When Doctorjee was visiting
a well-known, rich person of Nagpur, a poor student happened to drop in, asking
the rich dignitary for financial help with his education. The dignitary asked
the boy about what caste he was, and the boy replied that he was a Brahmin. The
dignitary saw his grade report and remarked that it was obviously a holy duty
for every capable person to help such a deserving student, who had gotten high
grades. This made the boy very hopeful.
The dignitary. however,
proceeded to say that in his opinion all Brahmin boys should devote themselves
only to the study of Sanskrit and the Vedas. He further offered to undertake
all the expenses for the boy, if he studied Sanskrit and the Vedas at the
Bhonsle Veda Paatha Shala, ( a well-known Veda school of Nagpur).
The boy was crest-fallen.
He had no interest in Sanskrit and Vedic studies. He wanted to study Math and Science.
Furthermore, being a Sanskrit and Vedic scholar would mean that his future
earnings would be very low, whereas studying Math and Science held very bright
prospects; such was the socio-economic condition in India of those days
(1920s).
The boy was disappointed,
when the dignitary offered help only for Sanskrit and Vedic studies. He went
away empty handed.
Doctorjee said to the
dignitary: "Sir, you are also a Brahmin. Are your children studying only
Sanskrit and Vedas?"
The dignitary replied,
"Oh, no! My only son is studying Biology. I want him to become a Medical
Doctor!”
Doctorjee said sharply: "Then the advice about Sanskrit and Veda studies
that you just gave to the poor boy, was it only for others? What good is it if
we only preach others to do things that we ourselves can't
practice?"
(After this, Doctorjee left.
Later, the dignitary offered financial assistance to the poor boy to study Math
and Science).
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