Know your world

COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD 🌍

The world is made up of 195 countries, each unique in its geography, culture, history, language, and government. These countries together form the international community that we live in today.

🌐 What is a Country?

A country is a distinct territory with its own government, laws, and boundaries. It is recognised by other nations and is often a member of international organisations like the United Nations (UN).

🧭 How Many Countries Are There?

As of now, there are:

195 countries in the world

193 are member states of the United Nations

2 are observer states: the Vatican City and Palestine

🗺️ Continents and Countries

The world is divided into 7 continents, and each continent contains a group of countries:

1. Asia – Largest continent; countries like India, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

2. Africa – Second-largest; known for cultural and wildlife diversity. Countries include Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya.

3. Europe – Known for ancient history and modern cities. Countries include France, Germany, Italy.

4. North America – Includes the USA, Canada, Mexico, etc.

5. South America – Home to the Amazon rainforest. Countries include Brazil, Argentina, Peru.

6. Australia (Oceania) – Smallest continent; includes Australia, New Zealand, and island nations like Fiji.

7. Antarctica – No countries, but many nations have research stations here.

🌏 Diversity Around the World

Each country has its own:

Flag 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 🇫🇷

National language (e.g., Hindi in India, French in France)

Currency (e.g., Rupee, Dollar, Euro)

Culture and traditions

Form of government (democracy, monarchy, republic, etc.)

🕊️ Importance of Global Unity

Although we are divided into countries, we share one planet. Organisations like the UN, WHO, and UNESCO help countries work together for peace, health, education, and development.

🌟 Fun Facts:

Smallest country: Vatican City

Largest country: Russia

Most populated country: India (as of 2023)

Newest country: South Sudan (formed in 2011)

The study of countries helps us understand different lifestyles, values, and perspectives. It promotes respect for other cultures and the idea that we are all part of one global family. 🌍

Here's a continent-wise breakdown of the 195 countries (193 UN member states + 2 observer states), keeping in mind that some countries are transcontinental or have territories associated with other continents.

Africa (54 Countries)

 * Algeria

 * Angola

 * Benin

 * Botswana

 * Burkina Faso

 * Burundi

 * Cabo Verde

 * Cameroon

 * Central African Republic

 * Chad

 * Comoros

 * Congo (Republic of the)

 * Côte d'Ivoire

 * Democratic Republic of the Congo

 * Djibouti

 * Egypt (partially in Asia)

 * Equatorial Guinea

 * Eritrea

 * Eswatini

 * Ethiopia

 * Gabon

 * Gambia

 * Ghana

 * Guinea

 * Guinea-Bissau

 * Kenya

 * Lesotho

 * Liberia

 * Libya

 * Madagascar

 * Malawi

 * Mali

 * Mauritania

 * Mauritius

 * Morocco

 * Mozambique

 * Namibia

 * Niger

 * Nigeria

 * Rwanda

 * Sao Tome and Principe

 * Senegal

 * Seychelles

 * Sierra Leone

 * Somalia

 * South Africa

 * South Sudan

 * Sudan

 * Tanzania, United Republic of

 * Togo

 * Tunisia

 * Uganda

 * Zambia

 * Zimbabwe

Asia (48 Countries)

* Afghanistan

* Armenia (transcontinental, often listed in  

  Europe)

* Azerbaijan (transcontinental, often listed in 

  Europe)

* Bahrain

* Bangladesh

* Bhutan

* Brunei Darussalam

* Cambodia

* China

* Cyprus (geographically Asian, culturally 

   European)

* East Timor (Timor-Leste)

* Egypt (partially in Africa)

* Georgia (transcontinental, often listed in 

   Europe)

* India

* Indonesia

* Iran (Islamic Republic of)

* Iraq

* Israel

* Japan

* Jordan

* Kazakhstan (transcontinental)

* Kuwait

* Kyrgyzstan

* Lao People's Democratic Republic

* Lebanon

* Malaysia

* Maldives

* Mongolia

* Myanmar

* Nepal

* North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of 

  Korea)

* Oman

* Pakistan

* Palestine, State of (Observer State)

* Philippines

* Qatar

* Republic of Korea (South Korea)

* Russian Federation (transcontinental, generally 

  considered European)

* Saudi Arabia

* Singapore

* Sri Lanka

* Syrian Arab Republic

* Tajikistan

* Thailand

* Turkey (transcontinental, often listed in Europe)

* Turkmenistan

* United Arab Emirates

* Uzbekistan

* Viet Nam

* Yemen

Europe (44 Countries)

 * Albania

 * Andorra

 * Armenia (transcontinental, often listed in Asia)

 * Austria

 * Azerbaijan (transcontinental, often listed in 

   Asia)

 * Belarus

 * Belgium

 * Bosnia and Herzegovina

 * Bulgaria

 * Croatia

 * Cyprus (geographically Asian, culturally 

    European)

 * Czechia (Czech Republic)

 * Denmark

 * Estonia

 * Finland

 * France

 * Georgia (transcontinental, often listed in Asia)

 * Germany

 * Greece

 * Holy See (Vatican City) (Observer State)

 * Hungary

 * Iceland

 * Ireland

 * Italy

 * Latvia

 * Liechtenstein

 * Lithuania

 * Luxembourg

 * Malta

 * Republic of Moldova

 * Monaco

 * Montenegro

 * Netherlands

 * North Macedonia

 * Norway

 * Poland

 * Portugal

 * Romania

 * Russian Federation (transcontinental, generally 

   considered European)

 * San Marino

 * Serbia

 * Slovakia

 * Slovenia

 * Spain

 * Sweden

 * Switzerland

 * Turkey (transcontinental, often listed in Asia)

 * Ukraine

 * United Kingdom

North America (23 Countries)

 * Antigua and Barbuda

 * Bahamas

 * Barbados

 * Belize

 * Canada

 * Costa Rica

 * Cuba

 * Dominica

 * Dominican Republic

 * El Salvador

 * Grenada

 * Guatemala

 * Haiti

 * Honduras

 * Jamaica

 * Mexico

 * Nicaragua

 * Panama

 * Saint Kitts and Nevis

 * Saint Lucia

 * Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

 * Trinidad and Tobago

 * United States of America

South America (12 Countries)

 * Argentina

 * Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

 * Brazil

 * Chile

 * Colombia

 * Ecuador

 * Guyana

 * Paraguay

 * Peru

 * Suriname

 * Uruguay

 * Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

Oceania (14 Countries)

 * Australia

 * Fiji

 * Kiribati

 * Marshall Islands

 * Micronesia (Federated States of)

 * Nauru

 * New Zealand

 * Palau

 * Papua New Guinea

 * Samoa

 * Solomon Islands

 * Tonga

 * Tuvalu

 * Vanuatu

Antarctica

There are no independent countries on the continent of Antarctica. Several countries have territorial claims, but these are not universally recognized and the continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System.

The eternal Guru

VED VYAS 

Maharishi or Maharshi Ved Vyas is one of the greatest sages in Indian history. He is not only a spiritual figure but also a literary genius and philosopher. Known as the author of the Mahabharata and the compiler of the Vedas, he holds a unique and highly respected place in Indian culture.

Birth and early life: Ved Vyas was born to sage Parashara and Matsyagandha (Satyavati), a fisherwoman. His real name was Krishna Dvaipayana. Krishna means dark (his complexion) and Dvaipayana means "island-born" (he was born on an island in the Yamuna river).

Later, he became known as Veda Vyasa, meaning “the divider or compiler of the Vedas.”

📚 Major contributions

1. Division of the Vedas

In earlier times, the Vedas were passed down orally and were very vast and complex.

Ved Vyas divided them into four parts — Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda — and gave them to his disciples:

Rigveda to Paila

Yajurveda to Vaishampayana

Samaveda to Jaimini

Atharvaveda to Sumantu

This division made it easier to study and preserve.

2. Author of the Mahabharata: Ved Vyas composed the great epic Mahabharata, which is considered the longest poem in the world. It contains over 100,000 verses and teaches profound lessons about dharma, duty, righteousness, and life. The Bhagavad Gita, the sacred conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, is part of the Mahabharata.

3. Puranas and Brahma Sutras: He is also credited with composing or compiling 18 Puranas, which contain stories of gods, goddesses, creation, morals, and ancient wisdom. He authored the Brahma Sutras, which explain the philosophy of the Upanishads in a logical way.

🌕 Why Guru Purnima is celebrated in His honour

Guru Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June–July), is celebrated to honour Ved Vyas.

It is believed that on this day, he began teaching his disciples and spreading knowledge.

Since he is considered the Adi Guru (first teacher), all teachers and spiritual guides are remembered and respected on this day.

Symbol of knowledge and devotion

Maharishi Ved Vyas symbolises the importance of: organised learning, spiritual wisdom and selfless teaching. He taught not for fame or reward but to preserve knowledge for future generations.

✨ Legacy: His legacy lives on in temples, scriptures, and every Guru Purnima celebration.

Millions of students, saints, teachers, and spiritual seekers bow their heads in gratitude to this timeless guru.

Did you know?

Lord Ganesha is believed to have written down  the Mahabharata as Ved Vyas dictated it.

It is said that Ved Vyas still lives in the Himalayas in spiritual form, guiding those who seek true knowledge.

Do you know

💰 HOW MUCH DOES THE AVERAGE HUMAN BODY COST?

Have you ever wondered what the human body is really worth? While we often say that human life is priceless, some scientists, economists, and even medical researchers have tried to estimate its value—from the cost of its basic chemical elements to the value of organs for transplant. Let’s explore this intriguing question from a few different perspectives.

🧪 1. The Chemical Breakdown: Surprisingly Cheap!

If we break down the human body into its most basic building blocks—chemical elements like carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and calcium—the actual cost is surprisingly low.

The human body is made up of about 60 different elements.

The most common ones are:

Oxygen (65%)

Carbon (18%)

Hydrogen (10%)

Nitrogen (3%)

Calcium (1.5%)

Phosphorus (1%)

When scientists calculate the market value of all these elements, the total worth of the average adult human body comes to only about ₹80 to ₹800. That’s right—chemically, we’re not made of gold!

🧬 2. The Organ Value: A Matter of Life and Death

From a medical perspective, especially in the field of organ transplantation, the value of human organs is dramatically higher. If we estimate the worth of various organs (strictly for legal and ethical discussions), here’s what it could look like:

Kidney: ₹12 lakh+

Heart: ₹8.3 crore+

Liver: ₹41 lakh+

Lungs (pair): ₹16.6 lakh+

Cornea (per eye): ₹2.5 lakh+

In total, a single human body, through legal organ donation, can save or improve the lives of more than 75 people. That makes every organ donation truly invaluable.

⚠️ Important Note: Organ trading on the black market is illegal and unethical. Legitimate organ donation is done purely as a gift of life, never for money.

🧫 3. Medical and Research Use: Millions in Value

Human bodies are also donated to science and medical research. Medical schools, anatomy labs, and researchers use donated bodies to:

Train surgeons

Study diseases

Develop treatments

In this context, the value of a donated human body can reach crores of rupees, not in a commercial sense, but in terms of the lives it touches, improves, and educates.

✨ 4. The Incalculable Worth of Human Life

Despite all the calculations, the most important truth remains:

A human life is priceless.

You are more than just chemicals or organs. Your thoughts, emotions, talents, relationships, and potential cannot be measured in rupees—or any currency.

🧠 Conclusion: A Body Beyond Price

So, how much does the average human body cost?

Chemically? Around ₹800 or less.

Medically? Possibly crores of rupees.

Spiritually and morally? Absolutely priceless.

Each human being is unique and irreplaceable. That’s what makes life so precious.

A test of endurance and determination

🏃‍♀️ MARATHON 

A marathon is much more than just a long race—it's a powerful symbol of human endurance, determination, and spirit. Covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), the marathon is one of the most demanding and respected athletic events in the world.

🏛️ Historical Origin

The marathon has its roots in ancient Greece. According to legend, in 490 BCE, a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from the battlefield in the town of Marathon to Athens—a distance of about 40 km—to deliver news of a military victory against the Persians. After announcing the victory, he collapsed and died from exhaustion. In his honour, the marathon was introduced in the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896.

📏 How Long is a Marathon?

The official distance of a marathon is 42.195 km. This specific length was established during the 1908 London Olympics so the race could start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal family’s viewing box.

There are also variations:

Half Marathon – 21.097 km

Ultra Marathon – Any race longer than a full marathon

Mini-Marathon / Fun Run – Shorter distances, often for charity or beginners

🏃‍♂️ A Race of Preparation and Perseverance

Running a marathon is not just about speed—it’s about stamina, consistency, and mental strength. Participants usually train for several months, gradually increasing their distance. Along with physical fitness, hydration, nutrition, and rest play a major role in preparing for the race.

Many marathon runners say that the real challenge is not the distance, but the mental battle to keep going when the body feels like giving up.

🌍 Marathons Around the World

Today, marathons are held in cities across the globe, with thousands of runners and millions of spectators:

Boston Marathon – Oldest annual marathon, started in 1897

New York City Marathon – One of the largest, with over 50,000 runners

London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon – Part of the prestigious "World Marathon Majors"

India also hosts popular events like:

Tata Mumbai Marathon

Delhi Half Marathon

Kolkata Marathon

These events often raise money for charitable causes and promote health awareness.

💡 Why Do People Run Marathons?

People run marathons for many reasons:

To test their limits

To support a cause

To stay fit and motivated

To experience the joy of achieving something extraordinary

Crossing the finish line is not just a physical achievement—it’s a deeply emotional and personal victory.

✨ Conclusion

A marathon teaches us valuable life lessons: discipline, patience, courage, and resilience. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a beginner, participating in a marathon is a celebration of what the human body and mind can achieve together. It reminds us that with the right mindset and preparation, no distance is too far, and no goal is impossible.

The Marvelous Machine

AMAZING ABILITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY 

The human body is one of nature’s greatest miracles—an extraordinary system made up of countless parts working in harmony. From the beating of the heart to the blinking of the eyes, every function plays a vital role in keeping us alive, alert, and adaptive. Let's take a fascinating journey into some amazing abilities of our body that often go unnoticed, yet are nothing short of remarkable!

💓 The Powerhouse Heart: Our heart is a true workhorse—it beats nearly 100,000 times each day and pumps around 7,500 litres of blood throughout the body. This nonstop engine keeps our organs supplied with oxygen and nutrients, day and night.

👄 Saliva, Stomach, and Digestion: On average, our body produces about 1 litre of saliva daily. This not only moistens food but also begins the digestive process. A healthy stomach can hold about 1 litre of food at a time and secretes acid strong enough to dissolve metal. The intestines, if stretched out, would measure over 25 feet (7.5 meters), allowing maximum absorption of nutrients.

🧠 Brilliant Brain and Nerves: Our brain, weighing about 3 pounds (1.36 kg), contains around 86 billion neurons, acting as the command center for the entire body. It controls thoughts, emotions, movements, and all involuntary functions like breathing and heartbeat.

👁️ Eyes, Nose, and Tongue: The Sensory Team

The eyes can detect around 10 million shades—more colours than a modern camera! Our nose can distinguish over 1 trillion different smells, many of which are linked to memory. The tongue can identify around 10,000 unique flavours, thanks to the thousands of taste buds spread across it.

🩸 An Intricate Network: Inside us lies a vast web of approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels, enough to circle the Earth more than twice! Our lungs house about 600 million alveoli, enabling the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with every breath.

💧 The Water Within: About 70% of the human body is made up of water, essential for all physiological processes—from regulating body temperature to flushing out toxins.

🧬 Skin and Bones: Strength and Protection

The skin is the body’s largest organ, protecting us from microbes, regulating temperature, and enabling the sense of touch. Every day, we shed nearly a million skin cells, renewing our skin about every 27 days. Bones are five times stronger than steel of the same density, yet light enough to support movement. Muscles, which make up about 40% of our body weight, allow us to walk, run, smile, and breathe.

🧪 The Body at Work: 

The liver, one of the busiest organs, performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxifying blood and producing essential proteins.

The hair on our head is the second fastest-growing tissue in the body (after bone marrow).

We blink about 15–20 times per minute, keeping our eyes lubricated and protected.

✨ Truly a Living Wonder

Our body is not just a biological machine—it is a masterpiece of design and function. Every second, it performs thousands of tasks in perfect coordination, often without us even realizing it. From fighting off infections to learning new skills, it constantly adapts, repairs, and evolves.

Let us take care of this amazing gift with healthy habits, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough rest. After all, we live in the most advanced machine ever built—the human body!

The story of supreme sacrifice

⚔️ THE BATTLE OF PAWAN KHIND पावन खिंड🗡️

The Battle of Pawan Khind is one of the most legendary and heroic episodes in the history of the Maratha Empire. It was fought on 13 July 1660 near a mountain pass in the Sahyadri range (Western Ghats), close to the village of Gajapur in present-day Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. This battle is remembered for the supreme sacrifice and bravery of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, one of the most loyal and courageous commanders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Background: In 1660, Shivaji Maharaj was trapped inside Panhala Fort by the powerful army of Siddi Jauhar, a general of the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur. The siege was intense and Shivaji Maharaj had to devise a clever escape plan to reach the safer Vishalgad Fort, about 60 kilometers away.

The Escape Plan: Shivaji Maharaj, along with a small group of trusted men, escaped from Panhala Fort under the cover of night. To mislead the enemy, he left behind a lookalike named Shiva Kashid, who pretended to be Shivaji Maharaj and allowed himself to be captured.

To ensure that Shivaji Maharaj could reach Vishalgad safely, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and around 300-500 Bandal soldiers stayed back to block the pass of Ghod Khind, a narrow gorge later known as Pawan Khind (Sacred Pass).

The Battle of Pawan Khind

Date: 13 July 1660

Place: Ghod Khind (later renamed Pawan Khind), near Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Defenders: Baji Prabhu Deshpande and a small Maratha force

Attackers: Adilshahi forces under Siddi Masud, chasing Shivaji

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Baji Prabhu and his men fought fiercely for several hours. Their goal was to delay the enemy long enough for Shivaji Maharaj to reach Vishalgad safely.

Baji Prabhu, though seriously wounded, continued fighting until he heard the sound of cannon fire from Vishalgad — the pre-decided signal that Shivaji had reached the fort safely.

Legacy and Significance: Baji Prabhu Deshpande died a heroic death at Paavan Khind. His sacrifice allowed Shivaji Maharaj to survive and later strengthen the Maratha Empire. Shivaji Maharaj renamed the pass as Pawan Khind, meaning “Sacred Pass”, in honour of the martyrs.

Memorial and Cultural Impact: A memorial to Baji Prabhu and the battle exists at Pawan Khind. This battle has been immortalised in folk songs, literature, drama, and films (e.g., the Marathi movie Paavan Khind released in 2022).

It is a symbol of loyalty, courage, and patriotism in Maharashtra and Indian history.

BAJI PRABHU DESHPANDE (Died: 13 July 1660)

The Hero of Pawan Khind, Baji Prabhu Deshpande was known for unmatched loyalty and bravery in defending Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the escape to Vishalgad.

Who was Baji Prabhu Deshpande?

Baji Prabhu Deshpande was a fierce warrior, trusted commander, and devoted follower of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. He belonged to the Deshpande family from the Konkan region of Maharashtra and came from the CKP (Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu) community, known for their valour and administrative skills.

Qualities and Character

Loyal: Completely dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Swarajya.

Brave: Never feared death; chose to die in battle for a noble cause.

Disciplined: Led soldiers with strict discipline and high morale.

Strategic: Played a key role in military campaigns and defensive warfare.

His Greatest Moment: The Battle of Pawan Khind

When Shivaji Maharaj was trapped in Panhala Fort by the forces of Siddi Jauhar in 1660, Baji Prabhu volunteered to stay behind and fight the enemy so that Shivaji Maharaj could escape to Vishalgad safely.

With only around 300-500 Bandal soldiers, Baji Prabhu blocked the narrow mountain pass called Ghod Khind and held off thousands of enemy troops.

Even after being grievously wounded, he kept fighting until he heard the signal of cannon fire from Vishalgad — the sign that Shivaji had reached safely.

Shortly after, Baji Prabhu breathed his last — becoming a martyr for Swarajya.

Legacy and Honour: Shivaji Maharaj, in his memory, renamed Ghod Khind as Pawan Khind, meaning “Sacred Pass”.

Baji Prabhu is remembered as the ideal of loyalty, patriotism, and bravery.

His sacrifice is celebrated in folk songs, poetry, school textbooks, and films (notably the 2022 Marathi film Paavan Khind).

Why Is He Important? Baji Prabhu Deshpande's actions not only saved Shivaji Maharaj’s life but also helped preserve the future of the Maratha Empire. His courage became a source of inspiration for generations of freedom fighters.

Famous Quote (attributed)

 "मी झुंजेन, पण महाराजांना वाचवून राहीन!"

"I will fight, but I will make sure Maharaj is saved!"

SHIVA KASHID 

The brave barber, Shiva Kashid, who fooled the enemy by disguising as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sacrificed his life during the escape from Panhala Fort in 1660.

Who Was Shiva Kashid? Shiva Kashid was a barber by profession and a loyal follower of Shivaji Maharaj. He belonged to the Maratha community and lived near the Panhala region in Maharashtra.

His name is remembered in history not for his profession, but for his unmatched bravery and sacrifice during one of the most critical moments in Shivaji Maharaj’s life.

His Heroic Role in Shivaji Maharaj’s Escape: In 1660, Shivaji Maharaj was trapped inside Panhala Fort by the Adilshahi general Siddi Jauhar. The fort was surrounded, and the situation was dangerous.

Shivaji Maharaj planned a secret escape at night to Vishalgad Fort, but he knew the enemy would be on high alert and likely chase him.

The Plan

Shivaji Maharaj’s soldiers noticed that Shiva Kashid looked very similar to Maharaj in face and body structure.

A clever plan was made:

➡️ Shiva Kashid would dress up exactly like Shivaji Maharaj,

➡️ Let himself be captured by the enemy,

➡️ And buy time for the real Shivaji Maharaj to escape unnoticed.

Shiva Kashid agreed without hesitation, fully aware that it meant certain death.

Capture and Martyrdom: The plan worked!

The enemy captured Shiva Kashid, believing he was Shivaji Maharaj.

But soon, they realised they had been tricked.

In their fury and humiliation, they killed Shiva Kashid, but his bravery gave Shivaji Maharaj enough time to advance toward Vishalgad.

His sacrifice, along with Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s stand at Pawan Khind, ensured the success of the escape.

Legacy and Honour: Shiva Kashid is remembered as a selfless hero who gave his life to save his king and the Swarajya mission.

Although not as widely known as other Maratha warriors, his story is remembered as a shining example of devotion, patriotism, and courage.

Statues and memorials of Shiva Kashid can be found in some regions, and his story is mentioned in Maratha folklore and ballads.

Why is he important? Because of Shiva Kashid’s quick thinking and willing sacrifice, Shivaji Maharaj was able to survive and continue building the Maratha Empire. His loyalty and courage are an inspiration for all generations.

“Real strength is trusting when you have nothing left

 WHEN HOPE MEETS TRUST 

Once a man lost his way in the desert. The little food and water he had was finished, and for the last two days he was desperate for even a drop of water.

He knew that if he didn’t find water soon, he would die in a few hours. Still, a small hope was alive inside him, so he kept searching for water. He didn’t give up.

He kept hoping he might find water somewhere. That’s when he saw a hut.

At first, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Earlier too, he had been tricked by mirages in the desert. But he had no other choice but to believe it this time. After all, this was his last hope.

He gathered his remaining strength and walked towards the hut. As he got closer, his hope grew. This time, luck was on his side. The hut was real.

But when he reached, he saw that the hut was deserted. It looked like no one had been there for years. Still, the man went inside, hoping to find water.

Inside, he was shocked. There was a hand pump. Filled with new energy, he quickly went to the pump and tried to draw water.

But the pump was dry. It seemed it hadn’t worked for a long time.

Disappointed, he fell to the ground. He thought he would surely die now.

Just then, he noticed a bottle tied to the roof. Somehow he managed to reach it. He was about to open the bottle and drink the water when he saw a note stuck to it. The note said:

“𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗺𝗽. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻.”

This confused him. Should he drink the water and save himself? Or should he pour it into the pump, hoping it would work?

Many thoughts ran through his mind. What if the pump didn’t work even after he poured the water? What if the note was wrong, and even the underground water was gone? But what if the pump worked and gave him plenty of water? He was unsure.

Finally, he decided to trust the note. With shaking hands, he poured the water into the pump.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲.

After a few tries, water began to flow. Cool, fresh water! He drank as much as he wanted. His mind became clear again.

He then refilled the bottle and tied it back to the roof, just as the note had asked.

While doing this, he noticed another glass bottle. Inside it was a pencil and a map showing the way out of the desert.

He memorised the way and put the map back, filled his own water bottles, and got ready to leave.

He walked a little ahead, then stopped and looked back. He thought for a moment, went back to the hut, and wrote on the note:

“𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀.”

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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲.

It teaches us to never lose hope, even in the worst times.

It also shows that before getting something big, we often have to give something from our side — just like the man poured all the water he had into the pump first.

In this story, water stands for the precious things in our lives — like knowledge, love, or money.

To get these, we must first put in our efforts, like pouring water into the hand pump of life. In return, we often receive much more than we gave.

It also shows how doing good can spread from one person to another, slowly making the whole world better.