"Of the two professors who handle our classes, whom do you like better?" asked Kala."Bhaskar, undoubtedly. Why do you ask this question at all? Every one in our class will pick Bhaskar" said Anu.
"Initially, I also thought that Bhaskar was better of the two. But, subsequently, I had to change my opinion!"
"Why?"
"Bhaskar has an attractive appearance, no doubt. He dresses up well. Though he has been wearing spectacles, he has chosen an attractive frame. This has made his spectacles give a boost to his appearance. But, Sundar is just the opposite of Bhaskar, in terms of appearance."
"Yes. 'Sundar' means beautiful, but he has a face like that of a mouse" said Anu, laughing.
"That's what I am trying to say. We are inclined to judge anyone based on their appearance. But I think that Bhaskar is not very strong on the knowledge front."
"Who cares to know how much knowledge a professor has. What is important is how he presents himself, how he conducts himself and how interesting he is. Bhaskar's classes are lively. He cracks jokes in the class. In contrast, Sundar looks dull. His classes are boring. He never talks about anything outside his subject. He is not well dressed, either. If a person's appearance is unimpressive and in addition, his classes are dull, how will anyone like him?" asked Anu.
"What I say and what you say are the same!" said Kala.
"You started this topic. Why are you making this comparison now?"
"We have to choose our guide for our project. That's why I wanted to seek your opinion on who among the two will be a better guide."
"Fortunately, in our college, they give us the freedom to choose our guide. I am going to choose Bhaskar. But, I am afraid a lot of students will opt for Bhaskar. So, I am not sure whether I will get him as my guide!" said Anu.
"I don't have this problem. I am going to opt for Sundar!" said Kala.
"Thank God. You are only choosing a project guide, not a life partner!" said Anu, with a mocking smile.
"That's my point, precisely" quipped Kala, smiling.
"My project has not been progressing at all. I don't know what the next step should be" said Anu.
"Did you ask your project guide Bhaskar for help?" asked Kala.
"I had approached him several times. He has not given me any specific guidance. He says something in general, which is not helpful at all. I am beginning to think that he lacks in-depth knowledge of several concepts" said Anu. After a brief pause, she added, "I have to accept that your assessment of Mr. Bhaskar is accurate. He has only surface-level knowledge."
Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 41
Lack of Education
nuN mAN nuzhai pulam illAn ezhil nalam
maN mAN punai pAvai aRRu.
Meaning:
A person who has no in-depth learning and intellectual acumen,
is as impressive as a doll made of mud.
(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'vazhikAtti' by the same author.)
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