Empathy and understanding

THE STORY BEHIND EVERY PERSON 

We all see the world through our own experiences. Sometimes, this makes us misunderstand other people's actions and intentions. A simple story about four friends teaches us an important lesson about empathy and understanding.

A FRIENDSHIP WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES 

A lion, a horse, a koala bear, and a bird were the best of friends. They spent every day together and enjoyed each other's company. One day, the bird suddenly disappeared. A day passed, then another, and soon an entire month went by without any sign of him.

The three friends began wondering where the bird had gone. The lion believed the bird had gone on a long hunting trip because hunting was what the lion enjoyed most. The horse thought the bird must be travelling because travelling was his favourite activity. The koala bear guessed that the bird was taking a very long nap because sleeping was what he loved.

Finally, after a month, the bird returned. The friends eagerly asked him if he had been hunting, travelling, or sleeping. The bird smiled and explained that he was a migratory bird who travelled long distances to search for food, water, and suitable places to live. Sometimes those journeys took many weeks.

The three friends laughed as they realized that each of them had imagined the bird's life according to their own interests and habits.

THE REAL LESSON 

This story teaches us that we often judge others based on our own way of thinking. We assume that other people think, feel, and act just as we do. But every person has a different background, different responsibilities, and different reasons for making decisions.

Before forming an opinion about someone, we should try to understand their situation instead of making quick assumptions.

HOW IS THIS APPLICABLE IN OUR LIFE?

This lesson is useful in our everyday lives.

●A friend may refuse to join a trip, not because they do not value your friendship, but because they are facing financial or family problems.

●A classmate may seem quiet or distracted because they are dealing with difficulties that others cannot see.

●A family member may react differently to a situation because their experiences and feelings are different from yours.

●At school or work, misunderstandings often happen when we judge people without knowing the full story.

When we listen carefully and try to understand another person's point of view, relationships become stronger and kinder.

Moral of the Story

Never judge someone's actions only from your own point of view. Everyone has a story that you may not know. Understanding others with empathy and patience is the key to true friendship and a happy life.

Do you know

WHY DO FORKS HAVE 4 TINES?

Every day we use a fork without giving it much thought. But have you ever wondered why most dinner forks have four tines instead of three, five, or six? The answer is a fascinating story of history, design, and practicality. The four-tined fork is often called the “Goldilocks number” because it is not too many, not too few—just right!

HOW FORKS EVOLVED OVER TIME 

Forks have been used for centuries and have changed a great deal over time. The earliest forks, used in the Middle East and later in Europe, usually had two tines. They were mainly used for holding or serving pieces of meat.

As dining habits changed, three-tined forks became popular. They could hold food better than two-tined forks, but many foods still slipped through the wider gaps. After years of experimentation, people discovered that four tines offered the best overall design.

WHY ARE FOUR TINES THE PERFECT CHOICE?

The four-tined fork became the standard because it provides the ideal balance of strength, comfort, and usefulness.

●Better grip: Four tines hold food securely without letting it slip.

●Easy to spear food: The tines are strong enough to pick up vegetables, pasta, fruit, and meat.

●Comfortable size: A four-tined fork is wide enough to hold food but still fits comfortably in the mouth.

●Strong and durable: The tines are thick enough to resist bending during everyday use.

WHY NOT FIVE OR MORE TINES?

A fork with five or more tines may seem like it would hold food better, but it also has drawbacks. More tines mean narrower gaps and thinner tines, making the fork less sturdy and sometimes harder to clean. Four tines provide the best practical “sweet spot” for most meals.

Did You Know?

●The word fork comes from the Latin word furca, meaning a pitchfork.

●Dessert forks often have three tines because they are designed for softer foods.

●Seafood forks may have two tines to help remove meat from shells.

Amazing Facts

●The four-tined fork has been the world's most common dinner fork for hundreds of years.

●Most forks are made from stainless steel, which is strong, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.

●Different types of forks are specially designed for fish, salads, desserts, and seafood.

CONCLUSION 

The humble fork is the result of centuries of thoughtful design. After many changes and improvements, four tines proved to be the “just right” number—strong enough to hold food, comfortable to use, and practical for almost every meal.

The Wise Red Ape of the Rainforest

ORANGUTAN 

Orangutans are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. Their name comes from the Malay words orang (person) and hutan (forest), meaning “person of the forest.” These gentle great apes live high in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and spend most of their lives in trees. With their long arms, reddish-brown hair, and thoughtful eyes, orangutans are truly fascinating creatures.

HISTORIC BACKGROUND 

Orangutans have lived in Asian rainforests for millions of years. Today, they are found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, while a third species, the Tapanuli orangutan, lives in a small part of Sumatra. Scientists believe orangutans share about 97% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest living relatives.

WHERE DO ORANGUTANS LIVE?

Orangutans live in dense tropical rainforests where they find plenty of fruits, leaves, flowers, bark, and insects to eat. Unlike gorillas and chimpanzees, they are mostly solitary animals, especially adult males.

AMAZING BODY FEATURES 

●Orangutans have very long arms that can stretch over 2 metres from fingertip to fingertip.

●They use their arms to swing and climb through trees.

●Adult males develop large cheek pads and throat pouches.

●Their strong hands and feet help them grip branches easily.

FOOD HABITS 

Orangutans are mainly fruit eaters. They love figs, mangoes, lychees, and durians. They also eat leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, honey, and insects. During seasons when fruit is scarce, they survive on other forest foods.

INTELLIGENCE OF ORANGUTANS 

Orangutans are excellent problem-solvers. They use sticks to collect insects or honey and leaves as umbrellas during rain. Every evening, they carefully build a new nest of branches and leaves high in the trees to sleep.

FAMILY LIFE 

A baby orangutan stays with its mother for 6–8 years, one of the longest childhoods among animals. Mothers teach their young how to find food, build nests, and survive in the forest.

WHY ARE ORANGUTANS ENDANGERED?

Orangutans are critically endangered because of:

●Deforestation.

●Palm oil plantations.

●Illegal hunting and wildlife trade.

●Forest fires.

Many organisations are working to protect their forests and rescue injured orangutans.

Did You Know?

●Orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling mammals in the world.

●They can live 35–50 years in the wild.

●Each orangutan builds a new sleeping nest almost every night.

●Their arms are much longer than their legs.

AMAZING FACTS 

●Orangutans can recognise themselves in a mirror.

●They have unique personalities, just like humans.

●They communicate through facial expressions, gestures, and long calls.

●A mother orangutan has one baby only every 7–9 years, making their population grow very slowly.

CONCLUSION 

Orangutans are gentle, intelligent, and important guardians of the rainforest. By protecting forests and wildlife, we help ensure that these “people of the forest” continue to live safely in their natural home for generations to come.

Choose Your Company, Choose Your Future

BAD COMPANY CAN DESTROY GOOD PEOPLE 

There is a famous saying: “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” The people around us have a powerful influence on our thoughts, habits and decisions. Even a good person can slowly change if surrounded by negative influences. That is why choosing the right company is one of the most important choices in life.

WHAT IS BAD COMPANY?

Company means the people we spend our time with—our friends, classmates, neighbours, relatives or colleagues. We choose many of these relationships ourselves. Good company encourages kindness, honesty, discipline and hard work. Bad company, on the other hand, promotes habits that pull us away from our values.

Friends who bully others, cheat, disrespect teachers, fight or encourage harmful behaviour may gradually make such actions seem normal. At first, we may resist, but constant exposure can weaken our judgment without us even noticing.

HOW CAN BAD COMPANY CHANGE A GOOD PERSON?

A Hindi proverb says, “Gehu ke saath ghun bhi pis jaata hai,” meaning that when wheat is ground, the worms mixed with it are crushed as well. Similarly, innocent people may suffer because of the company they keep.

Bad company can:

●Encourage wrong habits and poor decisions.

●Damage our relationships with family and good friends.

●Reduce motivation to study or work hard.

●Affect our emotional and mental well-being.

●Lead us away from our goals and values.

As the Bible wisely says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

THE POWER OF GOOD COMPANY 

Good friends help us grow. They motivate us to learn, respect others, work honestly and become better human beings. They celebrate our success, correct us when we are wrong and stand by us during difficult times.

Success becomes easier when we are surrounded by people who inspire us to do our best.

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS 

A simple way to judge your company is to ask:

●Do I feel happy and motivated after spending time with my friends?

●Do they encourage me to do the right thing?

●Do they respect my values and goals?

●Do I feel pressured to break rules or behave badly when I am with them?

Your answers will reveal whether your company is helping you grow or pulling you down.

MORAL OF THE LESSON 

We cannot control the behaviour of others, but we can control whom we choose to be with. Choosing good company is choosing a brighter future. If you realise that your company is leading you in the wrong direction, have the courage to walk away before it is too late.

Did You Know?

●Human behaviour is strongly influenced by the people we spend time with through observation and imitation.

●Positive friendships improve confidence, academic performance and emotional well-being.

●Ancient scriptures and modern psychology both emphasise the importance of keeping good company.

Amazing Facts

●Good habits are often “contagious”—being around disciplined and positive people makes it easier to develop similar habits.

●Our brain naturally copies behaviours it sees repeatedly, even when we believe we are not being influenced.

●One good friend who inspires you can have a lifelong positive impact on your character and future.

Remember: Your company shapes your character, and your character shapes your destiny.

A Timeless Teaching from the Valmiki Ramayana

अकुर्वन्तोऽपि पापानि पापसंस्रयात्। परपापैर्विषं यथा॥

सरल अर्थ: जो स्वयं पाप नहीं करते, वे भी पापियों की संगति के कारण दण्ड भोग सकते हैं; जैसे साँपों से भरे तालाब की मछलियाँ भी साँपों के साथ मार दी जाती हैं।

Meaning: Even those who have not committed any wrong may suffer because they associate with wrongdoers—just as innocent fish in a pond full of snakes are killed along with the snakes.

This ancient teaching reminds us that our companions can affect our destiny, even if we do not intend to do wrong ourselves.

Do you know

WHY DO TRAFFIC LIGHTS USE RED, YELLOW, AND GREEN?

Every day, millions of people stop, slow down, and move ahead by following three simple colours—red, yellow, and green. These traffic lights keep roads safe and organised. But have you ever wondered why these particular colours were chosen? The answer takes us back to the days of the railway.

Long before cars filled the streets, trains relied on coloured signals to prevent accidents. On early British railways, red meant danger or stop, green meant caution, and white meant the track was clear. However, white soon created a serious problem. An ordinary lamp or light in the distance could easily be mistaken for the white “all clear” signal, putting trains at risk.

To solve this problem, railway engineers changed the system. Green became the colour that meant safe to go, while yellow (also called amber) was introduced as the colour for caution or warning. This new colour system proved much safer and easier to understand.

When traffic signals were introduced on roads, the railway colour language was adopted. But road traffic needed something extra. Drivers needed a warning before the light changed from go to stop. In 1920, a Detroit police officer named William Potts designed one of the first three-colour traffic signals, adding the yellow light between green and red. This gave drivers a few seconds to slow down safely instead of stopping suddenly.

Today, traffic lights around the world follow the same simple pattern: Red means stop, yellow means get ready or slow down, and green means go. These colours are easy to recognise, even from a distance, making roads safer for everyone.

AMAZING FACTS 

●The first traffic lights were inspired by railway signals, not cars.

●Red was chosen because it is highly visible and is often associated with danger.

●Yellow acts as a warning signal, giving drivers time to react.

●William Potts introduced the three-colour traffic signal in 1920.

●The same red-yellow-green colour system is used in most countries around the world.

WHAT WE CAN LEARN 

Traffic lights remind us that rules and patience save lives. Waiting a few seconds at a red light may seem inconvenient, but it helps prevent accidents and keeps traffic moving safely. These three colours are more than lights—they are a universal language of safety that has guided people for over a century.

Strengthening the Power of Togetherness

COOPERATIVES IN INDIA 

Imagine a business where every member has an equal voice, profits are shared fairly, and the main goal is to help the community rather than enrich a few shareholders. That is the idea behind a cooperative society. For more than a century, cooperatives have played a vital role in India's rural economy by supporting farmers, workers, consumers, and small entrepreneurs. Today, India has one of the largest cooperative networks in the world, with over 30 crore members and nearly 8.5 lakh cooperative societies.

However, despite their importance, a large number of cooperatives are facing financial and operational challenges.

WHAT IS A COOPERATIVE?

A cooperative (or co-op) is an organisation owned and managed by its members, who come together to achieve a common economic, social, or cultural goal. Every member has an equal vote in decision-making, regardless of how much money they have invested. The purpose of a cooperative is to serve its members and improve their lives through collective effort.

THE CURRENT PICTURE 

The Central Government informed the Lok Sabha that India has around 8.48 lakh cooperative societies. Their status shows a mixed picture:

* 3.49 lakh societies are making profits.

* 2.11 lakh societies are running at a loss.

* 1.41 lakh societies are non-functional or defunct.

* 47,688 societies are under liquidation.

Among the larger states, Uttar Pradesh has the highest percentage of defunct cooperatives, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. In contrast, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have managed to keep most of their cooperatives active and financially stable.

TYPES OF COOPERATIVES IN INDIA 

India has a wide variety of cooperative societies that serve different needs.

* Agricultural Cooperatives support farmers through seeds, fertilisers, equipment, and crop marketing.

* Dairy Cooperatives, such as Amul, help milk producers process and sell dairy products collectively.

* Fishermen Cooperatives assist fishing communities in managing resources and marketing their catch.

* Consumer Cooperatives provide essential goods at fair prices and reduce dependence on middlemen.

* Credit Cooperatives and cooperative banks offer savings, loans, and financial services, especially in rural areas.

* Worker Cooperatives are owned and managed by workers who share profits and responsibilities.

* Housing Cooperatives help members build and manage affordable housing projects.

JOURNEY OF THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT 

The cooperative movement in India has evolved over many decades:

1904: Cooperative Credit Societies Act enacted.

1912: Cooperative Societies Act passed.

1963: National Cooperative Development Corporation established.

1982: NABARD established to strengthen rural finance.

2002: Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act enacted.

2011: 97th Constitutional Amendment strengthened cooperative societies.

2023: Amendment to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act.

97TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: A Major Milestone

The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 gave constitutional recognition to cooperatives by:

* Making the right to form cooperative societies a fundamental right under Article 19.

* Adding Article 43B to promote cooperative societies as a Directive Principle of State Policy.

* Introducing Part IX-B (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT), which lays down provisions for cooperative governance.

* Giving Parliament powers over multi-state cooperatives, while states govern other cooperatives.

WHY ARE MANY COOPERATIVES STRUGGLING?

Several factors have weakened cooperative societies in recent years:

* Dairy cooperatives face rising input costs and price fluctuations after the COVID-19 pandemic.

* Housing cooperatives suffer from financial mismanagement, unpaid dues, and redevelopment delays.

* Credit cooperatives often struggle with weak regulation, poor governance, and financial scams.

* Women’s cooperatives face limited access to finance, social barriers, and fewer business opportunities.

* Political interference, corruption, lack of transparency, limited access to technology, and competition from private companies also reduce efficiency.

WHY COOPERATIVES STILL MATTER 

Cooperatives continue to offer many benefits:

* Democratic management with equal voting rights.

* Fair sharing of profits based on participation rather than investment.

* Affordable goods and services through collective purchasing and marketing.

* Community development by creating jobs and supporting local economies.

* Empowerment of farmers, women, artisans, and rural communities.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also recognise cooperatives as important institutions for reducing poverty, promoting decent work, and reducing inequality.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND THE ROAD AHEAD 

To strengthen the cooperative movement, the Government of India established the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021. The National Cooperation Policy 2025 aims to modernise cooperatives, improve governance, increase member participation, and make them financially sustainable through better monitoring and coordination.

CONCLUSION 

Cooperatives are built on the simple idea that working together makes everyone stronger. From dairy farmers to housing societies and rural banks, cooperatives have transformed millions of lives in India. Although many societies are facing serious challenges, reforms under the National Cooperation Policy 2025 provide hope for a stronger, more transparent, and more efficient cooperative movement that can continue to empower communities across the country.

AMAZING FACTS 

* India has the largest cooperative network in the world, with over 30 crore members.

* More than 8 lakh cooperative societies operate across the country.

* Amul, India’s famous dairy brand, is one of the world’s most successful cooperative models.

* Around 2 lakh cooperatives in India are credit societies, while about 6 lakh are non-credit cooperatives.

* Cooperatives play a key role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Do you know

HOW DO BIRDS NEVER GET LOST?

Birds travel thousands of kilometres every year, yet they can find their way with amazing accuracy. They use several natural navigation systems instead of just one.

HOW BIRDS FIND THEIR WAY 

* The Sun: During the day, birds use the Sun as a compass and adjust for its movement across the sky.

* The Stars: At night, many migratory birds navigate by the stars, especially around the North Star in the Northern Hemisphere.

* Earth's Magnetic Field: Birds have a built-in “magnetic compass.” Tiny magnetic particles and special cells help them sense the Earth's magnetic field and know which direction to fly.

* Landmarks: Rivers, mountains, coastlines, forests, and even roads help birds recognise familiar routes.

* Sense of Smell: Some birds, such as pigeons and seabirds, use smells carried by the wind to locate their home or nesting places.

* Memory: Birds remember routes they have flown before and can return to the same nesting site year after year.

AMAZING FACT 

The Arctic tern travels about 70,000–90,000 km every year, flying from the Arctic to Antarctica and back. Despite this incredible journey, it returns to almost the same breeding place every year.

NATURE'S LESSON: Birds remind us that with the right guidance and memory, even the longest journey can lead us home.