मार झेलती हथेलियां और पुरस्कार

Summary

The narrative centers on Tapan, a new student at Jnanpith High School, who is physically strong, intelligent, but also known for his mischievous and rebellious nature. He has a strong sense of justice, defending the helpless and confronting wrongdoers, but his methods are disruptive. Shortly after joining the school, a local merchant, Hen Mahajan, complains to the Headmaster that Tapan led a group of boys to throw stones at his shop. When questioned, Tapan admits to the act but explains that the merchant cheats customers by overcharging and giving short weight, and had insulted him when confronted. The Headmaster punishes Tapan with five cane strokes. Later, Tapan attempts to tame a dangerous bull that has been terrorizing the area. He jumps on its back and tries to control it with a rope, but the bull charges into a classroom, causing panic and damaging school property. For this, the Headmaster gives him fifteen cane strokes and fines him twenty-five rupees, warning of expulsion for future offenses. That same evening, the Headmaster sees Tapan helping an elderly beggar woman who is ill, carrying her basket and supporting her. The Headmaster learns from the woman that Tapan is the only one who helped her. Two weeks later, the Headmaster finds Tapan tenderly treating the same bull, whose leg has been broken by someone. Tapan explains that the bull has reformed since being tamed and now fears humans, so he feels compelled to help the suffering animal. Moved by Tapan’s compassion, the Headmaster’s eyes fill with tears. At the school’s annual prize distribution ceremony, the Headmaster announces a special award for the most virtuous student. After other prizes are given, the Headmaster declares that this special prize, consisting of books on the lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri, will be awarded to Tapan of the fifth class.