In an epoch, India was ruled by the British East India company. The Englishmen had strong hatred for the Indian festivals along with Indian themselves. The British were suspicious that civilians might cook up revolutionary ideas during those gatherings. Furthermore, they were extremely cautious with the college students, which were of primary concern.
Deepawali was approaching. All the students envisaged to celebrate the festival together this time. They also planned to celebrate deepawali in college. To get the permission from the headmaster, they went to him. But the headmaster harshly denied. He declared -” There will be a special examination during deepawali. And the ones who exempt the exam, will be thrown out of the college.”
All the students went voiceless after hearing it. They didn’t had courage to defend the English headmaster. But one student came forward and said – “Sir, I discard this examination. I will relish deepawali at my home with my family on that day.”
“How dare you?” – headmaster roared and pounded the student a dozen times with a stick. But even after that, the student didn’t give up his decision. Surprised by the effrontery of the student, the white headmaster commented – “This student will shake up even mightier powers someday.” He further stated “Fine, I will give you the permission to celebrate deepawali on the college”.
That brave and confident student was Jayaprakash Narayan (October 11, 1902 – October 8, 1979), who is well acclaimed by the Indian society as a public hero (Lok Nayak).
Originally Published in Nayapatrika National Daily
