"Indian constitution establishes political equality amongst her citizens through the concept of universal adult franchise. All adults of 18 years or above have been given the right to vote and select their representatives to run the country." Mrs.Sharadha, a social science teacher was explaining one of the most important rights to a class of middle school students. She was a students' favorite mainly because of the passion, she brings on to the class. Her clear eloquence combined with a rare ability to simplify the toughest of concepts made her unique among persnickety disgruntled teachers. And this particular subject is one of her personal favorites. She took immense pride in introducing the students to one of the most important social responsibilities. She was Ramesh's favorite teacher too. Not only in the school, but also outside as she was from the same housing society. But unlike most of the days, he was rather lost in his thoughts and absolutely got nothing of what she was saying.
"Ramesh! What do you think of adult franchise?" she asked him out of the blue. Having been lost in his own world, Ramesh was taken aback, when his teacher actually pointed at him. On the other hand, being pointed out by his favorite teacher was surely a matter of pride. But there was one small, but crucial problem. He had no clue what "universal adult franchise" meant. Hearing the word franchise, his thoughts went immediately to the IPL. IPL-1 was about to start in another few days. "Is it got to do something with the new IPL?", the quick thinker in him blurted out immediately. The entire class for the next couple of minutes had a laughing fit. "Thankfully you don't have to vote for the next few years at least Now stop daydreaming and come to the first bench", she instructed with a cold authority that frightened him.
That particular incident had an overwhelming impact on him, that even after 5 years he could feel the humiliation. Not only it questioned his attention in the class, but also he became the laughing stock of the entire class. And today he could prove his teacher wrong. Today he could visit her and show the black dot in his left index finger and remind her that he is socially responsible. Though very childish, it was very important for him. He had spent the last 3 months running between multiple government offices bunking college, taking care of every thing from a proper application to making sure that his name is enrolled in the official voters list. He also spent time in reading about the candidates and making a good cautious choice on who he should vote for and be ready for any question she could throw at him when they meet.
It was 7;03 AM in the morning and he was set. He could well be the first person to vote that day in the locality. This is an incentive to boast to her when they meet. With great pride he entered the polling booth. "Good morning Ramesh! Good to see you here!" A smiling Mrs.sharadha was coming out of the polling both. A humbled Ramesh did not know what to say. He simply waved at her keeping quite.
Actions do speak louder than words.
"Ramesh! What do you think of adult franchise?" she asked him out of the blue. Having been lost in his own world, Ramesh was taken aback, when his teacher actually pointed at him. On the other hand, being pointed out by his favorite teacher was surely a matter of pride. But there was one small, but crucial problem. He had no clue what "universal adult franchise" meant. Hearing the word franchise, his thoughts went immediately to the IPL. IPL-1 was about to start in another few days. "Is it got to do something with the new IPL?", the quick thinker in him blurted out immediately. The entire class for the next couple of minutes had a laughing fit. "Thankfully you don't have to vote for the next few years at least Now stop daydreaming and come to the first bench", she instructed with a cold authority that frightened him.
That particular incident had an overwhelming impact on him, that even after 5 years he could feel the humiliation. Not only it questioned his attention in the class, but also he became the laughing stock of the entire class. And today he could prove his teacher wrong. Today he could visit her and show the black dot in his left index finger and remind her that he is socially responsible. Though very childish, it was very important for him. He had spent the last 3 months running between multiple government offices bunking college, taking care of every thing from a proper application to making sure that his name is enrolled in the official voters list. He also spent time in reading about the candidates and making a good cautious choice on who he should vote for and be ready for any question she could throw at him when they meet.
It was 7;03 AM in the morning and he was set. He could well be the first person to vote that day in the locality. This is an incentive to boast to her when they meet. With great pride he entered the polling booth. "Good morning Ramesh! Good to see you here!" A smiling Mrs.sharadha was coming out of the polling both. A humbled Ramesh did not know what to say. He simply waved at her keeping quite.
Actions do speak louder than words.
1 comment:
persnickety-- good word sri... :) u know wat...shyamala willam raj miss is whom my mind immediately picturized for some reason :)
remember the days when I ran behind her and asked why do they shoot 13 times when some imprtant mitary personnel die :) :)
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