17 - Humane Religion

Once Narayan and his friend were passing by on a road. Narayan was narrating the incidents of God while walking. His friend was listening interestingly. Meanwhile a young boy from the roof of a closeby house fell down. People gathered around him. The boy had injured his head. He was bleeding profusely. People were talking among themselves that he was injured badly. Narayan and his friend reached there. The boy was unconscious. Narayan carried the boy immediately. The friend advised, ‘Leave it. So many people are standing around. No one is trying to help him out. Why do you take the trouble? ’ Narayan said, ‘It is our duty as a human to help someone in trouble. If you want to join me, please come with me.’ The friend followed Narayan. Narayan took the boy to a hospital in a rickshaw. Doctor checked up the injury. He recommended another doctor to treat him. The doctor asked Naryan, ‘How did it happen? ’ Narayan replied, ‘I do not know anything. May be he fell down while playing on the roof.’ Doctor asked, ‘Are you related to the boy? ’ Narayan said, ‘I am not a relative. I do not even know him. I have only performed my duty as a human.’ At that moment, another doctor came and informed the first one, ‘The boy has lost a lot of blood. He would need blood. If he does not get the blood immediately, his life is in danger.’ Narayan requested, ‘Please, check up my blood group.’ Narayan’s friend protested, ‘Narayan this is too much. We have admitted the boy into the hospital. You have performed your duty. Now, there is no need to give blood also.’ Narayan pleaded, ‘If the life of this boy could be saved by donating a little blood, I will certainly do that.’ Incidentally Narayan’s blood group matched with the boy’s blood group. Narayan donated blood and was waiting outside. The friend suggested, ‘Now let us go back to the hostel.’ Narayan said, -‘Let the parents of the boy arrive. We shall leave afterwards. We cannot leave the boy alone.’ Other friends of Narayan also came to know about the incident and they reached the hospital. The parents of the boy also arrived. Doctor indicated Narayan and said to the parents, ‘This young man has saved the life of your son. He brought the boy to the hospital on time. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to save his life. He has donated his blood to your son and saved his life.

The parents of the boy were grateful. They spoke to Narayan with gratitude, ‘We shall never forget your kindness. You have obliged us. Our son is saved because of you.’ Narayan replied politely, ‘It is all right. I have performed my duty.’ The parents tried to give money as a reward. Narayan refused, ‘I do not want money.’ The parents insisted, ‘You are staying in a hostel. It will be useful to you.' Narayan repeated, ‘I have done my duty. Money should not be taken to perform one’s duty.’ The parents thanked Narayan once again. Narayan took leave. The friends congratulated, ‘Great, Narayan! You have done very well.’ They praised his deed. Narayan was looking satisfied by saving the life of a boy.

Difficult words:
Profusely - In great quantity
Gratitude - Thankfulness

Points to ponder:
- Muktaraj teaches that as a human it is our duty to help someone in trouble.
- Muktaraj also teaches us that we must help others without any expectation of reward or favour.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. What was Narayan narrating to his friend?
2. From where did the boy fall down?
3. How did Narayan help the boy?
4. What did the parents of the boy offer Narayan?
5. Why did Narayan refuse to accept money?

Fill in the blanks :
1. It is our _____________ as a ____________ to help someone in trouble.
2. I am not a _____________.
3. If he does not get ____________ immediately his ________would be in danger.
4. We shall never forget your _____________.
5. I can not accept money to perform my______.