Lesson Of Childhood

By Avantika Saha Mondal

Once there was a boy named Dick. Though he was good in studies, he used to be absent in school and appeared only on exams. He got excellent marks. His parents cared for his marks only and didn’t focus about regular attendance in the school. But, the teachers scolded him for being absent in school and told him, ”You get good marks, alright. At the same time, you also must be regular in school.” After getting scolded, Dick would go to school for a week and again as it is. Finally, the teachers and the Principal called his parents after being fed up of his behavior. His parents simply said,” His friends give him the lessons taught in school. Then he watches television. He goes to sleep late at night. He wakes up late. He gets good marks all the same, so we don’t care” and left. That was the story of Dick.

Now, one day, after many years, a man got a job as an IPS officer which no one in his town had got before. He served well for years and retired. Then, even after retiring, he couldn’t rest at home. He was called in different schools and colleges for giving valuable speeches. He also went to many events as a chief guest. During one such speech in a school a student asked him,” Sir, what were you like in your childhood?” He answered,” I used to be absent in school everyday and I appeared only on exams. My friends gave me the lessons taught in school. After that, I used to watch television till late at night.” Hearing this, everyone started laughing. “ But, my parents thought that marks are the most important things in life. When I grew up, I realized that knowledge is important more than marks and childhood is a golden time. This golden time, once lost, can never be found again. So, once you get it, enjoy it as you like” said he.

Now, I hope that you, the reader, know that who was the IPS officer.

By Avantika Saha Mondal