Soul Search

Monday, March 29, 2004

Srinivas Panse's Sweet Home

This was my first assignment as a Language Teacher.I always wanted to be teacher,teaching 6th was indeed fun.Like all language teachers
I also gave assignments to my students ,to write essays.But One Paper that I always looked forward was of Srinivas Panse. He had way with words

Once the Topic was "House Yard". Srinivas Had written "I like the Yard of my small Home very much. when I return from school I see my Mom there gardening,watering the the flower beds.Tendering the Vegetables which she will cook for Dinner.The Magnolias and Marigold on the fence in Bright Sunny Day Adds To Beauty of my Home.When my mom sees me walking towards Home ,She rushes and fetches my Backpack,asks me about my Day in School.Hugs me for my good grades and then treats me,with goodies which she cooked for me.As the Day ends My Mom waits in the porch overlooking the Yard her eyes are awaiting my Dad.My Dad Arrives Humming a Song with Beaming Smile On his Face.I'm Playing in Yard and as Soon as See Him I leap with Joy ,and holding his hand we walk in Home In our Yard we have a Swing ,On Weekends Some times My Dad Plays with me,I ride the Swing And He gives me big Swing,I feel ,if I leap of the swing I'll fly in Sky."

Other Time the Assignment was on "Rainy Day". Srinivas had Written "I like the rains.When It rains I am in the Yard Doing Rain Dance Getting Wet ,making Paper Boats.My Mom is Worried ,She Hollers me ask me to get in Home ,She fears that I'll fall sick.But my Dad is Not like that he joins me in rain ,He Sings Songs and we make merry ,when the rain stops,and we get inside the home,mom fetches towel to wipe Our Hair Dry"

The imagery in His Essays ,the description of his family,were essence of every assignment Srinivas Did.I liked reading his essays to class.After teaching in that school for a year I moved to a school which was closer to place I lived.But Every time it rains the first picture that comes to my Mind is Srinivas Panse and his Dad in the Yard of their Lovely Home.

Nearly 4-5 years have passed now.When yesterday I was shopping I saw Srinivas crossing the road.Yes the looks were the same,though the eyes looked Sunken ,Skin bit Pale.I walked upto him asked gingerly ,"You are Srinivas Panse? aren't you ?" "Yes Madam!" He replied Matter of factly. "So how are things with you ? You must be in college now ,Do you Still stay in Same Home,The One in your essay ? How is Your Mom How is Your Dad ?" I had so many Questions to ask

"What Home Madam ? Mom,Dad I never had one......From the time I remember I have been raised in an Orphanage !!!" So saying He disappeared in Crowd.


Free-form Translation: Marathi Short Story "Srinivas Panse Che Angan"
This was one in my School Syllabus,I remember vividly ,though I don't remember
The Name Of The Authoress


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Unsui 10:27 AM | 20 comments |