QUEST FOR JUSTICE
-5. The Proper Direction

Shubam continued, “…Why are restrictions to use the pond only limited to us and not the Brahmins? Since it is a common pond, everyone should be allowed to use it at whatever time they want.  Do you think that the people of my community will survive if they are allowed to take water from that pond only once in a week?  Therefore, it is only natural that we protest to stop this step-motherly treatment being meted out to us.  Why is there so much discrimination between these Brahmins and us?  They may lead a more dignified life than us, they may be great scholars but the fact remains that even they are mere mortals like us.  Tell me, for what should I express my regret?  It is, in fact, you (the Panchayat) and these Brahmins who should feel sorry for treating our poor community with so much scorn and mend your ways!” 

No one battered an eyelid for a few moments.  They were so stunned to hear these words of Shubam.  Then, after a few moments the Brahmins rose in protest and hurled abuses at Shubam.  The Panchayat had a tough time asking all the Brahmins to be seated and maintain silence.  They had another round of a small discussion and one of the Panchayat member turned to Shubam, “You have only one day to leave this village, Shubam!  If tomorrow, you are spotted anywhere in this village, the Brahmins are free to do whatever they want with you.”  So saying, the Panchayat put an end to this case.  Shubam was unperturbed to hear this verdict of the Panchayat.  He had decided in his mind that he would not leave this village and continue to take water from the pond, no matter whatever the Brahmins do to him.  Soon, the Panchayat made it’s decision known to the entire village through it’s drummer.

As Shubam was walking back to his village, suddenly he closed his eyes, tightened his lips and clenched his fists as if in pain.  He looked at his right arm where there was a deep scratch.  He found a medium-sized stone lying on the ground.  He looked back and found the Brahmins who were witness to the Panchayat verdict hurling stones at him.  Instead of running, Shubam turned and faced the charging Brahmins.  Gone was the anger in his face and he was now once again looking composed.  Fortunately, most of the stones thrown by the Brahmins missed their mark.  Still, some greased his hands and legs, which started bleeding.   However, Shubam was undaunted.  He stood his ground like a rock and faced this onslaught of the Brahmins with remarkable resoluteness.  What was worse, the village sarpanch was present there at that time but  did nothing except watching the proceedings like a mute spectator!  Just then, a voice was heard from behind, “Stop!”  Instantly, the Brahmins stopped their attack on Shubam and looked in the direction from where they heard the voice.  Shubam looked back and found a sage coming in his direction.  Sensing trouble, the sarpanch, alongwith his men silently walked away from the scene without anybody noticing it.  The sage came near Shubam and shouted at the Brahmins, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?  Although you look like Brahmins, your act completely belies this fact.   Go away from here before my anger reaches it’s zenith and I pronounce a curse upon you.  Go away!”  

The Brahmins were filled with trepidation after hearing this and hurriedly went away.    The sage made Shubam sit under the shade of a tree.  He took some water from his kundal in his right hand, murmured a mantra and sprinkled it on the wounds of the boy.  And lo!  Shubam got an instantaneous relief from the pain he was silently bearing from the wounds!  He fell at the feet of the sage and thanked him for his help.  The sage lovingly made him sit and then asked, “Who are you, my child?  Why were those Brahmins attacking you with stones?” 

“O Sage, after you learn who I am, you may not feel like behaving with me with so much hospitality for I am a Sudra!”  The sage laughed heartily and then said, “So what if you are a Sudra?  That makes little difference to me!  I have never believed in caste and creed!”  Shubam was pleased to hear these words of the sage.  He filled the rishi with all that had happened over the last few days.  The sage was highly impressed to see the fighting qualities in the boy.  After Shubam had finished narrating the events, the sage patted him on his arm and said fervidly, “My child, I appreciate what you have done so far.  You have shown that you will not bow down to injustice.  Your move would fill the hearts of the Panchayat with some fear that if it continues to take unjust decisions regarding your community, more people like you may raise in revolt that may ultimately lead to a big rebellion which it apparently does not want to happen.  However, there’s one aspect that you must consider, Shubam! If tomorrow you go to that pond for taking water, you may be attacked by the Brahmins and may even end up losing your life!  Now, what purpose would that serve? Except giving satisfaction to the Brahmins that they have got rid of someone who had turned against them and instilling more fear in the hearts of the people of your caste, your sacrifice would meet no ends.”  As Shubam listened intently, the sage continued, “Although I do not have any direct contact with your King, I have heard that he is actually a good man at heart.  However, he is surrounded by evil councillors who always misguide him that proves to be his undoing.  I want you to motivate your villagers to accompany you for meeting King Rajneesh once again.  Let none of you return back to your village till he provides a proper solution to your grievances.  Your mode of protest should be so appealing that despite being influenced by his impious ministers, the King should bow to your wishes.  Let your villagers even demand the King to allow you to return back to your village. Now, what should be such kind of a protest, I leave it to you to decide.”  Shubam grasped what the sage was telling him and once again touched his feet for showing him a proper direction to ensure proper justice for his people.