Category Archives: spiritual article

SHORT STORY: CHILD REMAND HOME

Copyright@shravancharitymission

    I had once gone to a child remand home, to deliver a lecture, to children who were undergoing a prison term for the crime they had committed. Most of them out there, were under eighteen. They all had innocent faces. And had you not seen them in those confines, you wouldn’t have ever believed their indulgence into, such devious affairs.

    The remand home had a strength of some two hundred children. They were kept under observation. Where, they all had a strict routine. Starting right from morning prayers, to physical exercises, to a good amount of time for their studies and even recreation. It had many classes with proper benches that I could see.

    The warden of the home, as a goodwill gesture took me around. I was enjoying the trip as it was the first of its kind for me. We finally walked into the class room. All the children got up as a mark of respect for the warden. It appeared, the class had been in progress for some time now, and I was the last faculty.

    I spent about an hour with the children. They were indeed quite bright, and I felt quite refreshed interacting with them. Finally, the class was over when these children left for their dormitories.

    But before leaving the remand home. The warden spent some time with me over a cup of tea, quite explaining the reasons for the increase in child crime rate. I was shocked when he told me the story of a child in the red shirt. His name was Ashok and he was sitting on the last bench when I was taking my class. He appeared quite healthy, tough and even mature for the age of sixteen.

    He had murdered his grandfather at the age of fourteen for which he was undergoing a sentence of three years since he was not an adult when he committed the crime. But the grapevine had something else to say, which the warden narrated to me.

   Ashok’s grandfather, Kewal Ram had sixteen acres of farm land with two sons. One happened to be Askok’s father Ghanshyam and the other, his uncle, Sukhram. Both Ghanshyam and Sukhram were pestering their father for quite some time now to sell off their farm land and buy a few shops in the city as they were not interested in farming. But Kewal Ram was not interested in selling his ancestral land. When, the discord reached a flash point. One night after drinks they killed their father and got Ashok to own up the crime since he was only fourteen then. Because, as a juvenile delinquent he would be out in just three years. Whereas, they would have gone in, for a full lifetime.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

   

SHORT STORY: THE BABY CRAB AND THE FOX

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

     Once upon a time there lived a mother crab with her baby in the pond. One day the mother crab left her baby in the corner of the pond and went out in search of food.

     The baby crab that day thought of some adventure as he was getting a little to disgusted with the surroundings where he lived. So, he decided to take a walk up to the meadows that was not far from the pond. He thought. There he might find better fare than the usual salty water and those sand mites. So, he finally decided to crawl up the distance.

    And as he came out of the water and started his journey towards the meadows he came across a thirsty and hungry fox. This fox was roaming around in the vicinity in search of water and food where this appeared as a grand feast. As now he had both water and the food, when he saw the baby crab roaming there. His mouth started watering when he started visualising about the delicious crab meat. The fox finally grabbed the baby crab. The baby crab implored the fox to let him go. He said I’m very small. By eating me alone you’ll not fill your stomach, so I have a suggestion. I’ll call my friends. And then you can have a royal feast and eat us all. The idea appealed to the fox and he released the crab from his jaws. And just then in a blink the crab vanished in the water. The fox waited for a while and finally left in search of food.

    Moral of the story: Presence of mind can save you from any danger.

***

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: THE HAPPY MAN’S SHIRT

Copyright@shravancharitymission

Khidki (Window)

–Read India Initiative—

This is only an attempt to create interest in reading. We may not get the time to read all the books in our lifetime. But such reviews, talk and synopsis will at least convey what the book is all about.

THE HAPPY MAN’S SHIRT—an Italian folktale, retold (Italo Calvino)

    Once there was a king by the name of Giphad. He ruled a very peaceful … yet powerful kingdom. All his people loved and adored him. Everything was just going fine in his kingdom. Except for his son Jonash. Jonash was very unhappy for some unknown reason. He would sit is his room staring blankly out of the window at the lands and frown.

    The king addressed his son one day, ‘What on earth is upsetting you, Jonash? What is it that you don’t have? What is making you so distraught?’ The young king only shrugged his shoulders. The king added, ‘could that be a girl, a particular woman that has caught your eye? Tell me her name and I will move mountains to have the two of you married at once.’

    ‘No, it’s not the girl. I don’t know why I’m so unhappy.’ The king nodded at this and walked off. Later the king pondered if such a situation continues with his son he might die out of melancholy.

    He thought his son required professional help. So, he issued a decree inviting all the top physicians, astrologers and wise men of the kingdom come to him. When they arrived, the king made them meet his son. And after three days of deliberations the astrologers finally came up with a solution. ‘Your Majesty,’ Janklo, the head astrologer spoke. ‘We have thought through the problem in great depth. In order, to help your son, you must find a happy man. A man who is happy without any possessions and desires.’ The king raised an eyebrow at this. ‘I now have to find a happy man?’

    ‘Yes,’ replied the head astrologer, ‘and when you find the happy man you must trade his shirt for your son’s shirt, then all will be fine.’

    The king agreed and dismissed them. He called his Prime Minister and other dignitaries to his court and told them to go out and find for him a truly happy man. He had posters placed all over the kingdom offering a handsome reward to anyone who could find a truly happy man.

    the first person who was made to appear before the court was a priest. “Are you happy?’ The king’s question was simple and to the point. ‘Yes, milord, I am very happy.’

    ‘Well then, how would you like to be my bishop?’ At this the priest perked up. ‘Oh yes, your majesty, nothing would bring me greater joy.’ The king got very angry at this. He ordered the priest to leave at once before he decided to imprison him. ‘You are an absolute liar, and on the lookout to better yourself. So, get out of my castle.’ He shouted as he got furious.      

    Nevertheless, the search for a happy man continued. A week had gone by when there was news that the neighbouring king was a real happy man. He had a lovely wife and many children. He had no enemies and had a peaceful but powerful kingdom. Thinking this to be a possible solution, the king sent his ambassador to enquire after him.

    ‘It is true that I have everything I wanted. But I fear I may die soon and lose it all. Every night I lie in bed thinking I will lose it all.’ With this answer, the ambassador thought it wise not to ask for the kings shirt. And when king Giphad was given this news he was furious. For he had no clue what to do next. His son was getting more and more depressed and as a result of that, he could have expired.

    So, in desperate need for a change and some fresh air the king decided to go for a shoot. When he reached the outskirts of the city the king noticed a hare a few meters away and tried to shoot it with his arrow. But the arrow only grazed the hare and the animal escaped into the woods. Following the hare, the king moved away from the rest of his party. After a few minutes, he gave up looking for the hare and decided to head back but suddenly stopped. There was a sound coming from his left. He discreetly drew closer. Someone was whistling a small tune. Coming close to the whistle he saw a dashingly handsome blond youth lying on the reeds. The lad was on his back gazing at the many clouds in the sky.

    ‘Hey you there! Boy! Tell me … how would you like to be appointed to the highest position in the land as the king’s personal advisor?’

    ‘Advisor eh?’ The youth sat up at once and scratched his chin. ‘Such a troublesome position. Sorry I’ll have to pass it. For I’m fine without it.’ The king beamed at this answer.

    ‘You’re the one! Come on! On your feet boy!’ He grabbed the youth and dashed back to the men in his camp. ‘My son is saved! My son is saved!’ He turned to the young man and gestured warmly. ‘You boy, you can have from me anything that you wish. But I need … I need.’ The terrified youth looked at the king strangely and asked, ‘You need what?’

    King replied.

    ‘My son the prince is dying and only you can save him. Come closer.’ The king grabbed the youth, smiling in his brightest of smiles and quickly began to unbutton the youth’s jacket, and then suddenly stopped. His arms dropped to his sides.

     The happy man wore no shirt.

***

Synopsis by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: THE TORTOISE AND THE GEESE by Vishnu Sharma

Copyright@shravancharitymission

The Tortoise and The Geese

    Once upon a time there lived besides a lake a tortoise and two geese who were great friends. But as luck would have it the lake was slowly drying up and therefore the geese decided to migrate to a new place. The tortoise also wanted to move with them. But then he couldn’t fly, so he implored the geese to take him along with them. And for this the tortoise really worked hard to convince them. Finally, the geese agreed. They held a stick with their beaks and asked the tortoise to hold the stick with his mouth at the centre and warned him to not open his mouth in order to avoid him letting go off of the stick. The journey thus started.

    But as they flew high, some onlookers thought that the tortoise was kidnapped and commented: “Oh, the poor tortoise!” This angered the tortoise and he immediately opened his mouth to say something back. As soon as he did, he fell to the ground and died.

    Moral of the story: Think before you speak and listen to the instructions and follow them meticulously.  The story is from Panchatantra

***

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: THE STORK AND THE CRAB

Copyright@shravancharitymission

The Stork and The Crab

    Once upon a time, there lived a stork beside a pond, who used to catch fish from the pond and eat them. This carried on for a long time and he was having a merry time. But soon he started realising that he is growing old and it was becoming a little difficult for him to catch even a single fish. This started worrying him. Soon, he thought of a plan. He told the fish, frogs, and the crabs in the pond that some men were planning to fill the pond with soil to grow crops and soon there won’t be any fish left in the pond. He also told them how sad he felt about this and that he will miss them all. Upon hearing this the fish too were saddened and requested the stork to help them. The stork promised to take all of them to a bigger pond. However, he said, ‘since I am old, I can take only a few of you at a time.’ But the stork had devious designs. Every time he was hungry he would take a few fish to a rock nearby, kill them and eat them up. 

    In the same pond there also lived a crab, He also wanted to go to the bigger pond. So one day he requested the stork. The stork thought of eating the crab for a change and agreed to help him out. On the way, the crab asked the stork, “Where is the big pond?” The stork laughed and pointed at the rock, which was scattered with fish bones. The crab suddenly realised that the stork would kill him too. He quickly thought of a plan to save himself and he caught the stork’s neck and did not let it go until the stork died.

Moral of The Story: Always have a presence of mind and act quickly when in danger.

***

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: The Monkey and the Crocodile

Copyright@shravancharitymission@gmail.com

Khidki (Window)

–Read India Initiative—

This is only an attempt to create interest in reading. We may not get the time to read all the books in our lifetime. But such reviews, talk and synopsis will at least convey what the book is all about

The Monkey and The Crocodile

By Vishnu Sharma

    Once upon a time, in a forest, there lived a monkey who resided on a jamoon (berry) tree, which was on the banks of a river. In the same forest, there lived a crocodile and his wife. One day the crocodile came to the banks of the river and rested under the tree. The kind-hearted monkey offered him some fruits. The crocodile came back the next day for more fruits as he loved them. As days passed by, the crocodile and the monkey became good friends.

    One day the monkey sent some fruits for the crocodile’s wife. She ate the fruits and liked them. But became jealous as she didn’t like her husband spending time with the monkey. She told her husband, “If the fruits are so juicy, I wonder how sweet the monkey’s heart would be. Get me the heart of the monkey.” The crocodile was not willing to kill his friend but had no choice.

    He invited the monkey to his house for dinner and said that his wife would like to meet him. The monkey was happy but couldn’t swim, so the crocodile took him on his back. The crocodile was happy that he had tricked the monkey, however, while talking he blurted out the real reason for taking the monkey home. The clever monkey said, “You should have told me earlier, I left my heart on the tree. We must go back and get it.” The crocodile believed and took him back to the tree. The clever monkey saved his life.

Moral of The Story: Choose your company wisely and always have a presence of mind.

Synopsis by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. We maintain this blog for the pleasure of our readers. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

 

BOOK TALK: PANCHANTRA by Vishnu Sharma

Copyright@shravancharitymission

Khidki (Window)

–Read India Initiative—

This is only an attempt to create interest in reading. We may not get the time to read all the books in our lifetime. But such reviews, talk and synopsis will at least convey what the book is all about

PANCHTANTRA

By Vishnu Sharma

    Panchatantra moral stories are one of the most popular collections of animal-based fables. Originally written in Sanskrit, where, each of these fables have a concomitant moral. These stories are simple to understand. They are colourful and appropriate even for tiny tots and provide valuable lessons that stay in the mind … forever.

    The legend about the origin of Panchatantra goes back to times of King Amarashakti. Who had appointed a scholar by the name of Vishnu Sharma to educate his three sons. Vishnu Sharma soon realized that conventional tools and techniques of teaching will not work well with these princes, so he decided to teach them through stories instead. He, therefore, wrote a collection of stories under the following five volumes, and so it was named as Panchatantra (‘pancha’ – five and ‘tantra’ – systems).

  • Mitra labha (gaining friends)– Collection of stories relating to winning of friends.
  • Mitra bheda (losing friends)– Collection of stories relating to losing friends.
  • Aparïksitakárakam (acting without thinking) – Collection of stories relating to how imprudence leads to losing what is important.
  • Labdhapranásam (Loss of gains)– Collection of stories that mention how to come out of difficult situations without losing things.
  • Kákolùkïyam (Crows and owls)– Collection of stories about rules and strategies of war and peace.

The Panchatantra was translated into many languages, including English, Indian vernacular languages, Persian and Arabic.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: A DANGEROUS GAME

Copyright@shravancharitymission

A Dangerous Game

by Ajit Tripathi

    The ship rolled on the placid waters of the Devils Strait. It was growing dark. The rosy, post glow of the sunset had long since disappeared. The ship guided by a mysterious light was steering cautiously. Then suddenly, there was a deafening sound, as if all hell broke lose. A rocky under water reef had ripped open the frigate that disappeared into the Davy’s Locker. Seething and hissing foam was all that remained behind. No one had survived except for a weather beaten, rugged faced sailor.  He was aghast at what had occurred. His immediate worry was survival as he held on to some flotsam for dear life.

    He tried to peer into the darkness but failed to find his bearings but on a hunch swam in the direction to his right. He didn’t know how long he had been in water but was washed ashore tired, almost in a state of delirium. When, dawn broke. Jason (the shipwrecked sailor) woke up rubbing his eyes. Slowly, he recalled the incident and looked in the direction of the vanished ship. He felt a small pack on his back. Opening it he saw a small bottle of water and some victuals. Almost famished he lost no time in gobbling up whatever there was and thereafter took to exploring what appeared to be a small island.

    Apart from the incessant chattering of birds, scared looks of some scurrying rabbits and a passing mongoose there was very little wild life. Suddenly he stopped in his tracks. Right in a glade ahead, there stood a quaint little villa. He ventured in and was greeted by a liveried servitor who lost no time in taking him to his master.

    The master: “So you have come!”

    Jason: “Have you been expecting me?”

    The Master:  “As a matter of fact, yes. That eerie light you saw from the ship was simply to lure you chaps. I am sorry about that small liner or frigate as you call it. By the way I am Sir Drax.”

    Jason: “You mean the famous big game hunter who disappeared from the scene a few years ago.”

    The Master:  “I am flattered that you recognized me. But I would have wished under happier circumstances.”

    Jason: “Why is that?”

    The Master: “Years ago I had realized that animal is no match for a man’s intelligence. I decided that I would rather hunt man and so I devised a game. I will give my quarry provisions for twelve hours and give him a start of two hours in which to hide in the island. I will start the hunt with my dogs. In case I fail to hunt him down within twelve hours he becomes the master of the island.”

     Jason: “That is not fair. You have your dogs, the island is known to you.”

    The Master:  “But do you not see the prize that awaits you at the end of it should you win.”

    Jason: “How many have won?”

    The Master: ”None or else I wouldn’t be here. Now without wasting time I will ask you to start playing the hunted.” He nodded towards the servant who immediately brought the provisions.

     Jason: “But I will need a few more things-a small knife, a bed sheet for making a comfortable bed and a bottle of whisky that serves me both as an antiseptic and refreshing drink.”

    The Master thought for a moment and replied: “Take whatever you need, but the time for the hunt will not change” Jason was handed the things he wanted.

     Jason was soon on his way and after having covered a hundred yards or so he completely undressed himself and improvised an overall from the bed sheet. His own clothes he threw across the trails in different directions. He collected wild lichens, bitter fruits and some chilly looking fruits. After grinding them he threw them further down the trail in different directions to throw the dogs off the scent. Then he made use of the knife by whittling down dry twigs and small branches to fashion out a Malay Trap of sorts.

    The hunt was now on. Sir Drax started off with his dogs on leash and two double-barrelled rifles. With plenty of ammunition in his hunting jacket, that he had once worn, while hunting wild games in Africa. The dogs hit the false scent planted by Jason. One was snared partly by the Trap. The hunt wore on. Sir Drax was looking worried. His bravado and arrogance appeared to be ebbing.

     Another dawn was unfolding. Jason was making a hearty breakfast of bananas, wild fruits and coconut. The hunt was over.

    Jason had not slept in a more comfortable bed in the last fifteen days.

    NOTE: OBVIOUSLY JASON HAD WON. BUT IT WOULD BE A GOOD PLOY TO LET THE AUDIENCE/LISTENER WORK OUT THE ANSWER.

    Moral: even when the chips are down and situation is entirely hopeless one should have his wits about him like Jason did.

***

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY– UBUNTU–I am because we are

Copyright@shravancharitymission

    The culture of ‘UBUNTU’ comes from Africa—I AM BECAUSE WE ARE

    I bring to you a very nice short story from Africa based on the motivational culture of ‘Ubuntu.’

    Once, an anthropologist, proposed a game to the tribal children of Africa. He placed a basket of sweets near a tree and made the children stand some 100 metres away. He then announced that whosoever reaches first would get all the sweets in the basket. When, he said ‘ready steady go!’

    Do you know what these children did? 

    They all held each others’ hands and ran together towards the tree. Divided the sweets in the basket equally among themselves and ate it and enjoyed it. 

    When the anthropologist   asked the why they did so, they answered,

‘Ubuntu.’

    Which meant

    How can one be happy when others are sad?

    Ubuntu in their language means …

    ‘I am because we are.’

    A strong message for all generations.

    Let us always have this attitude and spread happiness wherever we go.

    ‘Let ‘s have a ‘Ubuntu life.

    ‘I AM BECAUSE WE ARE’

*****

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: LIFE LESSON

Copyright@shravancharitymission

LIFE LESSON

     Once a professor came to his class and said. He is going to teach the students an important lesson. He then placed a glass jar on the table, and then started filling it up with table tennis balls. And he kept filling it till there was no space left.

    He then asked the students. Is the jar completely filled? To which the students collectively replied, ‘Yes sir!’

    Then the professor took out some small pebbles and started slowly putting them in the jar. He then shook the jar and with that a number of pebbles went inside and settled in the empty space available between the tennis balls.

    The professor asked again. Is the jar full now? The students replied, ‘yes sir!’

    After which the professor pulled out some sand and slowly started filling the jar with it. He then asked the students again. Is the jar completely filled now? The students once again said ‘yes sir!’

    By now the students were beginning to get a little restless when the professor lifted two cups of tea from the adjacent table and poured it into the jar. And soon the tea got soaked in the sand.

   And then the professor began explaining in a serious tone.

   Dear students, consider this glass jar as your life. Where, table tennis balls are the most important and are like the God, family, kids, friends, health and your personal fancies. Where, small pebbles are like your job, car, house etc. And sand means, small issues that include small day-to-day talk, fights and even disagreements.

    Now had you first filled the glass jar with sand first, there would have been no space for tennis balls and even pebbles. Or had you first filled the jar with pebbles first there would have been no space for tennis balls but there would have been space for sand.

     Students, exactly the same thing applies in life.

    If we get too involved with smaller things in life we will not have time and energy for important things in life.

    For your peace of mind what is essential. You only have to figure it out. It could be playing with your kids, roaming in the garden, watering the plants, going for a morning walk with your spouse, or remove the clutter from your house, or even get your medical check-up done.

     So, bother about the tennis balls of life first. For, that alone is important. First ascertain what is important for you in life. Rest everything is like sand. By now the students were spellbound.

    When, all of a sudden one student asked. ‘Sir you did not talk about those two cups of tea that you had earlier mentioned?’

    To which the professor smiled and said, ‘I was in fact thinking why till now, nobody has asked this question.

   ‘Anyways the answer to this question is quite simple. No matter how much busy and satisfying your life is. But you must always have time to have a cup of tea with your friends.

*****

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****