The Handicap (682 words)

                                       
                                      Today is World Teacher's Day 2025 (682 words)

Arjun was an eleven-year-old boy studying in class five. A small, puny boy with a round face, he always wore a pleasant smile that could brighten anyone’s day. Though bright and attentive in class, he was seated in the last row. One might wonder what was wrong with that — except that Arjun was affected by polio in one leg and used a crutch to walk.

Despite his cheerful nature, the other students rarely mixed with him. During recess, while everyone else played on the grounds, Arjun would sit quietly on a bench, watching them play or reading a book. Some of the meaner boys teased him cruelly, calling him names like “one-legged horse” or “crutchy.” A few even took perverse pleasure in kicking away his crutch to make him stumble. But Arjun never lost his temper. He would simply smile and laugh along, disarming their cruelty with quiet dignity.

One morning, the class teacher noticed him and said gently, “Arjun, why don’t you sit in the first bench? You’re short, and it’s hard for me to see you from the back.”

Arjun smiled and replied politely, “Sir, I prefer sitting at the back. It’s easier to rest my crutch against the wall where it won’t trouble others. And I can still see the blackboard clearly.”

The teacher nodded thoughtfully, but a look of concern crossed his face. He didn’t press further, though the boy’s quiet acceptance of his condition touched him deeply.

A week later, preparations began for the school’s annual sports meet. The teacher announced events like a running race, long jump, high jump, marathon, lemon-and-spoon race, musical chairs, obstacle race and sack race. Students excitedly formed groups and filled out their participation forms. Arjun sat alone, watching the bustle quietly. No one invited him to join.

At the end of the day, the teacher collected the forms. When Arjun limped up with his crutch to hand it in, the class burst into laughter. The teacher’s face darkened. He slammed his ruler on the desk.

“What is there to laugh about, you silly boys?” he thundered. The room fell silent.

Then, turning to Arjun, the teacher said softly, “My dear boy, participation isn’t compulsory. You can watch the events and cheer your friends if you like.”

Arjun looked up with a calm smile. “No, Sir. I wish to be like everyone else — a normal participant. I’ve registered for the sack race. My friends will all be handicapped too, with their legs tied in sacks. God has already given me one. I think that makes us even, Sir. Please let me take part.”

The teacher’s eyes moistened. He took off his glasses and wiped them with his handkerchief before accepting the form. There was pin-drop silence in the classroom. For the first time, everyone looked at Arjun with a mix of admiration and guilt.

When the sports day arrived, the sack race was the final event. The entire school had gathered to watch. Everyone knew Arjun was competing. Fifteen boys, including Arjun, stood at the starting line. There were no special concessions for him. He positioned his crutch, ready to hop forward with determination in his eyes.

At the whistle, the boys began hopping awkwardly in their sacks, and Arjun surged forward, unafraid of falling. The crowd held its breath as he took the lead, determination etched on his face. When he finally crossed the finish line, breaking the tape ahead of everyone, the school erupted into thunderous applause. The entire audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation.

The Principal himself walked to Arjun, gently patted his shoulder, and asked with a smile, “How do you feel, Arjun, on winning the race?”

Arjun replied, still smiling, “I feel normal, Sir — just like any other boy. And very happy to be part of this meet.”

His classmates rushed around him, cheering, “Hip, hip, hooray for Arjun!”

The teacher, standing at a distance, watched with pride and moist eyes. He knew that day, it wasn’t just a boy who had won a race: it was courage, humility, and the human spirit that had triumphed.