29. Lion-Like Courage:

In 1911, in Yeotmal city, it was a custom that every Indian had to bow low and offer respect to Europeans if they happened to be on the street where he was walking. This insult was rigidly enforced, especially in "civil lines" area, where the Europeans lived and worked.

One evening, Doctorjee went for a walk with his friends in this area. It so happened that the Deputy Commissioner, Civil Surgeon and the Circle Inspector of Police ( all Europeans) were standing there, accepting the obeisance from the passerby Indians. Doctorjee's friends noticed this from a distance, and suggested that instead of subjecting themselves to this insult, they should take a detour and walk to another street. Doctorjee ignored them, and continued his walk with head held high, without even acknowledging the presence of the Europeans.

Promptly, the Deputy Commissioner accosted him, and asked for his name and address. "Don't you know that you must bow down with respect whenever you come across Europeans, you native fool?" he thundered. Doctorjee calmly replied in an even tone of voice that he was from Nagpur, where people couldn't care less about any such stupid practices. He also said that no self-respecting human being could tolerate it. "All education, culture and civilizations have upheld human dignity and equality of men from times immemorial. I will not pay obeisance to any stranger”, he said in a voice that was loud, clear and was like the crack of a whip.

The Deputy Commissioner and his cohorts were stupefied - they had encountered such fearlessness and self-respect for the first time in their lives. Still the Circle Inspector shouted threats, and demanded that Doctorjee should apologize. Doctorjee gave him a smile, and calmly continued his walk. The Europeans withdrew, fuming, helplessly. Nothing further came out of this incident.

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