A Golden Lesson from the Clinic
In the bustling heart of Bangalore, a city that pulses with life at every corner, my son, Akash Lal Joseph, recently embarked on a routine visit to the doctor’s clinic. The monsoon season had brought with it not just the welcome showers, but also a wave of common ailments that seemed to afflict the young and old alike. On this particular day, it was my grandson, the spirited and ever-curious Agastya Lal Joseph, who was under the weather. At just four years old, his vibrant energy was momentarily dulled by a fever that had crept in, prompting Akash and his wife Pushpa to seek medical attention.
The clinic was a familiar one, yet on this day, it seemed different. The waiting area was teeming with anxious parents, each clutching their own little ones who shared Agastya's symptoms. The air was thick with a blend of concern and weariness, a testament to the universal experience of watching a child fall ill.
As they waited, Akash’s attention drifted between his son and the muted conversations around him. It was then, in the midst of this sea of worried faces, that something caught his eye. Just by the corner of the seat where he stood, partially obscured by a well-worn magazine, lay a ring. But this was no ordinary trinket; it was a gold ring, set with a striking purple nugget, shimmering faintly under the clinic’s fluorescent lights. The ring’s weight in his hand spoke of its value, and for a fleeting moment, the thought crossed his mind—could this be a stroke of luck in an otherwise trying day?
He turned the ring over in his palm, contemplating whether to announce his find. The clinic, though crowded, was filled with strangers. And in such a situation, who could he trust? There was no way to verify the true owner of this valuable piece, and the possibility of someone falsely claiming it gnawed at him.
In that brief moment, the temptation to keep the ring lingered. But as I have always believed, it is in these small decisions that our true character is revealed. Akash, my son, is a man of integrity, a value I have strived to instill in him throughout his life. The teachings of honesty and righteousness are not just for grand moments of decision-making, but for the everyday choices that define who we are.
With a deep breath and a sense of responsibility, Akash approached the nursing sister, who was busy managing the patients. He handed over the ring, explaining where he found it, and asked her to keep it safe until the rightful owner came forward. It was a simple act, yet profound in its implications.
As they left the clinic, Agastya’s fever still needed tending, but Akash and Pushpa walked out with a lightness in their hearts. The ring, though no longer in their possession, had served its purpose—not as a stroke of fortune, but as a reminder of the values that guide us through life.
In our family, we believe that material wealth is transient, but the wealth of the soul, built on honesty and good deeds, endures forever. Akash’s decision was a reflection of this belief, a small yet significant act that added another thread to the rich tapestry of our family’s legacy.
As an author and former school principal, I have always emphasized the importance of moral education. In the academic world, we often focus on knowledge and skills, but it is the lessons of life—honesty, integrity, compassion—that truly shape us into better human beings.
This story is a gentle reminder that life will always present us with choices. It is up to us to choose the path that aligns with our values, even when no one is watching. Akash’s act of integrity is a testament to the teachings passed down through generations, a beacon for young Agastya, and a story that will stay with him as he grows.
In the end, the ring’s fate may remain unknown, but the lesson it imparted is clear and enduring: true wealth lies not in what we possess, but in the choices we make and the values we uphold.
Director, Prashant Educational Consultancy Services OPC Pvt Ltd
Recipient of Shiksha Rattan Award - 2007
Mr Prashant Kumar Lal is a seasoned educator and author with years of experience in school administration and classroom teaching. Having served as a Principal, he brings a wealth of knowledge on effective teaching practices and classroom management. Shri Lal is also the author of several books, including "Image of my Experiences - a book of poetry," "Speeches from the Desk of the Principal," and "The Legend of Inara Wali." Now retired and residing in Bangalore, he continues to share insights on education through writing and blogging.
