A common Bangla adage that stands in lame English translation as "fire shall burn through ash" could not find a better illustration than it has done in the life of Amir Hossain of Nagarpar Village in Comilla. No. he has not become an emperor from a pauper with the magical touch of an Aladin s lamp or of an all performing wand. Amir, as his name suggests of kingly riches and luxurious living, rather has a connotation of cruel irony for this teen-aged boy. For the last four years Amir has been working as a boy servant at the residence of Monoranjan Chakma, circle officer (revenue) of Brahmanpara Thana.

Had he accepted the fate of a servant all through his life — as most boys and girls in his Bjsition do — Amir would never have made news, e has in him the fire that makes one transcend beyond his boundary. He may not be as lordly as an Amir but his is an achievement even a king will envy. Amir Hossain has obtained primary scholarship in the talent pool from Nangolkot Government Primary School. This he has done while serving as a boy servant at the revenue officer’s house, thanks to his employer’s interest and patronage. Amir has proved a point through his outstanding feat. The point is that man does not stop nourishing a dream even in the most unlikely conditions and if one seriously pursues that dream, rewards will also be forthcoming.

Amir has however made one giant stride only, he still has a long way to go. The indication so far is good. He is studying in class six. His employer has guided him quite well and will hopefully do so in future. We only wish him godspeed. For boys like Amir need to be successful in their lives. By succeeding they hold aloft a beacon for all the children of their class. This is a stimulus the children of the down-trodden class need most of all to realise the potential in them. Who knows how many creative minds we are allowing to go waste around us simply because of the absence of right kind of environment to detect and tend the genius.

Amir is fortunate'to have an employer-patron in Monoranjan Chakma. Not all of them are so lucky. But it is exactly at this point we appeal to wealthy people to be a little more caring and give a chance for the hapless boys and girls who shed their sweat for the comfort of Jheir employers. Quite a number of Amirs may emerge from among the huge army of boys and girls employed as house attendants for a nominal wage. Rabindranath was quite open to acknowledge the great service renaered by these low paid employees for the civilization. Most of us keep our eyes shut to their miseries as well as contributions. Given a chance, they too can lead a better life and surprise the world with the brilliance of their talent in many and diverse areas.