Friends, our nation has been a birthplace and a land of action for great figures, brimming with qualities like sages, poets, writers, musicians, and more. The thousands of creations authored by these luminaries are invaluable. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem lost, and we are moving further away from our heritage and precious treasures. subkuz.com consistently strives to bring you these invaluable treasures, along with entertaining stories, news, and information from around the world. Here, presented before you, is a valuable story, highly inspiring, by the renowned author Munshi Premchand.
Moteram Ji Shastri
Who does not know Pandit Moteram Ji Shastri? He worked according to the whims of the officials. During the Swadeshi Movement, he bly opposed that movement. During the Swaraj Movement, he sought official recognition for his loyalty. But when such activity failed to disrupt his sweet sleep of fate, and his teaching career remained unaffected, he devised a novel plan. Returning home, he said to his wife, "These old parrots keep repeating their words, and my head is becoming muddled. What fruit has my years of imparting knowledge yielded that I should hope for anything more?"
His wife, worried, responded, "We also need some support for meals."
Moteram replied, "Whenever I see you, you always fret about food. Seldom a day passes without invitations, and no matter the criticism, I cannot refuse a meal. Are all hosts dead today? But to live only for the stomach throughout one's life—what use is that? One should also enjoy the pleasures of the world. I have decided to become a physician."
His wife asked, surprised, "You will become a physician? Have you studied medicine?"
Moteram said, "Studying medicine is not the point. In this world, knowledge is not as important as intellect. A few simple, straightforward tricks are all that is needed. Today I will add 'Bhishacharaya' to my name. Who cares if I am a Bhishacharaya or not? Who needs to examine me? I will have a large signboard made. It will say, 'Specialist in the treatment of hidden diseases of men and women.' I will gather a few inexpensive herbs, like neem, gooseberry, and amalaki. That's all the equipment needed. Yes, I will place advertisements in newspapers and distribute notices. Letters from gentlemen in distant places like Lanka, Madras, Rangoon, and Karachi will be recorded. These will serve as testimonials to my medical expertise. What does the public care if people of those names actually exist? Now, let's see how successful my medical practice becomes."
His wife said, "But what good will it do if you give medicines without knowing how to use them?"
Moteram said, "It will not help, but I will not be blamed for it. A physician's job is to administer medicine; he does not make a deal about overcoming death. And not everyone who becomes sick dies. I say that those who receive no medicine recover when their ailments subside. Physicians are praised even without asking for it. If even one of five patients recovers, I will undoubtedly receive praise. The remaining four who may die will not criticize me. After much deliberation, I have decided that this is the best option. I can write, I can compose poetry, I will write a few articles on Ayurveda in magazines, interspersed with a couple of poems in a catchy style. Now let us see how many fools are tricked. Do not think I have been merely reciting old parrot phrases all these years. I have been observing the methods of successful physicians of the city, and after all these years, I have discovered the secret to their success. God willing, one day you will be adorned with gold from head to toe."
His wife, suppressing her amusement, said, "At my age, what jewels would I wear? There is no desire for that now. But tell me, do you even know how to prepare medicines? How will you prepare the extracts and identify the ingredients?"
Moteram said, "My dear! You are truly foolish. A physician does not need these things. Ashes from a doctor's finger are extracts, ash, and medicine. All that is needed is some flair. A large room is needed, with a carpet and ten or fifteen bottles on the shelves. Other than this, nothing else is required, and intelligence will take care of everything else. My literary medical writings will have a significant impact; you will see. You know how well-versed I am in figures of speech. I do not see anyone in this world who can match me in this respect. After all these years, I have not been digging grass! Ten or fifteen people will come to me to discuss poetry. They will be my representatives. Through them, patients will come to me. I will practice medicine not through Ayurvedic knowledge, but through my expertise in knowing women. You just watch."
His wife said, doubtfully, "I worry that this teaching position will also slip from your grasp. You will neither remain in this position nor in that. Fate has it that you are meant to teach boys, and after many failures, you will have to resort to reciting verses with parrots."
Moteram asked, "Why don't you trust my abilities?"
His wife responded, "Because you will be deceitful there too. I am annoyed by your cunning. Why do you wish to become someone you are not and cannot be? You couldn't become a leader; you gave up. Deception is your strength, and that bothers me. I want you to be a good person. Live a sincere life. But when do you listen to me?"
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