BOOK KNOWLEDGE

Three wood cutters:

                                                  They had gone to look after their crop and to bring home some fire wood for cooking. It was a hot afternoon and they were taking rest under a tree.

 First farmer Ramesh started telling about his son who was very good in studies and would one day become an engineer in future. He was very proud of his son. Two of his friends looked at him and congratulated for being so lucky to have such a brilliant son.

“What about your son they asked the second farmer- Harish.”

“The house is full of cups and medals. My son sings very well and is an artist too, one day he would be a famous person. All our family members and relatives are very proud of him.”  The second farmer Harish said.

The third Khitish kept quiet and did not utter a single ward. “Why are you keeping mum?”They asked.

“Neither my son is brilliant in studies nor excellent in other activities, he is just average, but I am happy with him.” While wiping his sweat from his face Khitish said.

The other too sympathized with him and felt sorry.

Suddenly the brilliant engineer son of Ramesh came in a bike and scolded his father for moving out in the hot sun and doing all sorts of dirty jobs in the field. Instructed him to come home soon and drove off.

 The 2nd farmer's son came singing in a colorful dress and said"what are you doing here, father, enjoy life, sing songs, drink and be marry. That he is in a hurry and instructed his father to come home soon."

The third grade son of Khitish came in his cycle and offered water and some mango which he had brought with him to three of them and said to his father “I will come back and take you home but let me first take the fire wood ; mother must be waiting to complete her cooking..”

Two proud farmers Ramesh and Harish looked at each other and said to their friend Khitish “You see the difference in our sons and yours? They have book knowledge where as your son is practical and would help you in old age. The engineer son would leave the country and the singer son would be so busy that there would be no one near our death beds. You should be proud of your son not us.” They said in unison.

Sanjoy Kumar Satpathy