Mahatma Gandhi is considered as the modern saint of India, who brought freedom from slavery to India through non-violence and self-reliance. Many knew him but few followed his teachings. Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel and his daughter Maniben were true Gandhians, who believed in "simple living and high thinking". S.V.Patel was the Deputy Prime Minister of India . His daughter was caught wearing a "Khadi" (hand spun) cotton sari that was patched up in few places. A friend of S.V.Patel Mr.Thyagi saw that and asked, "Maniben , is it not a stigma to your father's status if you wear rags?". Maniben replied "Thyagi, why should I feel humiliated? Why would I cause defamation to my father? This sari is made out of handspun cotton of my own effort! I do not engage servants, as I believe in working for myself! I believe in the dignity of labour and self-reliance. There is nothing wrong if I do my chores."

She immediately left the place to avoid further discussion on this matter, that could potentially cause ill feelings. Dr. Suseela Nayar, another freedom fighter reaffirmed to Mr. Thyagi, what a hard working woman Maniben was and how she would not waste any resources.