23. The Light of the World

An adult young man asked Gandhiji when the question of uplifting the 'untouchables' was being discussed, "Well, Sir, why did you not force your way into the temple at Gape Gomorin, when they did not admit you? It was an insult you should not have put up with. You, Sir, are the light of the world and who were they to exclude you?"

"Yes," said Gandhiji laughing, "Either I was not the light of the world and they were justified in keeping me out; or I am the light of the world and I should not have forced my way into it."