Moral story

Gopal Bhand         You have heard stories of Birbal, Tenali Ram, Abu Nawasi, Mulla Nasiruddin who were known for their wit and sense of humour. All of them showed  great presence of mind. They turned every situation to their advantage.            Similar stories are told about Gopal Bhand of West Bengal. He is a popular figure in Eastern India. It is said that Gopal Bhand was the court jester at the royal court of Maharaja Krishna Chandra of Krishnanagar. When you read the story given below, you will see why he was the Maharaja's favourite.          Once the Maharaja wanted to appoint a royal physician. He sent his announcers far and wide asking practising physicians to present themselves at the king's court on a certain day.          This was a golden opportunity for physicians. They flocked in large numbers to the king's court on that day. One by one, each one of them came forward and rolled out a long list of qualifications and experience. Everyone was

Friendship               Shankaramma and Sundaramma lived side by side in a village. Shankaramma was soft spoken. She was nice to all and had helping nature. Sundaramma was in total contrast. She always quarreled with the neighbours and caused harm.               There was a floral tree in Shankaramma's backyard. It grew tall and bent towards Sundaramma's house. While Shankaramma took great care of the plant, Sunderamma would pluck all the flowers.               After this went on for a long time Shankaramma said, "Sundaramma! This is very unjust. I am tending to the plant but you are using the flowers." Sundaramma replied haughtily, "Flowers are in my backyard. So they belong to me."             Shankaramma wanted to teach Sundaramma a lesson. She got a plant full of thorns. The roots remained in Shankaramma's backyard while all the thorns had spread to Sundaramma's house.             Sunderamma querreled with Shankaramma saying tha