Ganhdiji's thoughts have changed my life: Gole

Nashik, Jan 7 (UNI) ''Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts have changed my attitude towards life and I will follow the Gandhian path of truth and non-violence throughout my life,'' Laxman Gole, a prisoner, lodged at the Nashik Jail, said today.

These observations were made by Gole at a media interaction, organised by the Bombay Sarvoday Mandal, Mumbai.

Gole, originally a resident of Lashan village in Ardhapur taluka of Nanded district, had 19 cases filed against him by Chirag Nagar police station, Ghatkopar. He was acquitted in 18 cases and later confessed his crime to a judge of Vikhroli court in Mumbai.

Gole was sentenced to four years rigorous imprisonment and Rs 1000 fine or two months imprisonment in a case registered against him under section 384 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under sections 372 (a) of the Bombay Police Act. After he confessed to the crime, the judge reduced his imprisonment.

Gole said ''After reading Gandhji's autobiography, presented by Bombay Sarvoday Mandal, Mumbai, I got the courage to confess the truth.'' He expressed his wish to say sorry to those against whom he had committed crime and said, after completion of the punishment, he will go to his village and serve his parents.

Gole has now become an ambassader of Gandhian thoughts as he has inspired many of the inmates, who have expressed their willingness to read the book. Many have started efforts to change themselves.

All in all, the example of Gole proves the fact that the principles of the Mahatma are relevant even today and have the power to change the mindset of criminals also.

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