Naren Worships Mother Ganga

A fictional narrative based on incidents from the childhood of Swami Vivekananda.

- GITANJALI MURARI

Naren peeped into his father’s office and finding him alone, went inside. Putting his pen down, Vishwanath Datta remarked, “I can tell by just looking at your face that you’ve thought of a new scheme!”

“Yes, baba,” Naren beamed, “my friends and I want to worship mother Ganga on Poush Sankaranti…the festival is in a few days— ”

“Worship Ganga,” scoffed a tall gentleman, walking into the room.

“Ah, Binod,” greeted Vishwanath, “Naren is about to reveal his grand plan.”

Binod Ganguly looked down into a pair of shining eyes, “Worship of Ganga is not child’s play…leave us now…I’ve something important to discuss with your father.”

Baffled by the guest’s rudeness, Naren started to walk out but stopped. “Excuse me sir,” he said, lifting his chin, “I have something to say to you.”

Binod cocked an eyebrow at Vishwanath Datta, “Your son is quite impertinent.”

“Is he?” Vishwanath smiled, “in that case, it’s my fault… I’ve encouraged him to think for himself.”