Page 20 - My Father-Final Book
P. 20

tuition fees were waived due to my father’s previous teaching in that school. But the rules were changed and I was supposed to pay the tuition fees from 9th grade onwards. My sister, who also studied at the Gopal High School had just completed her 11th grade (high school diploma). She was a great student as well. She started studying in the Sir Parashurambhau College in Pune city. She forced my family to transfer me to a superior school,NewEnglishSchool,asa9th gradestudent.
My father suddenly had to pay the two tuition fees and he had resigned from the Christian Missionary School due to problems with the management, as described earlier(cf:His Working Life). In fact, my father’s financial situation was at the lowest at that time. One of his disciples offered him a job in the incense sticks factory owned by the disciple. This factory was just below our apartment. I clearly remember my father’s stature at this time. His face was totally peaceful and without any worries. The shine on his face was not affected. He was able to take this job in the incense factory of a disciple after doing the principal’s job in the school and after being considered as a great teacher. This is very rare in India. In the new job, my father was appointed as a supervisor, but very soon he was turned into a hard laborer. This was a surprise to all our friends. Because, my father was considered to be a Saint and also he was approaching 70, with all the hard work behind. My mother was furious at times. But, my father tolerated everything with a smile. He worked in that job for approximately 10 years.His eyes had to be operated on as they were damaged due to the fumes from the incense sticks. He was insulted frequently and had to do hard labor work. It was a surprise and fury for several people to watch such an honorable saintly person being treated harshly by such circumstances, but keeping totally calm. But in fact, no one came forward to offer any alternative. The world, including
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