An Impromptu Speech

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

- GITANJALI MURARI

The Metropolitan Institution wore a festive look. Gold and silver buntings fluttered overhead, merrily criss-crossing the blue sky. Colourful flowers bordered the wooden stage and students milled around, chattering happily. Shibu ran up to Naren, “Hari has prepared a farewell speech for Amitav sir!” “Oh good,” Naren beamed, “we owe a lot to sir…it’ll be nice to let him know how much he means to us.”

The school band struck up a tune and the principal ushered Amitav Mitra and a bearded man onto the stage. Students craned to get a better look at the stranger. He seemed familiar. “Dear students and staff,” the principal addressed the school, “while on one hand we’ll celebrate the outstanding achievements of some students today, we’ll also bid goodbye to a beloved teacher,” he smiled at Mitra. Turning towards the bearded man, he continued, “We are fortunate that Surendranath Banerjee, the great nationalist leader, has kindly agreed to chair the function.” An excited gasp went around the yard.