Chapter 4 Chapter 2 Childhood

I was about seven years old when my father left Porbandar Rajkot to become a judge in the royal court.It was there that I went to primary school, and I still remember it vividly, including the names and other characteristics of the teachers who taught me.About my studies here, as at Porbandar, there is little to praise.I must have been a mediocre student then.Later, I transferred from this elementary school to another elementary school in the suburbs, and I continued to study in middle school, when I was already twelve years old.During this short period of time, as far as I can remember, I never told a single lie to my teachers or classmates.I was always shy and avoided people, books and homework were my only companions.Arrive at school on time, and run home as soon as school ends-this is my daily habit.I did run back because I was afraid of talking to people, or even being made fun of.

When I was taking the exam in the first grade of middle school, a thing worth recording happened.There was an inspector named Mr. Ziers who came to inspect our school.He asked us to write five words to test whether we spelled them correctly.One of them is the word "pot", which I misspelled.The teacher touched me with his toes as a reminder, but I couldn't understand his intentions.I didn't understand that he wanted me to copy the writing on a student's slate sitting next to me, because I thought the teacher was standing there to prevent us from copying.As a result, except for me, the other students spelled every word correctly.Only I am stupid.Later the teacher accused me of this, but it was useless.I will never learn the art of "plagiarism".However, this incident in no way diminishes my respect for the teacher.I was born blind to the shortcomings of elders.I later learned that he had many other shortcomings, but my respect for him remained the same.Because I have learned to obey the orders of the elders, regardless of their behavior.

There are two other things about this period that I will not forget.I usually don't like to read extracurricular books.I have to finish my homework every day, because I don't want to be questioned by the teacher, let alone deceive him.So I always have to do my homework, but I am often absent-minded.Therefore, since the homework cannot be completely finished, naturally there is no problem of extracurricular reading.But once I saw a book my father bought, which was a play about Sravana's filial piety to his parents.I read it with gusto.At this time, a few touring shadow puppets came to our family.In the movie they acted, there is a scene where Sravana carries his blind parents on a sash on a pilgrimage.The book and the sight have left an indelible impression on my mind. "This is the example you should follow," I told myself.When Sravana died, the scene of his parents mourning and wailing is still fresh in my memory.I was deeply moved by this lament, and I played it on the accordion my father bought for me.

There is also a similar thing related to another play.It was at this time that I obtained my father's permission to see a play by a certain troupe called "Haris Chandro", which fascinated me.I can't get enough of this play.But how many chances do I have to see it again?It's always been on my mind, and I don't know how many times I've played Khalis Chandro by myself. I asked myself day and night, "Why shouldn't a man be as honest as Khalis Chandro?" I would obey the truth as he did, and stand all trials for the truth--that was the thought that inspired me.I was totally convinced at the time that Khalis Chandro's story was true.When I think of this story, I can't help crying.Based on my current common sense, Khalis Chandro is probably not a historical figure.But in any case, I thought that both Khalischandro and Sravana were living reality, and I believe that if I re-read these two scripts today, I would be as moved as before.