WADHWAN-IN THE THAIII 2C5
the close of the prayer they commenced eating. They
handled the cup and saucer very gently. It \vas all a
charming sight.
Xext morning the instructor got the whole party of
Children at Dr. Shukla's and made them sing and dance in
a ring to the music of Ram bhajan. At the close of the
performance they were again given milk and sweets. Bala
mandir was tinder the direct control and management of
the "VVadhwau State. Cnshioned four wheeled carriages,
drawn by horses, were provided for the institution to fetch
the children from their respective homes to the school, and
then take them back after school honrs. It was a free school
and tiffin was given to the children in the school at State
expense. The school hours were from eight to eleven in the
morning.
Another day he visited a similar institution outside the
city, started in the name of Mahatma Gandhi by a rich
man. Here also the tuition was given to the children almost
on lines similar to those in the Bala mandir. The peculiarity
of both the schools was that the teachers talked to the little
ones very gently and in whispers. No harsh or loud
commands escaped their lips. The teachers were so kind
and friendly to Ramdas. After distribution of sweets he
closed his visit to the second school.
Jivraj Baloo, a sadhaka, would constantly come to Mm.
He had retired from worldly life and was living for his
sadhanas in a solitary spot in the midst of fields outside
the city* Here he had a small knti in which he dwelt. He
asked Ramdas to pay a visit to his ktiti. The Dewan saheb
was also invited. So both drove to the knti in the Dewan's
carriage. Jivraj Baloo embraced Ramdas and was extremely
happy to have him there. The host then gave the guests a
treat of milk. Ramdas was then asked to deliver a
discourse. He spoke for about half an hour. It was
followed by music. Jivraj sang some songs composed by
himself.