Premachand is an eminent and well-known Hindi writer. Both of his sons studied in Allahabad, and he and his wife lived in a small town north of Allahabad. One day he and his wife happened to go to a southern city for business and as the train passed through Allahabad, they decided to meet their sons. And they wrote to their sons to meet them at the station.
The train stopped, and the husband and wife exited the train. They saw their sons running toward them. The eldest, before talking to his parents, respectfully touched their feet, and the youngest immediately began to chat lively. Parents asked how their health was and whether their studies were going well. Both answered that everything can't be better. When the train was about to move, the eldest son leaned down at his parents' feet again, while the youngest just waved his hand.
Premachanda's wife just said that about sons and was very happy to see them. To her surprise, she noticed that her husband, contrary to custom, was silent and gloomy. She asked him: "What happened dear?" Why have you suddenly become so serious and silent and are not at all happy to meet your sons? Premachand replied, “You must have not noticed anything. Did you like how the junior acted? ” – “What’s the matter?” I don't see anything wrong with him. He is still very young, and so mischievous and funny! ” – “No, no,” Premachand said, “the elder showed humility and respect by touching our feet twice, and the younger did not even think to do it! ” – “Why take it so seriously?” - the wife objected, - because he is still so young, it must have been awkward for him to bow down to the feet of his parents in front of so many people. He probably expressed his respect, but about himself. He will grow up, get smarter, and everything will get better."
But Premachand was not inclined to compromise and replied, “Dear, the true nature of a man and his way of thinking is evident in his conduct.” Good habits must be established from early childhood, and then such signs of respect become natural and involuntary. I don't know what awaits him in the future".
Father's words have proven to be true. The eldest son, thanks to his diligence and good inclinations, passed the bachelor's exam at the law school, went to London and received the title of lawyer there. After returning to India, he practiced law for three years and later became a judge in the Allahabad Court. He was highly respected for his impeccable manners and courtesy. A younger son, due to negligence towards studies, was forced to leave the institute and appointed as a junior clerk in the Allahabad Court. Everyone showed the eldest signs of respect, and the youngest had to bow to everyone himself.
What's the moral of the story? Character is our destiny. Every action taken today will inevitably affect us in the future.
