For example, it is our foremost duty, our minimum obligation, to invite them among us, to welcome and bless them. Even after living for so many years in those distant lands, seeing how they have not forgotten our dress and language, and how kindly they behave, I felt assured that our dharma, our culture, and our nationality can indeed be preserved. Just by seeing them, I gained the courage to believe so. I hope that, in this regard, they can become role models for us. There are many things we must hear from them, learn from them, and put into practice. Therefore, without prolonging my speech and wasting time, I now conclude my address, requesting the young Sri Parvateesam to share his experiences, opinions, and ideals with us. Saying this, he adjusted his coat and other garments and settled comfortably into his chair. The audience broke into applause.

Amidst the thunderous applause that shook the entire hall, I thought to myself, “Now I must stand up—oh Lord!” To stand before this crowd, in front of these learned men, in the presence of such scholars, and to adjust my shirt and scarf like a great intellectual, put on a grave expression, and begin a solemn speech—just imagining it made me want to laugh at how ridiculous it would be. Remembering this, I sat quietly until the noise in the hall subsided, then composed my face into seriousness and stood up. As soon as I rose, the audience again burst into applause. This made me even more embarrassed, and, pushing aside my growing cowardice, I said, “Sabhaayainamah!” (Salutations to the assembly). Instantly, the hall fell completely silent.

“Just the other day, I trembled at the thought of speaking before the students who studied with me and behind me in high school, and before the teachers who taught me. I somehow managed to mumble a few words that came to mind and escaped. But today, to stand before these great scholars, these experts in law, these elders seasoned in age and experience—what can I possibly say? What right do I have to speak on any subject before them?”

Barrister Parvateesam

What is it? What could I possibly know more than you?—I’ve been asking myself this question since earlier, sitting here. But then it struck me: “There’s nothing to it! This is just a peculiar custom of the day. The people who invited you don’t know your true worth, do they?” As soon as this answer flashed in my mind, I’ve been quietly laughing at myself and trying to muster up some courage.

Since you are the ones who made me do this, I hope you will forgive the incongruities and blunders in my childish games, just as elders enjoy watching children’s play, with all its mishaps and mischiefs. Perhaps, before long, I too will be one among you, practicing law right here in this very court. Then I will have to learn many things from you all. At that time, I hope you won’t say, “Back then, you gave us a grand lecture as if you were some great man. What can we say now?”—I sincerely hope you won’t say that.

As soon as I finished, the hall resounded with applause.

Three years ago, my studies here came to a standstill. For some reason, the enthusiasm and energy I had at first dwindled away. I had come here with all sorts of fanciful notions about education, soaring in the skies of imagination. My father, noticing my state, told me to leave off my studies for a while, stay at home, help with the farm work, and try to learn Telugu and Sanskrit. He said that if I regained my interest in English education, I could always resume my studies later.

I was caught in a predicament, unable to say anything, and was feeling quite miserable. At that time, by some stroke of luck, I became acquainted with the illustrious and prominent Sri Ramanarao. You might wonder how such an acquaintance came about. One day, he himself came looking for me and said, “I need your help. Only you can do this—no one else. We are planning to organize some political meetings here. You must take charge of all the arrangements. When I inquired about you, everyone said you are very capable, and that you are the only one in your school fit for this responsibility.”

He flattered me thus and drew me into that field of work. I didn’t realize it at the time, but after some years, when I thought back on it, I realized that in our school, I was the only one who, having lost interest in studies, wandered about aimlessly, with a bit of muscle, enthusiasm, and determination. Whatever the case, I became his disciple and began organizing meetings and assemblies.

Not only did I learn a great deal from them, but I also read countless books on various subjects that they recommended—books I would never have encountered in school, nor even known existed. I take great pride in saying that, thanks to them, I became far more knowledgeable than my fellow students. It was they who encouraged me not to remain here in school, but to go abroad, to study law and become a barrister. Following their advice, I resolved to travel to foreign lands, pursue my studies there, and, upon passing my examinations and returning home, to seek their blessings. But alas! Just as I was about to fulfill that wish, I received the sorrowful news that they had passed away. Their absence today leaves a great void in my heart.

Still, upon seeing our esteemed chairman—who is older, wiser, and a judge to boot—my cowardice took flight and I managed to summon a bit of courage. Before him, I am but a child. I trust that he, in his wisdom and good humor, will forgive my shortcomings. With that confidence, I must confess that, for quite some time now, I have been wandering off-topic, unsure of