Nagamani

A student's distinction lies in his devout pursuit of knowledge, and not merely in his heritage. This manifests in a splendid manner in Ekalavya's life He worshipped an idol of his 'Guru', learnt his lessons in archery in the Master's absence, and mas­tered the art. When his master desired the thumb of Ekalavya's right hand as a fee which' might cripple him, Ekalavya smilingly sacrificed it. A boy who had grown up in the forest thus developed into a great personality - a fine example for others to emulate.