32. Welcome or Unwelcome

Gandhiji's sense of humour asserted itself unexpectedly on many an occasion. During his tour of the Central Provinces in November 1933 at Lanji, presents made to him were inscribed with the word 'Shubha-gamana' ('Au Revoir') instead of 'Shubha-againana' ('welcome'), referring to which Gandhiji said, "Since you want me to depart I will be very soon at Betul."

The Municipal President read the address and was about to walk away with it when Gandhiji said, "You cannot take it away. It is to be given to me." His remark caused a good deal of laughter in the audience.