In plain words
They ask for ‘property’, but they do not ask for a ‘proper mind’. A ‘proper mind’ must come. It is that which takes one to the heights. Along with learning, good qualities too must grow. We must look after our parents. We must keep them close. As they grow old, we must care for them with great tenderness.
Your future rests on your own conduct
Long ago a well-known Hindi writer named Premchand sent his two sons to Allahabad to study. Once, as the parents were passing through Allahabad by train, they sent word to the two boys to come to the station and meet them. The elder boy, as soon as he came, bowed with humility and respect and touched his parents’ feet. The younger one did not bow. ‘Hello Father, hello Mother,’ he said. Seeing his behaviour, the mother was a little hurt. “Is this what he has learned after so much study?” she grieved. But she said nothing aloud.
“My children! How are you? Are you studying well?” she asked. The elder son: “Mother! We are studying well. But you seem to be suffering a great deal because we are away. Take care of your health. Only when you are well are we happy,” he said, speaking softly and sweetly. The younger one asked nothing at all about his parents’ health. “I need more money,” he said. Just then the signal was given for the train. ‘My children! It is time. We are leaving. Let us meet on our way back,’ they said. The train set off. From the window the parents watched their sons. The elder son stood bowing to his parents until the train was gone. The younger one stood with his hands in his pockets, gazing carelessly somewhere else. The mother was deeply pained.
“For the sake of this mad education you have sent our children away from us. The younger one is turning into a beast,” she said to her husband, grieving. “He is still a little boy. Give it some time and he will learn good from bad for himself,” he said. “He is already studying for his degree.