Munshi Premchand's Intriguing Story: The Procession
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Here is a priceless story from Munshi Premchand, titled:
* The Procession
A procession for complete self-rule was underway. Young men, older men, and children, carrying flags and banners, sang "Vande Mataram" as they passed by the marketplace. On either side stood walls of spectators, seemingly uninterested, as if it were a mere spectacle, their role simply to watch.
Shambhunath, standing on the shop's threshold, said to his neighbor, Deendyal, "They're all heading straight for the jaws of fate. The cavalry will soon disperse them."
Deendyal replied, "The great souls have gone mad. If a procession could bring self-rule, it would have been achieved by now. And who are these people in the procession? Look—boys, rascals, hotheads! Not a single prominent figure from the city."
Makoo, adorned with necklaces of stones and sleepers, stood by, amused by the exchange between the two merchants.
Shambhu asked, "Why are you laughing, Makoo? Today, the scene seems vibrant."
Makoo replied with a chuckle, "I'm laughing at your claim that no prominent person is in the procession. Why would prominent figures be part of a procession? They live in comfort in their mansions, travel in cars, attend lavish gatherings with dignitaries—what hardship do they face? It's those of us without a regular meal who are truly suffering. Right now, some will be playing tennis, others sipping tea, listening to gramophone music, or taking a stroll in the park. Why would they come here to get beaten by the police? You've said it well yourself."
Shambhu said, "Makoo, you don't understand these matters. If four prominent individuals lead a movement, its impact on the government becomes substantial. A group of lads and rogues will hardly impress the authorities."
Makoo stared, conveying, "You haven't grasped the significance of these matters." He continued, "Who makes and breaks the prominent figures? We do, or someone else? Many individuals, once unknown, have risen to positions of power and now travel in cars, looking down on us. This is the nature of destiny; those who gain prominence often forget their humble beginnings, and disdain those who remain in their earlier stations. Our true leader is the one who walks barefoot and clad in simple clothes, the one who risks their life for the betterment of our plight. We don't need a prominent figure; it's those in power who have broken the spirit of our people. They've received comfortable positions in the government and now only focus on maintaining that status."
Deendyal remarked, "The new constable is a cruel brute. He'll charge the crowd with a hunter as soon as he reaches the crossroads. Then, watch how everyone will scamper away! What a sight!"
The procession, intoxicated by the dream of freedom, reached the crossroads. They saw a detachment of mounted officers and soldiers blocking the path.
Suddenly, Constable Beerbal Singh rode forward and addressed the procession, "You are not permitted to proceed further."
Ibrahim Ali, the procession's elderly leader, stepped forward and said, "I assure you, there will be no disturbances. We are not here to loot shops or vandalize cars. Our cause is far nobler."
Beerbal replied, "I have orders to prevent the procession from going further."
Ibrahim Ali suggested, "Perhaps you could ask your superiors."
Beerbal said, "I see no need for that."
Ibrahim Ali responded, "Then we will simply remain here. Once you leave, we will continue."
Beerbal stated, "You are not even permitted to stand here. You must return."
Ibrahim Ali declared sternly, "We will not return. You, or anyone else, have no right to stop us. You may try to restrain us with your mounted officers, weapons, and guns, but you cannot turn us back. The day will come when our brethren will flatly refuse to obey such orders, orders meant only to shackle our nation to the chains of servitude."
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