In 1947, Gangabai Bhutt had evolved her own itinerary for Shri Nathji. Gangabai Bhutt had the habit of formulating her own plans and then executing them without giving prior information to Shri Nathji. Sometimes this annoyed Mateshwari, Shri Bhutt as well as Jagdish, but it was a habit that had become second nature with the lady – and she practised it most often on the tolerant Shri Nathji.
On this occasion, in 1947, she had made plans for Shri Nathji to go to Harda in the Central provinces. She had done this in accordance with the wishes of Manjul Kavi, who had returned to Harda and had told the people about Shri Nathji. If God was upon earth, then as many people as possible should get a glimpse of him so that they could attain salvation. This was the theme of Manjul Kavi, and, indeed, this had been the theme of Gangabai Bhutt all her life. It was for this reason that she never consulted Shri Nathji before making his itineraries, knowing full well that Shri Nathji would be reluctant to venture out in what might be construed as a mission glorifying him.
Gangabai Bhutt had posted Shri Nathji the letter Manjul Kavi had sent her from Harda in which he had written:
27th September 1947
“Poojniya Dandewaliji – Most revered Dandewaliji,
“I have to inform you that under your instructions I have formed a reception committee to welcome Shri Nathji to Harda, and I am the head of the committee, which will work under your supervision.
“People all over Harda have been contacted, and they shall come from far and near for Shri Nathji’s darshan. The literature you gave me about Shri Nathji is being distributed to the public in which it has been written that Satyuga – or the Age of truth – has dawned and that Kaliyuga or the age of darkness is going away.
“I have distributed the Nath Chaleesa written by you.
“Seths, Rajas and Maharajas have been contacted to come for the darshan of Shri Nathji. The rich and the poor all have been invited. Hundreds of letters have been sent to nearby towns as well.
“We are not collecting any money. We have told people we are too proud to accept donations from anyone, and that the entire expense of the tour will be born by you and Shri Bhutt Sahib. People know that we have no motives, our only motive being to tell them about the Truth, the fact that God has come down upon earth. It is the least I can do for my fellowmen in this city.
“When is Shri Nathji arriving with his family? People are waiting for him very anxiously. There is absolutely no opposition anywhere. He will be welcomed heartily here.
“Please inform me when you are coming now that I have made all the arrangements.
Yours,
Manjul Kavi
(Murlidhar Parsai)”
Both Shri Nathji and Mateshwari were reluctant to go. These were troubled times. There were disturbances and riots that had barely subsided in the country. Jagdish, too, was of the opinion that Shri Nathji should not travel out during those days, but rather stay with them at Delhi in their home.
Jagdish had affectionately written to Shri Nathji:
“O My Master and Divine Mother,
May your mission succeed in the world.
I wish to sell off my old 1937 Model Austin–which is not befitting your dignity– and get a new Vauxhall car in which I can drive you in the city. Please fulfil this desire of mine if it be thy wish. I will take a loan and purchase the car on instalments. I am also appearing for the Federal Public Service Commission examination and hope to pass with your divine blessings. My entire life exists only for your sake. Please make me your worthy child. I shall be coming to Mussoorie on the 6th of December for your darshan and blessings.
Your most worthless servant,
Jagdish ”
Jagdish came in the first week of December 1947 to St. Andrews Mussoorie and took Shri Nathji, Mateshwari and the children with him to Delhi.
He had hoped that Shri Nathji would stay with them at the Bhutt’s home at 6/22, Western Extension Area, Karol Bagh, for the entire winter. However, Shri Nathji had to bow to the wishes of Gangabai Bhutt, especially now that so much publicity had been given to his visit to Harda. Shri Nathji stayed at Delhi with the Bhutts for two weeks, and then in the last week of December 1947, agreed to go to Harda.
Shri Nathji also met Lala Hargopal at Delhi, who was living at the Grand Hotel, which was close to the head office of the Punjab National Bank on Underhill Road where he worked as Legal Adviser. Lala Hargopal also agreed to go with Shri Nathji to Harda at the request of Gangabai Bhutt.