Champaklal Speaks

Carpentry and Masonry

Mother used to order a number of things from France so that sadhaks would not have to go to the bazaar for them; besides they were cheaper when so purchased. The dealwood boxes in which they were parcelled were kept for storing things. Lids for these boxes were made from planks which she herself joined by nailing sidebars on both sides. She asked me if I could undertake that work. I willingly agreed to try and she was happy to see me doing it. She would sit on a low Japanese stool and watch me doing the work, giving instructions when necessary. It was a very pleasant experience. Mother had ordered some fine carpentry tools from France. Later Pavitra also joined in my carpentry work. We made a table from these dealwood planks for ironing clothes. At that time there was no table for this purpose. Mother used to come and watch us working on the table and when it was ready she expressed great happiness. After this Pavitra took up some other work and did not join me any more in my carpentry work.

In Library House, there were a couple of holes in the floor of Mother's room: one in the middle and another near the door leading to the store-room. There was a third, a deep one, in the' bathroom.

One day Mother told me, “Sri Aurobindo asks, 'Can't Champaklal do something about them?'“

I was naturally very happy that Sri Aurobindo should have thought of me and immediately took up the work. Rajangam supplied all requirements, as always he was very helpful. Later when Mother told me, “Sri Aurobindo said, 'Now it is very convenient.'“ I was extremely gratified.

I must record here that such works too I had learnt from my physical mother. Whenever she was doing these things I used to help her and that experience proved useful.