One day a friend remarked to Tirthram, “You pride over your knowledge of Urdu and Persian language. Both happen to be alien languages. It is a pity that you did not try to learn Sanskrit, the language of Hindu scriptures inspite of coming from a Brahmin family. I think that you must know Sanskrit.”
It pricked the conscious of Tirthram. He made up his mind to take up Sanskrit learning.
Next morning he went to the residence of the principal and paid his respects. The principal asked the purpose of his early morning visit.
He said, “Sir, I want to take up Sanskrit as optional language in place of Persian. I want to seek your kind permission.”
“Have you ever learnt Sanskrit in lower classes?” the principal asked.
“No, sir.”
“Then, I advise you to forget Sanskrit. How will you make up for all that you have missed?”
But Tirthram insisted and he would not change his mind.
The principal yielded, “Alright if you so insist. But your Persian teacher and Sanskrit Shastri must agree to it. Get their permission and I won’t object to your request.”
Tirthram went to Persian teacher and told him about his decision. The teacher was shocked. He pleaded with his pupil, “I won’t advise you ever to leave Persian study. Son, you are my best prospect. I know you will get record marks and that will improve you division. I will also bask in you glory.”
His pleadings made little impression on the pupil. He had a determined mind.
Tirthram then went to Sanskrit teacher’s home and revealed to him his intentions.
“How is it possible?” The Sanskrit teacher said groaning. “Sanskrit is a difficult subject. Especially at B.A. level it is far too advanced and complicated. So far you have done no study on Sanskrit. In such situation I can’t advise you to opt for it suddenly. Don’t do it. There lies your good.”
Tirthram felt challenged.
He wanted to show the teacher his learning prowess. So, he went to a Sanskrit student friend and borrowed his ‘Amarkosh’ the dictionary of Sanskrit. He studied it for fifteen days and memorised most of the words by heart. Then he went to the Sanskrit teacher and recited Amarkosh to him.
The teacher was duly impressed and infact, he marvelled at the memory and the resolve of Tirthram.
He admitted, “You determination is incredible and so is your brain’s retention capacity. I am sure that you will master Sanskrit. Now I will allow you to take up Sanskrit.”
Tirthram triumphantly went to the principal and conveyed to him the willingness of Sanskrit teacher. If was a surprise for the principal too.
He too yielded to the determined student’s wish.
Tirthram took up Sanskrit as a challenge and devoted a lot of time and energy to learn it to meet the examination deadline.
He did pass the Sanskrit paper with good marks. But he had to pay a price. He failed in all important English paper by a whisker.
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