Activity 2(think &respond) of the story The Serang Of Ranaganji
Answers
The Serang Of Ranaganji is a short story on a character Hasan who was a Serang, a kind of help on board an ocean-going vessel SS Ranaganji. The story is narrated by the ship’s medical officer Dr. A.J.Cronin who is also the original author of the book The Adventures in Two Worlds, of which The Serang Of Ranaganji forms a part.
The story revolves around this character Hasan who offers selfless assistance to the Doctor in taking care of passengers and crew on board who are afflicted with smallpox. The doctor is able to isolate those reporting to him with the disease with the help of Hasan till they manage to reach Calcutta (as it was known then; its now called Kolkata). The ship originally sails from London and the setting is the British era of pre-independence India.
The main thrust in this story is how this Serang, Hasan who has a physical disability and is even looked down upon for his clumsy appearance has a selfless heart and goes all out to help people despite his handicap. The story ends with everyone appreciating Hasan for his great work.