Stealing and Atonement –Summary
Summary of “Stealing and Atonement”
Every nation has its heroes—individuals who shape its history through courage, sacrifice, and moral strength. For India, Mahatma Gandhi stands out as a key figure who dedicated his life to the country’s freedom and values.
Gandhi’s Childhood Mistake
As a young boy, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, like many children, was influenced by his surroundings. Curious and adventurous, he and a friend once imitated a family member by trying to smoke cigarettes. To fund their new habit, they stole money from a servant’s purse. At the time, they believed they were just having fun blowing smoke clouds—but deep down, they knew it was wrong.
Regret and a Dangerous Thought
Feeling guilty and trapped by their actions, Gandhi and his friend started contemplating drastic steps. Wanting complete freedom from guilt and restrictions, they considered eating poisonous seeds to end their lives. However, fear and a moment of reflection stopped them. They visited a temple, where they realized the value of life and the seriousness of their mistake. They promised never to steal or smoke again.
Gandhi Confesses to His Father
Later, Gandhi took a piece of gold from his brother’s armlet to repay a debt. The act of stealing weighed heavily on him. Rather than hiding it, Gandhi chose the path of honesty. He wrote a heartfelt letter to his father, confessing his wrongdoing, asking for punishment, and urging his father not to punish himself emotionally.
Upon reading the letter, Gandhi’s father wept—not out of anger, but out of pain, love, and forgiveness. This moment left a deep impression on young Gandhi and marked the beginning of his understanding of Ahimsa (non-violence) and truth.
Moral of the Story
This early life incident played a key role in shaping Mahatma Gandhi’s moral principles. It taught him the power of truth, the importance of taking responsibility, and the value of compassionate forgiveness. These principles later became the foundation of his life and leadership in India’s struggle for independence.