New Delhi: Reason could be any but it is really surprising to know that Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Kanubhai Gandhi stays in an old-age home in the national capital.
However, according to Zee Media, taking cognisance of the matter and following the orders of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma on Sunday met Kanubhai, the eldest son of Mahatma Gandhi's third son Ramdas.
Later, while speaking on the ocassion, Sharma said, "PM Modi spoke to Kanubhaiji in Gujarati & both had a cheerful conversation where they refreshed some memories from the past."
The official Twitter handle of PMO India also confirmed the news and wrote: "PM @narendramodi and Kanubhai had a long conversation. They spoke in Gujarati and had a very pleasant discussion."
PM @narendramodi and Kanubhai had a long conversation. They spoke in Gujarati and had a very pleasant discussion. pic.twitter.com/m93Gc3DXwK
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 15, 2016
"PM directed me to come here and to submit a report on the expectations & requirements of Kanubhai ji," the Union Minister added.
Kanubhai Gandhi also expressed his happiness over the minister's visit and said, "I was happy then, I'm happy now as well. He (Mahesh Sharma) came here to meet me, we had a good talk."
Delhi: Union Minister Mahesh Sharma meets Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Kanubhai Gandhi at the old age home. pic.twitter.com/Z95nga4pAv
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 15, 2016
Further expressing his support for the Prime Minister, Gandhi described himself as an old ‘Modi bhakt’.
Surprisingly, Kanubhai claimed to be his supporter ever since Narendra Modi had involved in socio-political activities in Gujarat. Kanubhai further went ahead to term Congress President Sonia Gandhi as an "enemy".
He understood everything in Gujarati. At that time, Sonia Gandhi ji was against both of us (PM & him): Kanubhai Gandhi after talking to PM
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 15, 2016
After their conservation, a delighted Kanubhai said, “I’m a bhakt of Modi since a long time. We spoke in Gujarati, and he understood everything. He has not forgotten the help provided to him in those days. At that time, Sonia Gandhi was our joint enemy. She was against both of us.”
Main bahut puraana PM ka bhakt hoon. Maine jo unko madat ki thi woh sab cheezein unko yaad thi: Kanubhai Gandhi pic.twitter.com/Wb3oaAz08F
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 15, 2016
Notably, having returned from the US in 2014, Kanubhai has since been living in ashrams and old-age homes.
He, and his wife, Shiva Lakshmi, are currently staying at the Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram in Gautampuri in South Delhi.
"I always remember Bapu and his teachings. I know that I am living at the blessing of these people and I know he (Bapu) would not be too pleased by this fact. Bapu always wanted me to serve people, he wanted me to take all the pain of people and spread happiness. But I am not able to do this.I want to serve Bapu," ANI quoted Kanubhai as saying.
The 87-year-old with his tired eyes staring out from behind gold-rimmed glasses recalled his childhood memories and the time he spent with Bapu.
"There are a lot of memories. I used to sit in Bapu's lap and pull his hair, but he would still smile at me and wrap me in his arms. In the last letter he wrote to me, he wanted me to serve the people. He said he wanted to live for 125 years and serve the nation and its people. But as he was not able to do so, he wanted me to do the same," he added.
He also said that it is but obvious that the people would use Bapu's name for politics because of his great and pure personality.
Kanubhai left India at the age of 17 and studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology after which he worked at NASA's Langley Research Centre. His wife, a doctorate in biochemistry, too held a job in the US.
Ever since the news about the presence of Gandhi's grandson at the ashram spread, the press and curious visitors have flocked the otherwise largely ignored institution.
