Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/213



HABATOSH was studying English at the College, it was true, but he did so much against his inclination. He had no belief in English education. In his opinion the study of English had been the ruin of the country. The Hindu sentiment was gradually disappearing, evil habits increasing and there was no means of reviving the happy days of old. Such was the constant complaint of Bhabatosh. His people obliged him to study English, else he would have preferred to attend a Sanskrit School at Navadwip or elsewhere. Still, even if he must study English, none the less was he able to pursue his own ideas in thought and in practice.

Bhabatosh, living in a Calcutta hostel or "mess-house" was pursuing his studies, when suddenly he awoke to the fact that the Durga Puja holidays were at hand. So he bought new apparel for the home, packed his box and set out for his village, which was at no great distance from the city.