The Book of Life

In such moments, the best way to survive a storm is to lower oneself for a while. This is a lesson from nature— it teaches us how to endure the tempests of life. The principle is simple: when the storm rises, lower your flag temporarily. If someone speaks provocatively, close your ears to it. If someone throws mud at your wall, wash it away with water. If someone raises slogans against you, occupy yourself in praying for him instead. AGAINST THE TIMES O n July 6, 1989, The Times of India published a report written by Mr. Raman Nanda about Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s son, Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi had been admitted to the History (Honours) course at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. He was one of the 76 students selected for this subject. When Rahul went to college, security was on continuous guard. He traveled to and from college surrounded by commandos (Black Cats). One of the college teachers, Dr. S. C. Bhargava, a lecturer in physics, received a phone call from “a student” who wanted some advice. Dr. Bhargava invited him to his home. But when Dr. Bhargava arrived, he found the house surrounded by security personnel, who stopped him from entering. He was only allowed in after he proved his identity as Dr. Bhargava, the very person whom the student had come to consult.