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.