Nirodbaran

Talks with Sri Aurobindo

Volume 1

10 December 1938 – 14 January 1941

2 October 1940

Somebody had sent a reply-paid wire to Sri Aurobindo asking for some message for Pratap Mazumdar’s centenary, which they were celebrating. Naturally Sri Aurobindo refused.

Satyendra: They have wasted two rupees. (Laughter)

Sri Aurobindo: I may send a message one day late. (Laughter)

Purani: Even then they may publish it.

Sri Aurobindo: If I say that he was an insignificant person? (Laughter)

Purani: That would be a nice idea.

Sri Aurobindo: I don’t see why they are making a fuss about him. He was a second-class personality. All I know about him is that he was Keshab Sen’s disciple and went to America.

Purani: He was a good speaker.

Sri Aurobindo: Plenty of people are good speakers!

Purani: You have seen the Egyptian Government’s queer resolution? They think that a sixty-miles’ entry into their territory is not of much concern.

Sri Aurobindo: No! It is only desert! It is like walking on the garden-path of a compound. When they actually come to the verandah, then it is of some concern and something needs to be done!