Award And Other Stories

This document is a collection of five short stories by Pratap J. Tolia, published by Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation. The preface states that these are "factual short stories" born from life experiences, reflecting the paradoxes of the present world. The author hopes to move at least one heart with these stories.

Here is a summary of each story:

1. Award (A True Story of Self Experience)

The story follows Prashant, a writer attending a literary conference. He is unexpectedly informed by a friend that he is to receive an "Award" from the government. Initially confused, as his books have already received awards, he learns the award is for land acquired by the government for a new "seat of learning." His late mother's land, which she had painstakingly saved to purchase, is among those acquired.

Prashant is flooded with memories of his mother's sacrifices in saving money to buy this land, and his father's involvement in the Indian independence movement. He reflects on how this ancestral property, the last remaining significant asset after mismanagement by relatives, is now being taken by the government.

When he visits the government office to receive the award, he is shocked to learn the compensation is a mere ₹500, the original purchase price from 1942, with no adjustment for inflation or the intervening 55 years. He argues with the government official, pointing out the injustice of the static amount and the "cheating Award." He then visits the "Seat of Learning" office, where the politician in charge tries to justify the acquisition and the nominal award as a noble cause. Prashant strongly criticizes the politicians for their hypocrisy, their use of Mahatma Gandhi's name, and their self-serving agenda, particularly their exploitation of education for personal gain. He rejects the award, vowing to fight this "cheating Award." The story ends with Prashant facing financial hardship and the daunting prospect of challenging both the government and the influential politicians involved, while his friend Arun offers silent support.

2. The Himalayan Betrayal

This story features Paresh, a writer and singer, who is invited abroad to speak and sing at a convention. Initially reluctant due to his attachment to his family and his writing, he is eventually persuaded by insistent invitations. Against his better judgment and conscience, he borrows money to buy his air ticket, "betraying his writing table" and family.

Upon arrival, his performance is successful, but the organizer disappears, leaving Paresh unpaid and stranded. He learns from the organizer that colleagues failed to cooperate, resulting in the inability to pay him. Desperate, Paresh tries to arrange more performances to cover his expenses and return home, but his efforts are unsuccessful.

Tragically, while in New York, he receives a phone call informing him of his eldest daughter's death in a road accident. He realizes that his "Himalayan Betrayal" of his conscience and family has led to this profound loss. The story highlights the consequences of going against one's inner calling and commitments.

3. The Bribe Master

This allegorical story follows a "Master Mover," who represents a person adept at bribery and corruption. He dies and finds himself at the gates of God's realm, confident of entry due to his earthly influence and the "key" of bribery provided by a priest. However, his attempts to bribe the gatekeepers fail. He is brought before the "Magistrate" and then the "Karma Devata" (God of Deeds).

Throughout his judgment, the Master Mover attempts to use his usual tactics of manipulation, boasting about his ability to bribe and influence everyone on Earth, from politicians and judges to religious figures and celebrities. The Karma Devata, however, sees through his lies and exposes his crimes with the help of "Deed Computers" that detail his extensive record of corruption, murder, terrorism, and exploitation.

The story culminates with the Karma Devata sentencing the Master Mover and all those who enabled his crimes (including politicians, gangsters, and bribe-receivers) to eternal suffering. It contrasts the corrupt earthly justice system, where culprits often escape punishment, with the unwavering and absolute justice of the divine realm.

4. The Public School Master

This story centers on a public school master who struggles with his conscience when his young daughter, Munni, desires admission to his school and faces harsh punishment from her current teacher. The master, who disapproves of corporal punishment, makes a promise to admit Munni.

He recalls a similar experience from his own childhood when he was beaten for being distracted by birds. This incident inspired him to found a school that fosters a love for nature and learning. He sees Munni's situation as a reflection of the plight of millions of children in a system that suppresses curiosity.

During a school performance, the master's students sing a song about flowers and children, inspiring compassion. Munni is captivated by this environment. When the master requests Munni's admission, he is told that her fees will be deducted from his salary, a significant financial burden. The chief guest's speech reinforces the idea that public schools are for the privileged, not the masses, and that public school masters serve the affluent at the cost of their own children. The story ends with the master feeling the weight of this reality, highlighting the disparity and the cost of education for the underprivileged.

5. Contempt Of Court

This story, presented in two parts, critiques the Indian judiciary and the concept of "Contempt of Court." The first part recounts how a press reporter and an analyst face contempt charges for reporting on a Chief Justice's unpaid hotel bills and a judge's alleged drinking habits and questionable judgments. The analyst questions the judges' simple living and food habits, linking them to their impartiality and the "Satyamev Jayate" motto. He argues that such lifestyle choices could influence their judgments and that the system is flawed, protecting corrupt officials while punishing those who expose the truth. The reporter and analyst are labeled "yellow journalists" for daring to criticize the judiciary.

The second part features a "Walking Saint" who discusses the qualities of a good physician and a judge. He emphasizes humility, service, impartiality, honesty, and simple living for judges. He humorously suggests that judges should also possess wit and humor to lighten the courtroom atmosphere. A young law student is inspired by this and aims to become a righteous judge.

The story then contrasts this ideal with a former classmate who becomes a judge and favors certain lawyers, leading to injustices. When a sufferer points out this favoritism, he is falsely charged with contempt of court. The story highlights how the "Contempt of Court" act is used to silence criticism and protect a flawed system. It champions the idea that true justice, while it may be delayed, will ultimately prevail, and calls for judicial reform to remove corrupt elements. The author warns readers against thinking critically about these stories, lest they also face contempt charges.