Jeevan
Jeevan could taste freedom in the air. He was
rejoicing in fantasy, dreaming of his future ahead.
“Kanyakumari express to Chennai will leave
from platform no 6 in ten minutes.”
A lady voice announced clearly for the
benefit of passengers in Villupuram railway station. However, it fell on
Jeevan’s deaf ears.
“Son, once you reach college, call me. Even
if you don’t like hostel food, don’t refrain from eating. And also don’t stay
awake for long studying, get sufficient sleep.”
His mother was going on with last few
departing words. But Jeevan did not pay attention to her. He was now spreading
his wings of freedom having spent 18 long years in his small village.
A brand new life in Chennai was awaiting
him. His long cherished dream of studying engineering in IIT was getting
realized today.
As the train started to depart, Jeevan’s
mother waved him goodbye. She stood anticipating him to reciprocate but Jeevan
did not even turn in her direction.
* * *
“Where is the report that I asked for?”
IIT Vice Chancellor Deenadayal shot a glance
at the report which was handed over to him.
“Mr.Narasimhan, for how long are you working
in this college?”
“20 years.”
“In those 20 years, how long are you working
in the placement department?”
“For the past 5 years.”
“So, in the past 5 years, what is your take
on our placement activities? What are the company’s feedback about our student’s
caliber?”
“Excellent. Multinational companies like
Microsoft, Google, G.E are competing against each other to recruit our
students. They are ready to pay crores of money as salary to lure our students.
They have expressed high regards for our students.”
“I have studied your report thoroughly and
let me tell you that I am not completely satisfied with it.”
“Why? What are you saying?”
“It’s been one week since I have been
appointed Vice Chancellor. Each of my predecessors would have had a vision of
taking forward this college to a certain level. Similarly, my vision is quite
simple. I don’t want my college to be ranked one among the top colleges in the
world. I don’t find attaining that to be serving any purpose. My goal is to
make sure that each and every student studying in this college gets placed in a
good organization earning a handsome salary. Do you understand?”
“I got it. But our college has achieved
significantly in placing our students in top multinational companies. In fact,
the report I gave you mentions that clearly.”
“I don’t think you seem to understand the
full context. I want each and every student to be placed. Pay attention to the
word every. According to this report, only 80% of students are getting placed.
What about the rest 20%?”
“Those are students coming from villages. It
is difficult for them to get placed.”
“Why? In the colleges that I have worked
earlier, I have seen that all students are getting placed easily.”
“There is a vast difference in the situation
prevailing here. Our college syllabus is tough compared to others. Naturally,
these students have arrears which remain uncleared even in their final year.
Furthermore, companies going to other colleges recruit even their mediocre
students. But when they step foot in our college they have high expectations.
They are interested only in top notch talent. These village students are not
able to fulfill their criteria.”
“Dammit. Who asked these village people to
come to IIT? Couldn’t they have joined any private college present in every
nook and corner of this state. Better they get lost in some private college.
Will this country prosper if such people become engineers? Wont the bridges
they construct, fall? Won’t the software they write, crash?”
Sensing his anger, Narasimhan exited
Deenadhayal’s room thinking it was best for him to be left alone.
* * *
Jeevan was searching for his room numbered
42, with suitcase in his hand. He felt good that the hostel looked more
comfortable than he had imagined. When he reached his room, he found two beds.
He deduced his roommate had not arrived yet.
He kept his suitcase in a corner and started
tidying up the room. He turned back on hearing a voice “Hey dude! How are you?”
In his room entrance, stood a tall boy
wearing stylish coolers.
“I am Goutham. What is your name?”
“My name is Jeevan.”
“Are you my roommate? I am bound to stay
with you for four years from now. Hope you are a fun person to be with. I am
from Bangalore. Where are you from?”
“I am coming from Andikuppam near Panrutti.”
His jaw fell in disbelief. “What? Is my
roommate a town bred? What group are you in? Mining?”
“No. computer science.”
“I don’t believe it. What is your score in
entrance test?”
“1150.”
“My score is 1850. I am also in computer
science course. Are you coming from village?”
“Yes.” Jeevan said with hesitation.
“You people should be shot down. Do you know
for how many years I have aspired to be in IIT? I have been to coaching class
since I was in eighth standard. I would get up at 4 o clock in the morning and
be ready for classes. I have worked immensely for 4 years. But you? You join
IIT, that too in computer science course without even the slightest struggle.”
“You have been to coaching classes for 4
years. But in my village there is just one school. That too run by government.
Most of the teachers will not come regularly. No electricity in home. I studied
everything under candle light. How can you even compare me and you as being
equals?”
“I cannot imagine staying with you under the
same roof. I am requesting the warden to allot me a different room at once.”
Gautham left the room seething in rage.
Gautham never returned to the room the
entire night. Next day, a new guy named Basheer came to the room. It was
evident that Gautham must have gotten a different room.
Both Basheer and Jeevan went together to
their class. As it was their first year, students from all branches were put in
the same class. Gautham and Basheer happened to be in the same class as Jeevan.
The students were busy in getting to know
each other. Mostly they were curious about where they came from, what their
entrance score was, among other things. Then, they ranked who was more pretty
in their class.
Jeevan scanned the room for Gautham .
He was seen laughing and talking to a
beautiful girl. He was able to make out that her name was Kavya from what he
was able to overhear.
Jeevan felt something change within him on
looking at her lovely face. He had not met a girl as gorgeous as Kavya earlier.
He could keep gazing at her animated eyes forever as she was having a lively
conversation.
Gautham had started to talk to her, right
from the very first day. Was he capable of doing that? Jeevan doubted his own
abilities.
Jeevan was unable to take his eyes off her.
Suddenly, Kavya shot a look at Jeevan. She had guessed that Jeevan was staring
at her intently. She said something to Gautham pointing in Jeevan’s direction.
Both of them rolled in laughter and resumed their conversation again.
The class fell silent as math’s professor
made an entry.
He taught about Fourier transformation that
day. Gautham was seen answering every question he raised in the class.
Jeevan was unable to comprehend his lessons.
He sat in his bench, placing his face on the desk in despair.
At that moment, he heard a stern voice in
his direction.
“The gentleman who is sleeping in the last
row may step forward and solve the equation on the board.”
Jeevan approached the board looking tensed.
He couldn’t make a single word of what was written on the board. He took a
piece of chalk in his hand but stood clueless as to what to do next.
“Gautham can you try this?”
Gautham came forward eagerly and solved the
equation in a minute.
The professor turned to Jeevan and asked
"What is your name?"
“Jeevan”
“From where are you coming from?”
Jeevan hung his head in silence.
“Sir, he is from Andikuppam.” Gautham announced
in front of the entire class.
“What? From Andikuppam? Make a note of what
I am about to say. This year definitely you will have arrears in my subject.”
Jeevan became the laughing stock of his
class. He heard Kavya’s laughter louder than the rest.
Jeevan looked at her. He averted his eyes
out of shame as soon as he met Kavya’s mocking glance.
He felt so humiliated. He controlled the
tears ready to burst out any second. I don’t want this course, or this college.
This is not the place where I belong. This is not fit for me. He walked out of
the class as fast as his legs could take him.
He came to his hostel and called his mother
immediately.
“Son, what happened? I thought you will
inform me once you reach college. But no word from you for these many days.”
“As we don’t have phone in our home, I have
to call our neighbor Girija Aunty and make her to call you. And she also thinks
it as a disturbance. So only I did not call you till now.”
“Don’t worry about that son. Call me every
week. Then, are you happy with your college? The course is easy right? How are
your friends?”
Jeevan did not answer her. His mother sensed
he must be facing some sought of difficulties.
“Jeevan, what is troubling you?”
“Everything is difficult here. All students
here are brilliant. I am treated like a small bug when compared to their vast
knowledge. I feel like running away from here.”
“Don’t talk like that son. Why are you
worrying over it? Continue your studies as happily as you wanted it to be. You
remember Grandpa's words that ‘Whatever work you do, do it with full
involvement.’”
“I am unable to understand the lessons
taught here, mom.”
“You must be frightened because everything
seems new there. Be patient for a few days and work hard till you get a hang of
it. Our lad Senthil joined in medical college last year. He used to rant how
everything was in English and he couldn’t cope up. See now, he is studying
well. Don’t lose hope son.”
Jeevan found some solace in his mother’s
words. He came to his room to find Basheer talking to Gautham.
Basheer asked Jeevan “Hi Dude! Seems you were
the hero of your class today!”
Gautham laughed at him, with a condescending
look.
Jeevan couldn’t stand there any longer. He
ran as fast as he could away from the hostel. He found shelter under a tree in
the ground. He buried his face in his hands and cried for a long time.
* * *
Deenadhayal was at the Park Sheraton hotel's
bar in Delhi, contemplating to order vodka.
A man of his age, approached his table and
said "Please excuse me for my intervention. But I had reserved this
table."
“Oh! Is it? I was assigned this table too.
There must be some mistake. I will clarify in the reception.”
“It’s fine. I have no one for company. Hope
you don’t mind me sharing the same table with you.”
“No not at all. Thanks, by the way, what’s
your name?”
“Udayamoorthy. I am doing research in genetic
engineering in Chennai.”
“Interesting! I am Deenadhayal. I am Chennai
IIT’s Vice chancellor.”
“What is your purpose of visit to Delhi?”
“I have an appointment to meet the union
education minister.”
“What a coincidence? Even I came to Delhi to
meet the union health minister.”
“Regarding?”
“I want government’s approval for my
research.”
“What kind of research is it?”
“I have to explain a great deal. Is it ok
with you to listen patiently?”
“With pleasure. Please go ahead.”
“Nature has not created all men as equals.
Each of us have some unique capabilities and skills. Especially intelligence
varies from one person to another. In ancient times, a person bestowed with a
strong physique was considered skilled. But in modern scientific world,
intelligence is considered the front runner. The intelligence of all human
beings are not same. One person becomes Einstein using his intelligence while
another person belongs to the lowest strata of society. Scientists have
discovered that 2 genetic sequences HAR1 and ASPM are responsible for
determining one’s intelligence. My research is pertaining to that. I believe we
can increase a person’s intelligence by modifying these genes. And I have
achieved success by testing the same with animals. My visit to Delhi is to get
the government to approve testing the same on human beings.”
“I am sure they would not have approved.”
“How did you find out?”
“Please don’t mistake me for what I am about
to say. I think you have to put your research to garbage. Why has not God
created all human beings with same intelligence? There must be some reason for
that. The position which a man attains in this society is determined by his
intelligence. This is a survival of the fittest world. How can you call it
right when a person increases his intelligence artificially and wins over a man
naturally bestowed with intelligence?”
“We are compensating for many of nature’s
deficiencies using artificial techniques. People who are handicapped make use
of artificial limbs all the time. Less beautiful women make use of plastic
surgery to overcome their unattractiveness. My research is also along the same
lines.”
“Your research looks more dangerous than all
the above you mentioned. The consequences of this research looks grave to me.
There will be no distinction in the society as to who is talented and who is
not.”
“In our society, intelligence of a person is
weighed in a wrong fashion. Intelligence is not an innate ability rather it is
affected by his birth environment and the opportunities he is presented with.
In fact, I find this society structure to be faulty; a village born person who
has no educational facilities competing with a city bred person who has
accessibility to good education, Deenadhayal.”
“This isn’t something which we can discuss
and arrive at a conclusion overnight, Udhayan. Our thoughts seem to reflect our
varied ideologies. Anyway. I wish your efforts won't see the light one day.”
Udhayan smiled “let’s steer the conversation
to something less conflicting. shall we?”
Both of them were in a conversation for
another couple of hours.
Suddenly Dheenadayal was reminded of his
plans “Tomorrow early morning I have to catch a flight to Chennai. I have to
retire to my room for rest. May I have your number? I will surely call you
later.”
Both of them parted ways to their respective
rooms.
* * *
Jeevan was sitting in Besant Nagar beach
watching the waves crashing against the shore. It had been four months since he
had come with flying hopes to Chennai. During these four months, only the first
week he had been to class. After his humiliation that day, he resolved never to
set foot in class again. As a result, he did not make any new friends. His
daily routine was to come to the beach. He did not feel lonely as he admired
the beauty of the sea waves and passed time watching the different people
coming to the beach.
He was taken aback to find someone sitting
by his side.
“I am sitting beside you for five minutes
and only now you see me. What are you watching so intently in the waves?”
“Kavya? How did you come here?”
“My house is in Besant Nagar. When I feel
bored I come here.”
Both of them remained silent. Jeevan
couldn’t muster courage to begin a conversation with her.
“I am not able to see you in college. Why?”
“I don’t like it.”
“What you don’t like?”
“Everything.”
“Me?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I know you were watching me without
blinking your eyes in our classroom. Are you in love with me?”
“Nothing like that. I should be worthy of
it.”
“I should be the person to decide whether
you are worthy of it or not.”
“Gautham?”
“What about him?”
“I find him to be a more suitable boy for
you.”
“For what? To fall in love with and get
married?”
“No, to be your friend. He is from a
well-off family. And intelligent too.”
“Are these enough?”
“What else do you want?”
“No, nothing. Where are you from? You told
some place called Andikuppam. How will your place be like?”
“It looks just like a typical village.”
“Why are you in so much despair? My dad came
from a small village near Tanjore. Now he has grown into a rich man by being
successful in business. My mom comes from a wealthy family too. Right from my
childhood, I used to go with my dad to my grandmother's house in village. Those
days are so memorable. As I grew up, my dad stopped visiting Grandma. All due
to my mother’s continued annoyance. So I was forced to spend my time in this
wretched city. Everything is so fake here. Artificial food, emotions and people
like Gautham.”
Jeevan still couldn’t reply her.
“Do you know what I
wish for? I want to carelessly tour this world. No pressure of studying well or
getting placed. I want to devour the sight of nature’s beauty in each and every
place especially villages which are abound with them. But I know this is one
wish which will never be fulfilled. Anyway, next month, we have semester exams.
You are not attending classes at all. Hey, can we do combined studies together?
Come to my home at evening 4 PM. Make a note of my address.”
Jeevan noted down her address.
“Jeevan, I am sorry.”
“For what?”
“For laughing at you that day in class.
Being with this bunch of people all the time, sometimes I do catch their
habits, you can’t blame me.”
“it’s ok.”
“Don’t forget to come to my home tomorrow.”
* * *
In Deenadhayal’s room was seated the Artificial
intelligence department’s HOD, Mr.Ramshankar.
“Ram, what I am about to tell you is
something which is very important. If you can implement this with 100% success
then our college will be the No 1 college in world.”
“Please provide me the details, sir.”
“The last ten years have been termed the
golden age of Artificial intelligence. The days are not far away when we will
have robots similar to human beings wandering around. In fact, we can expect
robots far more powerful than human beings. I know that this research has
bitten the dust previously. The reason behind its failure being not able to
understand how the human brain functions. The first step in this research
should be to understand how each neuron in our brain functions and how they
communicate with other connected neurons to carry on a task. This has been
carried out by Princeton University in America. To take this research to the
next level, I ask you to head a project where we design a software to replicate
the web of human brain's neuron system.”
“You have honored me by assigning such a
groundbreaking task, sir.”
“We will start this by designing a small
portion of brain called Amygdala, responsible for human emotions. You have
three months’ time. People from CNN are coming here to have our interview
regarding this project. Wish you all success, Ram.”
* * *
“I must have explained to you this theory at
least ten times. Why are you not able understand it?”
“That’s why I refused to do combined
studies. You need lot of patience to teach me.”
"Your mind keeps wavering a lot. When I
am teaching you, you keep looking at the TV in next room. You are not fully
paying attention to what I teach."
“See Kavya, I am from village. I cannot
concentrate on only one particular thing like you city brought-ups. There will
be at least ten different things going on my mind at the same time. There is no
dearth of problems out there.”
“Don’t get me wrong. How dare you joined
IIT? This is completely way out of your league. You studied in village and came
here, for what? Only to waste your seat. If only this went to another deserving
candidate then he would have made the best use of it.”
Jeevan stood up silently and got ready to
leave. Kavya followed him to her doorsteps.
“Jeevan I am sorry. I apologize for speaking
harshly. If you leave abruptly, I will feel very bad about myself. Please stay
a little longer.”
Jeevan did not answer her and went out of
her home without even looking at her.
Jeevan’s mind was like a raging storm. Who
can I trust in this world? Everyone wears a mask and their true face is
revealed one day. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice
the speeding car when he crossed the road. The car struck him. Jeevan was
wounded and blood oozed from his body. But luckily the driver hit the brakes at
the right time. So Jeevan remained safe from serious injuries. Jeevan fainted
from the shock.
The man behind the wheel got down at once
and carried Jeevan to his back seat.
After a while, when Jeevan opened his eyes
he found to be in a bed.
“I have done some first aid. Within a week
you will be perfectly alright.”
“Who are you? Where am I ?”
“My name is Udhayamoorthy. You are in my
home. You fainted when my car hit you. But it was not my fault. You crossed the
road when the signal was red. Even when I blared my horn, you seemed not to
notice it. Anyway, I apologize for the inconvenience caused.”
“Its fine sir. Are you a doctor?”
“I was a neuro surgeon. Now I am conducting
research in Genetic engineering. Now tell me what is bothering you?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“From the way you behaved so carelessly in
the street, either you must be drunk or must be under great mental confusion. I
know you are not drunk. Any love failure?”
“Nothing like you think sir.” Jeevan
narrated his entire story.
Udhayan remained silent for a while, mulling
over Jeevan’s story. Then he spoke “In this world where a human is preyed by
another human, there are many affected people like you. I can put an end to all
your problems provided I have your co-operation.”
“How is that possible?”
“I am currently involved in a research
called Gene therapy. As a result, I can enhance a man’s intelligence.”
“This sounds like a mysterious story to me.”
“You don’t believe it, right? Come with me.”
Udhayan took Jeevan to the adjacent room.
There was a monkey inside a cage.
“Give this Rubik cube to the monkey."
The monkey solved the cube within two
minutes of getting it from Jeevan.
Jeevan was surprised out of his wits.
“Is this not a wrongful thing to do?”
“There is nothing wrong with this. In today’s
world when a mightier person is able to crush a weakling, nothing is wrong. My
research will create a heaven on Earth where all men are equal.”
“Will this experiment cause me pain?”
“What?”
“Are you going to operate my brain?”
“No, no. It is just one injection. You can
feel the effects within a week.”
“Then I agree to take part in your test.”
“Excellent! Within one week you will have
super intelligence. But do not show it off to others and make them suspect you.”
Jeevan nodded. Udhayan injected a red liquid
from syringe into Jeevan’s veins.
“You will feel a little drowsy. I will drop
you in my car at your college hostel.”
After an hour Jeevan was in his hostel room.
He slept soundly.
As usual, Jeevan did not go to classes too.
That evening, the watchman came to his room to inform him that a girl has come
to visit him.
He wondered who it might be while descending
the stairs. As soon as he saw it was Kavya, he retraced his steps back.
“Please wait for a moment. First hear me out,
then arrive at a decision. I agree that what I did the other day was my fault.
All the people around me behave like that. Even though I am aware of the fact
that what I am doing is wrong, accidentally it reflects in my words and
actions. I won't promise that it won’t happen again. But please try to
understand why I did like that. I am not a person who is heavy headed. There is
another soft tender facet to me. Try to bring that out of me. This is what I
wanted to say.”
“Now what are you expecting me to do?”
“Please come to my home at 4 PM. We can
study together.”
“I don’t require that anymore.”
“If you don’t come, then I will stop
studying.”
“Feel free to stop studying, if you don’t
want to.”
“You don’t know how adamant I am, I will
surely stop studying.”
“Ok. Then I will come.”
That evening Jeevan and Kavya were studying
together.
They were completing the entire sums one
after the other.
“We need not work on this sum. Even our
professor couldn’t work it out in class. He has promised to clear this next
week by referring to another book.”
Jeevan did not pay heed to her and kept
doing the sum.
“What are you doing?”
“Check whether this answer is correct.”
Kavya looked in her book and said “Yeah! This
is the correct answer. I can’t believe this. How did you arrive at the answer?
I can see you have improved a great deal compared to last week. Looks like you
will overtake me soon. I told you right, that you can do it. If we make
efforts, there is nothing which remains impossible.”
“Can you stop showering me advice?”
“All these are the effects of my intense
coaching.”
Jeevan did not reply her but smiled
inwardly.
Two weeks had passed. It was the last exam
of the semester. That too a difficult paper on Artificial intelligence. All
students wore an unhappy look as they exited their exam hall.
Jeevan searched for Kavya. She was seen
talking with Gautham. He stood far away from them but managed to overhear their
conversation.
“Gautham, how did you write this exam? It
was quite tough. It will be a great thing if I am able to pass this paper.”
“I felt it to be easy only. I am expecting
95% and above.”
“You are the only one to say such a thing.
All are talking of getting arrears in this subject.”
Kavya noticed Jeevan standing near them and
waved at him. She came towards Jeevan.
“Hey, how did you do the exam? I think I
might fail.”
“I have done it just fine. Let’s see.”
“Don’t worry. Everyone seems to have the
same opinion that this is a difficult paper. what is going to happen if we fail
in this one paper? You have done all other exams well right?”
“Hmm”
“Are you travelling to your hometown during
vacation?”
“No”
“I am visiting Germany with my family. Let’s
meet again when college reopens.”
Kavya waved Jeevan good bye.
One month later college reopened.
The notice board was crowded with people
eager to know their results.
It seemed like almost everyone had failed in
Artificial intelligence.
Kavya asked Gautham who was standing nearby
"What about your marks?"
“I got above 90 in all subjects except
Artificial intelligence in which I got 50 marks. That professor hates me, so
only he has lashed out his revenge.”
“I got 52 in Artificial Intelligence. It
seems the rest of the class had failed miserably.”
Jeevan was standing far off. Kavya asked him
“Did you not see your mark?”
“No”
“Ok. Come with me, let’s see.”
Kavya caught hold of Jeevan’s hand and
dragged him to the notice board.
“Wow! I don’t believe this. You have scored
100 in all subjects, even in Artificial intelligence. Jeevan you are a genius!
I am feeling slightly jealous of you, dude!”
Suddenly, she kissed his cheek. He never
anticipated that and stood there shocked.
Gautham was burning in jealousy when he
witnessed what was happening between Kavya and Jeevan.
* * *
Deenadhayal was in his room going through
some files when his assistant entered the room.
“Sir, two students want to meet you now.”
“Ok. Let them in.”
He deduced that if students wanted to meet
him in person then the matter must be something serious. Gautham and Basheer
entered his room and introduced themselves.
“What is the matter?”
“We believe some discrepancies have occurred
in the last semester exams. We have come to report that.”
“Please explain in detail.”
“Basheer’s roommate is a boy named Jeevan.
He must have seen all the question papers before the exam.”
“That is not possible.”
“All our question papers are in the computer
server, right? He must have hacked into it and seen it.”
“How can you accuse him without any
evidence?”
“From our college computer center only it is
possible to hack the server. It happened on November, 10th. He must have used
his own login id. If we get a list of persons who had accessed the server at
that particular date, then we can conclude that Jeevan did this.”
“Ok. I will look into this issue. You may
go.”
* * *
A week later, Deenadhayal summoned an urgent
staff meeting.
“A pressing matter has come to my notice. A
student named Jeevan had hacked into our server and viewed all question papers.
I have also got confirmation from our system administrator that the server was
indeed hacked. We have ample evidence to suggest that Jeevan was responsible
for all this. We could trace this back to him using his login id. This is of
extreme concern to me. What are your opinions on this issue? What may be our
action on this matter?”
“That student Jeevan has come first last
semester. But he has attended classes only for one week in the entire semester.
He doesn’t seem to be a very brilliant student either. I came to this
conclusion because he got single digit marks in the previously conducted term tests.”
“We should expel him from college. We must
also notify the police.”
“No need to report to police, it is
sufficient that we remove him from college.”
“Ramshankar, you have not uttered a word?”
“In my Artificial intelligence paper, only 3
people in the entire college have passed. Jeevan is one among them. He has got
100 marks in it.”
“So what? He has seen all the questions
prior to the exam, naturally he got a centum.”
“That is of no use to him. Even veterans in
the field of Artificial intelligence could not provide a proper answer to the
questions I had asked in the exam. When I read Jeevan’s answers it was such a
delightful surprise to me. I believe that he is truly innocent.”
“Don’t you think using modern internet
facilities he would be able to arrive at the answers with a single click of the
mouse?”
“May be. But the chances are slim. These
questions are mysteries in the world of artificial intelligence. Nobody in this
world can give an answer.”
“Ramshankar, do not unnecessarily cause
confusion. Jeevan is a mediocre student. If only you had seen the way he
remained clueless to the questions I asked him in my class, you wouldn’t be
singing his praise now” chipped in the math professor.
Deenadhayal took in everybody’s opinions and
thought for a while.
“Ok. Make arrangements for Jeevan’s parents
to meet me tomorrow. After informing them, we will send Jeevan out of our
college.”
* * *
Jeevan and his mother were waiting in front
of Deenadhayal’s room. The apprehensive look on their faces was because they stood
wandering why the vice chancellor had summoned them both.
When the assistant informed them that they
can meet the vice chancellor, they knocked and entered his room. Deenadhayal
asked them to sit down.
“From where are you coming, madam?”
“I am from Andikuppam village near
Villupuram, sir.”
“Do you know what mistake your son has
committed?”
“He is not that kind of a person, sir.”
“Last semester, he had hacked into our
server and seen the question papers before the exam. Do you know what a big
crime he has committed?”
“I am unable to understand what you are
telling, sir. He was interested right from his childhood to study in your
college. Even without proper food or water, he used to study very hard day and
night. He used to solve big sums. There was not even a single soul to help him
with that. It is only because of his own efforts he was able to make it to your
college. As this an entirely new world to him, he would have faced some
difficulties initially. But he is a clever boy. I don’t believe he committed
any crime.”
“We have evidence to prove that he is
responsible for hacking. So we have come to the decision of expelling him from
college. This is your last day in college. Vacate your hostel room
immediately.”
“Sir, why are you talking like this? Please
don’t bury my son’s future. Son, why are remaining quiet? Explain to sir that
you did not do this.” His mother pleaded to Deenadhayal.
But Jeevan stood there motionless, with his
mouth shut.
* * *
Two days later, Deenadayal got a call from
Udhayamoorthy asking for an appointment to meet him. He replied that he could
come to his college in the evening.
At exactly, 6 that evening Deenadhayal
welcomed Udhayamoorthy in his college.
“You have arrived punctually. Your time
sense is quite sharp”"
“It is because the purpose of my visit is
more important.”
“Tell me, what is the matter?”
“Two days earlier, you had expelled a
student named Jeevan, right? I have come to talk about that.”
“About Jeevan? He did something wrong, so we
had to take action on him. Therefore, we expelled him from college. What is to
you?”
“I know Jeevan pretty well. He has not
committed any crime.”
“He has hacked into our server and seen the
question papers. We have supporting evidence too.”
“It is true that he came to the computer
center that day. But he only played games using his login id. He forgot to log
out when he left. After that, Gautham and Basheer had hacked into the server
using his id.”
“Do you have proof to substantiate what you
just said?”
“No”
“Then why do you speak such absurd things?
Jeevan is a below average student. When he is able to turn into a college
topper overnight, can you not guess that he is the culprit?”
“There are other plausible reasons.”
“Like what?”
“When we met last time in Delhi, I had
briefed you about my genetic research, right? I used Jeevan for my test run on
human beings. The effect of that test has made him an intelligent fellow.”
“What? I did not expect you to do this. What
you have done is a criminal offense.”
“What is offensive here? A poor boy from
village having endured numerous difficulties have come to the city with many
aspirations. He was unable to compete with other students born with a silver
spoon. He was made fun of day in and day out. Your educational system made a
mockery out of him and shattered his dreams. What is wrong with my research
which can flip your system for the better?”
“Udhayan, listen to this story about a
little boy. He was born in a small village near Ramanathapuram. He was from a
very very poor family. His father was a cobbler. His mother went as a laborer
to cultivated fields. The boy had very meager facilities to study. But he had a
never vanquishing desire to study. He studied with great passion. He joined an
engineering college. He worked all night to meet his college expenses. He
turned out to be a topper in his college. Do you know who that boy is?”
Udhyan shook his head puzzled.
“That boy has now turned into the person
sitting in front of you. There exists no such thing which cannot be achieved by
hard work. Best example is myself.”
“Only one among crores of people can achieve
something great like you. There is no easy method of erasing the ups and downs
in this society if we follow your ideologies.”
“I don’t wish to argue with you any further.
You may go now.”
* * *
Next day there was a sensational news in
newspaper and TV.
“A scientist named Udhayamoorthy has been
arrested. He was involved in a genetic research to enhance human intelligence.
As a result, even an ordinary man can turn into a highly brilliant man like Einstein.
Even when government refused to grant him approval, he tested this on a student
from IIT. The IIT Vice chancellor Deenadhayal has registered a complaint
against him.”
In the next couple of hours this news was
spreading like wild fire among all college students. Students quarreled among
themselves, one group in favor Udhayamoorthy and others against him.
The people took to agitation on the streets.
That was when the horrifying as well as unfortunate incident happened.
A student set himself on fire to show
support to Udhayamoorthy.
Next day another student set himself on fire
to punish Udhayamoorthy.
The government were unable to do anything to
restore law and order in the state.
However, Deenadhayal did not mind what was
happening around him and immersed himself in his routine activities.
One day, his assistant informed him that the
Chief minister wanted to meet him. Immediately he left to the Chief minister’s
residence.
“What is happening Deenadhayal? Your act has
blown into a big issue now. Immediately you have to remove the complaint you
lodged against Udhayamoorthy.”
“Will the problem be solved if I do that?
There are many people against Udhayamoorthy too. Will they be pacified?”
“We will take care of those issues. It
doesn’t concern you.”
“What Udhayan has done, is a law offence. If
you pressurize me into doing this, then I won’t hesitate to contact the prime
minister too. I hear talks going on that your government may be dissolved as
you are incapable of controlling the law and order in the state.”
“Are you trying to threaten me?”
“If you corner me then I have no other
option left.”
“Ok. You meet Udhayan and talk to him. You
make him confess in his own words that his research is wrong, it will result in
many unwanted harmful side effects and that he will discontinue it at once. If
you can do this small favor at least, you will be blessed with saving many
other innocent lives.”
“Ok. I will try my level best.”
* * *
Next day Deenadhayal met Udhayan in his cell
in prison. He was surprised to see a calmness in Udhayan’s face as that of a
saint.
“Do you know how much trouble is going on
because of you? How many people lost their lives?”
“Big changes happen only through a
revolution. You can refer to past history.”
“So many youth have lost their lives. Who is
answerable to their families?”
“They are soldiers who sacrificed their life
for a good society tomorrow.”
“The government will not leave you alone. It
will cause more headache. They will make sure that your life ends within these
four walls.”
“Why are you threatening me?”
“No I am not threatening you. You make a
statement that because of your research there are numerous unwanted harmful
side effects. I will make sure you are free man again.”
“First threatening, now bargaining.”
“I can also arrest your wife and kids.”
“I don’t have a wife or kids because I am
unmarried.”
“I have not lodged a complaint against
Jeevan till now. If you remain stubborn then you are leaving me with no other
choice but to complain about him too.”
“You can try, Deendhayal. But before that
you must find out where he is.”
“Have you kept him hidden somewhere?”
Udhyan smiled at Deenadhayal asking him to
figure out.
* * *
Two weeks had passed. But still the violence
rampant everywhere did not seem to reduce. Deenadhayal remained steadfast in
his decision without giving in to government's pressure. He followed his daily
routine as usual. He had an appointment with the Vice chancellor of Princeton
university. Then only he remembered about the project going on under
Ramshankar's leadership. He had forgotten to ask about its status among other
problems. He sent word for Ramshankar to meet him at once.
In a few minutes, Ramshankar was in
Deenadhayal’s room.
“Sir, there is a huge issue now. We realized
that the principles on which this software was written are faulty. I am now
directly involved in this project. We are working day and night to rectify the
same. But I wonder whether we can resolve the issue amicably within the limited
time available.”
“What? Do you have the slightest notion of how
it will affect us? Media from all over the world are covering the role of our
college and this research. If this news gets out then we will be the laughing
stock of the world. As per the agreement we made with Princeton university, if
we could not complete the project on the stipulated time, then we have to pay
them the losses.”
“I don’t know what to say sir.”
“What kind of irresponsible answer is this?
This can cause you to lose your job. Before you are sacked, I will be sacked.
And you are here giving me some silly answers.”
“I have an idea. But you have let go off
your stubbornness this one time. Then there is a possible way out of this
situation.”
“What is it?”
“Jeevan”
“Explain how?”
“He is the only person who can successfully
complete this project. If we can find him and make him work on this project
then I will be relieved.”
“How can you be sure that he is capable of
completing it?”
“He was able to answer the difficult
questions I asked in semester exams, right? He must be surely capable of
working on this project too.”
“No I can’t allow that. This is pertaining
to my honor.”
“You decide which is of more importance to
you? You honor or this college's wide gained respect?”
Deenadhayal thought for a while and made up
his mind. He called the police to allow him to meet Udhayan.
Next day Deenadhayal met Udhayan in his
cell. He narrated the situation he was in at the moment.
“I can definitely make Jeevan agree to help
with your research. But I sense this is some sought of conspiracy to get him
arrested. Is that so?”
“Please take a look at this letter, signed
by the chief minister himself. If Jeevan agrees to work on this project, then
you will be released, all charges against you will be dropped and Jeevan can
continue his studies in IIT. This is chief minister’s promise to you.”
“Give me a mobile phone. I will contact
Jeevan myself. In next half hour, Jeevan will be in your office.”
When Deenadhayal reached his room, he found
Jeevan waiting for him.
“I want to meet Ramshankar sir. After I have
listened to the detailed project description, I will confirm you the date in
which it will be over.”
Ramshankar was asked to come to Deenadhayal’s
room. When Jeevan was briefed about the project he said “If I were to solely
work on this project, then it can be completed in a month. But with Ramshankar’s
help it can be done in 20 days.”
“When is this project due?” Deenadhayal
enquired Ramshankar.
“We have 30 days’ time.”
“Ok. You can start on the project at once.”
* * *
One month had rolled. Jeevan and Ramshankar
completed the research successfully.
Deenadhayal and Ramshankar’s interviews were
published in newspapers worldwide. IIT’s fame was spreading all over the globe.
Udhayan was released from prison too. So the
agitations came to an end.
One fine day, Udhayan was browsing the
newspaper in his hand when he heard the calling bell. He went to open the door
and found Deenadhayal standing at his doorsteps.
Udhayan welcomed him inside and they sat
comfortably on the sofa.
“I never expected you to pay me a visit. I
thought your anger towards me will never diminish.”
“That is true. But I have come here for
another reason. Jeevan has not come to college for a while. I came to you to
know about his whereabouts.”
“I have advised him not to step out of
college without completing his bachelor’s course. I thought he will be in
hostel.”
“Can you contact him and ask?”
Udhayan called Jeevan in his mobile. But he
did not make it through.
“I will talk to his mother in village.”
“Last month he came home. He introduced a
girl called Kavya as his friend. He also said that they were planning to get
married someday. I advised him to finish his course first. He said something
like he was going to study life. I couldn’t make out much of what he said. He
said he would never set foot in college again. I let him go as per his wish. He
said he was going to try something new along with Kavya. I asked him to meet me
once every year. I don’t know where he is at the moment. Weekly he makes a call
and talks to me. Kavya also talks to me. That is all I know about him.” His
mother explained.
As Udhayan cut the call, Deenadhayal thought
of calling Kavya.
“Leave him alone. Let him be happy where
ever he is.”
Deenadhayal let out a heavy sigh and left
Udhayan’s home.
As Deenadhayal was near to the door he
turned back and said to Udhayan “Don’t think you have succeeded with your
research. In this world, everyone cannot become equal. Your philosophy faced
defeat in Russia. China went on a different tangent. At last you will one day
face defeat too.”
“I am not of the opinion that everyone can
become equal in this world. Intelligence is just another tool. I shattered the
fakeness this society has constructed by obscuring people from attaining
intelligence. Intelligence is similar to a chisel. You can carve a beautiful sculpture
or a simple stone based on the innate powers one has. This innate power is the
differentiating factor among humans. This society can never shed off its
disparities any time in the future also. I have to agree with you.”
Deenadhayal took leave from Udhayan without
another word.
8 years later
Udhayan had retired from his work and
settled in Ooty buying a small house for himself. He thought of spending his
last few days on earth in this beautiful nature’s paradise.
He made a habit of walking for an hour in
the morning and then taking rest in a nearby park.
He noticed a small boy about 4 years of age
playing in the park for the past one week.
That day the small boy had come to sit near
him beside the park bench. Udhayan took out the Rubik cube from his bag and
tried to solve it. It took him five minutes. Gone were the days when he
finished it in 2 minutes. It was a gentle reminder that he was getting old each
day.
The boy stared at the cube in his hand.
He signaled the boy whether he wanted the
cube.
The boy nodded ‘Yes’.
Udhayan gave him the cube. The boy worked at
lightning speed and solved the cube in a minute.
Udhayan was astonished at the child’s
ability “What kind of super kid is he?”
Even when Udhayan shuffled the cube several
times and gave him, he solved it all within a minute.
Udhayan probed further about him.
“What is your name?”
“Vishal”
“Where is your house?”
The boy pointed in the direction of a hotel.
“Oh! You are coming from a different city,
is it? Where are your parents?”
“They are in the hotel room.”
“What is your dad’s name?”
Then he heard someone call “Vishal”. He
swung around to see Kavya standing there.
“Vishal, what are you doing here? Whom are
you talking to? Oh! Is it Udhayan sir? It’s been quite long since we last met.”
“Kavya! I never expected to meet you here.
Jeevan?”
“I am staying together with Jeevan. It’s
been five years since we got married. This is our only son Vishal. Jeevan will
be delighted to see you, sir.”
Jeevan was seen at a distance approaching
them.
Udhayan shook hands with him and hugged him
fondly.
“Udhyan sir, what a pleasant surprise?”
“I felt very happy to know that government
at last gave its approval for your research last month. I tried to call you,
but I think your number has been changed.”
“Yes, Jeevan. What are you doing here?”
“I am travelling all around this world with
Kavya and Vishal by my side.”
“What do you do for a living?”
“I don’t restrict myself to one kind of
work. One day I am at Google corporation doing consulting, next day I am
teaching in a village school. Some other day I will be driving a lorry. My life
goes on, not bound by a single place or single work. I make enough money to
travel far and wide.”
“Then how does Vishal manage to study?”
“We are a group of ten like-minded families
travelling together. Each one is well versed in a particular field. We teach
our children. This education we provide our children is to quench their
knowledge thirst. There are no exams or marks involved. We try to create an
amazement about our world in the minds of our young children.”
“What you are saying is completely
fascinating. It is getting late now. How long will you be here? Can we meet
again sometime?”
“We are leaving for Coimbatore airport in a
while. From there we are going to Paris. Please give me your mobile number. I
will for sure contact you frequently.”
“It’s my pleasure to have met you now. I
wish you all success in your new efforts and lifestyle.”
Udhayan bid them good bye and started
walking towards his home. His face was lit up by a smile.
“Deenadhayal, I have won. I have achieved
victory only today. I have won!”
The End
Inspirations
Non Fiction – The Future of Mind – Michio
Kaku.
Hollywood Movie – Good Will Hunting
