Matru Devo Bhava

There was festivity in the small ground within the residential school compound. A big dais was set up and seating arrangements were made for about 250 guests. It was one of the privately managed residential schools, which had up to class 10. The total strength of the school was about 1000 students, coming from financially poor and backward families.

The Member of legislative assembly (MLA) of Telangana ruling party was the chief guest. The day’s function started as soon as the chief guest arrived. He was ushered onto the dais and along with him were the local corporator, representative of education department, the principal of the school and few local politicians. The audience were the students of senior classes, parents and local villagers. The meeting was organized to felicitate the boy, Raghav, who stood first in school and was topper in Telangana state in the 10th class, for that academic year. It was the first time that a student of the school achieved such a distinction. Indeed, it was a big event for a boy given his background. He not only much talked about but also brought fame to his school. His teachers knew he would secure good marks but never thought that he would raise that high.

His mother, Susheela, was amongst the guests who were participating in the function. She was not only very happy but also highly emotional, having raised her son single handed, while facing lot of adverse situations herself. Sitting there she recapitulated the events of the fateful day about 10 years ago. The images of the people and their voices were playing vividly in front of her eyes. “Raghav will spoil the other children. He stole the money. His mother and he should not be allowed to stay in this colony.” She distinctly remembered the words that were replaying in her mind.

She was a single mother having lost her husband when her son was about 4 years old. From then on, she was raising her son by working as a domestic help in few houses and was not interested in a second marriage as the first husband had given her enough pain for the lifetime. Finally, she found a good household to work, where the people treated her affectionately and with dignity. She and her son were living peacefully in the servant’s quarter attached to the main house.

 It was a gated community with independent villas. People living there were mostly retired or close to retirement and very few lived with their children and grandchildren. In the house adjacent to the one in which Susheela and Raghav lived, the retired owners lived along with their son, his wife and grandson Venkat. Venkat was about two years older to Raghav and used to play with him in the evenings as there was not one else to give company to Venkat.

On the fateful day a couple, Mr and Mrs. Kapoor, staying about 10 villas away from Venkat’s house knocked the door of his house. Venkat’s parents opened the door and ushered in the neighbours into their house. They were shocked when they were told that Venkat and Raghav were involved in a theft in the house of Kapoor’s. What had happened was as follows. About an hour ago, Mrs. Kapoor came from outside and had to rush back to the security to collect some courier which was delivered for her there as her house was locked. In her hurry she left her hand bag on a chair placed in the veranda, opposite the gate and when she returned back, she found the zip of her bag opened and her credit cards and some money were missing. Fortunately, a CC Camera which was right in front of the gate and it showed the unfortunate incident where the two boys, Venkat and Raghav had taken the belongings of Mrs. Kapoor smartly. While Venkat was standing at the gate keeping a watch over the road, Raghav took out valuables from the purse. After that they both went out and randomly threw the money and cards in few vacant plots. It seemed to be a spontaneous prank by two naughty kids, but cannot be taken lightly thought Mrs.Kapoor.

 Kapoor couple wanted to take this to the police, but before that they thought that they would bring this to the notice of Venkat’s parents. They had concluded that Raghav, since he was financially deprived, had lead the theft and Venkat got misguided. Few senior members of the society, who saw the footage were of the opinion that both played an equal role. Both of them were too small to have any big plans but could have acted impulsively. If Venkat was innocent, Raghav was innocent too! Kapoors were of the opinion that Raghav and his mother should be sent away as the boy would be a bad influence on other children. He was being type casted as a thief while Venkat was given a benefit of doubt based on his background. In reality both were kids and seemed to have acted impulsively. The senior members, in all fairness decided to let the employers of Raghav’s mother Susheela, to decide weather they would like them to continue to stay in the outhouse.     

Raghav’s mother Susheela was very sad about the incidence and that night discussed with her employers and begged them for help in admitting Raghav in a residential school. She was determined that she would not let her son to get into the quagmire of crime and delinquency. Her employers decided to help her out and got the boy admitted in a residential school. For the past 10 years Raghav and his education were all that was Susheela’s focus. The incidence also had an impact on the tender mind of Raghav and he was a changed person. In his school he completely focussed on studies and the result of his hard work was evident to everyone today. He was at the threshold of growth in life and capable of succeed in any field he chose. Susheela was brought out of her deep thoughts by the incessant clapping by everyone around as Raghav was handed over a memento. A Government residential college also offered him free education for the Intermediate course.

Deprived and poor need not necessarily be taking wrong path. A small push, a helping hand and kind word can motivate them to scale great heights. Susheela’s determination, dedication and love for his child gave Raghav the push to take a lead in working towards a better tomorrow. There is no looking back for them. Susheela and Raghav were offended and hurt by what happened 10 years ago, but they gave the right direction to resentment and brought change in their life by determination and hard work.

Every mother is a good mother and can go to any extent for her child. Sometimes finding a way is what matters. Mothers like Susheela can be role models. That day during Raghav’s felicitation, everyone appreciated the dedication of Susheela in Raghav’s success and all villagers who attended the function were motivated and she was the role model for many.