Star Diary

Last week while going to Shahjahanpur by rickshaw, I saw the rickshaw puller beaming with happiness. After a couple of minutes of chatter, I came to know that his son was currently studying at the Notre Dame College. “I am very proud of my son. He received golden GPA in both his JSC and SSC exams. He is also doing extremely well in his college exams as a student of science,” Mizanur Rahman, the rickshaw puller, said with pride. I asked him whether any rich or influential person offered help to get his son enrolled to a good school or college. He replied in the positive and said that many of them even contacted him later on offering financial support and assistance. However, the poor rickshaw puller asked them to keep his family in their prayers and pray that the Almighty lets his son succeed on his own merit. He further added that if he need be, he would work all his life to support his son’s education financially but would not seek the help of others. I was astounded by his sense of honour. Fathers like Mr Rahman are really worthy of praise. I wish him and his son all the very best. As the saying goes, “Wisdom is neither inheritance nor legacy.”
Bipul K Debnath
Dhaka College, Dhaka

We Shall Overcome

Last week, after the end of another work day, I went to the Chittagong railway station to receive an uncle from there. I saw two young lads standing at the station, with two heavy travel bags on their shoulders, waiting for their train to appear. They started talking about a forthcoming bank recruitment test which would be held the next day. One of them seemed very frustrated about failing in several recruitment examinations. He was very annoyed with himself as he questioned his ability to get a job. I approached them and after the customary greetings, I asked them how many exams they had to take. I learnt that they were fresh graduates of a reputed university and had taken a few recruitment exams. I informed them of the number of exams I had to take and then told them of my current job and position at my workplace. My failure rate and the patience to yet keep trying for the ideal job shocked them. However, after listening to me, the gloomy expression on their face was replaced by an optimistic look. Frustration and pessimism won't achieve anything but will only down your sprits. If you seek to reach your destination, you need be patient and have a positive attitude.   
M A Akad Masud
United Commercial Bank
Chittagong