In 1930, Gandhiji visited a village in Madhya Pradesh. In those days, monkeys used to come in groups and destroy the crops of farmers. Madhya Pradesh Government had announced reward of Rs.50/- for every Monkey killed by villagers.

Some farmers asked Gandhiji, “We want to follow non-violence. But please tell us whether we can kill monkeys and follow non-violence both at same time?”

Gandhiji said, “If monkeys are destroying your crops, there is nothing wrong in killing them.”

This he said in 1930.

He died after 17 years. In the mean time he may have changed his mind. We do not know.

But he always said, “Nothing what he said was his last word. He was doing only experiments with truth and non -violence.” He reserved his right to change whatever he may have said previous day.”

We have unnecessarily frozen all his words in marble statues..

Violence and Non-Violence, both are war strategies. Only those who are expert in war should experiment with this.

Same way, every one cannot say what is Truth and what is Untruth.

Because, Untruth is wearing dress of Truth.

And Truth is dressed like untruth.

All paid-media truths could be Untruths dressed as Truths.

Gandhiji gave a simple solution.

He said, “Definition of Truth is hidden in every heart. Just ask your heart what is the truth? You will know.”

Let us make an experiment.

I have not produced any reference on when Gandhiji permitted killing of Monkeys.

Ask your heart, whether this fact is true or false.

You will know the answer.

Haresh Raichura
21/2/2012