Gift

Today is 24^th April.  In Andhra Pradesh Schools, it is the last working day.  All government and private schools in Andhra Pradesh have 12 or 13^th June as first working day and 24^th April in the following year will be the last working day of that academic year.  All children may not attend the first day in the academic year, but the last day, for sure, will be attended by all – first to 9^th standard children.  This day reminds me of my childhood days when I would go to school in the morning take the progress card and come home early. 

This 24^th April wouldn't have been so special for me just for results.  This day always reminds me of a special incident in my childhood.  The kind gesture shown to me on that day by a stranger had everlasting impact on me.  I could understand this as I remember it even after 45 years.  Also, this had inculcated one character in me as to appreciate anyone who would come to me with their exam result.  Of course, anybody will be proud to share success.  

It was 24^th April, 1967.  That day I got my third standard results.  Then we used to have the detention system.  Unless proper grades are obtained candidate is not promoted to the next class.  Now children are promoted even without proper learning into next standard until 7^th class.  Again in 8^th and 9^th standards though exams are held they will not be detained. Then, every body had to get pass marks in all subjects to get promoted to the next standard.  I did my exams well and secured first rank in the class.  I was very happy to receive my progress report amidst claps from the entire class.  After that I had to go home walking, which I am used to.  The school was about a kilometer from my home.  There were about four main routes from the main road to reach my home.  That day I was happy, and as I was returning early from the school, I took a long route.  This will be walking mostly on the main road before turning into an alley.  On this road along a by lane corner, there was a ‘pan shop’.  As I was walking playfully and jumping on the road, the man in the pan shop called me and asked me to show my progress report.  I showed him.  He said, “Good” and gave me two ‘Ravalgon’ chocolates.  Those days they were the well known good chocolates available in any general stores or pan shops. I was overwhelmed with happiness and said, “thank you”.  And the man told me, “Go home soon”.  Eating those chocolates, I went home.

Even after more than four decades I remember this incident vividly.  I remember the man, his gesture with smile and happiness and his gift to me.  Any child coming to me and tells me about their success in exams, I try to give them something I have at that time and see their smile. 

One man’s simple kindness had made me understand the happiness one feels when their efforts are appreciated.  And I try to spread this happiness.