31 - First Division In Ten Days

Once Mama* was sitting in the house. A young man came to see Mama. Mama welcomed him sweetly. Young man sat next to Mama. Mama asked, ‘Why are you looking sad? ’ Young man replied, ‘Mama, matriculation exams are approaching.' Mama said, ‘While studying, we have to appear for the exams. Write your exams with the remembrance of God.' The young man confessed, ‘But Mama, I do not know anything in Maths and Science. I find these subjects very difficult. I am afraid; I may fail in these subjects.' Mama said, ‘How is your preparation for the other subjects? ’ The young man answered, enthusiastically, ‘I will do well in other subjects. I am worried about these two subjects only.' Mama noticed that the young man had self-confidence. Genuinely, he might be facing difficulties in these two subjects. Mama asked, ‘When does the exams start? ’ the young man replied, ‘After twelve days.' Mama suggested, ‘could I teach you these two subjects? Would you learn from me?' The young man was delighted. He said, ‘Mama, there is no other teacher like you. If you will teach me, I will definitely understand.' They began to study. Mama taught, ‘before you start your studies, you must remember God. So that you understand everything very well.' Mama's method of teaching was very simple and effective. Young man grasped everything immediately. Within ten days he mastered both the subjects. Studies were completed. The young man bowed down to Mama. Mama blessed him. The young man did not leave. He stood there. Mama asked, ‘Any problem? Would you like to ask something?' The young man replied, ‘Mama, I have a doubt. How could you teach so wonderfully? I understood both the subjects within ten days!' Mama said, ‘Look son, a subject which is clear in mind can be taught and written clearly.' The young man said, ‘Mama, I could not follow.' Mama clarified, ‘A subject, which is understood properly, can be taught to others clearly. As well as, if a subject is understood properly, we can write it in exams properly. Have you understood both the subjects properly?' The young man consented, ‘Yes Mama.' Mama explained, ‘Now, you can teach these subjects to anyone. You can write your exams also properly. That is the message, I am trying to convey.' The young man confirmed confidently, -‘Yes, Mama, I will be able to write my exams very well.’

The young man passed the exams in first division, even though he studied only for ten days with Mama. How wonderfull.

Difficult words:
Enthusiastically - Full of excitement
Genuine - True
To grasp - To understand

Points to ponder:
- Mama was always helpful to children in their difficulties.
- When an experienced teacher teaches, only ten days are sufficient to get first division in exams.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Why was the young man looking sad?
2. What exams were the young man going to appear for?
3. Which subjects did Mama teach him?
4. What did Mama say about teaching method?
5. For how many days did the young man study with Mama?
6. How did he do in his exams?

Fill in the blanks:
1. I do not know anything in and.
2. Mama, there is no other __________ like you.
3. Mama's method of teaching was __________ and __________.
4. The subject which is clear in mind, can be __________and__________clearly.