Study Hard To Achieve Goals

    

It was a hot summer day in  Pavanpur.  A geography teacher of third standard at Government Primary School, was unhappy with a student by name Prabhanjan and told him to stand on the bench till the end of his class. The punishment lasted for almost five minutes.  

Other students were laughing at him. Nine-year-old Prabhanjan felt insulted and was unable to express his agony. He gave wrong answers to all the questions asked by the teacher. 

Soon after the class was over, he went running to his house and  explained to his mother Vasumati about what had happened in his class. He was  weeping non-stop. His mother  was worried seeing the condition of little boy Prabhanjan. She was thinking how to console her son not by lodging a complaint against the teacher, but by advising him to study  hard to enhance his knowledge. 

Vasumati, who  was a self employed woman running ready made garments, a small scale industry employing five women. She was a sensible and educated woman.  

She asked her son,

"My dear son, why did you give wrong answers? If I were in the place of your teacher, I would have done the same thing. Don't think that the teacher has punished you with bad intentions. This was a caution to you to come up to the expected standard."

These words impressed Prabhanjan. 

"Mom, you are right. I will definitely forget the punishment and devote my full time for study only. My hard work would certainly improve my poor knowledge."

This was a turning point in his life. He did not see the auspicious day to commence regular studies. Under the guidance of his mother, he studied hard day and night and gained confidence. One day after six months, Vasumati wanted to test her son and asked a number of questions on his class subjects. She could not believe the wonderful change in him. This was  possible for him due to his dedication and devotion towards his studies. His mind has become sharpened.  His father Ramaraju, a clerk in  Government High School, Pavanpur was happy to see the progress report from the school, which was excellent. He maintained the same record score right from 3rd standard to SSLC board examination. 

*******

The clocks were striking six in the morning. Vasumati draws rangoli outside after cleaning the floor with water. She saw a yellow box just a few metres away from the house. 

 Out of fear she came inside and told her husband and son. They were confused about whether to go outside or not? Ultimately, they decided to go out in the open area where someone had kept a small yellow beautiful box.  Out of curiosity, they went near the box. On the front side of the box, there was something written over it.

'Open the box carefully and  get the treasure.'

 All the three were in a dilemma and thinking what to do with the box?

Rama Raju's house was on the outskirts of Pavanpur. There were no houses nearby. Rama Raju and Vasumati were silent for some time. Both had the desire to open the box to become rich. Ramaraju was not happy with the present meagre salary. 

After fifteen years of service, he was in a  position to construct a small house by obtaining a bank loan. Vasumati thought, if she opened the box and got treasure  it may help her buy more sewing machines and employ more girls to develop the business. Rama Raju and Vasumati  moved  towards the box to open.  Prabhanjan became angry and stopped them.

He said loudly,

 "Mom and  dad, do not touch anonymous and hazardous material and stay away from it. Claiming something that is not ours would be nothing but a theft and liable for punishment. Please report the matter to the police immediately."

Police team arrived at the same time. They overheard the warning of a boy to his parents and were very much impressed.  The team Inspected  the surroundings, where the  box was kept.  Investigation continued with all the precautions. One of them had an experience  in the bomb squad. He cautioned others to wait. Just after two minutes, the box exploded with a terrible sound. The yellow box contained a time bomb. Maybe the terrorists had placed a time bomb. 

By God's grace, nobody was injured and there was no damage to the nearby property. The police prepared the investigation report and took the burnt box safely. Signatures of  Rama Raju and Vasumati were obtained in the report. While leaving, the head of the police team called Prabhanjan and told, 

"I am proud of you, my boy. You have exhibited your presence of mind and saved  your parents from danger by your timely warning."

He gave toffees to Prabhanjan and patted on his shoulder and asked RamaRaju,

 "How did the boy act promptly giving you a timely warning  to stay away?"

" Sir, it is better if Prabhanjan gives you an answer."

Prabhanjan said,

"Thank you sir for your praise.  Six months ago, my class teacher was narrating a similar incident in my class. He further told us not to touch such anonymous and hazardous things. It may explode, taking the life of men and property.  Suddenly I remembered and warned my parents."

Police officials were happy. Prabhanjan, who had a poor performance  in the class a few years ago has become an intelligent boy both in class and outside. Prabhanjan had a noble goal to become a doctor in the army. 

Prabhanjan said with emotion, 

"My first teacher is my mom. My first love is my mom. My first word is my mom. Mom is my world. Without her I am nothing. She has taught me to study hard and achieve goals."