Five Qualities Of A Good Student

“काक चेष्टा, बको ध्यानं, श्वान निद्रा तेथैव्चा
अल्पहारी, गृहत्यागी विद्यार्थी पञ्च लक्षणं”

The quoted shloka from ancient Indian Sanskrit texts has prescribed five “must have” qualities of a good student. Literal translation of the quoted text is as follows:

Perseverance of a crow (1), concentration of a swan (2), light/alert sleeper like a dog (3), frugal eater (4), readiness to staying away from home for learning pursuits (5)-are five indicators of a good student.

You must be wondering why quote this shloka? Relax! I am in no preaching mode. I am just responding to my parent’s off the cuff remark about my sleeping habit and perseverance yesterday night after my papa arrived home late at around 11.30pm. Finding me asleep, he tried his best not to disturb me of it; but that’s not how it was supposed to be. His opening the door of our bedroom and I was up on my both hands, head raised high with a big smile on my face. And, he couldn’t stop himself from saying- “why do you sleep like a dog”?

Once up, I started playing with my blanket. Seeing me do that, he pushed it further away from my reach. Aware of his intentions, I pulled out all the stops to make a determined bid for that blanket. After much effort, my perseverance paid off and the blanket was in my grip with a winning smile on my face. My parents too were happy but for different reasons; I crawled.........My mom held me tight in her arms and said-“see perseverance always pays!’.

With my frugal eating habit as another trait, I already possess three “must have” qualities of a good student out of five listed in ancient Indian texts. Signs of good times as a student! Don’t forget, I chose pen and book over a currency note yesterday!