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(1921) and the Man. Hedgewar fell on the same day of Pratipada
in the month of Chaitra. And the day Keshavrao died, it was
the birthday of the Param Pujya Guruji.

In Baroda, the Sangh’s Swayamsevaks had decided to
celebrate the birthday of the Param Pujya Guruji in a unique
way. A musical programme was held called Swaranjali in which
the Sangh songs were to be sung. The confluence of song, music
and tune, being held at Gandhinagar in Baroda, transformed
the entire atmosphere into an emotional one. The life sketch of
Guruji was presented through song and music, which fleeted
across our sight like a panorama. In this programme, which
lasted close to two hours, the audiences were taken to the zenith
of their emotions though no speeches were delivered. The late
Vakil Saheb too had arrived from Bombay to attend this
programme specifically. At the end of the programme, the hearts
of all those present there were ringing continuously; such was
the feeling with everybody.

Baroda remained the working area for Deshmukh for
several years. He was very pleased with this programme. The
entire programme had heightened everybody to the zenith of
their sentimental being. Everybody wished to live this moment,
nobody wanted to miss this opportunity, therefore, everybody
kept astutely silent there.

A few moments after such an excellent instance, there
occurred a grievous instance, all of a sudden. Keshavrao gave
up his body within half an hour. How hurting it must have been!
Two conflicting instances occurring together. A few moments
before, Deshmukh was absorbed in the Swaranjali dedicated to
Guruji, body and soul, his face was shining in joy; and a little
later, he bade adieu to all of us and made for Guruji.

When we set out for the Swaranjali programme, we had
hoped for a joyful success of it. In the jeep were seated
Deshmukh on the front seat, while the back seats were occupied
by Vakil Saheb and Nathabhai Jhagda, while I was driving it.
Our dinner was arranged at the residence of Subhashbhai
Mehta, who had come from America to settle down in Baroda.
Vakil Saheb was scheduled to leave for Baroda late into the night.
We left the residence at Gandhinagar in Baroda quite happily.