Chapter 9

Understanding Karthikeya's underlying meaning and threat, the officials and Vallavaraiyan hurriedly nodded. "We will not fail your highness's expectations."

Comprehending Karthikeya's requirements, Rana also nodded, yet he felt compelled to inform Karthikeya of the potential challenges. "Your Highness, while the survey is achievable, it would demand significant effort, time, and resources."

"Rana, as I mentioned before, you don't need to worry about anything else. You simply have to complete the task assigned to you, do you understand?" Karthikeya reiterated.

"Your Highness, if I may add, I believe you may have overlooked another aspect in the implementation of this plan," Achuthanandan interjected, standing up with a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Seeing the hesitation, Karthikeya spoke calmly. "Achuthanandan, I'm only one person and it's likely that I may make mistakes. You can speak up."

Looking at everyone, Karthikeya added, "If any of you believe I have overlooked or made an error and you can prove it, don't be afraid to speak up. I invited you to this meeting for us to discuss openly."

"Now, please go ahead, Achuthanandan," Karthikeya urged.

"Your Highness Karthikeya, I agree that utilizing the recruitment of refugees and distributing food to them as their wages is a good strategy and can better utilize resources. However, for the majority of the elderly, children, disabled men or women, the sick, and others, we would still need to provide relief food. Many may simply opt for the free food rather than working for the same food," Achuthanandan pointed out.

"Your words hold truth, and I understand your concerns, Achuthanandan. First of all, I don't intend to cease the distribution of relief food for the people. Secondly, the workers will not receive the same food, as their consumption will be sponsored from my personal funds.

Thirdly, the children will not have to worry, as I intend to enact a new law that makes education compulsory for every child born, and the education will be provided for free, with all expenses being my responsibility," Karthikeya explained, addressing Achuthanandan's concerns with clarity and determination.

Achuthanandan, upon hearing the words, was stunned, as were all the others. However, the most startled person was Ramu, who had always managed Karthikeya's personal treasury and knew exactly how much Karthikeya was worth.

Remaining quiet for the moment, Ramu just sat there. Achuthanandan, though slightly doubtful and hesitant, still decided to remind Karthikeya of what his words implied.

"Your Highness, while I do agree that promoting knowledge and enlightenment among the populace is a noble endeavor, I urge you to consider," Achuthanandan continued cautiously, ensuring that Karthikeya's expression remained unchanged. "The substantial resource consumption for educating every child in this kingdom, the task of finding qualified individuals for implementation, and the subsequent utilization of resources. This may lead to a significant financial burden."

"Wouldn't it be wiser to assess the practicality of implementing such an extensive education program before its implementation?" Rana questioned, grappling with the idea of universal education, considering that a large portion of the population might ultimately pursue vocations not requiring such an elaborate education in the future.

"Achuthanandan, worry not, I am fully capable of sponsoring this policy," Karthikeya declared with unwavering determination.

"Your Highness, even if that is the case, where do you intend to find so many people to teach all these children?" Achuthanandan questioned, highlighting the practical difficulties.

Hearing Achuthanandan's query, Karthikeya smiled as he replied, "Aren't there many Brahmin families in Anuradhapuram alone?"

This time, everyone's expressions turned somewhat apprehensive. "Your Highness, you should be aware that even though there are many Gurukuls run by Brahmins, they will never allow children of these civilians, especially those from lower castes, to be taught by them," Rana reminded Karthikeya as he stood up.

Karthikeya glanced at Rana and stated firmly, "Rana, let me make it clear. I intend to preserve this culture and respect its ways, but I will not strictly adhere to it, as many aspects of it have become corrupted over time."

"I believe everyone here is aware that the current caste system was initially the Varna system that deviated from some of its core principles, but I intend to bring back the old ways of the Varna system," Karthikeya stated firmly, addressing the officials. "Brahmins are entitled to spread knowledge and enlighten people as per our core principles, and if they are unwilling to do so, then it means they have denied the same fundamental system that made them Brahmins in the first place."

He then turned to the Brahmins among the officials and added, "For those people, I will ensure they live the rest of their lives like the people of the castes they despised." Karthikeya's words were serious, and his gaze conveyed that he was not joking. The Brahmins among the group of officials all had beads of cold sweat forming on their foreheads.

"But don't worry, a complete education system and related arrangements have to wait. For now, children will only be gathered to learn to read, write, and some basic mathematics. The detailed plans will be sent to your residence at a later time," Karthikeya stated, suddenly exuding a friendly aura as he decided to assign the rest of the tasks at hand.

Turning to his trusted confidant and subordinate, Karthikeya issued instructions, "Marthadan, your mission is to establish a police force. Select 200 strong and talented individuals from the army. You will also be in charge of the new team B that Bairavendra would be preparing. Initially, the focus of this force will be on patrolling the city, apprehending troublemakers, and dispelling any false rumors among the populace. Treat everyone with impartiality and fairness, be they commoners or nobles."

"Given the future role of the police force as law enforcers, it is imperative to uphold justice, building a trustworthy image among the people, ensuring their protection," Karthikeya emphasized, fully aware of the crucial responsibilities entrusted to Marthadan. "As for the complete details regarding this police department, I will formulate them soon for you."

With each individual assigned their tasks, Karthikeya recognized the necessity of gaining firsthand insight into the current situation within the city and among its inhabitants.