Small Story 216.

Small Story 216. Education Deserves Respect Revathy was disappointed that her granddaughter Shreya had decided not to come for the vacation this time. Shreya explained to her grandmother that there were a lot of changes in their administration, and even the rules for legal students had become stricter. She was afraid of the consequences if she left without completing another year of her course. Revathy felt sad, but her husband, Ram, agreed with Shreya's decision. "Education is very important and should not be disturbed," he said. "It's the foundation for a secure future." Shreya’s parents lived in Bengaluru, while Ram and Revathy had settled in Tambaram, Chennai after Ram retired from the bank. They had built a beautiful house there. Their only daughter, Nandhini, worked in Bengaluru, and her husband, Satish, was a doctor. Revathy had been eagerly expecting Shreya to visit the following week. She had even prepared Shreya's favorite dishes, but now her excitement had turned into disappointment. Just then, Ram returned from shopping. He shared some news with Revathy: “You know my friend Ramamirtham? His grandson got selected by a university in the US but now hesitates to go. The ongoing deportation issues, illegal migration crackdowns, and the policies of President Trump have made many families worried about sending their children abroad.” Revathy nodded thoughtfully. “Our country is doing its best to safeguard our students, but political will is needed to support them on an international level.” Finally, both Ram and Revathy decided to pray to their deity. They hoped the ongoing crisis would come to an end peacefully, and that the US would regain its reputation for world-class education. "Prayer is the only answer now," they both agreed, folding their hands with hope. K.Ragavan 15-4-25