1
L=.$ar# an" Bu=$er6 3
Ma$araBa's ,lig$# 2as "es=ri/e"
/% /is sn Dr *aran Sing$6 T$e
a==i , rea=#ins in Del$i an"
-6 P6 Menn's ,lig$# # se=ure6#$e
Ma$araB a==essin is /ase" n
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 !iel"DMars_ Sam
Mane.s$a21 S$ei.$ A/"ulla$1
Sir AleCan"er S%mns1 Mrs
Misra1 ->6 P6 Menn's "aug$#er1
-6 P6 Menn's (ersnal (a(ers
seen /% au#$rs in Bangalre in
378? an" #$e minu#es , #$e
In"ia De,en=e & mi##ee 2$i=$
"e=i"e" # in#er+ene a,#er #$e
Ma$araBa's a==essin6 T
in#eres#ing a==un#s , #$e
rigins , #$e =n,li=# $a+e /een
2ri##en /% men res(nsi/le ,r
#$e mili#ar% (era#ins n ea=$
si"e1 Slen"er 2as T$reaA /%
In"ia's )eneral L6 P6 Sen an"
Rai"ers In *as$mir /% )ene
A.R/ar *$an6 )eneral
Har/a.s$ Sing$ als (r+i"e" an
eC=ellen# # "e#aile" a==un# ,
#$e earl% mili#ar% (era#ins
arun" Srinagar6
&HAPTER 39 T2 Bra$mins
,rm Pna
A mre eC#ensi+e a==un# , #$e
sur=e ma#erial n )an"$i's
assass 2ill /e ,un" in #$e n#es
,r &$a(#er 386 T$e "es=ri(#in
$ere , (ening , #$e Hin"u
Ras$#ra is ,rm in#er+ie2s 2i#$
)(al )"se i -is$nu *ar.are
an" #$e (a(er's 2n a==un# ,
#$e e+en#6 T$e ( 2a#=$ 2as
re+eale" /% #$e *a(ur
&mmissin6
T$e a==un# , )an"$i's a=#ins
in Pani(a# is /ase" n in#er+ie2s
+ P%arelal Na%ar1 2i#nesses in
#$e =i#%1 an" T$e Las# P$ase6 T$e
(assage Jinna$'s ($%si=al "e=line
an" $is =n=erns in #$e au#umn
, 37A8 is /a n in#er+ie2s 2i#$
/is ,rmer AD& A"miral A$sen
an" $is Mili# Se=re#ar% &l
Birnie as 2ell as #$e la##er's
"iar%6 T$e "es=ri(#ins , L
Mun#/a##en's =n+ersa#ins
2i#$ )an"$i 2$i=$ =lses #$e
=$a(#e /ase" n an in#er+ie2
2i#$ $im an" $is 2n re=r"s ,
i#6
&HAPTER 38 'Le# )an"$i Die!'
T$e a==un# , )an"$i's las# ,as#
is /ase" ,irs# , all n #2 lng ir
+ie2s 2i#$ $is ($%si=ian Dr
Sus$ila Na%ar an" $er n#es
ma"e a# #$e #H Als (ar#i=ularl%
$el(,ul 2ere )an"$i's se=re#ar%
P%arelal Na%ar1 =lse ass=ia#e
Bri.s$en &$an"i2alla$1 an"
)ur=$aran Sing$ 2$ seH n $is
Del$i s#a,,6 O#$ers in#er+ie2e"
,r #$e (assage in=lu"e" D6
Me$ra1 Pa"niaBa Nai"u1 Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 an" )6 N6 Sin$a6
@r sur=es in=lu"e
=n#em(rar% In"ian ne2s(a(er
a==un#s1 (ar#i=u llariBan1
)an"$i's 2n (a(er an" #$ree
/.s /% $is ass=ia#es1 NaT

T$e Las# P$ase1 &$an"i2aHa$'s
A# #$e !ee# , Ba(u1 Manu's Las#
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
)lim(ses ,Ba(u6
&HAPTER 3: T$e -engean=e ,
Ma"anlal Pa$2a &HAPTER 37
'@e Mus# )e# )an"$i Be,re #$e
Pli=e )el Us' &HAPTER 54
T$e Se=n" &ru=i,iCin
T2 , )an"$i's assassins1
A(#e1 2ere $ange" a,#er #$eir
=n+i=#in in 37A76 T$e #$er
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2ere all ali+e 2$en resear=$ n
#$is /. /egan1 #$e ,irs# #$ree
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sen#en=es6 All 2ere l=a#e" an"
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a""i#in1 #$e au#$rs /rug$#
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Del$i ,r #$e ,irs# #ime sin=e
#$eir #rial 6@e re#urne" 2i#$
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#$e% $a" +isi#e" 2$ile #$e% 2ere
in #$e =i#% n #$enD#2
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s#a#in1 #$e Birla Tem(le1 #$e
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grun"s , Birla Huse i#sel,
2$ere #$e% reDena=#e" #$eir
mur"er6 T$e% als #. #$e
au#$rs # a num/er , )"se
an" A(#e's ass=ia#es in Pna1
#$e $ea"'uar#ers , #$eir (a(er
an" #$e #$er (la=es #$e%
,re'uen#e"6 )(al )"se als
ma"e a+aila/le a /igra($% $e
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/r#$er6
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in+l+e" in #$e in+es#iga#in ,
#$e =ns(ira=% # mur"er
)an"$i1 James Nagar+alla an"
D6 @6 Me$ra1 2ere als
in#er+ie2e" eC#ensi+el%6
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Bm/a% Pli=e Diar% an" $is
2n =ase ,ile6 An ,,i=er 2$
=$se # remain ann%mus
,,ere" #$e au#$rs similar
ma#erial n #$e Del$i
in+es#iga#in6 T$e "ire=#rs ,
#$e Ne$ru Li/rar% in Ne2 Del$i
.in"l% ma"e a+aila/le #$e ,ull
#rans=ri(# , #$e #rial (r=ee"ings
2$i=$ 2ere res#ri=#e" a# #$e #ime
/e=ause , N6 )"se's $ig$l%
em#inal s#a#emen# in $is 2n
"e,en=e6 T$ese =ns#i#u#e #$e
sur=es n 2$i=$ #$e ma#erial
rele+an# # #$e assassins an" #$e
(li=e in+es#iga#ins in #$ese
=$a(#ers is /ase"6
T$e a==un# , )an"$i's (lan #
+isi# Pa.is#an is /ase" n
in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Je$angir Pa #el6
Sus$ila an" P%arelal Na%ar6 His
las# "a%s 2ere "es=ri/e" /%
#$se #$ree as 2ell as /%
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Pa#e! 2$ 2as 2i#$ $er ,a#$er
"uring $is las# #al. 2i#$ )an"$i1
an" A/"ul )ani6 @ri##en sur=es
in=lu"e T$e Las# P$ase1 A# #$e
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
!ee# , Ba(u an" Las# )Um(C?
B Ba(u
T$e "es=ri(#in , $is ,uneral
an" #$e arrangemen#s ,r i# are
/ase" n in#er+ie2s 2i#$ Lr"
Mun#/a##en1 P%arelal Na%ar1
Alan &am(/ellDJ$nsn1
)eneral Sir R% Bu=$er1 )eneral
J6 N6 &$au"$uri1 EliQa/e#$
&llins1 !iel"DMars$al Sam
Mane.s$a2 an" numerus
#$ers6 In a""i#in #
=n#em(rar% ne2s(a(er
a==un#s1 2ri##en sur=es in=lu"e
T$e Las# P$ase an" Missin
2i#$ Mun#/a##en6
T$e a==un# , #$e immersin ,
$is as$es a# Alla$a/a" is /ase"
n an in#er+ie2 2i#$ Pa"maBa
Nai"u6 An#$er +ie2 , i# is
a+aila/le in S$eean's Lea"
*in"l% Lig$#6

A//as1 A$me"1 579 A/ell1 Sir
)erge1 :41587D:4 A"al.$a1B6
R61 570 A"el#ru"e1 Sis#er Mar%1
?08 A$me"a/a"1 A91500 A$san1
S%e"1 550D8 A$1 A/"ura$aman1
?A3 Ali1 Ais$a1 50A
Ali1 &$au"$uri M$amme"1
39:D7 Ali1 Ra$ma#1
5:1343154015A5 Al2ar1 Ma$araBa
,1 3?91305D? Am/e".ar1 Dr
B$imra"1 3A5 Amri#sar1 37515391
5A31584D515:31
5:01?441?431?551?5?1 ??7
An2ar1 A$me"1 ?A4 An2ar1
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?1 ?90D91 ?99D71 ?851 ?881 ?87D
:41?:A1?:01?:81?7AD01A451 A4A1
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A?4D31 A?5D?1 A?AD81 A?:1 A05D?
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an" Mun#/a##en1 3A9D81 3A7T
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re,eren=es1 54135?135A1304
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&lau"e1 :31 3:91 57?1 ?38n1 ?051
?0?1?0A
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A051A0?
Bal"e+Sing$630A1300
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A09
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?08 Bar"a1 3?0
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Bea+er/re.1 MaC1 3A:n Be$r1
&a(#6 E"2ar"1 ?5: Benares1
5001594D5 Benares1 Ma$araBa ,1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
3A4D3 Bengal1 349D71 33?1 35A1
3591
3:915:4D3 B$ara#(ur1 Ma$araBa
,1 3??1
3?913?: B$a#ia1A6NH1A55
B$(al1 Na2a/ ,1 3A51548
B$rann/i1Ni$al1 57:D7 B$u##1
Rul,i.ar Ali1 A09 Bi$ar1 541571A9
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Birlas1 #$e1 504 a Birla1 )6D61
37:1??4 Birnie1 &lnel
@illiam1 ?A:1?' Bm/a%1 3?1 571
A91 :31 500D91
?57
B#a Sing$1 ??8D:1A08D94
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?A51?8:1?871A5:1AA: Braun/$ai1
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Rnal"1 9? Bu=$er1 Lieu#enan#D
)eneral1
Ra%1 AA8

Bull=.1 Pe#er1 397 Bun"i1
Ma$araBa ,1 3A5 Burr2s1 Sir
!re"eri=.1 3471 33?1 59:
&al=u##a1 5415:1:3134?134:D
7135A1
3591 5381 5?3DA1 5081 59:1 585D
?1
5:315781?40D341??? &am(/ellD
J$nsn1 Alan1 3431370n1
?3:1AA41AA: K &am(/ellD
J$nsn1 !a%1 5:0D91
?58D:
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&are1 Sir Ola,1 3351330D91?A:
&assell1 Sir Ernes#1 8?
&a2n(re1 500
&$ani Sing$1 583D5
&$a#$ar(ur1 59?D0
&$(ra1 &lnel M6 S61 ?35
&$ur=$ill1 @ins#n1 an"
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in In"ia1 05T n In"ia1 05D?T n
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an" )+ernrD)enerals$i(1 3:AT
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545T n =nse'uen=es ,
In"e(en"en=e1 ?A?T #$er
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&llins1 EliQa/e#$1 580D9
&ngress Par#%1 #$e1 :155158D
:1A81 041 941 :31 :01 7?1 771 3591
3?31 3?513A9D8158A1?531??4
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&r,iel"1 Sir &nra"1 3?3D51 3A?1
3A01304D5130A13:313:5154?
&2ar"1 Nel1 ?01?9
&ri((s1 Sir S#a,,r"1 :n1 071 951
751 3A91AA0
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&urQn1Lr"183134:
Dalmias1 #$e1 504
Dalmia1SirSe#$1559
Dan=e1 &a(#ain *enne#$1
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Da%al1 RaBes$2ar1 500 Dean1
Rule1 53915A3150:D7 Del$i1 50?D
A1?33D5 Desai1 MraBi1 A391A38n
D$en.anal1 RaBa ,1 3?0
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
D$l(ur1 Rana ,1 549 Du/e%1
MaBr As$2ini1 5981 ?441 ?A5
Duran"1 MaBrD)eneral Henr%
Marin1 30 D%er1 Briga"ier R6
E61 A8
Eas# In"ia &m(an%1 33D351 38?1
?A0
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&rum1 )eneral1 ?30
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Ri=$ar"1 ?43D5
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)an"$i1 In"ira1 3:?n1 A5:1A98
)an"$i1 *as#ur/ai1 A419319A
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nnD+ilen=e1 3:D541 AAD01 A71
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in Sriram(ur1 3:D53T ((si#in
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9:D7T /sessin 2i#$ #ime1 ?8T
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al#erna#i+e # (ar#i#in1 7?T an"
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(rin=es1 3?3T silen# Mn"a%s1
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5A4T In"ian ,lag1 379T agains#
in"us#rialiQa#in1 379T in PunBa/1
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?1 585D?T RSSS's $a#re" , $im1
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
58AT an" )6 D6 Birla1 ??4T +isi#s
re,ugees in Del$i1 ??5T
en=un#ers $s#ili#%1 ???T 8:#$
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:T (lanne" +isi# # Pa.is#an1 ?84D
31 A45D?1 A5?1 A5:T an"
eman=i(a#in , 2men1 ? an"
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a##em(#1 A4! an" se=uri#%1 7:n1
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gress1 A5?1 A?3T in Ms'iH
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assassina#in1 AA4T + rea=#in #
"ea#$1 AA3D9T ,un AA9D03T
memrial1 A94T la e,,e=#s , $is
i"eas1 A94D?T = re,eren=es1 571
841 891 7A1 3431 34713301
3A513041 5?01 58?1 ?571 ??71
?941 ?931 ?901 ?8?1 ?881 ?871
?:?1 ?:81 A451 A401 A491 A3A1
A391 A551 A?51A?AD01A051A09
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A401 A491 A4:1 A341
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Na#$uram1 /a=.gr+ 58AD01
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"es=ri(#in1 5 s(ee=$1 ?94D31
(li#i=s1 ? an" Sa+ar.ar1 ?9A1
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a##em(#1 A53D51 A?41 A?AD8T #urns
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)ra=e%1 MaBrD)eneral Dugl
?05D? )ul"i( Sing$1 5:7D74

)ur/a Sing$1 Lieu#enan#D
&lnel1
?5?
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)ur"as(ur1 3:3
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3?:13A3D51 3A?15481A98
Ha/i/ulla$1 Lieu#enan#D
&lnel
Enai#$1 388 Has#ings1 Mar'uess
,1 83155? Ha2.ins1 &a(#ain1
34D3319?159: H"sn1 H6 -61
?A5n H"sn1 @illiam1 38?
H2es1 Lieu#enan#D&lnel
Pe#er1
95n1 383D51??41?A4 Hume1
O=#a+ian1 A8 H%"ar1 Alia1 570
H%"era/a"1 ?57
H%"era/a"1 NiQam ,1 3?31 3?01
3A51 3A?D01 303D51 54:D71 5091
?A01?971?851A0A
I"riss1 M$amme"1 55:D7
Ir2in1 -is=un#1 0015A0
Isma%1 )eneral Lr"1 :31 3491
33?1
3541 3A9D81 3001 38A1 3891 55?1
?381 ?A? Isma%1 Hn Sara$1 ?43
I%enagar1 H6 -6 R61 ?351 ?3:1
108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
?551
??51 ?A4
Jai(ur1 Ma$araBa ,1 3??1 3?81
3A31 3A?1A98
Jaisal6Dner1 Ma$araBa ,1 548D:
Jallian2alla Bag$1 A9D8
Jen.ins1 Sir E+an1 33?1 3381 3::1
534D33
linna$1 Dina1 see @a"ia
Jinna$1 !a#ima1 334D331559
Jinna$1 M$amme" Ali1 an"
Pa#el1 79T an" Ra$ma# Ali1 343T
/a=.grun"1 343T =alle" # Bar1
343T 2r.e" ,r uni#%1 343T an"
)an"$i1 7?1 771 3431 3451 A45D?1
AA0T =$ara=#er1 345T /sessin
2i#$ ne2s(a(ers1 34?1 559T n
Ne$ru1 345T ($%si=al
"es=ri(#in6
34?T "a#e , In"e(en"en=e1 34?T
PunBa/ an" Bengal1 34A1 539T
TB1 347D33T an" Mun#/a##en1
344D31 34?D01 3541 309T
"minin s#a#us1 3A9D8T Run"
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a==e(#s (ar#i#in1 39:D85T
annun=es (ar#i#in1 395T an"
arm%1 3851 388T an" )+ernrD
)enerals$i(1 3:?DAT an"
Ra"=li,,e1 3:9T an" *as$mir1
5401 E ?A9D81 ?031 ?05T
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=ele/ra#ins1 554D31 5?0D71
597T 2i,e1 55AD0T ges #
*ara=$i1 550D8T In"e(en"en=e1
5A4D5T "i=#a#r1 597T an"
"aug$#er1 597D84T an" /un"ar%
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?:9T "ea#$1 A00D9T #$er
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3871 3:51 3:01 5351 5371 5:A1
57?1 ??41 ??31 ??51 ?A?1?931?88
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Jullun"ur1 ?5?
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5471 ?A0
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A391 A381 A371 A541 A531 A551
A501 A581 A?4D31 A?51 A??1 A?AD
81 A?:1 A?71 A051A0A
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?571 ?04D:
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re,eren=es1 333 n1 30A
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
*$an1 MaBr Ya=u/1 3831388D7
*$an1 Yunis1 387
*$sla1 Ju"ge )6D61 ?A5
*i"2ai1 Anis1 584
*i(ling1 Ru"%ar"1 3513?51 5?31
?3?
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*ul"i( Sing$1 ?55
*umar1 As$2ini1 ?5?1 ?A4
*$us$2an# Sing$1 584
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La$re1 3:8D751 53AD01 5A31 5A01
509D81 5:31 5:01 ?441 ?451 ?551
?581 ??7 Lai1 Lieu#enan# )6 D61
?5? Lai1 *as$miri1 5771 ?50 Lai1
RanBi#1 59?D01 598D:1 5801 5871
AA?DA1AA8D: Lan"i *#al1
89138A1 500 Lang1 Sir J$n1
5A:n Linli#$g21 Mar'uess ,1
50? Lis#2el1 Earl ,1 3?5158:D7
L=.$ar#1 Lieu#enan#D)eneral
Sir
R/er#1 3701?05D? Lu=.n21
5AA15001?57
Ma"amanan"1 S2amin1 399D8
Man"i1 RaBa ,1 5791?59
Mane.s$a21 &lnel Sam1 ?0A
Ma#$e2s1 -i=#r1 55? Me$ra1 D6
@61 A33D51 A3AD01 A551
A?:1A99 Menn1 *ris$na1 :1359
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5A3 Mn#ague1 Mrs Henr% Penn1
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!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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b 3AT Pes$a2ar1 330D8T in
*a$u#a1 338D:T in Simla1
353135?D:T an" Su$ra2ar"%'s
sugges#in n (ar#i#in1 35AT an"
"minin s#a#us1 3A9D8T (resen#s
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3:71 5451 5301 55?1 5A?DA1 50A1
5:01 ?351 ?581 ?5:1 ??81 ?941
?991 A09
Mun#/a##en1 La"% Pamela1 3301
589D81?381AA7 M%sre1
Ma$araBa ,1 3?A1 3?81
3?:13A413A5
Nagar+alla1 Jams$i" 'Jimm%'1
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Na%ar1 P%arelal1 5851 ?891 ?:?1
?741
?75D?1 ?791 ?781 ?7:1 A431 AA51
AA9
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:0T agns#i=1 :015A?T an" )an"$i
:9D81 3371 3081 37:1 377D5441
AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
?4A1 ?571 ??01 ?97D841 ?891 ?:51
?:91 ?7?1 ?701 ?7:D71 A?41 A93T
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a2ar"1 5:41 5:5T in PunBa/ 2i#$
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Ni=$lsn1 Briga"ier J$n1 555n
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Nis$#ar6Ra/1 30A
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Pan"i#1 Mrs -6L61 AA0
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108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT
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Ri=$1 Pa#ri=.1 384 Rllan"1
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0:D7 R%1 Sunil1 ?4AD0
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Sa$gal1 )au#am1 ?59D8
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Sing$1 Prin=e Baiin"ra1 584
Sing$1 Ya"a+in"ra$1 see Pa#iala1
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Smi#$1 &$arles1 95183D5 Smu#s1
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AN OLD MAN AND
HIS SHATTERED
DREAM
555 Sni(a#1 ?43 Srinagar1 ?A0D9
Sriram(ur1 3:D531?7 Surra2ar"%1
S$a$ee"1 35A1 53:D541
5?A158?1 ?:8 S%mn1 Sir
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34:1
50A1 ?8:1A?5 Tara Sing$1 37AD
015471533 Ta#a ,amil%1 504
T$reau1 Henr%1 AAD0 Tls#%1
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,1 548 Tri+e"i1 &$an"ulal1 ?A5
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Trum/ullT R/er#1 5:8
U"ai(ur1 Ma$araBa ,1 3?81
3A4n1 548
@a"ia1 Mrs Dina1 33 In1 597D84
@ar" Orr1 J$n1 55?DA @a#sn1
Muriel1 580D9 @a+ell1 !iel"D
Mars$al Sir Ar=$i/al"1 :1 71 371
97D841 llln1 3AA1 5A81 ?A?
@illing"n1 Mar=$iness ,1
305D? @i#=$er1 @illiam1 55?
Ya=u/1 M$amme"1 574
Ra$ur1 A$me"1 5:9D8 R=ni/1
Sing$1 ??8D:1A08D7

6 4
Jerusalem!
A su(erD=$arge"1 s(ellD/in"ing
#ale , Israel's /a##le ,r i"en#i#%
an" #$e /i##er1 e(i= s#ruggle ,r
#$e &i#% , Pea=e6
An u##erl% ,as=ina#ing1 minu#el%
"e#aile" an" a==ura#el% "e,ini#i+e
$is#r% , #$e Israeli @ar ,
In"e(en"en=e1 37A: 666
=n+in=ing an" im(ar#ial6
SHE!!IELD MORNIN)
TELE)RAPH
T$e (a=e is s s2i,#1 #$e "rama
s $eig$#ene" /% al#erna#ing
,las$es , #rage"% an" =me"%
#$a# ne $as # s#( 666 # =a#=$
ne's /rea#$6
NE@ YOR* TIMES
99:(( I#lus#"6

108
!REEDOM AT MIDNI)HT

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AN OLD MAN AND

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