I have to confess that for a long time I associated Premchand’s writing with a kind of morose sentimentality. How and why that thought anchored itself in my head I have no clue, but it was no doubt a result of my ignorance.

I “discovered” Premchand in the last few years and am glad to be proven wrong. His writing has the depth and breadth that few other authors can claim. His observations are sharp, his humour sparkling and even the minor characters in his writing become unforgettable. And then there’s his personal life- his commitment to progressive writing, the relationship he shared with his writer wife- Shivrani, his commitment to his art. I keep adding to the list.

I am glad to share a story today that is as incisive a commentary on education, as it is witty.