Let's Pray Before Our Meal
Chapter Wise Synopsis Of The Book
It is a book that everybody, be they parents, students, teachers, principals, or the public at large can read not merely for entertainment, but also edification and instruction on what makes a rounded school education. From the importance of not wasting food to the responsibility of parents in the bringing up of children, from the importance of hostel life (which begins only after school hours) to the temporary phenomenon of homesickness, it covers almost every aspect of being children and sensitively deals with them.
The riveting incidents, and the humour are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. By weaving in the accounts from other famous schools as well, this book succeeds in capturing a broader stage. From interesting tidbits like how the prefect system evolved, to the fine distinction between harmless schoolboy pranks, it covers a wide area which is simultaneously easygoing, humorous and deeply empathetic.
Chapter 1: The Book
In this chapter, the author narrates to his readers how this book came about. He also mentions in his narration, those people who have helped him in compiling this book about his school Birla Public School in Pilani. In this chapter, he also talks of the place which gave birth to this prose.
Chapter 2: The First Day
In this beautifully written piece of prose, the author talks of his first day in a world left entirely on his own. He talks of his first friends, the environment, the people and the authorities who welcomed him like their own and also taught him the rules and regulations which everyone like him had to follow in this new home of theirs.
Chapter 3: The Age Of Prince
In this chapter, he unfolds before his readers his maturity after a couple of years in the school. He talks of numerous incidents which although very humorous have taught him invaluable lessons. He talks about the various authorities, who keep the institution running like a well oiled machine and who are responsible for not only shaping the future of an institution but are also the architects of human lives. Also, in this chapter, he introduces us to the exciting life which a student would meet in a boarding school.
Chapter 4: A Commander And A Painter
By this humorous chapter, the author has successfully settled in the minds of his readers by vividly describing about his attempts while trying to settle into a creative vocation. Trying his hands into numerous things, followed by his misfortunes as well as his fluctuating loyalty from one thing to another, he has gripped his readers with his perseverance in trying to appease all and himself. In short, this chapter can be summarised as his experiments in trying to make himself someone noteworthy among his peers and also in the school.
Chapter 5: Tall Tales Become Short In A Hostel
Informative and enlightening. These two words form the bedrock of this chapter. In this chapter, the author tries to sweep the cobwebs of misconception about boarding schools. By quoting numerous instances, he has been able to clear our entangling doubts and convinces us to change our perception about boarding schools.
Chapter 6: Lies And Bullies
In this chapter, the author directs all his experiences as a student of boarding school and also as an academician to put before us the implications of our actions on our children. Starting off on a serious note, this chapter is in fact an eye opener on how to behave in front of children, overlooking of which would sooner or later make us repent with our children.
Chapter 7: The Four Competitive Neighbours
This chapter showcases the intense competition which prevails among students in a boarding school and also between the numerous houses. Such intense is the contest, that they would do all that is required to win and more. Moreover, this chapter also speaks of the numerous adventures and treks which students in a boarding school are taken too which not only builds their physique but also teaches valuable lessons.
Chapter 8: Let’s Eat Our Greens
In this chapter, the author reminisces about his meals while in the boarding school. He talks of those dishes and sweets, the taste of which still waters his mouth. Moreover, in this chapter he also subtly talks and encourages us the benefits of eating all our greens.
Chapter 9: The Great Collection Of Ghosts’ Stories
This is one spooky and hair raising chapter. Through this chapter the author gives us an account of the origins of spooky tales and how they get circulated in the entire campus. Moreover, he also goes on and tells us how some tales are so legendary that they not only pass on from one student to another but they also pass on from one school to another.
Chapter 10: Pranks And Patriotism
This is a chapter, which would compel anyone to spend some moments to unearth the meaning of his life and existence. In this chapter, the author respectfully pays homage to patriotism and also showcases the true face of patriots in a place where one would hardly look for – a boarding school. Through an incident, the author apart from showcasing patriotism in its true form also sends across the message of values while pursuing our lives and careers.
Chapter 11: Mentors And Tutors
More than a chapter, this is a dedication by the author to all those people who had and still continues to shape our lives. This chapter is a dedication to all those teachers, who have rose above their position and made an impact not only in the author’s life but also in the lives of countless children who were blessed to be taught by teachers like them.
Chapter 12: We Never Left
This is a chapter which speaks of the agony of the author and his peers, on the day when they had to finally bid adieu to school. Of all those years spent with people who have now become their family, this piece of prose describes those final moments and also those persons who put them where they stand today. Further this chapter also speaks of the moments during their reunion and their ecstasy living those moments.
Chapter 13: Honesty And Legacy
In this final chapter, the author speaks of the impression which one boarder leaves on the mind of another boarder. This is a chapter where he has successfully managed to show, how role models come about and what do these role models hold for the society. In short, this chapter encourages us to follow all those values which are beneficial to the society at large.