Gopal Bhand - The 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 trying to prove how he was the only one fit for the post. 

         Now the Maharaja was in a fix. He could not decide who among them was the best. So he called upon Gopal to solve the problem. 

        Gopal thought for a while. Then turning towards the candidates, he said:  "0 learned people, the Maharaja and the courtiers have all listened to you. All of you are highly qualified and experienced. Now there is only one thing that we need to know. Who amongst you is the best? Only the best will be appointed as the royal physician. Let us now judge your experience. Tell us, how many patients have died under your treatment? The royal physician needs to have at least a thousand dead to his credit. Those who haven't that many, stand no chance." 

          Now all the applicants looked at each other and didn't know what to say. Finally, one of them gathered courage and said, "I have treated 10,000 patients so far and out of the 2,000 have died." Another said, "Well, I have treated 30,000 patients and 4,000 died." The third said, "That's nothing! You see, I have treated more than 40,000 patients and as many as 6,000 have died." This went on and on. 

         Just then Gopal noticed that one of the candidates was walking away quietly. Goal asked him, "Why are you going away without saying anything? Don't you want the post?" 

       I did want the post. I have come this far only in the hope of getting it. But I don't think I am eligible for the post." 

         I did want the post. I have come this far only in the hope of getting it. But I don't think I am eligible for the post." 

    "Why not?" Gopal asked eagerly. 

     "You see, I don't fit in your special requirement. I have treated over 20,000 patients so far and few of my patients have died, but how can I hold their deaths to my credit?  Even if I work for the rest of my life, I do not hope to have even ten deaths to my credit, leave alone a thousand!"

       Gopal instantly turned to the Maharaja and said, "Your Majesty, here is your royal physician!  We have found the only person fit for the job."