Friends, our nation has, for centuries, been a birthplace and a stage for great men and women, brimming with qualities like sages, poets, writers, musicians, and many more. The thousands of works created by these individuals are invaluable. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem lost, distancing themselves from our heritage and invaluable treasures. Subkuz.com consistently strives to bring you not only these precious treasures, but also engaging stories, news, and insights from around the world. Presented before you is a truly inspiring story, penned by the renowned author, Munshi Premchand.
A Slight Deficiency
Throughout the city, there was widespread praise for Mr. Yashodanand. Not just in the city, but throughout the province, his reputation resonated. Newspapers carried articles about him, friends sent messages of admiration, a veritable torrent. This is what is known as community service! People of progressive thought engage in such activities. Mr. Yashodanand had brought honour to the educated community. Now, who dares to say our leaders are merely eloquent but not effective? Mr. Yashodanand could have secured at least twenty thousand rupees in dowry for his son, and enjoyed the flattery that comes with it. But Lala Sahib, unmoved by the allure of wealth, upheld his principles, and agreed to his son's marriage without a single penny of dowry. Bravo! Bravo! Such courage! Such devotion to principles! Such adherence to ideals! Bravo to the true hero, the true son of his mother, who has done what no one else has done. We bow down to you with immense pride.
Mr. Yashodanand had two sons. The elder son, already accomplished through education and hard work, was set to marry, and as we have seen, without any dowry. Today was the engagement ceremony. The prominent citizens of Shahjahanpur had been invited. They gathered; the hall was prepared, and a skilled sitar player enthralled the audience. All the preparations for the feast were also complete. Friends extended their congratulations to Mr. Yashodanand.
One gentleman exclaimed, "You've done something remarkable!"
Another said, "Remarkable! One could say that you have raised the banner of honour. We have seen him give lectures from the platform. Yet, when the time came to act, people flocked to him."
A third person commented, "How many pretexts are created! Sir, I deeply resent dowry. It is against my principles. But what can I do? My daughter-in-law doesn't agree."
A fourth person said, "Oh, how many shameless people are there who openly declare that they deserve the expenses they incurred on educating their sons? As if they had deposited these amounts in a bank!"
A fifth person remarked, "I understand that you're all taking jabs at me."
Is this entirely the fault of the boy's family, or is the girl's family also culpable?
The first person replied, "What fault could the girl's family have, other than being the father of the girl?"
The second person said, "The whole fault lies with God who created girls. Why?"
The fifth person said, "I'm not saying that. The fault does not lie entirely with the girl's family or the boy's. Both are culpable. If the girl's family refuses to give anything, then they have no right to complain about the lack of gifts, jewellery, or grand processions." Explain!
The sixth person agreed, "Your question is worthy of consideration. I believe that in such a situation, the father of the girl shouldn't complain."
The seventh person said, "So, one could say that along with the abolition of dowry, the custom of giving gifts, jewellery, and processions should also be abandoned. Trying to eradicate just dowry is futile."
Mr. Yashodanand said, "This is also a lame excuse. I haven't taken dowry. But shouldn't I still get gifts and jewellery?"
The first person replied, "Sir, your words are exceptional. Why do you involve yourself with us mortals? Your place is with the deities."
Another person said, "You gave up twenty thousand rupees? What a feat!"
1 - Trivial Argument
Mr. Yashodanand said, "My resolve is to always remain steadfast in our principles. Money has no value compared to principles. I have not given any lectures against dowry, and perhaps haven't even written a note. However, I have seconded a resolution concerning this in a conference. My conscience would not allow me to betray my principles. I tell you, if I accept this money, the mental anguish would be unbearable. I might not survive the blow.
A fifth person said, "This time, you shouldn't be denied the post of chairperson in the conference, that would be utterly unjust."
Mr. Yashodanand said, "I have fulfilled my duty. Whether it is recognized or not, I do not care."
At that moment, word arrived that Mr. Swamidal had arrived. People prepared to greet him, seated him on a dais, and the engagement ceremony commenced. Mr. Swamidal placed coconuts, betel nuts, rice, betel leaves, etc., on a cloth for the groom. The Brahmins chanted mantras, performed a yagna, and placed a tilak on the groom's forehead. Immediately, the women of the house began singing auspicious hymns. Here, in the midst of the gathering, Mr. Yashodanand stood on a platform and began delivering a discourse on the social ill of dowry. He had prepared this speech in advance, historically contextualizing the issue of dowry.
In earlier times, dowry had no meaning. Gentlemen, no one even knew what dowry or "dharouni" was. Truly, nobody knew what "dharouni" was – an animal, a bird, in the sky or on the earth, a food or drink. The seeds of this practice were sown during the era of the kings. Our young men began to join the armies. These were brave men, who considered it an honor. Mothers armed their beloved sons, and sent them into battle. In this way, the number of young men diminished, and the bargaining for their sons started. Now, here we are at this juncture, that my minuscule – highly minuscule – act of service is being discussed in articles, as though I had performed some extraordinary deed. I say, if you want to live in this world, then immediately abolish this custom.
One gentleman queried, "Will we all die if we don't abolish this custom?"
Mr. Yashodanand replied, "If that's the case, what's the point of asking? Punishment would have been inflicted, and in reality, that's what should happen. It's a divine injustice that such greedy, money-grubbing, avaricious people, who sell their children, are still alive, and society does not shun them. But they are all money-grubbers, etc."
The speech was long and filled with humor. People applauded enthusiastically. After finishing his speech, he brought his younger son, Paramanand, who was seven years old, onto the stage. He had given him a short speech to deliver. He wanted to demonstrate the keen intellect of the children in his family. It's a tradition in societies to have children deliver speeches. No one felt any curiosity. The boy was charming, promising, and cheerful. He smilingly came to the stage, took a piece of paper from his pocket, and began reading aloud with great pride.
Dear Friend,
Greetings! Your letter suggests that you do not trust me. I, before God, swear that the money will be delivered discreetly to you, without arousing any suspicion. However, I must ask one question. What compensation will I receive for the honor and reputation I gain through secrecy, in contrast to the criticism I may face amongst my neighbors? I humbly request that you allow me a reduction of 5 out of 25.
Mr. Yashodanand had gone to instruct the household to prepare a meal for the guests. As he walked out, these words reached his ears, "Reduce 5 from 25 and deal with me justly." His face turned pale; he rushed towards his son, snatched the paper from his hand, and said, "You scoundrel! What are you reading? This is a letter from a client about their case. Where did you get this from, you devil? Bring me the paper that was written to you!"
A gentleman interjected, "Please allow him to read. This letter has a charm that no other speech possesses."
Another person said, "It's magical, what's being read!"
Another said, "Let's adjourn the meeting. I am leaving."
Another said, "I am also leaving."
Mr. Yashodanand said, "Please, sit down. The platform is being prepared."
The first person said, "Son Paramanand, please come here. Where did you find this paper?"
Paramanand said, "Baba ji himself placed it on his table and asked me to read it. Now, he's unjustly angry at me."
Mr. Yashodanand said, "You scoundrel! I placed it on the table. Why did you take it from the drawer?"
Paramanand said, "I didn't find it on the table."
Mr. Yashodanand said, "Then why didn't you tell me? Why did you open the drawer? Today, I'll make sure you'll remember this!"
A voice echoed, "It's a divine oracle."
Another said, "This is what is known as leadership: to be forthright and gain a good reputation."
Another said, "One must feel shame. Dignity comes from sacrifice, not deceit."
A fourth person said, "There was only a slight deficiency."
A fifth person said, "God punishes hypocrites."
As these words were spoken, everyone stood up. Mr. Yashodanand realised his charade had been exposed; the performance was ruined. He repeatedly glared at Paramanand, weighing his punishment, and then relented. This scoundrel has lost a well-fought battle. His face is blackened, his head lowered. He has committed an act of treachery.
Meanwhile, people were commenting as they walked away.
One person said, "How could God place such a stain on his face? A decent person would not show himself now."
Another person said, "Wealthy, prominent, educated people can sink to such lows. How astonishing! If one wants wealth, one should obtain it openly; who is going to stop one? Why try to steal it and claim glory?"
Another person said, "A deceitful person's face is black!"
Another person said, "Mr. Yashodanand is pitiful. He was so cunning, yet his plot was unmasked. All that was missing was a slight deficiency."
Thus ends the inspiring story of the great writer, Munshi Premchand. The story offers many valuable lessons. The entire Subkuz team strives to ensure that our visitors are regularly presented with inspirational stories. Continue reading such inspiring and informative stories on Subkuz.com.
