I, too, am on your level in this, as in other matters, for the purposes of the New Life undertaken. I therefore do not like the idea proposed by one of you, that the newspaper be first read to me, and then the companions know from me what is relevant and essential.
I have a solution for this. If Don takes it up 100 percent seriously, he will be doing a great service. I want him to keep Rs.75 with him, which will suffice for about two years of purchasing a daily newspaper wherever available. He may obtain it free, if that is possible.
Don alone should go through the newspaper and cut out news items from it required for our purpose, in keeping with our New Life. [To Don] Cut out such items and show them to me; and after approval I shall give these to the companions to read. When I said Don should try to do this work 100 percent, I mean that you [Don] should not breathe a single word of what you read about political and world news to any of the other companions.
You should cut out only news items relating to promulgation of new laws, riots, curfews, Section 144, strikes, epidemics, and so forth. Then, forget what you have read and destroy the newspaper. This is Don's lifetime duty.
The next day, because Nilu made an unconscious mistake in carrying out Baba's order, Baba criticized him and then said, "What is there to worry about if you are not at fault and I reprimand you? If you are wrong, then correct yourself. Right or wrong, never argue with me or try to defend yourself."
In the afternoon Vishwanath Haldankar showed up unexpectedly from Kolhapur. He was supposed to have waited for Vishnu at his sister's house, to discuss his land in Belgaum, but he appeared in the companions' hut unannounced, and offered salutations to Baba with folded hands. Baba was furious since he and the companions were not supposed to see any Old Life disciples. Baba sent Haldankar back after touching his feet.
Goher's younger brother, Jal Rusi, was also in Belgaum at the time working at a job, but because of the restrictions, he never came to see either Baba or his own sister. Don passed him on the road several times, but both kept their faces turned, as the companions had instructions not ever to see or talk with any Old Life friends or acquaintances.