Motilal Ke Diye
मोतीलाल के दीये
Below are the questions and answers for the story “Motilal Ke Diye” in Hindi and English. I have also shared the story in English.
Motilal’s Lamps
A story about wisdom, values, and living beacons of light.
While fulfilling the duties of a teacher, Master Motilal created living lamps that illuminated society with their virtues. What is the true essence of religion? How does education brighten our lives? How do contentment and hard work eradicate social evils like corruption? Let’s learn from these living beacons of light.
We would like to introduce you to an unusual man from our village—Master Motilal. His job is teaching. His only possession is a dilapidated mud house, lacking even the basic necessities. His body is frail, but his face radiates an extraordinary calmness. His clothes reflect poverty, but his eyes sparkle with contentment. His hair has turned white, yet his enthusiasm remains youthful.
You might ask, “What’s so strange about that? We know many people like him.” Wait—hear the whole story.
On Diwali night, when the entire village glitters like stars, Master Motilal’s house remains dark. Many Diwalis have come and gone, but we’ve always wished to see even a single lamp lit in his home. You may assume that something tragic happened in his life—perhaps a death, a robbery, or some misfortune that cast darkness over his Diwalis.
But if I tell you that nothing of the sort happened, you would be surprised. Then why doesn’t he light lamps on Diwali?
We, too, were curious. Only Master Motilal could shed light on this mystery. Meeting him is an unforgettable experience. His sweet smile will make you feel so comfortable that you’ll have no hesitation in asking anything. He’ll ask about you, your family, even your pets, with such genuine interest that your worries will disappear. You could spend hours listening to his stories without realizing how time flies.
When you finally ask him, “Masterji, why don’t you light lamps on Diwali?” he’ll smile gently and say, “There’s nothing special—just don’t feel like it.”
This answer won’t satisfy you. You’ll insist, “Masterji, please don’t mind, but there must be a reason. If you don’t want to share it, that’s okay. I’m just curious.”
He’ll place a hand on your shoulder and say, “A teacher’s life is like an open book for his students.”
Still, he won’t give a direct answer. Instead, he’ll say, “Go meet Ramdin at his house tomorrow morning. Then visit the mosque and find Aslam. After that, go to the collector’s office and meet the peon Balwant. By evening, stop by the adult education center to meet Prakash.”
The Journey Begins
1. Ramdin’s House
The next morning, you visit Ramdin’s house. You’re amazed—his house is spotless, surrounded by flower beds and neat animal enclosures. Everyone is busy with their tasks but calm and organized. When Ramdin’s father sees you, he greets you kindly and shares how Ramdin is a model family man—respectful, helpful, and content. When Ramdin himself arrives, he greets you warmly, making you feel like family.
2. The Mosque
Next, you head to the mosque. Strangely, you see more Hindus than Muslims there. Curious, you ask someone, “Is this a mosque or a temple?”
“What does it matter?” the man replies. “Both are places of worship. Whether you see God as Ram or Rahim, it’s the same. Faith unites, not divides.” He takes you to meet Maulvi Aslam and Pandit Datadin, who teach mutual respect and harmony.
3. The Collector’s Office (Balwant)
Then, you visit the collector’s office. You find out that Balwant, the peon, isn’t there, but his colleague describes him as a man of impeccable honesty who refuses bribes and tirelessly helps people get their work done the right way.
4. The Adult Education Center (Prakash)
Lastly, you reach the adult education center. There, Prakash is not teaching basic alphabets or numbers but valuable life lessons—personal hygiene, the harms of superstition, gender equality, and the importance of good character. His inspiring examples make the lessons memorable, and his audience listens intently.
The Secret of Master Motilal’s Lamps
Meeting these remarkable people fills you with admiration. You wonder, “But what do they have to do with Master Motilal?”
Here’s the answer—Ramdin, the ideal family man; Maulvi Aslam, the true guide of religion; Balwant, the honest peon; and Prakash, the beacon of education—are all students of Master Motilal. It is he who lit the lamp of wisdom in their hearts.
Now you understand— Master Motilal doesn’t need to light clay lamps on Diwali. He has lit living lamps that illuminate the world with their virtues.
– Dr. Rajesh Kumar
1. मास्टर मोतीलाल को ‘अजीब आदमी’ क्यों कहा गया है?
उत्तर: मास्टर मोतीलाल को ‘अजीब आदमी’ इसलिए कहा गया है क्योंकि दीपावली की रात जब पूरा गाँव दीयों से जगमगाता है, तब भी उनका घर अंधेरे में डूबा रहता है। यह देखकर लोग अचंभित हो जाते हैं।
1. Why is Master Motilal called a “strange man”?
Answer: Master Motilal is called a “strange man” because on Diwali night, when the entire village lights up with lamps, his house remains in darkness. This surprises everyone.
2. रामदीन के घर पहुँचकर लेखक दंग क्यों रह जाता है?
उत्तर: रामदीन के घर की सफ़ाई और सजीवता देखकर लेखक दंग रह जाता है। घर के आँगन में फूलों की क्यारियाँ थीं और पशु साफ-सुथरे थे। घर में शांति और सलीका था, जो लेखक को बहुत प्रभावित करता है।
2. Why is the author amazed upon reaching Ramdin’s house?
Answer: The author is amazed by the cleanliness and orderliness of Ramdin’s house. The courtyard had flower beds, and the animals were neat and tidy. The peaceful and organized atmosphere impressed the author.
3. लेखक ने मौलवी और पंडित जी को उनके कौन-से गुणों के कारण ‘देवदूत’ कहा है?
उत्तर: लेखक ने मौलवी और पंडित जी को उनकी सरलता, सादगी, विनम्रता, और सबको एकजुट करने की भावना के कारण ‘देवदूत’ कहा है। वे दोनों धर्म के सच्चे अर्थ को समझाते हैं और समाज में प्रेम व शांति फैलाते हैं।
3. Why did the author call the Maulvi and the priest “angels”?
Answer: The author called the Maulvi and the priest “angels” because of their simplicity, humility, and dedication to unity. They taught the true meaning of religion and spread love and peace in society.
4. शिष्यों को ‘दीये’ क्यों कहा गया है?
उत्तर: शिष्यों को ‘दीये’ इसलिए कहा गया है क्योंकि वे अपने सद्गुणों और शिक्षा के माध्यम से समाज में ज्ञान और सच्चाई की रोशनी फैला रहे हैं। मास्टर मोतीलाल ने अपने शिष्यों को अच्छे संस्कार देकर उन्हें ‘जीते-जागते दीये’ बना दिया।
4. Why are the students called “lamps”?
Answer: The students are called “lamps” because they spread light in society through their good values and education. Master Motilal nurtured them with good morals and turned them into “living lamps”.