Knowledge is the greatest treasure.
What is the greatest treasure? Is it the one hidden in caves, buried underground or displayed in museums? Sometimes, the greatest treasure is the knowledge we uncover. Some stories beautifully remind us that the real treasure lies in the hearts of those who dare to care, stay curious, explore and believe in what they seek.
A Peek into the Mystery:
The secret of the star sapphire, written by Monika Bhatkhande, is a middle-grade mystery that revolves around three children, Neel, Nahid and Anosh, a precious blue sapphire known as the star of India, a series of interconnected clues and the historical landmarks of Mumbai. As the children follow the clues connected to the Blue Sapphire, they uncover fascinating layers of Mumbai’s history along the way.
Inside the Story:
The story opens at the Durbar Hall of the Asiatic Society, where thirteen-year-old Indraneel Bapat, also known as Neel, attends an event with his mother, Dr Rohini Bapat, the Honorary Secretary of the Society. A boring session soon drives Neel out of the hall and towards the main library. Suddenly, the lights go off, and a burglary takes place inside the library. Neel, who has always been proud to be associated with the society, unexpectedly lands in trouble. Two other children, Nahid and Anosh, save Neel from the thieves. They are the grandchildren of the late Mr Bogdawala, who had donated his rare collection of books to the library. Interestingly, it is the crate containing those donated books that the thieves attempt to steal.
Filled with questions, the three children begin investigating the mystery behind the theft and soon discover clues connected to a rare blue sapphire, known as the Star of India. With the help of the hidden clues, historical references and hints, the children go on a quest to find the blue sapphire. The rest of the story unfolds the mystery surrounding the treasure and whether the trio succeeds in their mission.
What resonated with me:
A different version of the Ramayana, this story portrays Ravana as a man of great wisdom. The way the author integrates mythology and history makes the narrative both fascinating and thought-provoking. The manner in which the three children discover how their ancestors are connected shows that destiny shapes our lives in unexpected ways. From learning about Rudyard Kipling’s connection to India and Alexander the Great’s search for a gemstone said to be as large as a pigeon’s egg, to discovering the zero point of Bombay and exploring how J.p Morgan played an influential role in the gold trade, the story beautifully highlights how people, events and history are always interconnected.
One line that stayed with me even after finishing the story was, “It’s not always about winning”. Whether it was the egoistic Ravana, who believed prince Rama and his brother were no match for his lankan army, the seemingly invincible Alexander the Great, whose conquests made native rulers bow before him, or Chhatrapati Shivali Maharaj, who was deeply moved by the sacrifices of his men, for all three, it was never just about victory. What truly made them unique was their wisdom and their constant thirst for knowledge.
History beyond the past:
Certain lines in a story hold a deeper meaning and stay with the reader long after finishing the book. This passage is one such, “We never think about history in real terms, do we? It’s just something that happened to other people a long time ago!” Doesn’t this form the very crux of the story?
People often see history as something distant and disconnected from real life, believing that it happened long ago and had nothing to do with us today. But The Secret of the Star Sapphire suggests otherwise. History is not just a collection of events, it is a reflection of human nature that continues to connect with us even today. That’s what makes History so important to read and understand.
Reflections
The story begins at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai library, where the future meets the past. The power of books and reading follows the three children throughout the mystery. In an era where the younger generation is increasingly drawn towards devices and social media, children like Neel, Nahid and Anosh show us that wisdom is the ultimate pursuit and the truest passion one can possess. Children often grow through what they observe and experience, and that is one reason history should be preserved and passed on. Neel’s curiosity, Nahid’s thoughtful understanding, and Anosh’s eagerness to explore and learn together show how reading and knowledge play an important role in shaping young minds.“Knowledge is power,” and this story by Monika Bhatkhande beautifully shows how knowledge can shape history.
Your Turn to Begin the Journey:
Just as Neel knows every nook and cranny of the Asiatic Society Library, it is now your turn, dear reader, to discover the rich history of Mumbai and its landmarks. Don’t wait! Grab a copy of the book here https://amzn.to/4ea5ep4 and begin the journey for yourself.
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