Page 21 - First Edition

Being Human
am was a ninth class student of
K.Narayan School. He was a very
Rbrilliant child. He had always been a
class topper and scored more than 98% in every
subject. His percentage never decreased in any
of his preceding classes. He was also good at
extracurricular activities and even participated
in Olympiads. He was a good boy, with both, a
good mind and a good heart.
One day, while returning home, he
noticed an old man begging on a side of the
street. His appearance was very shabby. He
wore torn clothes and was begging for food.
When Ram saw him, he felt sympathetic and
gave him a leftover chapatti from his lunch box.
The beggar blessed him .Ram felt good and
continued his journey home. Suddenly he heard
some pitiful whimpers as if someone was being
beaten up. When he turned around, he saw a
youngster beating the same old man.
At first, Ram decided not to interfere in
the matter. But when the young man started
beating the old man more fiercely and snatched
away his money, he went to the man and asked
him, “Excuse me, sir. If you don't mind, can I ask
you why you are beating him?”The young man
replied with scorn, “Who are you to ask, kid?
Just get out of my way.” Saying this, the young
man pushed past Ram and hurried away. Ram
came back to the old man who was crying a lot.
Ram then asked him who the young man was
and the answer from the old man left him in a
shock.
“He is my only son.” The old man
replied.”We belong to a very poor family. I
worked hard to raise my child. I got him a good
education. When he finally got a job, my
happiness knew no bounds. All of my suffering
had paid off. We had a source of income as long
as he had a job. But a few months ago he lost his
job. We eventually ran out of money and I
started begging. Whatever money I get from
begging, my son snatches it away from me and
gambles it all away.”
Ram felt very sad for the old man. He
consoled the old man but he knew his
consolations were mere words. He made a silent
prayer to God to help that unfortunate old man.
That night, he went to his father and told him
the whole story. He asked him if he could do
something for the old man's family. His dad was
the most prosperous businessman in the city.
His dad said, “Look, son, I cannot give
him money until he earns it. But, I can assign his
son a job in our company and ask him not to
waste the money in gambling. However, I could
only appoint him if he passes the interview held
by our company for the job.”Ram got happy and
said, “Thank you, dad. You are the best. I
promise to never misbehave with you.”
Finally, the old man's son passed the
interview. He started working hard for the
company and started to earn a good salary. He
also gave his habit of gambling and raised his
family responsibly. Ram also studied a lot
harder than before so that he could get all that
he had desired of and become capable enough to
help all those in need.
Moral-Be the reason someone smiles.
Be the reason someone feels loved and
believes in the goodness in people.
VANSHAJ SHARMA
GRADE-9 JUPITER