Basic HTML Version
www.thearyasamaj.org
apparent signs of relief. And the Pandit himself began to entertain
hopes of his recovery. That was a time when he ought to have
allowed himself perfect rest, but no, he would not sit still. He took
an active part in the meetings of the Managing Committee of the
D.A.V. College. Imagine a man reduced to a mere skeleton through
constant suffering and disease, participating without any
discrimination into discussions over public affairs. This was the
besetting fault of Pandit Guru Datta. He did such things not because
he was short sighted and unaware of consequences of such action
but because there was a very strong and powerful impulse from
within.
This mental strain brought on extreme lassitude and
exhaustion, and he lay for several days on his bed, unable to move
out even a small distance. His strength began to decrease and he
grew more and more lean every day. At such a critical juncture he
was removed to Gujranwala and put under the treatment of Dr.
Fateh Chand. Pandit Guru Datta remained at Gujranwala for a
good period; the Doctor bestowed special attention upon him but
to no avail. The disease had passed that stage in which cure could
be effected. There was no improvement in the condition of Panditji;
on the contrary alarming symptoms developed and in consequence
he was brought back to Lahore and accommodated in a bungalow,
specially hired for the purpose.
At Lahore he was treated by Pandit Narayan Dass, a Vaid of
repute in the province. Pandit Narayan Dass had cured many cases
of chronic consumption and his treatment effected improvement
in the condition of Pandit Guru Datta, and hopes began to be
entertained of his recovery in some quarters but there was an
unexpected relapse. Subsequently , a Hakim, named Sher Ali, was
called from Jullandhar. " His treatment," says Mr. Lajpat Rai, "worked
wonders and in almost a week Panditji's complete recovery became a
matter of days." But this was likE the flicker of the dying flames. There
was a relapse "from the effect of which Panditji never recovered."38
The morning of the 18th March dawned bright and clear. The
sun shone in its full splendour. There was not a speck of cloud to
be seen in the sky. The birds sang joyfully. Men went to their daily
tasks with light hearts. There was joy all around. But there was no
joy in the hearts of the Aryas. Sorrow was depicted in every face.
'No hope, no hope, these words seemed to escape from many lips.
XLV