True Gardener

Heartfulness Story-48

Ganga Das; Yes, this is the name of the person who left no stone unturned to become the best parent in the world. And his upbringing inspires all of us. So let's hear a short inspirational story of Ganga Das ji :

Ganga Das was a gardener in an international school. He used to water the plants in the luxurious gardens. Whether it be summer or winter, this is what his daily work was. Now, even heat and dust had no effect on him. One day, he was busy with his work as usual, when suddenly a voice called from behind : "Ganga Das, Principal Madam wants to meet you - now!"

The last two words of the peon had lots of emphasis on them, which made it sound like an urgency. He quickly got up, washed and wiped his hands and headed towards the Principal's chamber.

The walk from the garden to the office seemed never ending, his heart was almost jumping out of his chest. He was trying all the permutations and combinations, to figure out as to what could have gone wrong that she wanted to see him urgently. He was a sincere worker and never shirked his duties.

Finally, with a dozen thoughts in his mind, he reached the Principal's office.

Kock knock.

"Madam, you called me?"

"Come inside..." an authoritative voice made him further nervous.

Salt and pepper colored hair, tied neatly in a french knot, a designer sari - sober and very classic, glasses resting on the bridge of her nose, she pointed towards a paper kept on the table.

"Read this"

"B..but Ma'am I am illiterate. I cannot read English. Madam please forgive me if I have done something wrong... Please give me another chance...

I am forever indebted to you for allowing my daughter to study in this school, free of cost... I could have never ever dreamt of such a life for my child..." he broke down almost trembling.

"Hold on, you assume a lot...we allowed your daughter here because she is very bright and you have been a sincere worker. Let me call a teacher in, she will read it out and translate it to you. This is written by your daughter and I want you to read this."

Soon enough the teacher was called and she started reading it, translating each line in Hindi.

It read-

"Today we are asked to write about Mother's Day.

I belong to a village in Bihar, a tiny village where medicine and education still seem like a far fetched dream. Many women die every now and then while giving birth. My mother was one of them too, she could not even hold me in her arms. My father was the first person to hold me, or perhaps the only person.

Everyone was sad as I was a girl, and they thought I had "eaten up" my own mother.

My dad was instantly asked to remarry but he refused.

My grandparents forced him a lot, giving all logical, illogical and emotional reasons but he didn't budge.

My grandparents wanted a grandson; they threatened him to remarry or else he would be disowned.

He didn't think twice...he left everything. His acres of land, a good living, comfortable house, cattles and everything that counts for a good lifestyle in a village.

He came to this huge city with absolutely nothing -- except for me in his arms. Life was tough, he worked hard day and night, raised me with tender love and utmost care.

Now I understand why suddenly he developed a dislike for things that I would love to eat when there was only one piece left in the plate. He would say that he hates eating it and I would finish it thinking he does not like it. But as I grew older, I realised the reason and what sacrifice is all about.

He gave me the best possible comforts beyond his capacity.

This school gave him shelter, respect and the biggest gift -- an admission to his daughter.

If love and care defines a mother... then my father fits in there.

If compassion defines a mother, my father fits in well in that category too.

If sacrifice defines a mother, my father dominates that category.

So in a nut shell, if a mother is made of love, care, sacrifice and compassion, then My FATHER Is The Best MOTHER On Earth.

I would like to wish my father for being the best parent on earth. I salute him and say it with pride that the hardworking gardener working in this school is my father.

I know I may fail this test after my teacher reads this -- but this would be a very small price one would pay towards an ode to the selfless love of my father."

There was a deafening silence in the room. One could only hear the soft sobs of Ganga Das.

The harsh sun could not wet his clothes with sweat, but his daughter's soft words had soaked his chest with tears. He was standing there with hands folded.

He took the paper from the teacher's hands, held it close to his heart and sobbed.

The Principal got up, offered him a chair, a glass of water and said something. But, strangely the crispness of her voice was taken over by a surprising warmth and sweetness.

"Ganga Das, your daughter is given 10/10 marks for this essay. This is the best essay ever written in the history of this school. We are having a gala event tomorrow and the entire School Management has decided to invite you as the Chief Guest for the event.

This is to honor all the love and sacrifice a man can do to raise his children... to show that you do not have to be a woman to be the perfect parent.

And most importantly this is to reinforce and appreciate your daughter's strong belief in you, to make her feel proud...to make the entire school feel proud that we have the best parent on earth, as stated by your daughter.

You are a True Gardener, who is not only looking after the gardens, but also nurturing the most precious flower of your life in such a beautiful way!

So Ganga Das, will you be our Chief Guest for the event?"

Children are like mirrors, a child has a unique ability to understand the truth in spite of our efforts to hide it - Chariji

*Chariji (Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari) was the third guide of the Heartfulness meditation system.

Heartfulness | Chariji