It was a seemingly easy project given
by the language teacher to the students of class eight. They had the last two
periods, an hour, to complete it.
“You can write a story, an essay, a
letter, a dialogue, paraphrase, whatever you fancy. The choice is yours. And you
have enough time too. You may leave your books on the table and go home when you
have finished. Please leave the school quietly so you don’t disturb the other
classes.” With that Miss Solanky left the class.
There was a low hum of conversation
as the students began to discuss among themselves. This was a piece of cake.
With icing on top. The children, delighted at the prospect of going home early,
hurriedly scratched out compositions of their choice, and began to leave.
Most of the class was empty by the
end of forty minutes. Delna started to panic as she had not written a word yet.
She wanted her composition to be exceptional.
“It must stand out,” she thought and
then with a flash of inspiration she began writing.
When school was over, Miss Solanky
came into the class-room to gather the books. She was surprised to see Delna
alone at her desk. Delna was one of her best students and she topped her class
in essay writing.
“Miss please may I have a few more
minutes? This is not a test or something,” pleaded Delna. She was granted some
more time to complete her work.
Next morning Delna walked into school
a little early, wondering how her writing had been assessed. English Literature
class was after the lunch recess. The teacher walked into class followed by the
peon carrying their books.
“I have been through all your books
and must say I am disappointed. It seems all of you were more eager to run home
yesterday. Most of you have scribbled off short business letters. A few wrote
stories, which could have been much better had you given it more thought and
time.”
She paused as she picked up the first
book in the pile. She read the name on it and then looked directly at Delna.
“Delna, you took the most time to
write out your composition, yet it is quite short.” There were some sneers and
giggles in the class, but Miss Solanky chose to ignore them.
Delna stood up, quite embarrassed.
“Miss,” she ventured, “ that is because I spent more time thinking out a good
topic to write.”
“I guessed so. Class, you will now
see what a little extra effort, diligence and originality can do. Had each of
you put in a little more drive you also could have written outstandingly.” This
sobered down those who were quite jealous of Delna.
“ Delna, come and read out your
thought-provoking essay to the class.”
Delna blushed happily as she began to
read:
What
Makes Some People Stand Out
There are some very exceptional people, who always stand out in their field,
in their work, in their communities. These are not all Bill Gates or Amitabh
Bachhans. They are ordinary people like us, yet they bring something special
to every thing they do.
What sets them apart?
- They don’t make empty
promises. They deliver. They give of their best. Even if it is as
mundane as sweeping the school premises, they do it conscientiously as
we have seen Cheema Kaka do all these years. (Here the whole class
clapped as Cheema Kaka was a favorite with all.
- They respect everyone, regardless of their social or financial
standing. They do not consider others stupid or below them. They are
aware that respect, not bullying, begets respect.
- They are always eager to learn. They speak less, listen more and are
not over eager to talk about their own selves.
- They never brag or go on ego jaunts. Humility is one of their
greatest assets. They know that people who boast, trip over themselves
and are easy prey for ridicule.
- They don’t step over another’s failure to succeed. Rather, they lend
a hand to pull up those who are down. They do not push others aside to
get ahead. Instead they take others along with them. This is what adds
to their greatness.
- They are considerate, understanding and helpful. They give the best
of themselves with full esteem and get the same in return.
These are the laudable, humane
qualities that make some people stand taller than the rest. We also can
cultivate these qualities and become outstanding human beings. We can make
our own and others’ world a better place to live in.
Delna finished reading her short
essay. As the class sank into thoughtful silence, she was glad she could
contribute something valuable.
October 27, 2007
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