"Hello" Sir greeted Deva softly. Her eyes were on the notebook. She slowly looked up. He saw a lone tear drop flickering in her eyes. "Hi, sir," she responded.

Sir noticed the somber expression and inquired, "Why the melancholy, Deva? Did something trouble you?" Deva shook her head gently, indicating a negative response.

"Did you have a disagreement with Ruby?" Sir questioned while Ruby cast inquisitive glances between the two.

"No, Sir. I tried asking her, too, but she wouldn't confide in me," Ruby replied. Ruby's attention shifted to Deva, curiosity etched on her face.

Puzzled, Sir probed further, "Then, what's bothering you, Deva?"

"Sir," Deva hesitated before sharing her concern, "I have to rush to my next tuition at 7:15 for physics. If I'm late, my teacher will scold me. Sir, is there any chance you could end the class a bit early today?" She wore an expression of trust, hopeful that Sir would acquiesce.

"Every day is filled with tuition, Sir. I hardly get a moment to spend with my siblings. When I get home, I'm exhausted. I eat without tasting, then head straight to bed. In the morning, I wake up to a pile of homework and rush to school. It is so hectic, Sir". Deva continued, her face finally displaying a hint of relief after unburdening herself.

A wave of sadness washed over Sir. He recalled how Deva's face would light up with a lotus-like smile whenever he looked at her: a smile so radiant and pure.

He turned his attention to reviewing the children's problem-solving attempts. "You missed a semicolon here," he remarked, adding a tick and a 'Good.'

As he conducted the class, a parallel thought occupied his mind. Is the current style of education guiding the younger generation on the right path? Are they missing out on the vital experiences of childhood? Do they have the time and opportunities to nurture their innate creativity and talents? Are they being encouraged to do so?

A relentless competition seemed to grip parents against other parents and children. Most of the parents aspires for their child to outshine the rest. There was a race to send children abroad to the UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond.

Some teachers are competing, not to educate but to burden students with arduous exam questions, often conveying inadequacy, even after attending tuition classes.

Certain tutors themselves are locked in a fierce competition, vying to prove their superiority over one another.

Entrance coaching centers seemed to strip children of their humanity, treating them as mere automatons. Some even started coaching for entrance exams as early as the fifth grade.

And at the helm of educational institutions were a few older individuals who seemed to lack a vision for the future of the children, the nation, and humanity at large.

The administrators, concerned only with amassing wealth for their own families, seemed indifferent to the plight of the common people.

In the midst of this chaos, children are left to adapt without suffering significant harm...

"Well, I'll conclude today's class a bit earlier. Starting from the next class, our schedule will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. I am reducing the duration of our tuition to lessen your burden, allowing you to reach home half an hour earlier."

With his gaze sweeping over everyone, Sir continued, "Remember, discipline is vital, so please refrain from idle chatter during the session. I don't want to waste our valuable time shushing you."

“One more point, make sure to review the material today or tomorrow morning; otherwise, you'll have trouble retaining the concepts. Expect a short quiz in our next session. Have a serene evening!" Sir announced.

Deva approached him with gratitude in her eyes and said, "Thank you, Sir." Her radiant smile stretched wide.