"Aiming for the Stars: The Academy Competition"

In the heart of Bharatvarsha, a vast and majestic continent that stretches across half the world's expanse, stand towering mountain ranges like guardians, cradling the emergence of mother rivers. These life-bestowing rivers gracefully nurture the infant plains they traverse. Amidst this enchanting landscape, where untamed wildlife mingles with thriving communities.

"Further into the heart of human communities, one encounters towering statues etched with mystic incantations, temples resonating with spiritual energies that seem to dance in the air. Here, academies are the cradle of celestial talents, and towns and villages serve as the nurturing grounds where these talents take root and flourish."

Among these grounds is  a village "Ramgad " a town-sized village, welcoming the rise of golden yellow rays, slowly unveiling it behind the veil of night With the chiming sound of the temple bell at the eastern side, many ladies could be seen coming out of the temple with baskets in their hands, dressed in traditional Indian "sarees." Meanwhile, men guided their bullock carts filled with crops.

The village center boasted a massive banyan tree, its intricate roots forming a concrete border around it, serving as a gathering place for the villagers. Under its shade, the village thrived, accommodating hundreds of families, and surrounded on three sides by vast stretches of farmland, with the fourth side merging into a dense forest.

At the northern edge of the village, in a relatively large space with ample land, a group of children aged 8-9 years knelt under another magnificent banyan tree in complete silence.

A person in monk-like attire appeared, and the students greeted him in unison with a chorus of "Pranam Guruji." The guru signaled and sat on a stool with his legs crossed. This place was known as "Grukul," where the young ones of the village would receive their education until the age of 10.

The Grukul comprised rustic huts that housed ancient scrolls of wisdom, alongside an array of medicinal herbs, plants, and trees. The heart of Grukul was the banyan tree, alive with the melodious songs of countless birds, while a nearby stable provided shelter for the cows.

"As usual, we will start with yoga," the guru declared, stepping down from his stool and demonstrating various postures. The children followed him, trying to mimic the poses.

As the guru's penetrating gaze swept across the children, his voice resonated with a commanding presence, "What must we be?"

The young voices harmonized in perfect unison, "Tapas."

Guruji, maintaining his stern and authoritative tone: "What must we follow?"

Children, once again in unison without any utter delay: "Dharma."

Guruji continued with his tone, like a commanding general of the young battalion: "What must we do?"

Children followed like little soldiers with determination: "Karma."

Guruji further raised their morale and enthusiasm: "What must we have?"

Children responded in the same expected manner: "Santosha."

Guruji again with a high chorus resonating through the surroundings: "What must we radiate?"

Children answered the commanding voice in unison and high morale: "Viveka."

"Good, now let's proceed with the classes," the guru said. The Grukul continued until noon.

"Tomorrow is your qualifying exam for the academies, so you must be on time. Now disperse."

As the words echoed through the wind, the once silent atmosphere was now filled with the sounds of young children.
"Which academy will you join?" one child asked.
"Oh, me... um, I think I will join Takshashila," replied another.
"Don't dream during the day, dumb. First, you have to pass the qualifying exam," they chuckled. Slowly, most of the students dispersed.

-In the vast expanse of the Bharatvarsha continent, numerous academies thrive, shaping young talents into formidable individuals skilled in various arts such as healing, martial arts, magic, alchemy, blacksmithing, and more.

Among these institutions, five prestigious academies stand out, drawing talents from every corner of the continent to impart specialized knowledge and refine them into exceptional professionals.

Where 'Takshila' Academy is renowned for producing unparalleled martial arts warriors, while at the same time, it presents the world with formidable astrologers, delving into the mysteries of the cosmos.

While 'Nalanda' Academy takes immense pride in nurturing the finest healers on the continent, complemented by their prominent mages who wield the power of arcane arts.

Perched upon seven clouds, 'Vikrama Shila' Academy boasts a remarkable tradition of training outstanding alchemists and master blacksmiths, securing a vital role in regulating the continent's finances.

And 'Villabhi' Academy shines with its exceptional ministers and strategists, who possess the knowledge and acumen to steer the course of nations and empires.

Lastly, 'Kanchipuram' Academy spreads its wings wide, amassing profound knowledge of runes and architectural marvels, contributing to the continent's grandeur and advancement.

**
"Vijay, listen to me before you leave," Guruji said in a soft voice calling out for a young and timid kid with a handsome face, fair complexion, black hair, and a distinct painted mark with a red vertical cone-shape intersecting three white horizontal lines on his forehead, who was packing up his stuff to disperse. He looked up and replied, "Okay, Guruji."

"I know you have a lot to take care of, and I also know about your grandma's condition. But tomorrow is an important day, so you should not be late. Maybe through that, you will be able to help your grandma a little, as the first place could ask for something from the counselors," Guruji expressed with concern.

As Vijay heard the words, his blue eyes sparkled, and a curvy smile formed on his lips. "Thank you, Guruji. I will definitely not be late tomorrow." Vijay packed his bag and hurried home.

"Huff... huff... Grandma, I'm home," Vijay opened the door of their shabby old house. "Oh, my little child, come, Grandma will give you a lot of praise," an elderly woman with a weak voice said.

Vijay had been living with his grandma, who had grown frail due to her illness. So he had to take care of her, from administering medicines to feeding her spoonfuls of food.

But despite her condition, she remained a source of unwavering support and encouragement for Vijay, instilling in him valuable life lessons and good values.

Vijay pulled back the curtains, allowing sunlight to flood the room, illuminating the particles suspended in the air, causing them to glisten as they danced over the old furniture.

"Grandma, you know tomorrow is the day of academy selection. I'm definitely going to join one of the five big academies and cure your illness," Vijay said while pouring water into a bowl from a mud pot.
"Oh, really? I'm very happy for you, dear," Grandma expressed her happiness in her frail voice.

"By the way, how was your day today? Did anyone trouble you? Did Guruji say something? Tell me, and I'll definitely teach them a lesson."

"No, my strong Grandma, my day was really good. Guruji was as caring as always and taught us many fun things. Of course, I've remembered them and written them in my notebook. I'll revise them in the evening," Vijay said, serving the water in the bowl after mixing some medicine.

"Of course, you should. A proud person should..."

"Yeah, a proud person should always remember the teachings of their teacher, also one should respect their teachers above their parents and god itself. I have remembered them by heart. So now, here, take your medicine."

While chuckling with Grandma, Vijay performed some chores in the house and then lay on her lap. She ran her hand through his hair, caressing him like a puppy. None of them spoke a single word, as if they could talk even without speaking, only with their smiles. Slowly, Vijay closed his eyes and fell asleep, unbeknownst to him.

Just after a few minutes, Vijay jolted, as if forcibly waking himself up from his sleep. But to his relief, he felt Grandma's hand on his forehead, resisting him from making any further movement. He then gazed up at Grandma's face, noticing her wrinkled, pale skin covering her face as she fell asleep.

Vijay slowly and steadily removed her hand, maintaining a soft pace. He stretched his hand under her back and gently laid her down, putting a light blanket on her feet to repel mosquitoes.

Like a daily routine, Vijay ran from his house on the southern side of the village to the village smithy at the western edge, taking the longest route possible. He pushed himself daily to the limit, running until he felt like collapsing and lay on the ground under a neem tree in front of the smithy.
And, as if rewarding himself for his long run, he gazed upon the smiths working in the smithy, where he then got so immersed that he lost track of time...

"How many times have I told you not to waste your time here?" a voice startled Vijay.

"Ah... oh... um... hello, Mr. Singh. How are you doing today? He... he... he..." Vijay chuckled apologetically.

"It's dark. Head back home. Don't you have any sense of what time it is?" Mr. Singh frowned.

"He... he... he... Sorry, I didn't notice that the sun had already set. Bye, Mr. Singh." Vijay ran hurriedly.

"This brat... I better not find you here tomorrow," Mr. Singh shouted.
Vijay reached home, woke up his grandma, and ignited the candles and diyas, illuminating a radiance inside the shabby house. He ignited the hearth and chopped some vegetables while cooking dalia (porridge) for Grandma and some irregularly shaped chapati for himself.

"Here is the food, Grandma," Vijay said, holding a plate with porridge and cooked cereal. "Mmm... what is this, only Dalia every day? I don't want to eat it," Grandma whined.

"You can't refuse. Your health only allows you to eat liquefied food, so stop whining," Vijay said, stretching his hand and holding a spoon.

“Now stop whining, and open your mouth. Aaaa... hmm... By the way, Grandma, if I get a choice to join an academy, which one should I join?”

“Hmm... gulp... nom... I only want my boy to join the one he wants to and live happily.

So join which one you want to. What really matters to me is that you can learn new things there for a happy life, my dear.”

“Now give me this bowl. Go and eat your food or else it will become cold.”
“Okay, he he he,” Vijay chuckled.

After finishing their meal, they talked for a while before he put her to sleep and headed to the backyard with his school bag.

The house Vijay and his grandma were living in was bigger compared to the other houses in the village, but due to its old and weak infrastructure, no boy wanted to settle in it, so the village head gave the house to them.
The house had a little vacant space behind it, like a small lawn, a large rock, and a guava tree attached to the roof, which Vijay used to climb up to the roof.

“It's pretty late today, but just as Grandma said, consistency is the key. So, if I want to make Grandma happy, I have to get into one of the big five academies, and for that, I have to practice every day... Let's stop whining and get on with it.”

Vijay took a notebook out of his school bag. It was an old notebook, yet there seemed to be no trace of wear and tear. He skipped a stack of pages, turning over to a printed page displaying a set of pictures and texts depicting some movements related to spear techniques.

He put the notebook in front of him, picked up a flexible, thick wooden stick, and started to follow the movements. He followed them as if he was practicing them consistently, yet there were some points where he got stuck, hindering the flow of the technique.

“I’m still unable to cover up these movements. Let's check this book once more,” he flipped back the pages and noticed a note written over the introduction of the technique.

"The 'Basic Spear Techniques' provide a base for footwork and channeling of force. One must keep these two aspects in mind when learning/using this technique. Channel the force from the toe to the fingers."

Just as Vijay went through the note, he immediately remembered what Guruji had taught them about channeling force from the foot to the hand. He stood up, picked up the stick again, and started performing the techniques once more.

Just as Guruji had told him, he channeled the force from his toe through his hip, towards the shoulder, maintaining the consistency until it reached the final point, the fingers.

“Yes, now it seems clear. Let's practice ten times more.”
Although Vijay was still young, activities like daily running around the village and practicing smithing had toned his muscles and fibers, providing a basic foundation for the spear techniques.

“Huff... huff. Let's end it here, or I might get scolded by Guruji if I end up late tomorrow.”

After a little rest, Vijay finished revising his work and completed his homework from Gurukul before going to sleep.


The next day, Vijay woke up earlier than his usual schedule. He swiftly completed his morning chores, took a refreshing bath, and then picked up a basket adorned with fresh flowers and ripe fruits. With determination in his heart, he set out towards the village temple.

The temple stood to the east, its towering white spire crowned with a saffron flag. The temple grounds sprawled over a considerable area, with well-defined spaces for various rituals and offerings. The heart of the temple, where the morning prayers echoed, lay at its center.

Amidst the tranquility, people offered flowers and fruits to the sacred statues of the gods, and the air was filled with the fragrant embrace of incense sticks and the soft glow of lit diyas. Before ascending the temple stairs, each visitor removed their slippers, washed their hands and feet, and then entered the hallowed grounds.

Vijay followed these customs meticulously, his heart heavy with concern for his beloved Grandma. He offered prayers for her well-being, then made his way back home.

As the sun bathed his house in its warm morning glow, Vijay carefully extinguished all the diyas, allowing the daylight to flood in. He drew back the curtains, ushering in the gentle radiance of the new day.

In the cozy kitchen, he prepared breakfast for both himself and Grandma. With dedication, he ground the medicinal herbs required for her daily treatment. Finally, he gently woke her, providing support as she sat up and served her a nutritious meal.

"Perform well in your examination, Vijay," Grandma whispered weakly.
"Of course, Grandma," Vijay replied with a smile. "Just wait; I'll be at the top of the class."

"Don't be full of yourself, you brat," Grandma teased.
Vijay chuckled, "Don't worry, Grandma. I'm going to try my hardest and achieve excellent scores."

As he packed his bag, Grandma's soft voice reached him again. "Vijay, remember to eat something sweet before you leave."

"Okay, Grandma, I'll have something sweet. And I promise, one day I'll join a prestigious healing academy. I'll become a healer and cure all your ailments."

"Cough... cough..."

Alarmed, Vijay turned to Grandma and saw her slump, unconscious, against his shoulder. He gasped as he realized her mouth was stained with crimson. Panic surged through him. "Grandmaaa..."

Without hesitation, he lifted her gently onto his back and dashed towards the village clinic.


"I will not let you... I will not... please... please, Grandma, please just hold on until we reach the doctor, please..." Vijay cried abruptly, carrying Grandma on his back.

"Doctor... doctor... ple... please come out, my... my Grandma... she..." Vijay's hands were trembling, yet he held Grandma firmly. His body was about to give up as he was covered in shivers.

The doctor ran to Vijay. "What happened, Vijay? What happened to her?" the doctor asked.

"Sh... she..." Vijay stuttered, the glow in his eyes diminishing as he moved his head down.

"Okay, Vijay, calm down. I will save her. Just calm down, okay?" the doctor said, calming Vijay down, as he took Grandma inside a room for a check-up.

Listening to the doctor, Vijay's eyes filled with tears, making his dried eyes sparkle again. "Please... please just save her..." he cried abruptly.
After some time, the doctor came out of the room and consoled Vijay, giving him a glass of water. "Everything is fine, Vijay. She is okay. She just needs a little bit of rest. Go and take your selection exam."

Vijay wiped away his tears, drank the water, and asked while stuttering, "Really... bu... but... how do you know that today is my selection exam?"
The doctor replied, smiling, "Your grandma told me just now. She said that she will be waiting for you to show her your academy crest."

"Really? Then tell her to wait just a bit. I will go, win the first place, and show her my academy crest," Vijay said, standing up and running towards the Grukul.

The doctor sighed, looking somewhat worried, and shouted, "Good luck, Vijay!"

Vijay ran up to the Grukul from the clinic. But as he reached the Grukul, it was all empty.

Not a single student could be spotted. Then suddenly, he spotted Guruji with some people sitting and chatting in the announcement hall. He ran up to them and shouted, "Guruji, umm... I... I am sorry I am late... Can I take the exams?" Vijay asked in a worried tone.

.

.

.

....✦Chapter ended "you" jumpers.... what are you looking for hmm...?✦

✽✽✽✽

--------------------------------------------------------------

Meanings and words

✽✽✽✽

1. Sarees - Traditional Indian clothing worn by women, consisting of a long piece of fabric draped around the body.

2. Pranam - A respectful greeting or salutation in Hindi, meaning "bowing down" or "paying respects."

3. Grukul - A Hindi term for a traditional school or educational institution.

5. Tapas - A Sanskrit word meaning "austerity" or "discipline," often associated with spiritual practices and self-control.

6. Dharma - A Sanskrit term representing moral and ethical duties, righteousness, and the natural order of things in Hinduism and Buddhism.

7. Karma - A Sanskrit word meaning "action" or "deed," representing the cosmic principle of cause and effect.

8. Santosha - A Sanskrit term for contentment, satisfaction, or finding inner peace in one's present circumstances.

9. Viveka - A Sanskrit word meaning "discrimination" or "discernment," emphasizing the ability to distinguish between right and wrong or truth and illusion.

10. Guru G - A term used to address a respected teacher or spiritual mentor in Indian culture, combining the word "guru" (teacher) with the suffix "ji" (a respectful term of address).

11. Porridge - A dish made by boiling grains or legumes in milk or water, often served as a breakfast meal.

12. Dalia - A type of porridge made from cracked wheat or broken wheat, commonly consumed in Indian households.

13. Namaste - A common Indian greeting, often accompanied by a slight bow with palms pressed together, expressing respect and reverence.

14. Tai ji - A term of respect used to address an older woman, similar to "aunty."

15. Diyas - Small oil lamps traditionally lit during religious ceremonies or festivals in India.

16.Tripundra - Tripundra is a sacred Hindu symbol consisting of three horizontal lines and a red 'tilak' intersecting them, drawn on the forehead with sacred ash or sandalwood paste.

17. Tilak - It is a scared Hindu symbol consisting a vertical triangular shape drawn on the forehead.

✽✽✽✽