harijans

One day, Eknath had organized a prayer meet at his place. Attracted by the sweet fragrance of delicious sweets being prepared, four 'harijans' (people from backward class) went up to his house. Honouring their desire to eat, Eknath served them all the rich food prepared for the Brahmins. He also invited all the other 'harijans' of the town to have meals at his place. Girijabai lovingly served all the 'harijans' with the delicious food she had prepared. After that she washed the house and prepared a fresh meal for the Brahmins. However as the 'harijans' had been served food at his house, the Brahmins declined to have a meal at his place. They criticized Eknath for his actions and decided to punish him for his behaviour. They reprimanded him and questioned him, “For one who has studied the scriptures, how could you do such a thing?” Eknath replied, “The 'harijans' were hungry and since there can be no restrictions of caste and creed while serving the hungry, I served them.” He further added, “It is clearly mentioned in the very same scriptures that there shouldn't be any discrimination of caste while donating food.”