Years later, the question still haunts

SS Chhina

The bustle of teacher union’s elections at the end of every academic session was an annual feature. About 150 teachers of Khalsa College Amritsar was a significant contingent of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union. I was a candidate for the office of president. Every candidate was using all possible ways to muster maximum favour in the elections. My focus was to approach the maximum number of teachers in the college or at their residences in the evening. Prof Mohan Singh of the English Department was known for his neutrality and rapport with everyone, but was of the opinion that there should be no elections. Rather, anybody willing to donate time should be selected amicably. He also held impressive influence, and so, every candidate approached him and pleaded for support. Nobody, however, could change his stance.

I met him a number of times on the college campus, we exchanged pleasantries, but I never talked about the elections because I had planned to visit his house for this most important objective.

Accompanied by a colleague, I went to his house one evening. I saw his pleasant, smiling face while receiving us. After the usual pleasantries, I requested him to bolster my candidature and sought support with the words: ‘Sir, please give me a chance to serve this time.’ He smiled and replied that he would vote for me, but added that I would have to answer a single question. I observed the whimsical change that was paradoxical to his neutral stance, and was curious to know his question. Meanwhile, my colleague enquired if he was willing to extend support, he may give the right answer to the question! He remained mum for a moment, and retorted: ‘No, he can answer 

the question the next day, or even after the elections.’ 

Then he went on. Prior to the electrification in rural areas, there was no facility of electric fans. At village congregations on festive occasions, the gurdwara management used to supply huge hand-fans to the audience. Sturdy young men, one for each fan, would hold its flag-like pole in the palm of the left hand and start flagging it in order to generate the constant circulation of air. When one got tired, some other youth would volunteer his services to carry on the arduous task of fanning the audience by hand, providing people cool comfort from the scorching summer heat. Then, he posited the question: ‘My question is: Are you going to provide some similar sewa (service) if elected?’ 

Really, it was a big puzzle. 

The professor cast his vote in my favour and I got elected. It has been long since I have retired. We have met, and continue to meet, on various occasions, but his question still haunts me. And still, I have no answer.