KARTHIK CHRONICLES

Part 1
What is the capital of Ethiopia?, the quizmaster asked.
Many students are listening the name for first time. How could they? They are in just seventh standard.
Eth what? Ravi, a student of the team to which the question was posed asked. Ethiopia! the
quizmaster repeated. Ravi had no idea. He discussed with his team mate and said Pass!. It means that
the team next to them gets the chance to answer. Each team mumbled a feeble Pass!. The quizmaster
almost withdrew the question since it made a rotation through each of teams, and then they heard it.
Addis Ababa!.
Everyone present in the hall turned towards the direction of voice. It was from a bespectacled boy who
looked plump in appearance.
Its correct! exclaimed the quizmaster. Audience supporting his team cheered. With this bonus point,
Karthiks team increased lead and sealed its top position. Karthik reached his school with jubilant look on
his face where his teacher Vikram awaiting his team. He congratulated by patting their backs. Vikram is
the mentor of Karthik and his team for extra academic activities like these.
I am feeling proud to announce that our school team has won Inter-school quiz competition the principal
announced in next days assembly. It was received with a loud cheer. He continued I call the
representatives of our school in this quiz, Karthik and Ramesh, both from standard seventh on to the dias.
Students did not stop clapping until they were asked to by the principal. They all love Karthik as an
intelligent boy who always bags prizes for his school, everywhere he goes. Karthiks eyes gleamed with
pride as he received the cup from the principal, albeit, the same cup which was given the day before. He
thought Why cant we be given a new cup?. Anyway, it doesnt matter. He cares about only the intensity
of clapping.
Karthik! his mother shouted, Its already 8 AM. Time to school. To his horror, he realized that
everything was just dream as he opened his eyes. He buried his face in his hands. This wasnt the first time
that he experienced a dream like this. He always dreamt to be an intelligent boy, admired by everyone.
But, he is just another ordinary, average child.

Part 2
Long bell rang for first time in the evening. It meant that primary students can leave the school. Though
the teacher has left them, Karthik and his classmates have to wait for the second long bell. That ten minute
interval was enough for them to brew mischief. Karthiks classroom had a variety seating arrangement of
students. Out of three rows, the middle row is occupied by girls and the remaining two to boys. No sooner
did the teacher leave than one of the boys took stumper ball out of his bag, which he hurled across the
classroom. Raghu took a sharp catch. Since, he was particular about drawing attention of students of
opposite gender; he threw back the ball a few inches above the long haired heads. As this continued,
once, the ball flew high in air eluding everyone. But, Karthik was quick enough to leap into the air. He
opened his hand to grab the ball but, kissing his fingers, the ball rose and hit tube light which shattered

into pieces. Luckily, glass pieces didnt fall on anyone. But, the clattering sound made all students numb.
The ball rolled on floor towards entrance of the classroom and stopped at feet of the teacher who was
entering it, hurriedly. She took the ball and asked, Who played with this ball? No one dared to speak.
She shouted again, Whoever is involved in this play, Come out!.
It was 4 years ago. Karthik was in third class. Quarterly exam results were being given in the class. Though
he had fared well in exams, but, Karthik was not confident enough with his performance in Hindi exam.
He feared the worst and it had happened. He failed to pass the Hindi exam. Before everything, his fathers
face filled his ideas. He was terrified at the thought of facing his father with this result. He finally decided
against it. As he reached home at 5.00 PM, his mother brought a plate full of snacks to make him still
fatter, as if his present appearance is not enough to draw laughs from girls. He promptly ate everything
and went to Pradeeps home to play, wantonly forgetting to show the progress report in home.
Pradeeps home, which is a regular playground for Karthik and his friends, is just stones throw away from
his home. Karthik! Come home! His mother usually calls him in need from their home. But, todays call
is different. He can sense it. He entered the house fearing that his parents might have known about his
result. Much to his relief, his father was smiling at his toddler sisters futile attempts to walk.
Karthik? his father called.
Yes Dad!
I think your progress report is due. Is it given? he asked casually.
No Dad! Karthik answered without fumbling. Our teachers are lazy. It must have been delayed.
Karthik turned around to leave the room. Then he saw it which made his heart skip a beat. His school bag
was thoroughly rummaged and books were spread all over the bed. They must have found it, he thought.
Karthik! his fathers voice is stern.
He turned towards his fathers side only to see rage in his eyes and a leather belt in his hand. Even before
he realized what is happening, the belt had thrashed Karthik twice. Sobbing uncontrollably, he left the
room and threw himself on his bed. His mother came to pacify him, but in vain.
Later, in the night, his mother brought him food. Karthik didnt want to eat in protest to his fathers
behavior but he was hungry. As his mother fed him, he asked, still weeping, I failed in just one exam in
my entire life. Only once! Why should I be hit so hard? She replied, Oh dear! Your father got anger not
because you failed.
Then?
Because, you told us lie. Remember this, Karthik, whatever happens, never tell a lie. Truth must be
spoken, always. He listened those words carefully.
Who played with this ball? the teacher shouted again.
Karthik rose from his seat and spoke, Madam! Its me. She had beaten him with a wooden scale. He
tried hard to suppress tears in his eyes.

The second long bell rang. Everyone left the classroom. Why are you smiling? asked Raghu. Karthik
didnt answer. He was very content with his behavior today. He didnt feel guilty as he did when he hid
his progress report, four years ago. Since then, being truthful has become his trait. He would never leave
it. Never.

Part 3

As Karthik woke up on that morning, he remembered that it was Sunday. Karthik,

similar to children of his age, loves the day for the fact that he gets more time to
play. After finishing his daily chores, he relished breakfast prepared by his mother.
The company for Karthik on Sunday mornings is the child of owners of the house in
which Karthiks family members are tenants. Though, the boy, Krishna is much
younger to Karthik, they both get along well in playing. Krishna is a curious child
who always pesters Karthik with his ingenious doubts. Karthik clearly remembers
this which happened two years ago.
Anna! I have a doubt, said Krishna
Yes! I will answer, replied Karthik
When a mosquito is about to bite us, we try to hit it which it escapes. How can it
observe our hand while it is bent forward? Does it have eyes on its back side?
Karthik stopped in his tracks. He couldnt mouth a single word. He managed to
wave the question aside.
And now, while playing cricket on this Sunday morning, Krishna started it again.
Anna! Yesterday, we were asked a question.
What is it?
Our teacher asked us to write a moraal story and come.
Moraal? Its moral.
No! Its moraal. Our teacher pronounced it that way.
When does a child listens to people other than his teacher? Karthik thought.
OK! Do you know some of them? Tell me. I need to submit tomorrow in the class.

As Karthik started contemplating, his mind reverted to what happened a week ago.
It was Library period for Karthiks class. Library period was allotted an hour per
week during which a teacher brings books from the library to the class and
distributes among the students. Karthik grabbed a random book, not because he
is interested in reading, but, it is mandatory for everyone to have a book. Karthik
flipped the pages absentmindedly. Sometime into the period, Karthik started to
show his artistic skills by drawing moustaches to the people in his book who were
devoid of one. His teacher happened to pass by who noticed Karthik drawing. She
admonished at him and made Karthik to sit by her side at the front of classroom.
Karthik hated the fact that every childs gaze is fixed upon him.
Since, he had left with no alternative now; Karthik read one of the stories from his
book. It was a story, as he understood, from a story collection called
Panchatantra.
Do you know a story at all? Krishnas words brought Karthik back into reality.
Yes! Yes! Karthik remembered the story from the past week and explained it to
Krishna.
Thank you Anna! I thought you didnt read even a single story.
Karthik looked like he was taken aback by his juniors comment. He felt grateful to
his teacher who made him read the story. Then, he realized how he neglected
books other than his academic books. He made a solemn promise to himself that
he would read other books, as well. He stood by his word.
Part 4

All the children who assembled in the hall, including Karthik, were in their best
appearances. Their dresses which were gay and their jovial faces lifted the spirit of
surroundings. Each child was eager to showcase his talent in that days Elocution
Competition organized by Rotary Club. Students belonging to all major schools of
Karthiks town were present there, who were asked to deliver their speech on
Globalization and its impact on India.
When this was first announced in their school, a week earlier, Karthik didnt even
know what Globalization meant, let alone, how to learn about it. He asked a few

of his friends and no one knew about it. Then, someone had advised Karthik to
check on the Internet. He wondered if he could find anything relating to his topic
over Internet. He didnt use it till date. Taking a chance and learning a few tips on
how to use it, he went to a cyber caf near his home along with his father and
scoured the Internet. He was amazed at the vast amount of information available.
He jotted down the points relevant to him.
Did you prepare well? asked Naveen, his classmate, on the day of competition.
Karthik can clearly sense anxiety in his voice and face.
Yes! replied Karthik, You?
I prepared well. But, I am tensed. My parents want me to bag first prize. I am not
sure if I can achieve it.
You cannot. Because, first prize is mine, Karthik wanted to say but refrained from
saying.
Now I request Mr. Karthik, a seventh class student from Shakespeare High School
to share his views with us, announced the lady who was presiding that days event.
Karthik kept his calm and walked on to the stage. Though, initially, he fumbled in
remembering the words which he learnt by-heart, soon, he adjusted and perorated
the speech on a high note. It was received with a loud clap from everyone. This
response reaffirmed Karthiks belief that he would win first prize.
The results were being announced. Karthik didnt pay attention initially since they
would announce 3rd and 2nd prize winners which he was not interested.
.first prize goes to Mr. Naveen from Shakespeare. As Karthik listened to
this, he collapsed in his chair. He couldnt refrain himself from crying. But, no one
noticed.
Upon entering the home later in the evening, Karthik felt dejected and threw
himself in his mothers arms and started crying. His mother let him cry for some
time. She made him take rest on her lap and said, Karthik! Whatever happens,
happens for good. Karthik could not find a more stupid statement than that. How
can anything be good when he was crying? How can anything be good when he
could not achieve something which he was pretty much sure of? He could not
fathom it.

Sensing his thoughts, as all mothers usually do, she said, OK! Lets forget this. Ill
tell you a story. Karthik loves her mothers stories which she explains with
beautiful narration. He nodded his head.
Akbar and Birbal were having a chat in the court. Akbar was peeling fruits with a
knife, which mistakenly cut off his finger. Then, to soothe his king, Birbal said, Your
majesty! Whatever happens, happens for good. That comment irked Akbar and he
ordered Birbal to move out of his darbar. Later in the night, when Akbar went for
hunting, some tribal people attacked him and decided to sacrifice him for their
Goddess. Then, seeing his finger cut, they disposed him, as he was not perfect.
Akbar was relieved. He summoned back Birbal and felicitated him. So, the bottom
line is Whatever happens, happens for good . As his mother finished the story,
Karthik didnt utter a word. He wanted to rest. As his mother patted his back
repeatedly, Karthik fell asleep.
Two months passed. It was in the morning prayer session in Karthiks school that
the principal announced, We are given a notice regarding this years Inter-school
Elocution competition. A feeble noise erupted in the crowd. Everyone knows the
prestige associated with this competition. But, only one student from each class is
allowed to participate from each school. Naveens face glowed as he considered
himself as the participant from seventh standard. Then, the principal announced,
We decided to exclude students who won previous competitions. So, we nominate
Karthik from seventh standard..
Karthik smiled to himself. The moral of the story, which his mother explained on
his day of defeat, dawned on him. Now, the entire schools prestige depended on
his performance. He knew he would withstand it. He said to himself, Whatever
happens, happens for good.
Part 5
The bell rang. Submit your answer scripts, the teacher shouted. No sooner did he listen these words
than Karthik returned his answer sheet and barged out of the classroom. That was his last day of halfyearly examinations. It is to be followed by a week of Pongal vacation. He could not wait to reach his home
and start watching his favourite program Pokemon on TV from which he was abstained for a week
because of his exams. He was excited at the prospect of watching Cartoon Network for an entire week
without any interruption. He was determined that he would not let his mother to have any say in this
matter. But, his mother had other plans for him.

How was your exam? his mother asked thrusting a plate of food into him.
Good.
How many days will your holidays last?
A week. He settled for one-word answers for he hated any disturbance while he watch TV.
We are planning to go to your grandfathers village tomorrow, his mother said.
OK, Karthik replied absent-mindedly.
The gravity of his mothers statement sank in him only after the program is completed. A plan is being
conspired to separate him from his TV. He will not allow it. At any cost.
Mom! Do we really need to go there? Karthik asked his mother in a low voice.
Where?
Village. Grandfathers village.
Yes. Its been a long time since we went. Your grandparents are constantly reminding us to come over
there.
But, I need to study here, Karthik used his final arrow.
Is it? his mother said smiling, Get your books. Ill pack them too.
Accepting his defeat, Karthik put on a somber expression on his face.
It will be fun Karthik! You will have many children to play with, his mother tried to soothe him.
There is no fun in a place where you cannot watch his favourite programs on TV, Karthik thought to
himself.
First day in the village was bleak for Karthik. He was not even in a mood to enjoy the grand reception of
them by his grandparents. Tired of a long journey, he slumbered soon.
As he woke up the next morning, Karthik saw a boy standing at their house entrance. He appeared similar
to Karthik in age. Karthik reconnoitered him from top to bottom. He was dressed in a shirt which looked
at least 2 years old with a perforation near its pocket. The shirts last button-hole was free. Not because
he left the button but the button itself is missing. This shirt is accompanied by a pair of shorts which barely
covered his thighs. He held a steel can in his hands.
Grandma! Karthik shouted.
His grandma who was sweeping the floor threw a glance at the door and replied, Take that milk can from
Ravi and give it to your mother in the kitchen, Karthik. He promptly did what his grandmother said and
returned the can to Ravi. As he stared at Ravi, Karthik found it difficult to believe that the face and the
clothes belonged to the same person. He finds an unusual gleam in Ravis face. His thoughts followed Ravi
only to be interrupted by his father.
Karthik! Come here and brush your teeth.

Where are we going Dad?

Youll see.
Soon after, Karthiks family reached the place where a large bonfire was lit. Seeing it, Karthik realized that
the day was Bhogi, a day before Makara Sankranthi. Karthik can observe that logs of wood were used in
this bonfire. This was very much unlike the previous years celebration where they used small wooden
sticks and Karthiks old notebooks. Many people had put pots of water around the fire. Karthik asked his
father, What are they for?
It is a tradition. People take bath from the water thus made hot in those pots.
On their return to home, Karthik was cheerful. He actively participated in adding colors to the rangoli in
front of their home. The festive mood, somehow, lifted his spirits.
The next day, on Makara Sankranthi, Karthik visited his ancestors burial spots and offered prayers along
with his family. It was a norm to be followed on that auspicious day. Karthik had never experienced these
before. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch. Then, he retired to switch among a few channels which
their TV had to offer.
Ma! A lot of food is remained. What am I supposed to do? Karthik heard his mother talk.
Call Ravi and give it to him. At least, they would eat. Poor fellows. It is his grandmother.
You cannot carry all these boxes by your own. Get someone for help, Karthiks grandmother instructed
Ravi.
Considering this his chance, Karthik said, Grandma! Ill go with him.
OK. But, be careful.
As they strode through narrow lanes of the village, Karthiks curiosity to know more about Ravi raised.
Soon, they reached Ravis house. As Ravi went inside to unload the boxes with them, Karthik observed
that the house was in a dilapidated condition; there is no boundary wall; patches of walls are being peeled;
he could observe that size of the house is not more than that of a bedroom in their home. In a small open
area opposite to the house, two buffaloes were ruminating leisurely which Karthik supposed to be the
source of milk. Breaking his thoughts, Ravi returned and said, Thank you sir! Ill drop you at your home.
Karthik felt uneasy with being called sir.
Call me Karthik.
OK Ka..r.. sir. They both laughed.
Mere thanks is not enough. You need to do me a favour. Karthik said in an authoritative tone.
Sure.
Tell me your life story
Ravi was amused. Concealing his emotion, he replied, Theres nothing special in my life.
Karthik was firm, Thats for me to decide. I need to listen.

Realising that he had no choice, Ravi began, My father was a small-scale farmer. Earnings on agriculture
would suffice for our family of four: my parents, me and my younger sister. My favourite pastime was to
play marbles with my friends. I start to school from home, but, divert my way towards marble playing
field. This was my daily routine. My parents did not notice. I was merry and everything was fine until a
mishap happened. My father was dead. I could remember the day very well. Usually, by the time we woke
up, my father would return from the farm after irrigating it because electricity is provided only from
midnight to early morning. That day also, he returned. Only, there is no life in him. Ravi paused to wipe
a tear off his eye. Karthik could feel that his own eyes were moistened.
Ravi continued, We sold our farm and bought these buffaloes. My mother works in a nearby factory while
I take care of distribution of milk. My father had always wanted me to study well. I never listened when
he was alive. But, now, all I desire is to live to my fathers dream: to study well and get a good job.
Karthik sensed determination in those last words. He felt guilt for raising a painful memory in Ravi, I am
sorry Ravi. I did not intend to see you sad.
It is OK Karthik sir. Since, I have to look after the home, I find little time to study. But, my dream motivates
me to squeeze time from my activities for my education. Come Karthik sir! I will drop you at your home.
It is not needed Ravi. I remember the route very well. Ill go alone. Ravi could not insist. The idea of
Karthik was to give Ravi some time to study.
As he embarked on a return journey to home, Karthik could sense that his mind was agitated. The reason
was not the plight of Ravis family. But, his indefatigable desire to pursue education. Karthik never viewed
education in the same manner. For him, education was the consequence of his father paying fees. He
always took it for granted. But, now, after listening to Ravi, he will not. He knew that he was going to open
his books right after reaching home.
In the present world, education is a privilege. Accorded only to a few. Act responsibly.