Leper patient Sanskrit scholar Parchure Shastri being examined at Satyagraha Ashram; Sevagram; 1940. Mahatma Gandhi sitting in the back and observing the examination.PARCHURE SHASTRI NURSING A FRIEND AFFLICTED BY LEPROSYGandhi was in the habit of taking a brisk walk every evening. He would walk for three or four miles; covering the distance in about three quarters of an hour. Accompanying him on the walk would be some members of the Ashram community; children and some visitors to whom he wanted to talk during the walk; thus saving on the time that he would otherwise have had to find from his heavy schedule of work. The walk was not merely a stint of exercise but also a period of relaxation. Gandhi would be up to his pranks with children or would be provoking laugher with his banter and wit. On a cold December day in 1939; as he stepped out of the Ashram for his walk; he found a human form with a bundle in his hands about to enter the Ashram. On seeing Gandhi; the visitor halted six steps away; kept his bundle down and did obeisance to Gandhi. Gandhi looked grave; a thick pall of sorrow fell on his face. He recognized the man before him. It was Parchure Shastri; a famous Sanskrit Scholar and poet who had been with him in the Yervada Jail in 1922. In these years; Shashi had contacted a vicious form of leprosy. He had tried treatment at many hospitals; and with many doctors. Nothing had helped. He wanted to disappear from view and meet what was in store for him. But before making his final exit; he wanted to have a darshan (glimpse) of Gandhi. So he had written to Gandhi asking for permission to meet him. In the meanwhile; the Second World War had broken out. It was feared that Gandhi might be compelled to start some form of Civil Disobedience; and might be lodged in Jail. He would then have no chance of meeting Gandhi before he met with his end. These thoughts prompted Shastri to arrive on the scene; before; as he thought; it became too late. Gandhi looked at him w