In Shyam’s home, there was always a custom of reciting shlokas at dinnertime. If the shlokas were not recited, Bapu would become angry. Bapu taught them many beautiful shlokas. Along with shlokas, he also taught them poems, hymns to the gods, and lullabies. Shyam and his siblings would gather around, wrapped in blankets, and recite together. He taught them the bhupali of Ganapati and Ganga. They learned various shlokas, and all of it was committed to memory. Bapu’s method was to explain the meaning, in accordance with the principles of education. As a result, they understood the meaning of hundreds of Sanskrit words. In the mornings, Bapu would teach them, and in the evenings, their mother would teach them as well. She taught them verses like “Divya Divya Deepatkara,” about sesame oil and cotton wicks. Because of this, the children felt compelled to memorize all of it.

At dinnertime, if anyone recited a newly learned shloka, Bapu would praise them. He would encourage them. Because of this, the children were eager to memorize more shlokas. In the village, whenever there were ceremonies, weddings, or thread ceremonies, the children would recite shlokas at the meal gatherings. Such a tradition had taken root. If a child recited well, the elders at the feast would praise them. Because of these shlokas, good thoughts would be heard during meals. In all these customs, one could see a certain culture. In every tradition and practice, the fragrance of culture was present. It was evident for all to see and understand.

Shyama would often feel a desire to go out and eat at someone’s house. There was no harm in letting go of old customs that had become useless. But along with that, he began to feel that the stories and traditions that nurtured our culture should not be discarded. Those stories must not die. Every custom in society carries a lesson.

Whenever there was a meal program at someone’s house in the village, Shyama would naturally be invited. If he went there with Bapu, Bapu would signal to Shyama with his eyes to recite a shloka. Then, reluctantly, Shyama would begin to recite a shloka. If he did not, Bapu would get angry in front of everyone, and Shyama feared that. Shyama’s memory was good; but he was timid. He lacked courage. He would feel shy. His voice would not come out strong enough. From childhood, he always feared what people would say about him. He would become nervous at once. While reciting the shloka, if anyone laughed or made a comment, he would feel hurt; but out of fear of Bapu, he was compelled to recite.

In those days, Gangappa Oak was in Samrad. He was a close friend of Shyama’s. Shyama had received an invitation, of course. But since Shyama’s Bapu had gone to his brother’s village, Shyama had to go alone. In truth, Shyama did not like going to such meals at people’s houses. But sometimes, just because someone insisted, he would