Mautne Hath Tali

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mautne Hath Tali" by Kumarpal Desai, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mautne Hath Tali (Death Eluded/Dodged) Author: Kumarpal Desai Publisher: Gurjar Sahitya Prakashan (and Gurjar Granth Ratna Karyalaya)

Overview and Author's Intent:

"Mautne Hath Tali" is a collection of inspiring stories for children, specifically aiming to instill courage, bravery, and a spirit of selfless service (paropkar) in young readers. The author, Kumarpal Desai, believes that literature plays a significant role in shaping the future by inspiring children to face risks, overcome adversity, and help those in need. The book showcases true events where children displayed remarkable courage and altruism, with the hope that these narratives will motivate readers to emulate such qualities. The book has received recognition, including an award from the Indian government's 19th National Competition for Children's Literature and a purchase of a thousand copies by N.C.E.R.T.

Content Summary of the Stories:

The book contains a series of stories, with the provided pages detailing the first three:

1. Mautne Hath Tali (Death Eluded):

   • This story narrates the harrowing experience of a fourteen-year-old boy named Raju. While returning home from the fields with his two younger brothers, they had to pass through a dense, dangerous jungle.
   • A thirteen-foot-long, twelve-maund python, hidden on a tree branch, attacked Raju as they walked by, discussing farm and village matters. The python coiled around him, tightening its grip, intending to swallow him whole.
   • Raju's younger brothers, terrified, ran away screaming. Despite Raju's struggle and attempts to break free, the python's grip was too strong.
   • The python, wanting to eat him in a secluded spot, began dragging the exhausted Raju towards the deeper jungle.
   • By chance, both the python and Raju fell into a fast-flowing river. The python, being an excellent swimmer, increased its pressure. Raju, trapped and struggling to keep his head above water, faced a double threat of drowning and the python's constriction.
   • As they were being swept downstream, Raju spotted a wooden bridge floating towards them. With immense courage, he managed to grab onto a part of the bridge.
   • The python, enraged, tightened its grip further. However, Raju, using the bridge's structure, began to rub the python against the wooden planks. This friction caused the python's skin to tear and bleed, inflicting pain.
   • In its agony, the python loosened its grip, allowing Raju to escape. He climbed onto the bridge and ran back to his village.
   • His younger brothers were overjoyed to see him alive. The story concludes by stating this event occurred on July 23, 1962, near Thiruvanvadi village in Kerala.

2. Na Name Te Narayan (He Who Does Not Bow is Narayan):

   • This story recounts the bravery of a sixteen-year-old boy named Narayan Prasad Das. It begins with a fire breaking out in a residential colony near the Titagarh Paper Mills in 1969.
   • The fire engulfed the house of Ratnakar Raut, trapping his wife and four children. The wife managed to escape with two children but her four-year-old son and six-month-old daughter were still inside the burning building.
   • A crowd of three hundred people gathered, but no one dared to enter the inferno. The distressed mother cried out for her children.
   • Narayan Prasad Das, who had just returned from playing, heard the cries. The story highlights his philanthropic nature, recalling an earlier incident where he saved an injured man by taking him to the hospital and informing the police.
   • Narayan was described as an unwavering and courageous student, often praised by his friends with the saying, "Narayan, you are truly Narayan; one who doesn't bow, doesn't run, doesn't fear."
   • Driven by empathy for the crying mother and the plight of the trapped children, Narayan decided to enter the burning house despite the extreme danger. He believed in action rather than just words and helping those in need.
   • Navigating through the smoke and falling burning debris, Narayan reached the inner room. He rescued the four-year-old boy and the six-month-old baby, who clung to him like a savior.
   • His hands and feet were severely burned, but he rushed out of the inferno, delivering the children to their grateful mother.
   • The mother saw Narayan as a divine figure. Narayan was awarded a medal by the Indian government for his extraordinary bravery. He aspires to become a doctor and serve the poor and needy.

3. Anandi Ashok (Joyful Ashok):

   • This story is about Ashok, the son of a worker at the Hirakud dam. Ashok was born on November 14, 1858, the same day as Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday, which is celebrated as Children's Day.
   • As a young child, Ashok fell very ill with pneumonia and had to be admitted to the hospital, where he fought for his life, even requiring oxygen for five days.
   • Although he recovered, the illness left him with chronic cough and other health issues. Despite his persistent ailments, Ashok maintained a joyful and playful nature, endearing himself to everyone.
   • He developed polio, which weakened his legs, making it difficult for him to walk or stand independently. His mother worried constantly about his health, especially during outbreaks of diseases like smallpox.
   • Despite his physical limitations and recurring illnesses, Ashok remained cheerful and optimistic. His mother, inspired by his spirit, sought medical advice and treatment, including electric therapy from a Russian doctor in Delhi.
   • The treatment helped Ashok regain his strength, and he eventually learned to stand and walk again.
   • Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, upon hearing Ashok's story of battling adversity with joy, chose him to be featured on a stamp issued on Children's Day. The stamp depicted Ashok's resilient spirit, celebrating his victory over death and illness. The story emphasizes the pride parents feel for their children's achievements and the support of doctors and nurses.

Overall Theme:

The book "Mautne Hath Tali" serves as a powerful testament to the inherent courage, resilience, and compassion that can be found in children. It aims to inspire young readers by showcasing real-life heroes who faced life-threatening situations with remarkable bravery and a selfless spirit, demonstrating that even the smallest among us can perform extraordinary deeds.