15. Pandit Sewaram

Kids, you are aware of the holy men which a small hair tail on head who serve temples and perform pooja (ceremonial worshiping and prayers). They are called Brahmins.

Popularly, in North India Brahmins have been referred to as 'Pandit ji'. Though the impression is quite popularly used, many of us do not actually know how it came into usage. The story here is related to an amusing happening which took place in the court of Emperor Akbar, while Birbal was there.

Once there lived a Brahmin named Sevaram in a village. He was often heard scolding the neighborhood children while they played around. Therefore, the children often ployed against him to trouble him. They also teased him. But Sevaram never ignored them, and bitter scolded them.

Though a Brahmin by descent, Sevaram was not well read in scriptures. He lived hand to mouth as people found his merits were too little to entrust him any task of religious importance or ceremonial pooja performances.

Sevaram appeared to have no regrets and lived a contended life as an ordinary man. However, he desired to be called as Panjitji as a remark of respect as his venerated forefathers were referred to.

So one day he decided to approach Birbal to seek his advise on his concern. Sevaram said, 'Birbal, you are known for your outstanding wisdom. I am contended with what I have. But I have a desire that like my forefathers, I gain the respectful title of 'Panditji'. Could you help me achieve this one goal I strive to achieve in my life?'

Birbal nodded thoughtfully. He said, 'Sevaram, you desire can be fulfilled if you follow my advise. My advise is word for word'.

Now Birbal whispered his advice to Sevaram. He smiled back at Sevaram and left the place.

Birbal knew about Sevaram's attitude towards the children. So he gathered the neighborhood children and asked them to tease him by calling him 'Panditji, Panditji...' The children found it musing and entertained a grouse against Sevaram.

After Birbal left, Sevaram came out to fetch groceries from market. Soon, the children came trailing behind him, calling him "Panditji", "Panditji", "Panditji" teasingly. But Sevaram took it affirmatively. He smiled and went on his way without scolding the children. From that day on, Sevaram became popular as 'Panditji'.

This is how, every brahmin (whether he be a scholar or not) came to be addressed as 'Panditji'.