The Table Fan

It was the 15th of August 1947, the country had gained Independence. An atmosphere of jubilation had swept the nation. An elated 13 year old  Kabir stood in his school compound queued up in a disciplined manner waiting for sweets to be distributed. He was one of the most brilliant students of the school, not only good  in Maths and Science but also had a flair for languages, which made him special . Deep within Kabir felt euphoric that day. The country had been liberated and it was not going to be long before he could be away from his small town earning money for a much better life for himself, his father and his very loving younger brother. That would be his liberation and he wanted it desperately.

The Initial Struggles

The early loss of Kabir’s mother had left a chaotic household. His father, though tried his best, was unable to run the show, as a homemaker would  do. Things were in a bit of a disarray which affected the house badly and also Kabir’s relation with his father unfortunately soured. After school he would either read  newspapers or visit the local electric repair shop. He had taken a fancy for repairing electrical and mechanical items and would  more often than not help out the aged owner. His power to grasp was exceptional and very quickly he became more than an asset for the old man’s business. However the older statesman discouraged Kabir’s involvement in the shop and advised him to study as long as he could, but Kabir had his own mind and he was not going to be dissuaded by any advice whatsoever.

He cleared his Class X in 1949 and thereafter appeared for a competitive exam for enrolment in a 2 year electrical apprentice course at the District Polytechnic. With power plants  and  steel plants coming up due to a major focus on industrialisation post independence, Kabir was certain that there were enough opportunities for him once he had the certificate in his hand. He had worked very hard for the exam and was certain of clearing it. A few months passed away without any intimation of the results. Kabir was extremely worried, when one fine day, the neighbours handed over a letter to him. It was the intimation he was waiting for from the Polytechnic.

The Bad News

The good news was that Kabir had cleared the examination, but the bad news was more telling. The last date of completing formalities and seeking admission had already elapsed by a month. There was nothing Kabir could do, he had lost a year, a year of opportunities. He had so badly wanted this. A heartbroken Kabir lay listless, the pain had moistened his eyes, the pain equally shared by his younger brother. After the jolt had settled a bit, Kabir was urged by his brother to visit the Polytechnic and request them for admission. It was not his mistake to receive the letter late.

“ Sorry son, you are too late. Come next year “, came a quick reply from the admission clerk. “ Sir, I need this admission desperately, please consider. I will lose a year “, requested Kabir . “ Ask your father to come and meet the Head Master, though that still would be futile “, even before the clerk could complete his statement Kabir was off in a flash to the Head Master’s room. The peon at the door just wouldn’t allow Kabir to enter. “ C’mon boy go home, Head Master Sir doesn’t meet anyone like this”, but Kabir was not listening to any of this. 

The Strange Offer

He barged inside and stood infront of a stunned  Head Master, who appeared upset and sternly asked, “ What do you want ?”, Kabir poured out his heart, the agony of the child just softened the Head Master a bit and he politely replied, “ You are too late, I am sorry I can’t be of any help to you. You go home “. But Kabir was not budging, he pleaded vehemently. It was getting difficult for the  Head Master to get rid of him and so he came up with an offer. “ Ok. I will admit you if you can repair that Table Fan lying in the corner”.

Kabir swung into action immediately. Asked for a few tools and a wire and started working on the Table Fan in one corner of the room. He had to bring all his experience which he had gained at the electrical repair shop. The Head Master got engaged in his work as well and the morning gave way to a hot and  humid afternoon and eventually it was time for the Head Master to leave, with Kabir still struggling with the Fan. “It’s not your cup of tea son, this Table Fan won’t work. You please go home”. “ Pls give me another 10 minutes Sir, I am trying hard “. Kabir had been working without a break on the Fan with no success. 

Eureka

The 10 minutes went up to an hour which was enough for the Head Master to lose his cool. He stood fuming and yelled at Kabir “ I am not going to stay here and watch you play with this Fan. Just pack up and leave “. A dejected Kabir had given his everything. It was not his day he felt, as he turned the  screws, packed up the fan and for one last time pressed the switch.  There was  a loud screech and the  Fan came to life .

It was Kabir’s Eureka moment as the Head Master watched the Fan work with absolute bewilderment. The initial shock turned into a wry smile and it was time for him to honour his offer and so he did, directing his staff to grant  admission immediately. The Head Master ordered a cup of tea and some biscuits for Kabir too. He had realised that the child had not had even a drop of water since morning. Kabir’s resilience had paid. His happiness knew no bounds. All the pain and agony had vanished as he left for home.

Kabir was outstanding in the two years at the Polytechnic and was picked by an International  Company to work in an upcoming power plant. Kabir mastered his skill with sheer hardwork and gifted intelligence and became a sought after employee in the company. As the years progressed Kabir worked on various locations in different continents across the world and earned both money and fame in good measure. He helped his brother complete his education and ensured a good future for him too. Kabir had eventually earned his liberation.

Kabir’s a story of hardwork, strength of character,  dogged determination and a huge lesson encapsulated for all of us.

Master a skill and be relentless   at it… you never know a ‘Table  Fan’ might just be coming your way .