*Friday Fictioneers is talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful PHOTO PROMPT ©Jan Wayne Fields. The picture brought one word to my mind – FREEDOM! I give here a bit of Indian history!
The primary school at Ratnagiri, the teacher enters the class after the interval. Groundnut shells scattered in the classroom.
“Who scattered the groundnut shells like this?”
“Speak, who ate the groundnuts?”
Teacher decides to punish the entire class and starts to give each boy two cuts with his cane. Bal’s turn. He does not hold out his hand.
“I did not eat the groundnuts. So I will not receive the cuts.”
“Then who ate the groundnuts?”
“It is said that carrying tales is bad. So I won’t tell.”
Even at that young age it was Tilak’s nature to protest against injustice.
*Swaraj means national or local self-government in India
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, considered the Father of Indian National Movement, founded of the “Deccan Education Society” to impart quality education to India’s youth. He was a member of the Municipal Council of Pune, Bombay Legislature, an elected ‘Fellow’ of the Bombay University.
MULLINGSPICE 
I like his courage, his audacity.
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Yes. That’s what he exhibited all through his life and inspired many!
Thanks!
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He was one who inspired. 🙂 I like where the prompt has taken your muse.
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Thank you!
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Thank you for this interesting piece of history and telling us about such a great character.
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I admire his values and bravery in sticking up for what he believes in. Nicely done.
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Great bravery and interesting that the prompt took you there
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Great tale, and yes we need more people telling the truth.
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Bal was brave to stand his ground – I hope the teacher learned a lesson from him.
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Dear Sabina,
Thank you for sharing that bit of history. I’d never heard of him. He sounds like a wonderful man. Good story, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an inspiration. Thanks for sharing part of his story.
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A great historical bit of biographical information on an influential leader, Sabina. I’ve learned something reading this. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Really good story, Sabina. I had never heard of this guy. You have educated me some, which is terrific and always appreciated.
Tell me, what exactly ARE groundnuts?
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Thank you!
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He was always like that till the end of his life! Thanks
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Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
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Absolutely true!
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Thank you. Really look forward to your comments!
Groundnuts are Asian peanuts. We eat them boiled or roasted. You can get groundnut oil and the seeds are used to garnish rice dishes.
Nothing like roasted groundnuts, salted or spiced, with hot tea on a rainy day!
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https://www.google.co.in/search?q=groundnut&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=FlabV5auFe_H8gejn6SgCw
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Hope so. I think he did!
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Thank you!
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Thank you Dawn!
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Thanks Suzanne. Sorry for the late reply. Lots of things happening all around!
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