CHAPTER 15 :INITIATIVE TOWARDS EDUCATION

“Very true!” Vedanant admitted. “However, I have been lucky in this regard. The King is well acquainted with my family. My father was managing the palace accounts until a couple of years ago. Both the King and I have been students in the same ashram. Thus, there is a general impression that we are in proximity with the King. It could be that this association deferred the Panchayat from opposing my initiative.”

Aryaman consented thoughtfully. “Vedanandji, there has to be a collective effort if the change that you want in this region has to materialize. I will meet some learned people of the village and request them to spread the light of their knowledge outside their vicinity. There is also a need to educate the elderly. After all, education has no age bar. I am certain that if more people support you, the social cause that you have undertaken would ultimately meet its goal. Let me assure you that if the need arises for you to yet again undertake the exercise of meeting the people and motivating them to join your ashram, I will be here to take care of your father. You need not worry about him.”

Vedanand was highly impressed to hear these words. “Whoever you are, you are truly a gem!”

“I do not feel that I am worthy of such compliment. What I am certain about is that the noble cause you have choosen is indeed worthy of reaching its logical conclusion.”

Aryaman spend some time with the learned man and then met his ailing father. Wishing him a speedy recovery, he decided to take leave and took to the skies.

He yet again met Aditi and her friends in the same spot of the previous day. He chatted with the children for a brief period. Before he left, he asked them a question, “Do you know all these various plants and trees that surround us have life in them just like you and me?”

“Do they?” Aditi asked surprised and looked at her friends who too appeared puzzled.

“Of course they do, Aditi! They, too, can experience happiness, sorrow and pain.”

The children exchanged bewildered glances. “In that case, by plucking these fruits are we not causing pain to them?” Aditi asked curiously.

“If we do that with care, it will not bother them much. However, if we do not pluck the fruits, they are anyway going to fall to the ground and decay after ripening.” Aryaman explained and continued, “Dear children, aren’t these facts interesting? You can learn more of them if you get education. Tell me, why should boys only get the right to learn about them? Are you less deserving than them?”

The girls yet again looked at each other puzzled.

“Think about this and do ask your parents these questions. I must leave now for some work. I will see you here again tomorrow.”

Aryaman waved at them and then swiftly reached the skies to reach the palace for his scheduled meeting with the King.