Discretion is the better part of valor

“Give the life certificate of your father”
“Is he really a freedom fighter?”
“Is he dependent on you?”
“Why do you declare him as your dependent when there are brothers elder than you?”
“Does he stay with you?”
…..
…..


He was fed up with the barrage of questions hurled at him for a monthly pass entitled by his father for being a freedom fighter.


The Central Government gives monthly pass and pension to freedom fighters as it knows that they are a vanishing breed.


“Do not worry my son. I do not want all these freebies. We fought for our nation and not for these passes.” His father used to calm him down.


But his son would not listen. He knew many who enjoyed such benefits even when they were remotely connected with the freedom struggle.


And his father despite tirelessly fighting for the freedom of his country and undergoing many torturous years in jail was bereft of the recognition due.


Unable to bear the plight of his son, his father co-operated with him for getting the recognition of a freedom fighter from his own country. His father felt pity for his countrymen and his son but could not do much.


His son was getting adamant and was running pillar to post for upholding the reputation of his father as a true freedom fighter. He was perhaps unaware that he was doing all the right things in a wrong way and in an unyielding society where lobbying and corruption rules the roost.


His father did not actually need the recognition that his son was fighting for. They were well off. His brothers made fun of him. His neighbors made fun of him. His wife and children were getting fed up of him.


“My father fought for some principles. I will fight for my father without compromising on principles” was his refrain.


“Come on young blood, do not try to be a hero and think of any revolution like the movie Rang de Basanti. Have a cool mind, pay just Rs.5000/- as bribe and I will get you all that you want.” quipped the Babu unfettered by his rebellious streak.


He dared all that he would drag them to the court and filled applications at all level right from Right to Information Act to the Courts.


At the end of the day, he was charged with offence of misbehaving with a Government servant and forging documents to prove the credentials of his father as a freedom fighter.


The photograph of his father was printed in the local newspaper for all the wrong reasons.


A dejected and distraught son collapsed on way to home and was admitted to the hospital.


As his eyes opened, he saw his father sitting beside him shuffling his hair and patting him.


“Dear Son, I never craved for the recognition. Whatever I did was my duty towards the nation and the nation does not owe anything from me. Yet you did not listen to me and spoiled your health. Next time, be practical. Leave this matter to rest. For the sake of your children, follow the rules of the society. There is no harm in paying some bribe for doing the right thing at the right time.”


Tears flowed down the son’s eyes.


Such words from his principled father crippled his soul.


He was soon discharged from the hospital and was a changed man ever since.


His father was at peace at last. He need not worry for his son anymore.

 

thanks for your feedback

warm regards
suresh

 

Reality is harsh
We feel helpless in the face of corruption.
The younger generation are misdirected and misguided.

warm regards
suresh

 

In this materialistic world, principles and morals are very scarcely followed

warm regards
suresh

 

thanks for your comments
i can understand your angst on this issue

regards
suresh

 

thanks for sharing your views on this issue

cheers
suresh