Mr. Sharlekar holds a unique connection to Gandhiji, not merely as a historical figure but as someone who touched his life in childhood.
Thank you for the opportunity to share Mr. Manohar Dattatre Sharlekar’s inspiring story on Global TV. This interview captures a momentous connection between a man who personally experienced Mahatma Gandhi’s presence as a child and his reflection on India’s progress over the decades. Let’s arrange this in a coherent, flowing narrative.
October 2nd, 2014: A Special Interview with Mr. M.D. Sharlekar
Today, on the 145th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we remember the great soul who led India to independence through non-violence and truth. As we reflect on his legacy, we are privileged to meet a gentleman who brings us closer to the memory of Gandhi in a personal way. Mr. Manohar Dattatre Sharlekar, 87 years old, is here with us today, carrying the clarity of a man half his age and the wisdom of a lifetime.
Mr. Sharlekar holds a unique connection to Gandhiji, not merely as a historical figure but as someone who touched his life in childhood. As a boy, Mr. Sharlekar had the extraordinary experience of sitting on Mahatma Gandhi’s lap, an incident he recalls vividly to this day.
Born in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Sharlekar’s early years were spent in Varda, Maharashtra, where his father, a civil surgeon, had established a prominent medical practice. It was in Varda, just a few miles from Sevagram, that young Manohar encountered Gandhiji. His father’s role as a doctor at Sevagram and his uncle’s involvement in the freedom movement provided Mr. Sharlekar with an opportunity most can only dream of—an interaction with Gandhiji himself.
“My uncle, R.K. Prabhu, was the editor of the Bombay Chronicle and a close associate of Gandhiji,” Mr. Sharlekar begins. “As a child, I was brought up in the environment of the Congress movement. Gandhiji used to walk in front of our house in Varda regularly, and on one occasion, I was invited to sit on his lap.”
This seemingly small moment left a lasting impression on the young boy. Mr. Sharlekar recalls Gandhiji’s humility, his interest in simple, productive work, particularly his efforts at the Nalwadi unit, where Gandhi experimented with making paper from waste materials and crafting simple sandals (chappals). Even as a child, Mr. Sharlekar found Gandhiji’s dedication to these simple, self-sustaining crafts fascinating.
Over the years, Mr. Sharlekar would go on to lead a distinguished life. An accomplished engineer, he studied at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Bombay, during a time when engineering education in India was in its infancy, with only a handful of colleges available nationwide. Despite the challenges, he thrived, completing a combined degree in both mechanical and electrical engineering.
Reflecting on India’s evolution since independence, Mr. Sharlekar is candid in his observations. “Back then, there were fewer opportunities for higher education, but the quality was exceptional,” he explains. “Today, we produce a large number of graduates, but there is a shortage of skilled workers like carpenters and blacksmiths. This is something we must address urgently.”
He resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on skill development, suggesting that India must invest more in practical training for its youth. “We have the largest number of young people in the world,” he says, “and we should be exporting skilled professionals. But we also need to recognize the value of trades and crafts, which are in high demand.”
Mr. Sharlekar also shares wisdom gained from his years in education, advising young people to prioritize knowledge over marks. “True education is about understanding deeply what you are learning. If you focus on that, the knowledge will stay with you for life.”
As the interview draws to a close, we are reminded that Mr. Sharlekar’s life, shaped by the presence of great men like Mahatma Gandhi, is a testament to the enduring impact of those early interactions. His story is a bridge between the past and the present, a reminder of the ideals that once defined a nation’s struggle for freedom and the ongoing need for progress.
We are grateful to Mr. Sharlekar for sharing his memories with us, and on behalf of Global TV, we thank him for his valuable insights on this special day.
