Sathya’s education commences in the traditional manner with a formal religious initiation ceremony performed at home, with Kondama presiding. Sathya who is not supposed to know anything yet, surprises the priest. He is given a slate and the priest tries to get the young student to write a salutation to God.
PRIEST: I shall show You how to write. We shall begin with the salutation: Om Namaha!
SATHYA (writes): Om Namaha, Sivahaya, Siddam Namaha.
Everyone is stunned. The priest realises that he is no longer needed and prepares to withdraw.
PRIEST: [To Kondama Raju] The formal initiation into learning is over. You can now admit Him to School and let Him study there. Sathya is very intelligent.
KONDAMA RAJU: My grandson will not only write on the slate but, when He grows up, will rewrite the lives of people by lighting the lamp of Wisdom in their hearts. Is that not true Sathyam? |
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END OF SCENE 2
VENKAMA RAJU: Sathya, You must listen carefully, and absorb the lessons taught by the teacher. You must study diligently and earn a good name!
KONDAMA RAJU: [laughs] You will know later how well Sathya will be studying! Hey grandson! Come, I’ll walk with You up to the end of the street.
Meanwhile, friends come to pick up Sathya and accompany Him to school.
FRIENDS: Sathyam, Sathyam!
EASWARAMMA: [to Sathya] Your friends have come. [to the boys] All of you stay together and go carefully.
BOYS: We will.
KONDAMA RAJU: Come on boys! I too will come with you.
VENKAMA RAJU: [to E.Amma] Looks like your father-in-law is going to school to study!
EASWARAMMA: Is there a better school than him? Is there a greater temple than his mind? Sathyam is very lucky to be his grandson. I feel so happy!
VENKAMA RAJU: Let’s go inside; I am feeling hungry!
