Sri Baba Mama brother of Shree Mataji, "My Memoirs"

 An Extract from the book written by Sri Baba Mama brother of Shree Mataji, "My Memoirs" : 

In August 1942, my father was in jail and the family was under financial stress. At such a juncture, Shri Mataji, who was studying in the Science College, decided to stop Her college on the 15th of August, our Independence Day, by picketing in front of the gate. My mother, though very conservative, did not object to Her political activity. As a protest, Shri Mataji decided to picket in front of Her college and stop all the students who were trying to enter. 

The Principal of the college was a good friend of the family, but he got orders from the British authorities to rusticate anybody who picketed or disobeyed the college rules. Mr. Krishnamurti, who was vice principal, was asked to go and persuade Shri Mataji to stop and to say that if She did not stop picketing, She would be given a college-leaving certificate. In those days, rustication meant that you could not seek admission into any other college.This proposal, when put to Shri Mataji, was refused immediately and She said that She would rather be rusticated than take favours from college authorities run by the British. Mr. Krishnamurti, having failed in persuading Shri Mataji from picketing, went back to the principal, Mr. Shabde, who was very much for the British, who dictated a letter rusticating Shri Mataji for obstructing students from coming to class, inciting disobedience and protesting against the running of the college.

 With great reluctance Mr. Krishnamurti handed the letter of rustication over to Shri Mataji. It is interesting to note that, after retirement, he settled down in Pune. In the year 1991, I think, an elderly Mr. Krishnamurti came and met Shri Mataji, touched Her Lotus Feet and said that he was ashamed that he had rusticated such a divine personality, but that having touched Her feet, all his past sins were washed away. Shri Mataji was very moved by his gesture and She said that what he had done then was his duty to the college and what She had done then was her duty to the nation, so there was no sin committed. At any rate, She never had any grievance or dislike for him as he was a very noble soul. He said that when he saw Her facing the British soldiers and their guns fearlessly, he thought, “She is the incarnation of Durga.”