Lesson in Studies

One day  a group of  children were taking their regular classes under their teacher, Sharmaji.  Before beginning with that day’s lesson, Sharmaji decided to test whether his students had grasped what was done the other day. Looking at his students, he grinned and asked them in a crisp voice, “Tell children, what is the capital of Mahrashtra?” No sooner had he asked them, one of the pupils, Raju, put his hand up.  Sharmaji looked at him and asked him to tell the answer. “Mumbai!” Raju replied confidently. “Well done, Raju!” Sharmaji complimented the child. Raju was of a shy nature and blushed whenever anyone showered praises on him.  This day was no different!  He acknowledged his teacher’s accolades coyly and took his seat. “What is the capital of Punjab?” Sharmaji put forth his next question. Yet again, it was Raju who raised his hand!  Impressed Sharmaji asked him to answer the question. “Chandigarh!” came the prompt reply. “Absolutely right!”  Sharmji yet again complimented the boy. “What is the unique factor of Chandigarh?”  he asked Raju. “Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana!” Raju replied quickly. “Very good!  Well done!”  Sharmaji cheered Raju. The child was all smiles at his teacher’s praises and he sat down. Sharmaji asked a few more questions whose answers were given only by Raju.  The boy did not give an opportunity for other children as he used to raise his hand first for giving the answers. Finally, Sharmaji asked, “What is the capital of Goa? Yet again it was Raju who raised his hand and he got another opportunity to answer the question. “Tanaji!” he replied gleefully. The teacher was aghast at this answer!  The other students had a hearty laugh much to the chagrin of Raju. After the class got over, Sharmaji met Raju in privacy where the latter spoke up, “Yesterday while writing, by mistake I wrote Tanaji which is what I learnt.” “Do you understand what you study or mug it up?” Sharmaji prodded. “I mug it up, Masterji!” Raju admitted. “Had you taken the name of some other city I would have still understood.  But you made a person the capital of a state!  Last year in history, you had studied about Tanaji, right?” Raju agreed. “Even then you did not feel that your answer is incorrect!  This is what happens when we mug up our studies!  See, my child! You have to study not only to pass your exams!    The purpose of getting education is achieved only if it serves you a lifetime. If you only study for your exams, then you will forget it after the exams are over!  Such education has neither a meaning nor purpose.  You are a very capable student.  If you grasp what you learn, you will be an even more capable student!”  Sharmaji concluded his words of wisdom. “Yes, Masterji! From now on I will grasp what I study and never mug it up!”  Raju promised.
Moral of the story: Grasp what you study instead of mugging it up.