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Shri mataji nirmala devi spent a happy
childhood in the family house in Nagpur, and She was everybody's
favourite. Most of the time, She bounded with energy and engaged Her
friends in all kinds of games, plays, songs and dances. Sometimes,
however, She could be found alone in a corner of the house, Her face
radiating an inner joy. Early on, She gave proof of Her refined
taste for music and the arts. She loved everything that was
authentic and natural. The young Nirmala spent Her holidays at
Mahatma Gandhi's ashram. She took part in all the activities of the
ashram and it was Her radiant presence which inspired the Mahatma:
most of the aspects of his philosophy, such as a correct level of
production, moral rectitude in social life, simplicity or the
integration of all the religions, foreshadowed 'Sahaj' culture.
The Salve family was totally involved in the fight for the
independence of India and suffered torture. From 1928 (when She was
five years old) Shri Mataji's parents were regularly put in prison.
The children received a traditional education nevertheless imprinted
with a great open spirit.
When the time came for Her further education, Nirmala chose
medicine in order to learn the scientific terminology of anatomy and
human physiology. Yet, at this time, She also followed Her father in
struggle of the country to regain its liberty. In 1942 She was at
the head of a student movement for the independence of Her country.
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