God lived with them

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Swami Advaitananda

Although he was the oldest of the group, in carrying out responsibilities he was second to none. Early in the morning after breakfast he would go to the new plot and engage the Santal tribal labourers who had been hired to level the ground. He scolded them if he found any dereliction of duty. Sometimes Swamiji would visit the grounds and talk to the poor labourers. He loved to hear the stories of their lives and hardships and sometimes he would arrange  a feast for them. Once their leader said to Swamiji: " O dear swami, don't come to us when we work - our work stops when we talk to you. Later the old father (Advaitananda )scolds us." Swamiji was touched by his words. Then he said:" No, no, he will not say anything. Tell me something about your part of the country." Thus Swamiji came to know about their culture and way of life.