Strength Within !

Strength Within!

The hostel was abuzz with energy following the recent chain of events. The foreign student, Snehwardhan, son of Police Chief  compelled to leave hostel due to his misdeeds, after our complaint against him. As the Hostel General Secretary, it was my responsibility to maintain discipline and integrity among students. So, we initiated a drive against unauthorised students staying in the hostel. The Student Representative Elections were announced. Seeing the enthusiasm and the support of the students, we were sure to win the election this year too. 

….And one night, an Ambassador car screeched at the hostel gate. Four or five persons stepped out. They started shouting at the gate, using abusive language. Hearing that, the students gathered at the gate, curious and concerned. I was among them. They demanded to know who Ingle was. I was about to step forward when some of my friends gripped my arm, whispering frantically that they're local goondas.

The goondas continued shouting and using abusive language. Some of my friends rushed to their rooms, grabbing steel rods used to hold mosquito nets, ready to confront the group. Their mood was fiery; they wanted to fight. But I stopped them. I directed them not to step forward, assuring them I would handle the situation myself.

They were hesitant, but eventually agreed, trusting my confidence. I asked them to close the rolling shutter gate for safety before stepping out onto the road alone.

As soon as I stood face-to-face with the goondas, one of them began to unwrap a weapon, a patta, sword-like weapon, tied to his leg. He raised it to attack, but another goonda restrained him, whispering softly, "Don't touch him." I heard it clearly. This moment revealed something crucial: At least one of them was learned and knew something about me. I realized this could work in my favour.

They asked me bluntly, "Are you Mahendra Ingle?" When I confirmed, they commanded me to come with them. I agreed, walking toward their car. From behind the gate, students shouted for me not to go, pleading desperately. I waved my hand to reassure them before sitting inside the car.

They drove me to Juhu Beach. It was midnight, the beach nearly deserted. There, they opened bottles of whisky and began drinking in front of me. Their intent was clear: They wanted to frighten me. But I stood firm, showing neither fear nor hesitation. They began boasting about their deeds, introducing themselves and detailing how terrifying their reputation was. I listened quietly. I didn’t ask them the question they were expecting: ‘Why I am here?’

Their conversation dwindled. Silence hung heavy in the air. Finally, one of them asked, “Aren't you scared?" 

I replied calmly, "No." 

He continued, "We can do anything to you here." 

I responded, "I know that." 

Again, silence.

Breaking the silence, I said confidently, "I bear no enmity against you. I don't know you. If you want to harm me, you can, but don't leave it unfinished. If I survive, remember this: You all will have to face dire consequences."

My words carried weight, spoken with unwavering resolve. One of the learned goondas stepped forward, shaking my hand, saying, "Oh, Mr. Ingle, don't take this too seriously." He then directed the group to return to the car.

As we walked back together, one of them tried to engage me in personal conversation, eventually suggesting, "Let's be friends." I agreed, replying, "Why not? Come to the college canteen tomorrow morning. We will have a tea there." 

To my surprise, the next day morning they came to canteen; and we had a chat over a tea!

That night, I realised that true power lies not in weapons but in unwavering resolve and the ability to stand firm!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @ Pune, April 2, 2025