This morning I had a fight with Pendu in my room before I came to the hall. Pendu has been bearing the brunt of planning, executing, and maintaining the various arrangements necessary for the sahavas program. Originally, it was decided to invite only 150 participants every week at the total estimated cost of Rs.20,000, and to spend Rs.10,000 on the four programs for the poor during the whole month of sahavas.
I had agreed with Pendu not to let any changes be made in the original plan. But letters and telegrams soon began pouring in, and the number of participants began to swell as the appeals were irresistible. My lovers in Andhra have proved themselves real workers in my cause. My name has become a household word in many parts there. The same is the case with those who love and work for me in Hamirpur District in U.P. [Uttar Pradesh], where men, women and children go about singing songs of praise for me in the course of their daily life, whether they are working in the fields, at home, on their job, or while going to school.
The Maharashtrian group also has reached more than 250. Many lovers were left out, so we had to accept them. I am telling you this because of our being in sahavas, on an intimate footing as members of one family. When the number reached 200, Pendu protested. From Rs.10,000, Pendu came down to Rs.5,000 for the poor programs. Now the issue of permits is stopped. I explained to Pendu that those attending the sahavas are coming from long distances and are workers and lovers. Now in one case the number may reach 300. With the increase in numbers, among other things, Pendu must also get the dormitory pandal extended and to obtain more cots, blankets, pillows, et cetera, in advance. The figure for the poor has come down to Rs.1,000.