Story from Panchatantra

THE MONKEY AND THE CROCODILE 

Once upon a time, a monkey lived on a jamun tree beside a river. In the same river lived a huge crocodile. As time passed, the monkey and the crocodile became close friends. Every day, the monkey plucked sweet jamun fruits from the tree and shared them with the crocodile.

One day, the crocodile took some of the fruits home and offered them to his wife.

"These are from my friend," he said. "He gives me these delicious fruits every day."

The crocodile's wife tasted the fruits and was delighted by their sweetness. But soon, greed took hold of her. She said, "If these fruits are so sweet, just imagine how sweet the monkey's heart must be after eating them every day. I want his heart, no matter what."

The crocodile was shocked by her cruel wish, but she insisted until he reluctantly agreed.

The next day, the crocodile went to the monkey and said, "Brother Monkey, my wife has heard so much about you. She wishes to meet you and has invited you to our home for a grand feast."

Trusting his friend completely, the monkey happily jumped onto the crocodile's back, and together they began crossing the river.

When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile could no longer hide the truth. "Forgive me, my friend," he confessed. "The real reason I brought you here is that my wife wants to eat your heart."

The monkey was terrified, but he remained calm and quickly thought of a plan.

He laughed and said, "Brother, if that is all, you should have told me earlier. I always leave my heart hanging safely on my jamun tree. Since I have such a brave friend as you, I don't need to carry it with me all the time. Let us return so I can fetch it."

The foolish crocodile believed every word and immediately turned back.

As soon as they reached the riverbank, the monkey sprang off the crocodile's back and climbed high into the branches of the jamun tree. Looking down, he called out, "You deceiver! I trusted you as my friend, but you betrayed that trust. How can anyone live without a heart? You have lost both a friend and my respect."

The crocodile hung his head in shame. Realising his foolishness, he quietly swam away, never to return.

MORAL: True friendship is built on trust and loyalty. Intelligence and presence of mind can save us from even the greatest danger, but we must also learn to be cautious, for blind trust in the wrong person can lead to betrayal.

RELEVANCE OF THE STORY IN OUR LIVES 

Although The Monkey and the Crocodile was written centuries ago, its message remains just as meaningful today. In our daily lives, we meet many people—at school, at work, in our neighbourhood, and even online. While most people are honest and kind, not everyone has good intentions. Some may pretend to be our friends only to take advantage of us for their own benefit.

The monkey trusted the crocodile because he had always treated him with kindness. However, when the crocodile allowed greed to overcome friendship, he betrayed that trust. This reminds us that trust is precious and should be placed wisely. At the same time, the monkey teaches us another valuable lesson: when faced with danger or betrayal, we should not panic. Calm thinking, presence of mind, and intelligence often help us find solutions to difficult situations.

The story also warns us against greed. The crocodile's wife allowed her selfish desire to cloud her judgment, and in the end, the crocodile lost a true friend because of it. Greed and dishonesty may promise temporary gain, but they often result in lasting loss.

In today's world, where people interact both in person and through social media, this story encourages us to be kind but cautious, trusting but wise. It reminds us to value genuine friendships, stay alert to deception, and use our intelligence to overcome life's challenges.

The SIM Formula: A Better Way to Handle Problems

STOP WORRYING, START SOLVING 

Life is full of challenges. Every day, we face situations that test our patience, courage, and determination. It is natural to feel worried when things do not go as planned. However, worrying alone never solves a problem. What truly makes a difference is taking action and finding solutions.

When we worry, our minds become trapped in negative thoughts. We focus on the difficulty instead of looking for a way out. This often makes the problem seem much bigger than it actually is. Worry creates feelings of fear, helplessness, loneliness, and anxiety, making it harder to think clearly and make wise decisions.

Worry not only affects our minds but also our bodies. It can lead to headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, stomach discomfort, high blood pressure, and even difficulty in breathing. Over time, excessive worrying can harm both our physical and mental health.

Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" we should ask, "What can I do to improve the situation?" Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn something new. When we step out of our comfort zone and face difficulties with confidence, we become stronger, wiser, and more capable.

Whether it is forgetting to pack your school lunch, preparing for an important examination, facing a difficult project at work, or planning your finances, worrying only wastes valuable time and energy. That same time can be used to think calmly, make a plan, and work towards a solution.

The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom on this subject through the famous teaching: "Karm karo, phal ki ichchha mat karo"—perform your duty without worrying about the results. We cannot always control the outcome, but we can always control our effort. Doing our best and accepting the results with a positive attitude brings peace of mind.

It is also helpful to pause once in a while and reflect on our lives. Making a list of the obstacles we have overcome and the successes we have achieved reminds us of our inner strength. Looking back at past victories gives us confidence to face present challenges.

Different people find solutions in different ways. Some prefer quiet thinking or meditation, while others gain clarity by taking a walk, exercising, reading, writing, or even cleaning their surroundings. There is no single method that works for everyone. The important thing is to stay calm and keep moving forward.

A simple way to remember how to deal with problems is the SIM Formula:

S – Solutions: Focus on finding solutions instead of dwelling on problems.

I – Implement: Put your plans into action with determination.

M – Memory: Remember the lessons you learned, the patience you showed, and the confidence you gained so that future challenges become easier to handle.

Conclusion

Worry is a natural emotion, but it should never become a habit. Every problem has a solution, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Instead of letting worry control your life, choose to think, act, and learn. Replace worry with confidence, effort, and hope. After all, successful people are not those who never face problems—they are the ones who learn how to solve them.

The Legend Who Redefined Martial Arts

BRUCE LEE 

 

"Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do."

— Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee is remembered as one of the greatest martial artists of all time. He was not only an exceptional fighter but also a philosopher, actor, teacher, filmmaker, and fitness enthusiast. Through his remarkable skills and inspiring ideas, Bruce Lee transformed the way the world viewed martial arts. Even more than fifty years after his death, he continues to inspire millions of people to pursue discipline, confidence, and self-improvement.

EARLY LIFE 

Bruce Lee was born on November 27, 1940, in San Francisco, California, USA, while his parents were travelling with a Chinese opera troupe. His family soon returned to Hong Kong, where he spent most of his childhood.

As a young boy, Bruce was energetic and mischievous. He often found himself involved in street fights. Concerned for his safety, his father encouraged him to learn Wing Chun, a traditional Chinese martial art, under the famous master Ip Man. This training laid the foundation for Bruce Lee's extraordinary journey.

Interestingly, Bruce Lee also became an accomplished cha-cha dancer and even won a Hong Kong cha-cha dancing championship in 1958. His graceful footwork later contributed to his speed and balance in martial arts.

JOURNEY TO GREATNESS 

At the age of 18, Bruce Lee moved back to the United States to continue his education. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle, where he studied philosophy.

While studying, he began teaching martial arts. Unlike many instructors of his time, Bruce welcomed students from all backgrounds, regardless of race or nationality. His classes quickly became popular because of his practical teaching style and incredible skills.

THE BIRTH OF JEET KUNE DO 

Bruce Lee believed that no single martial art was perfect. He felt that a fighter should use techniques that worked best in real situations rather than blindly following tradition.

With this idea, he developed his own martial arts philosophy called Jeet Kune Do (JKD), meaning "The Way of the Intercepting Fist."

Jeet Kune Do encourages practitioners to:

●Be flexible and adaptable.

●Use only effective techniques.

●Avoid unnecessary movements.

●Learn continuously and never stop improving.

Bruce often compared his philosophy to water, saying:

"Be water, my friend."

Just as water changes its shape to fit any container, Bruce believed people should learn to adapt to every situation.

HOLLYWOOD AND INTERNATIONAL FAME 

Although Bruce Lee had acted in films as a child, worldwide fame came later through martial arts movies.

Some of his most famous films include:

●The Big Boss (1971)

●Fist of Fury (1972)

●The Way of the Dragon (1972)

●Enter the Dragon (1973)

●Game of Death (released after his death)

These films introduced martial arts to audiences around the world and made Bruce Lee an international superstar. His lightning-fast punches, flying kicks, and magnetic screen presence captivated millions.

FITNESS AHEAD OF HIS TIME 

Bruce Lee believed that martial artists should be physically and mentally strong.

His daily routine included:

●Strength training

●Running

●Skipping rope

●Cycling

●Stretching

●Meditation

●Healthy eating

He carefully recorded his workouts and constantly experimented with new training methods. Many modern fitness techniques used by athletes today resemble ideas Bruce Lee practised decades ago.

A GREAT THINKER 

Bruce Lee was more than an action hero. He loved reading and owned a personal library containing thousands of books on philosophy, psychology, fitness, and self-development.

He believed that true strength came from mastering both the body and the mind. His writings continue to inspire people to overcome fear, remain humble, and strive for excellence.

UNTIMELY DEATH 

On July 20, 1973, Bruce Lee passed away in Hong Kong at the age of just 32. His sudden death shocked the world. Although his life was short, his influence has lasted for generations.

BRUCE LEE'S LEGACY 

Today, Bruce Lee is regarded as a global cultural icon.

His legacy includes:

●Popularising martial arts across the world.

●Inspiring countless athletes, actors, and martial artists.

●Promoting physical fitness and self-discipline.

●Breaking racial barriers in international cinema.

●Teaching that confidence comes from continuous learning and hard work.

His life reminds us that determination and perseverance can help ordinary people achieve extraordinary success.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Bruce Lee could perform push-ups using only two fingers.

●He was an excellent cha-cha dancer before becoming world-famous in martial arts.

●He designed many of his own fitness exercises.

●He could throw punches so quickly that cameras often struggled to capture them clearly.

●His famous advice, "Be water, my friend," has inspired athletes, business leaders, and students around the world.

●Bruce Lee's influence extends far beyond martial arts—he is remembered as a symbol of courage, discipline, and self-belief.

WORDS TO REMEMBER 

"Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them."

"The successful warrior is the average person with laser-like focus."

CONCLUSION 

Bruce Lee proved that true greatness is achieved through discipline, dedication, and an open mind. He revolutionised martial arts, inspired millions through his films and philosophy, and showed the world that strength is not just physical—it is also mental and moral. His timeless message of self-improvement continues to motivate people of all ages to dream big, work hard, and never stop learning.

The reward of hard work

PERSEVERE FOR SUCCESS 

Once, two mice lived in a house. One day, both of them set out in search of food.

The first mouse was hardworking and determined. It climbed a ladder, squeezed through a window, and finally reached the kitchen counter, where it found a piece of delicious cheese.

The second mouse was lazy. It did not want to make the effort of climbing. Instead, it wandered around on the floor, hoping to find something to eat without any hard work. Soon, it came across a piece of sweet-coated cheese lying on the ground. Delighted by its good fortune, the mouse quickly ate it.

Both mice found food, but their stories ended very differently. The hardworking mouse enjoyed its meal and lived on. The lazy mouse, however, died within minutes because the cheese on the floor had been poisoned by the lady of the house.

This simple story teaches a powerful lesson: easy rewards are not always the best rewards.

A well-known saying reminds us, "Nothing great ever came easy." Former American President Theodore Roosevelt expressed the same idea when he said:

"Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty..."

His words encourage us to face challenges with courage instead of searching for shortcuts. Success earned through hard work brings lasting satisfaction, while easy paths often lead to disappointment.

Hard work, determination, dedication, and perseverance are the true keys to success. Honour and achievement are never served on a silver platter. They are earned through patience, discipline, and continuous effort. Real success does not happen overnight—it grows steadily, one step at a time.

As students, you should study sincerely and remain committed to your goals. Build your knowledge, strengthen your understanding, and believe in your abilities. Be patient during difficult times, and do not be tempted by shortcuts or dishonest means. The effort you put in today will shape a brighter future tomorrow.

Always remember:

"If you wish to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise, you must first endure the darkness of the night."

Persevere through every challenge, and success will surely follow.

Embracing Imperfection

THE BEAUTY OF WABI-SABI 

In a world that often celebrates perfection, speed, and the latest trends, a quiet Japanese philosophy invites us to slow down and appreciate something far deeper — the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. This is the essence of Wabi-Sabi.

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) is a traditional Japanese aesthetic and worldview that teaches us to see beauty in things that are imperfect, incomplete, and transient.

Wabi refers to simplicity, humility, and living in tune with nature.

Sabi is the beauty that comes with time — the weathering, aging, and quiet dignity of things that have been touched by life.

Together, Wabi-Sabi reminds us that beauty doesn't lie in perfection or luxury — but in the real, the worn, the flawed, and the natural.

🪵 Everyday Examples of Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-Sabi is not found in glitter or gloss. It lives in the small, unnoticed details of life:

A chipped teacup passed down through generations.

A handwritten letter with smudged ink.

An old wooden table with scratches from years of family meals.

Autumn leaves fallen on a garden path.

A simple home with uneven walls, but full of warmth.

Even the Japanese art of Kintsugi — where broken pottery is repaired with gold — is based on Wabi-Sabi. The cracks are not hidden but highlighted, showing that scars can be beautiful.

Wabi-Sabi in Our Lives

Wabi-Sabi is more than just a design style — it's a way of living and thinking. It encourages us to:

Accept imperfection in ourselves and others.

Appreciate the passage of time, rather than fear it.

Simplify our lives and find joy in the ordinary.

Let go of the pressure to always be polished, productive, or perfect.

In this fast-moving, filtered world, Wabi-Sabi whispers:

👉 “It’s okay to be a little broken. You are still beautiful.”

Why We Need Wabi-Sabi Today

Modern life often teaches us to chase perfection — flawless skin, spotless homes, perfect scores, and ideal lifestyles. But this chase often leaves us stressed, insecure, and disconnected.

Wabi-Sabi, on the other hand, brings peace. It invites us to be gentle with ourselves, to accept change, and to find meaning in the small, slow, and imperfect parts of life.

🖋 Final Thoughts

Wabi-Sabi is a reminder that life is constantly changing — and that’s what makes it beautiful. The crack in the bowl, the faded photograph, the wrinkled smile of an old person — all carry stories, emotions, and silent beauty.

So the next time something doesn’t go “perfectly,” pause and reflect:

Maybe, just maybe, that’s Wabi-Sabi showing you its quiet magic.

“Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.” – Wabi-Sabi wisdom

The Master of the Skies

DRAGONFLY 

Dragonflies are among the most ancient and fascinating insects on Earth. With their dazzling colours, transparent wings, and extraordinary flying skills, they have captivated people for millions of years. They are commonly seen hovering over ponds, lakes, rivers, paddy fields, and gardens. Besides their beauty, dragonflies are extremely useful because they help control harmful insects such as mosquitoes.

ONE OF EARTH'S OLDEST INSECTS 

Dragonflies belong to the insect order Odonata and have been flying across the Earth for more than 300 million years—long before dinosaurs appeared. Fossil evidence shows that some prehistoric dragonflies had wingspans of nearly 70 centimetres (28 inches), making them among the largest insects ever to exist.

Today, scientists have identified over 6,000 species of dragonflies, found on every continent except Antarctica.

APPEARANCE 

Dragonflies have long, slender bodies, six legs, and two pairs of transparent wings. Their wings move independently, enabling them to perform amazing aerial tricks. Depending on the species, dragonflies may appear blue, green, red, yellow, brown, black, or metallic.

Their most remarkable feature is their huge compound eyes. Each eye contains thousands of tiny lenses, giving them almost 360-degree vision. This helps them detect prey and avoid predators with incredible accuracy.

INCREDIBLE FLYING ABILITY 

Dragonflies are among the world's finest flying insects. They can:

●Fly forward, backward, sideways, and even upside down.

●Hover in one place like a helicopter.

●Make sudden turns while chasing prey.

●Reach speeds of 50–55 km/h (30–35 mph).

●Their excellent eyesight and powerful wings make them expert aerial hunters.

LIFE CYCLE 

Dragonflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, consisting of three stages:

1. Egg

The female lays her eggs in or near freshwater.

2. Nymph (Larva)

The eggs hatch into aquatic nymphs that live underwater for several months or even years. These nymphs feed on mosquito larvae, tadpoles, tiny fish, and other aquatic animals.

3. Adult

When fully grown, the nymph climbs out of the water, sheds its outer skin, and emerges as a beautiful winged dragonfly. The adult usually lives for only a few weeks to a few months.

FOOD 

Dragonflies are carnivorous insects.

Adult dragonflies feed on:

●Mosquitoes

●Flies

●Gnats

●Moths

●Butterflies

●Small bees

●Other flying insects

A single dragonfly may consume dozens or even hundreds of mosquitoes in one day, making it one of nature's best pest controllers.

IMPORTANCE IN NATURE 

Dragonflies are valuable members of the ecosystem.

They naturally reduce mosquito populations.

They help maintain ecological balance.

They provide food for birds, frogs, fish, spiders, and reptiles.

Their presence indicates clean and healthy freshwater habitats.

Scientists use dragonflies as bioindicators to monitor the health of wetlands and rivers.

DRAGONFLIES AND HUMANS 

Dragonflies are harmless to humans. They do not sting and rarely bite. Across many cultures, they symbolise courage, hope, happiness, transformation, wisdom, and good fortune.

Their graceful flight has inspired artists, photographers, engineers, and even scientists designing small flying robots.

FASCINATING FACTS 

Scientific Order: Odonata

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, wetlands, and gardens

Diet: Carnivorous (mainly insects)

Number of Species: More than 6,000

Vision: Nearly 360 degrees

Top Speed: About 50–55 km/h

Life Span: A few weeks to a few months as adults; several months to years as nymphs

DID YOU KNOW?

●Dragonflies have been on Earth longer than dinosaurs.

●Their wings do not fold over their backs like many other insects.

●They catch nearly 95% of the insects they chase, making them among the most successful hunters in nature.

●Baby dragonflies spend most of their lives underwater before becoming flying adults.

●Dragonflies can even migrate hundreds or thousands of kilometres during seasonal journeys.

DRAGONFLIES IN INDIA 

India is home to more than 500 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Some of the most commonly seen dragonflies are:

●Wandering Glider

Pale golden-yellow in colour.

One of the world's most widespread dragonflies.

Famous for its long-distance migrations.

Commonly seen over fields, ponds, and open areas, especially during the monsoon.

●Crimson Marsh Glider

Males are bright crimson or pinkish-red, while females are yellowish-brown.

Frequently found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.

●Green Marsh Hawk

Easily recognised by its green and black striped body.

Common in gardens, wetlands, rice fields, and urban parks throughout India.

●Ground Skimmer

A small, light grey or whitish dragonfly.

Very common in open fields, roadsides, and around water bodies.

Among these, the Wandering Glider and the Green Marsh Hawk are the dragonflies that people in India most frequently notice. They are widespread across the country and are often seen during the rainy season and in areas near freshwater.

CONCLUSION 

Dragonflies are true marvels of nature. Their ancient history, brilliant colours, sharp eyesight, and unmatched flying skills make them one of the most extraordinary insects in the world. By controlling insect populations and indicating the health of freshwater ecosystems, dragonflies perform an important service for both nature and humans. Protecting wetlands and clean water sources will help ensure that these magnificent aerial hunters continue to thrive for generations to come.

A Visionary Patriot and Nation Builder

Dr. SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE 

"A nation grows strong when its people stand united with courage, conviction, and a deep sense of national pride." These ideals were reflected throughout the life of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, an eminent educationist, lawyer, parliamentarian, and freedom-era leader who made significant contributions to India's political and educational landscape. He is remembered as a fearless nationalist, an outstanding scholar, and the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the political party that later evolved into today's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION 

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was born on 6 July 1901 in Kolkata (then Calcutta), West Bengal, into a distinguished Bengali family. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, was a renowned judge, mathematician, educationist, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, while his mother, Jogmaya Devi, nurtured him with strong moral values.

A brilliant student from an early age, he excelled in academics and earned degrees in English, Bengali, and Law. He later travelled to England, where he was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in London.

YOUNGEST VICE-CHANCELLOR OF CALCUTTA UNIVERSITY 

One of Dr. Mukherjee's greatest achievements came at a remarkably young age. In 1934, at just 33 years, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta.

During his tenure, he introduced several educational reforms. He encouraged the use of Indian languages in higher education, promoted scientific research, and worked to modernise the university. His efforts greatly strengthened the quality of education and inspired thousands of students.

ENTRY INTO POLITICS 

Although deeply interested in education, Dr. Mukherjee believed that national service required active participation in public life. He entered politics and was elected to the Bengal Legislative Council.

After India gained Independence in 1947, he joined the first Union Cabinet led by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the Minister for Industry and Supply. During this period, he worked to promote India's industrial development and economic growth.

However, due to differences over certain national policies, particularly regarding relations with Pakistan, he resigned from the Cabinet in 1950.

FOUNDER OF BHARATIYA JANA SANGH 

In 1951, Dr. Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, advocating nationalism, national integration, cultural heritage, and democratic values. Under his leadership, the party emerged as an important political force in independent India.

His ideas later influenced the development of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of India's major political parties today.

STAND ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR 

Dr. Mukherjee is especially remembered for his strong views on the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.

He opposed the system under which Indian citizens required a permit to enter Jammu and Kashmir. He believed that one nation should not have separate constitutional arrangements for one of its states. His famous slogan became:

"Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur do Nishan – nahin chalenge."

(One country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two national flags.)

His stand on this issue remains an important part of his political legacy.

DEATH 

In 1953, while travelling to Jammu and Kashmir without a permit as part of his protest, Dr. Mukherjee was arrested. He died in custody on 23 June 1953 in Srinagar under circumstances that have remained the subject of public debate and historical discussion.

His untimely death at the age of 51 deeply shocked the nation.

LEGACY 

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee is remembered as a patriot who dedicated his life to education, national unity, and public service. His contributions continue to influence Indian politics and public life.

Many educational institutions, roads, airports, scholarships, and public programmes across India have been named in his honour. Every year, 6 July, his birth anniversary, is observed to remember his contributions to the nation.

In recognition of his vision for industrial development, the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata (formerly Kolkata Port Trust) was renamed in his honour in 2020.

INTERESTING FACTS 

●He became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta at the age of 33.

●He was an accomplished lawyer, scholar, educationist, and parliamentarian.

●He served as Independent India's first Minister for Industry and Supply.

●He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951.

●He strongly advocated national integration and educational reforms.

●His birth anniversary is observed every year on 6 July.

●His ideas continue to influence Indian public life and political thought.

CONCLUSION 

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was a remarkable leader whose life reflected dedication, courage, and patriotism. Whether as an educationist, a minister, or a political leader, he always worked with the goal of building a strong and united India. His commitment to education, democracy, and national integration ensures that he continues to be remembered as one of the important personalities in modern Indian history. His life inspires citizens to serve the nation with integrity, knowledge, and unwavering determination.