Dear Kids,

This blog is especially created for you! I'll post small stories, puzzles, jokes, etc. (mainly old ones, occasionally new ones) for you from time to time. This blog is dedicated to three people: (1) My grandpa - Fondly known to all of us as Appappa - who told me so many lovely stories (2) My cousin and friend (Uncle S for you) - who keeps teaching me lots of things that I can do on the computer. (3) My beloved wife (Aunty P for you) - who likes to hear my grandpa's stories from me. Hope you like this blog - Keep visiting! [If you are not a kid (or a kid at heart!!), use this blog to entertain kids known to you!]

Love,
Uncle N

(Pl see the note of caution at the bottom of this page)

December 11, 2007

The spoilt brat becomes a Wise Man!

The spoilt brat becomes a Wise Man!

Dear Kids,

Long time since I shared a story with you. Here goes a nice one to make you understand what happens when a small child is not allowed to learn or do any work to help his/her parents!

Once upon a time there lived a very rich family in a large town. The family consisted of a mother, father, and their son. The parents doted on their son, and treated him as though there never was anyone quite like him. It was quite amazing, the way they gave in to his every whim! One day when this boy came back from school, with a lot of homework feeling very sad, his parents could not bear to see him. They told him not do his homework! The boy was very happy, but when his teacher scolded him the next day, he decided that school wasn't nice anymore. His parents agreed, and he stopped going to school.

The rich boy soon grew up into a spoilt young man without any trade. He did not read well or do math well, so he couldn't help his father in his business, and as he was the son of a rich family, he couldn't work at a lowly job either. He did not mind this. He sat at home all day, wearing expensive clothes, smoking, and playing games with his friends. He soon got married to a very beautiful girl who learnt how to look after him in the same way as his mother did. He had no worries in the world.

After his marriage, his parents decided to go on a long pilgrimage. They were sure that their daughter-in-law would care for their son, and that nothing could really go wrong with the business. The father had recently hired a man to care for the business.

Now, with so much freedom, the son decided to act as the head of household. We probably should be happy that he had decided to be responsible, but he knew nothing about money. He called his friends for parties, and gave them expensive clothes and presents. He bought everything that he felt necessary, or just simply looked good to him. This way he spent all the money that his father had saved up. He spent it all very fast. Now, without knowing what to do, he decided to borrow money from moneylenders. In the beginning they gave him money, as they knew who his father was. But, after a while they started asking him to return their money. Seeing that he could not return money and still needed a lot, he decided to take the easy way out and end his life.

He walked towards the outskirts of the town where there was a big lake. He jumped in. But, as he was drowning, the urge to live made him scream for help. He did not know how to swim and panicked, knowing that he would surely die. A poor philosopher, who was walking that way, heard his screams of help and came to the young man's rescue. He took him to his small house in a village nearby and asked his wife to tend to him.

In a few days, the young man became strong enough to talk about himself. He told the philosopher about his hardships, and the fact that the bad moneylenders were not lending him any more money. In fact, he said, "They are harassing me, and asking me to return the money. How can I, when I spent it all, don't they understand?" The philosopher listened to him and kept quiet. He understood that the young man did not understand life. He had been so spoilt by his parents, that he believed the entire world would treat him the same way. He told the young man to stay with his wife and him for a few more days.

The philosopher sent word to the man's wife and told her not to worry and invited her to their humble home. She was very happy to find her husband doing well and once she came to the philosopher's house, she started taking care of the young man in the same way as she used to before. Seeing this, the philosopher's wife gave her some advice. She explained to her the problem of money. The wise lady taught the young man's wife how to take care of a household and how to make healthy meals without spending too much. She was told that her husband was in debt and that she would have to sacrifice. The young lady, who was very wise, understood the trouble that her husband was in and went home. She sold all her jewellery (and she had a lot) and returned the money that her husband owed. She bought new things for her father-in-law's store and asked that it be reopened again. She did not tell her husband anything, though.

After a while, the philosopher asked the young man to leave. He did not want to, as he was afraid of the moneylenders. The philosopher said that he could stay provided he does as he was asked. He told the young man to join him in his daily work. He was also told not He took him to the nearby woods, and asked him to help him collect pieces of wood to use for boiling water. After this they went to the school where the philosopher taught. He asked the young man to sit at the back of the class and listen. This went on for a few months. Slowly, the young man started learning new things. He sat in the classroom behind kids who were half his age, and started enjoying the things they read and learnt. Whenever he saw a child who was not able to cope with something, he came forward to help. It felt good, when he helped.

In the philosopher's house, he started noticing things. In the beginning he used to feel disgusted that he did not have a comfortable bed to sleep on and that he was not allowed to smoke or just laze around. He could now see how the philosopher and his wise wife lived. He saw how humble they were, how intelligent, but yet simple. He saw how happy and content they were with the little that they had, and wondered why he could not be like that. After all, he had plenty in his house. He had never wanted for anything, but he never knew such happiness.

He decided that he would work somewhere and earn money enough to pay the moneylenders. He took up a job as a janitor in a school and worked hard at a job, which did not require any reading or math. It was after all the only job that he could do. He asked the philosopher to teach him math and then decided to leave. He decided to go home to his wife. He met the moneylenders, and told them that he had some money and that he would give them that, and that he would return the rest later. How surprised he was when they told him what his wife had done. He thanked his wife profusely and bought her some nice jewellery. He then went to his father's store and started learning the business from the man who was helping.

In a few months, when his parents returned from their pilgrimage, they found that the Gods had given them a new son - A son who was responsible and caring, a son who was intelligent and capable, and a son who no longer smoked and just lazed around.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


November 28, 2007

Beware of Dog!

BEWARE OF DOG!!!


Dear Kids,

Just came across this cute cartoon! Apparantly meant for mischievous kids who try to go and pluck a mango or a flower from the neighbour's garden!!

Hope that you are not like that. Or, you better be faster than the German Shepherd!!!

Happy reading.

Regards,

Uncle N

________________________________________________________________________

November 27, 2007

Searching for the key!

Dear Kids,

MULLA SEARCHES FOR HIS LOST KEY!

A man was walking home late one night when he saw the Mulla Nasrudin searching under a street light on hands and knees for something on the ground. "Mulla, what have you lost?" he asked.

"The key to my house," Nasrudin said.

"I'll help you look," the man said.

Soon, both men were down on their knees, looking for the key.

After a number of minutes, the man asked, "Where exactly did you drop it?"

Nasrudin waved his arm back toward the darkness. "Over there, in my house."

The first man jumped up. "Then why are you looking for it here?"

"Because there is more light here than inside my house."


As kids, you must be clear about your goals - If your parents tell you to study hard, if your teacher gives you lots of homework, it is to ensure that all of you achieve all your goals and reach great heights in life. If you behave like the Mulla in the above story, you'll get misguided by short-term pleasures like "Freaking out with pals", "Being cool with the latest video games", etc. The end result: Achieving temporary, short-term pleasures, but losing out on much more important goals in life.

Think about it!!!

Happy reading!

Uncle N



November 19, 2007

A "Sick" Joke

A "Sick" Joke

Dear Kids,

This one is more for your parents - to let them know the importance of teaching you the right things, instead of misleading you in the name of "Political Correctness"!

A mother took her little boy to church.

While in church the little boy said, "Mommy, I have to pee."

The mother said to the little boy, "It's not appropriate to say the word 'pee' in church. So, from now on whenever you have to 'pee' just tell me that you have to 'whisper'."

The following Sunday, the little boy went to church with his Father and during the service said to his father, "Daddy, I have to whisper."

The Father looked at him and said, "Okay, just whisper in my ear."

And, !@#!@!@!!!?!!?

Happy reading!

Uncle N



November 07, 2007

Happy Deepavali




Dear Kids,
Deepavali is the day when, according to Hindu Mythology, Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. More details about that story later on some other day. Right now, I'm busy getting ready for Deepavali and so will all of you!

Have a safe, happy, prosperous Deepavali.

Bye for now. Will catch up after Deepavali!

Enjoy!
Uncle N.

October 30, 2007

Cleaner mouth might help heart

BRUSH YOUR TEETH TO PREVENT HEART ATTACKS

Dear Kids,

This link is a surprise! The title above may be a bit of an exaggeration, but apparently is broadly true. Take a look at this link:

And, Brush your teeth!!!

Regards,

Uncle N

ps: I've also posted it at http://somethingtosmile.blogspot.com/ - a rare post which is relevant for both blogs!


Mullaa's Flattering Answer

Mullaa's Flattering Answer

Dear Kids,

You must be smart and should be able to "think on the go" in order to survive in today's world where lots of people are constantly trying to overtake you and beat you to achieve the same goals. Read this short story to get an idea of how Mullaa Nasruddin did it once!

One day, when Mullaa Nasruddin was going back after having an audience with the Emperor, a single one Rupee coin fell down from his pocket. Immediately he started looking for it eagerly.

Muraad, who was his one of his bitterest enemies at the court, said, "See Your Majesty, how miser he is? You have bestowed so much money on him, still he is after a single rupee copper coin."

Mullaa said quickly, "It is not because of the value of the coin, Your Majesty, that I am looking for it. I am looking for it because one side of that coin bears your resemblance, and I don't want people trampling on it."

Akbar was so pleased to hear this reply that he pulled off his diamond ring from his finger and gave it to the Mullaa.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


October 26, 2007

GANDHI AND A COFFEE DRINKER

GANDHI AND A COFFEE DRINKER

Dear Kids,

All of you must have been sick at some points of time and would have been taken care of by your mom or dad. In a similar way, you should learn how to take care of sick people.

Even if you are not old enough to actually nurse them and serve them, you can at least learn to be pleasant to them with a smiling face. Read this short story from Gandhiji's life to get an idea of how to take care of sick people!

Gandhi was a first-class nurse to the sick. Where he picked up nursing is a mystery. He certainly did not pass through a nursing school. As many other things, when nursing became necessary to him in life, he learned it the hard way, through experience.

In the Ashram at Sabarmati all sick persons came directly under his eye and care. Doctors were, of course, consulted, but the care of the sick person was arranged by Gandhi. It was a joke, especially among young people in the Ashram, that if you wanted to see Gandhi everyday and talk to him and hear him crack jokes you had only to be ill and get into bed! For, Gandhi visited the sick everyday, spent a few minutes at every bed-side, himself saw to things carefully and never failed to crack joke or two with the patient. There was no day too busy for this interlude.

There was once a young lad who went down with dysentery. He had done his best to get to terms with the hard Ashram dietary, but failed. He was an inveterate addict to coffee.

But in the Ashram there was no coffee for him - coffee was taboo. In good time he got rid of his dysentery, and was convalescing. Gandhi visited him for a few minutes everyday during his usual rounds. Those few minutes were like a tonic to the poor lad.

During his convalescence he pined for a cup of hot coffee. One day he was lying on his back dreaming of that glorious rich brown beverage to which he was accustomed in his distant South Indian home. Just then he heard the welcome, click-click of the wooden sandals of Gandhi approaching. A minute later, he entered with his never-failing smiling and cheering word.

He looked at the lad and said: 'Now you are decidedly better. You must be getting your appetite back. What would you like to eat? Ah! Some good Uppuma or Dosa?'

Gandhi evidently knew all about the lad's partiality for these two good old items of the South Indian menu. Gandhi was laughing. The youngster had a sudden brain-wave.

'Could I have a cup of coffee?' he blurted out. Gandhi answered with a peel of laughter - 'Oh, you unrepentant sinner, that is what you want!

And then seeing the disturbed look on the lad's face, he added: You certainly shall have your cup of coffee. Yes, light coffee will soothe your stomach. And what will you have with the coffee? I don't think we can make Uppuma or Dosa but warm toast would go well with coffee. I shall send you a tray.'

With that, and a kind parting word, Gandhi left the room. The lad was patiently waiting. He could not believe his good luck. Coffee in Sabarmati Ashram! And Gandhi himself was offering to send it in to him! Well, the 'Old Governor' was no fanatic; he was a dear, thought the grateful and expectant lad.

Gandhi's cottage was at the other end of the Ashram, a good way across the road. The lad could imagine what would happen. Gandhi would go to Kasturba in her kitchen and ask for coffee and toast. But it was an untimely hour. The kitchen would be closed. Ba herself would be taking her rest. Had he caused Gandhi too much botheration? Some twenty minutes passed. Hark! What was that sound? The click-click of Gandhi's wooden sandals again. Why was Gandhi coming back? Had the coffee been called off as an after-thought? But there was Gandhi carrying a tray covered with a white Khadi napkin. The lad was dazed. What had really happened?

Gandhi was speaking, 'Now here is your coffee and toast. And, mind you, I made you, coffee myself. Now like a good South Indian, will you certify I can make a good coffee?"

'But,' whispered the lad, 'why did you not ask someone else to bring this in to me?' I am so very sorry I put you to this trouble.'

'Now, now,' said Gandhi, 'do not ruin your coffee. Cold coffee is bad coffee. You see Ba was resting, and I did not care to disturb her,' And then brusquely, 'Well, I shall leave now. Someone will come for the tray.' With that off he went.

The coffee was light, but excellent. The lad sipped it as if it were nectar. But he was troubled. His mind's eye saw Gandhi opening the kitchen, lighting the stove, making the coffee and toast, and carrying it in to him all in order not to disturb others at that untimely hour. He was overwhelmed. There was always some coffee and tea kept in Kasturba's kitchen for guests, tea especially for Rajagopalachari from Madras!

Happy reading!

Uncle N


October 19, 2007

Airplane Conversation

Airplane Conversation

Dear Kids,

You must have read a lot about the "123 Agreement" about "Nuclear Cooperation" between India & USA. In all this talk, a lot of adults have forgotten about you kids and what is relevant or interesting for you.

Here's a joke that I saw somewhere on the Net some time back (sorry - I don't remember the exact website) which you can go and tell your parents to make them spend more time chatting with you, telling stories that you can enjoy:

A stranger was seated next to Little Ramu on the plane when the stranger turned to the Little Ramu and said, "Let's talk. I've heard that flights will go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger."

Little Ramu, who had just opened his book, closed it slowly, and said to the stranger, "What would you like to discuss?"

"Oh, I don't know," said the stranger. "How about nuclear power?"

"OK," said Little Ramu. "That could be an interesting topic.

But, said Little Ramu, Let me ask you a question first. "A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat grass. The same stuff. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?"

"Jeez," said the stranger. "I have no idea."

"Well, then," said Little Ramu, "How is it that you feel qualified to discuss nuclear power when you don't know shit?"

Happy reading!

Uncle N



October 16, 2007

Gandhi And An Innocent Lie

Gandhi And An Innocent Lie


Dear Kids,

All of you are familiar with Gandhiji's passion for truth. Here's an interesting anecdote illustrating the same:

Gandhi could never tolerate a lie. Unlike intellectual high-brows who will say they can tolerate a scoundrel but not a fool, he would bear with a fool sometimes, but never with a liar. In his Satyagraha Ashram he had set up very exacting standards of rectitude, and even children had to conform to them.

This little event happened in 1926. A certain young man who had just passed out of the University had come to stay at the Ashram. Gandhi, as a first step in his Ashram course, had prescribed three months expert scavenging for him. The young fellow was fond of children, and he became a general favourite with them. One day he started having some fun with a little Ashram girl, she was eight years of age. This little girl was trying to snatch a big round yellow lemon that he held temptingly before her. He led her a perfect dance, and she screamed with laughter as she jumped about in vain to get at the golden fruit. The child, however, suddenly grew tired of the game and burst into tears. The young man who was taking the lemon to a patient in the Ashram had to find a way out; he made as if he were throwing the lemon away into the Sabarmati River and deftly thrust it into his pocket.

The child quickly brightened up and inquired, 'Now, what will happen to the lemon in the river'? She wanted to run out into the shallow waters and look for it.

But the young man said, 'No, it has drowned.' In a moment they were friends again and walked off together to the patients' room. On the way as the young man pulled out his handkerchief, the lemon rolled out on the ground. But to his astonishment the little girl, instead of dashing to seize the lemon stood rooted to the spot looking at him with childish indignation.

She said , 'So you told me a lie! You hid the lemon in your pocket and told me that you threw it into the river. All right, I will tell Bapu you are a liar.'

And with that she marched away. She went straight to Gandhi, who was at work in his room overlooking the river, and unburdened the story of the lie to him.Gandhiji promised her he would look into the matter.

Later in the evening after prayers Gandhi spoke to the young man. The latter related the story, taking care to justify himself on the score that the whole thing had been pure fun.

Gandhi too enjoyed the joke, but he said smilingly, 'You had better be warned, young man. Let the children have no lies even in fun. What is begun in fun may continue as an easy habit with children and once they take lies lightly, then the thing will become serious.'

But the matter did not end there. The young like most University graduates was argumentative. He discussed the ethics of 'Lies' uttered in pure fun with a number of members of the Ashram. There was a subdued controversy among the teachers of the Ashram school. Some one asked, if innocent lies were to be taboo, how could one tell children fairy tales or even stories from the Ramayana or the Mahabharata. Kaka Kalelkar got wind of the controversy and clinched the issue in his characteristic way.

He said, 'Do not mix the question of lies in daily life with mythology and legend. If University graduates will think more and talk less, they will see at once that it is better to tell no lie to a child and to accustom children to speak the truth in everything.'

Happy reading!

Uncle N



October 10, 2007

Lessons from Rajaji

Lessons from Rajaji

Dear Kids,

Recently, many of you might have heard about the bandh which was not a bandh in Chennai, and all the "hullabaloo" that was created by various political parties. My dear friends, Indian politics has not always been like this. There used to be leaders who were not only humble and simple, but they could also recognise the merits of actions by ordinary people and appreciate the same.

Here's an instance from the life of Rajaji, which would be of interest not only to you but also to your parents!

Long back, when Rajaji was the Governor General of India, it so happened that at a railway crossing on the way the gate was found closed as a train was about to pass through.

On learning that the train would take some time in coming, a senior official accompanying Rajaji approached the gateman and told him that it was the Governor General who was in the car. If the railway gates could be opened for a few moments, the country's first citizen could reach the venue on time.

The gateman politely replied that there could not be two sets of rules, one for the " big men and another for the rest of us".

As it turned out, Rajaji had to wait for the train to pass through before he could proceed for his function.

Rajaji, who came to know all that was going on at the gate, asked the official to find out the name of the gateman. The very next day Rajaji wrote a letter to the Home Ministry commending the gateman's devotion to duty and recommended to honour him with a suitable reward.

Let's hope that all of us grow up to see an India where all politicians are like Rajaji (and most others of his period)

Happy reading!

Uncle N



October 08, 2007

Nehru's love for children

Nehru's love for children

Dear Kids,

All of you must have heard of Pandit Nehru's love for children. Here's an interesting anecdote from his life, especially for you:

Pandit Nehru was on a tour of Tamil Nadu. (then known as Madras). Large crowds lined the roads to have his darshan. Many children had climbed up the trees that lined the roads to get a glimpse of their beloved Chacha.

Set behind the crowd was a balloon seller. The strings of the balloons were gathered in his hand, but the balloons, of all shapes and sizes provided a colorful panorama, a sport of drifting halo behind the crowd.

On an impulse, Pandit Nehru instructed the motorcade to stop. He jumped out of the open jeep, signaled to the balloon seller to his side. The man came, hesitantly. Had he earned the wrath of the Prime Minister? What would happen to him now? He bowed, held his head bent. "Buy up all his balloons. Give them to the children," Nehru told his aide who new Tamil.

The news was conveyed to the balloon seller. He could not believe his ears. He bowed again, ran back, distributing the balloons among the children.

Nehru walked to a plump girl, happily watching the balloon in her hand soar far above her head, pinched her cheek gently and returned to the jeep. The children screamed, happily, "Chacha Nehru, Chacha Nehru."

The word Chacha had crossed linguistic barriers. It had found a place in the vocabulary of all Indian children. And they used it every time they addressed Pandit Nehru.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


September 27, 2007

Solution to the Water Jug Puzzle

Solution to the Water Jug Puzzle

Dear Kids,

I'm sure that many of you would have found the answer to my question about the Water Jug Puzzle.

Yes, the water can be divided into two equal portions by following the steps given below:

    1. ( 8, 0, 0 ) 0: Beginning
    2. ( 3, 5, 0 ) 1: 5 litres from #1 into #2.
    3. ( 3, 2, 3 ) 2: 3 litres from #2 into #3.
    4. ( 6, 2, 0 ) 3: 3 litres from #3 into #1.
    5. ( 6, 0, 2 ) 4: 2 litres from #2 into #3.
    6. ( 1, 5, 2 ) 5: 5 litres from #1 into #2.
    7. ( 1, 4, 3 ) 6: 1 litres from #2 into #3.
    8. ( 4, 4, 0 ) 7: 3 litres from #3 into #1.
DONE!

Hope you enjoyed the puzzle.

Happy reading!

Uncle N



September 26, 2007

Three Water Jugs Puzzle

The Water Jug Puzzle

Dear Kids,

Here's a puzzle for you:

There are three water jugs, which can hold 8, 5 and 3 litres of water respectively. The first jug is full, and the other two are empty. It is necessary to divide the water into two equal portions, that is, to put exactly four litres into both the 8 and 5 litre jugs. The only operation allowed is to pour some or all of the contents of one jug into another.

Can the water be divided into two equal portions? How?

Happy guessing!

Uncle N


September 20, 2007

Palindrome

Palindromes

Dear Kids,

Did you know about the term Palindrome? A Palindrome refers to a word, phrase, verse, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward.

Here are some examples:

  • A man, a plan, a canal: Panama!
  • A rat stole lots, Tara!
  • Do go to God!
  • Live not on evil
  • No devil lived on!
  • Pull a bat, I hit a ball up.
  • Tell a ballet
  • Too hot to hoot
  • Top spot
  • Tie it

Can you think of more such examples?

Happy reading!

Uncle N



September 13, 2007

Birbal's Sweet Reply

Birbal's Sweet Reply

Dear Kids,

Quite often, we need to think off the beaten track to find innovative soloutions to perplexing problems!

Akbar used to ask many odd questions from his courtiers and amused himself. One day he entered the Royal Court, settled in his Royal chair, and asked his courtiers: "What punishment should be given to a person who pulls my mustache and kicks my chest?"

One said, "He should be beheaded."

Another said, "He should be flogged."

Yet another said, "He should be hanged."

"What do you think, Birbal?" the Emperor asked Birbal.

Birbal kept quiet for a moment, then said, "Jahaanpanaah, he should be given sweets, and some precious jewels for the feet that kicked you."

"What, Birbal? Have you gone crazy? Do you know what are you saying?"

Birbal replied politely, "I am not crazy, Jahaanpanaah. And I know what I am saying."

"Then how can you talk like this?" the King asked in anger.

Birbal again replied politely, "Because, Jahaanpanaah, the only person can dare to do this is your grandson. Had it been anyone else, you would not have waited to consult us and take our opinion - You would have immediately killed him!"

So pleased was the King with this answer, that he gave his ring to Birbal as a reward.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


August 28, 2007

The Ant & the Grasshopper

Dear Kids,

Today, I've got a story which has two versions - one for small kids (roughly below 14 years of age), and the other meant for older children.

Hope you enjoy the story!

The Ant & the Grasshopper

For kids below 14

For Teenagers

In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant walked by, grunting as he carried a plump kernel of corn.

"Where are you off to with that heavy thing?" asked the Grasshopper.

Without stopping, the Ant replied, "To our ant hill. This is the third kernel I've delivered today."

"Why not come and sing with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of working so hard?"

"I am helping to store food for the winter," said the Ant, "and think you should do the same."

"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; "we have plenty of food right now."

But the Ant went on its way and continued its work.

The weather soon turned cold. All the food lying in the field was covered with a thick white blanket of snow that even the grasshopper could not dig through. Soon the Grasshopper found itself dying of hunger.

He staggered to the ants' hill and saw them handing out corn from the stores they had collected in the summer.

Then the Grasshopper knew:

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

This one is not new, but has a good lesson!


MODERN VERSION

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the
shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?


Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house.

Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter.

Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper.

The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the
wrath of God for non-compliance).

Opposition MP's stage a walkout. Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry.

CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants
from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers.

Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.


Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism Against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter.

Arjun Singh makes Special Reservation for Grass Hopper in educational Institutions & in Govt Services.

The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV.

Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice".

Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'.

CPM calls it the 'revolutionary
resurgence of the downtrodden'

Koffi Annan invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.


Many years later...The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in Silicon Valley.

100s of grasshoppers still die of
starvation despite reservation somewhere in India ...

As a result losing a lot of hard working ants and feeding the grasshoppers India is still a developing country..... .

Happy reading!

Uncle N



August 27, 2007

Bhima meets Hanuman


Bhima meets Hanuman


Dear Kids,

Often, some of us think that we are great. But for every great person, we often find another person who is much greater. We must realise this, and learn to be humble and show respect to others.

See what happens to Bhima in this story from the Mahabharata:

Narayanaashrama is a holy place in the Himalayas. Many sages spent their lives there in meditation. The Pandavas went to this place during their exile.

The sages received them happily and invited them to spend some days there. Yudhistira accepted their invitation.


One day Draupadi saw a lotus floating in the river. It was a thousand petalled lotus with very sweet fragrance. Draupadi approached Bhima. She showed that flower to him and said, "Can you please get me more of such lotuses? We shall worship the sages with these". Hearing Draupadi's simple request, Bhima immediately agreed.


Accordingly he set out in search of that lotus. He walked for long He saw many fragrant flowers but he still did not find the lotus he was searching for. On the way, in a banana grove, Lord Hanuman sat in ecstasy repeating the Lord's name. He was Bhima's elder brother. The wild animals ran helter-skelter on hearing the footsteps of Bhima. Hanuman understood that his younger brother was approaching him.


Hanuman decided to have some fun at his brother's expense.


He spread out his tail and sat blocking Bhima's path. Bhima came up to him. Hanuman pretended not to know him and asked, "Who are you? And why have you come here?


Bhima replied, "I am Bhima, the son of Kunti".


Hanuman replied, "You cannot go any farther. This is my place. You can eat some fruits here and depart. Please turn back and do not disturb me."


Bhima was a little irritated and pressed Hanuman to let him move forward. At this, Hanuman told him, "I am an old monkey. I cannot move. If you can please lift my tail and place it by the side then you can go forward."


Bhima carelessly pushed the tail with his leg. He could not move the monkey's tail. He then tried with both his hands. Still he could not move the tail. He put in all his strength and tried. He still did not succeed.


Bhima realized that he was not dealing with an ordinary monkey. He told Hanuman, "Respected Sir, please reveal to me who you are? You must be a great person".


Hanuman saw that Bhima's pride was humbled. He revealed himself. "I am Hanuman your elder brother. The pond where you can find your flowers is very near. Go collect the flowers."


Bhima was happy to have met his brother. He begged his forgiveness and requested Hanuman to show his Visvarupa.


Afters much pleading from Bhima, Hanuman revealed his cosmic form that extended beyond the sky. Bhima bowed to him in reverence and Hanuman blessed him and said, "Bhima! We should show respect to old people. May the Lord help you in your efforts!"


His pride humbled, Bhima collected the flowers and returned to Draupadi.


Happy reading!

Uncle N





August 24, 2007

The Broken Pot

The Broken Pot

Dear Kids,

Sometimes, you'll notice that a friend of yours always scores higher marks in Maths. Another friend will always come first in the running race in school. A third friend will have a great voice and will sing better than all other classmates.

When you observe all these friends, many of you will either feel depressed or feel jealous.

Both these feelings are negative in nature, and you must learn to avoid such thoughts. Read this story, which has a wonderful lesson for all of you:

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on an end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the masters house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his masters house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your masters house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts." the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the masters house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the Pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pots side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my masters table.

Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table. In Gods great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don't be afraid of your flaws.

Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty. Know that in our weakness your strength is made perfect

Happy reading!

Uncle N



August 23, 2007

Birbal Goes to Heaven?

Birbal Goes to Heaven?

Dear Kids,

Jealousy of smart friends, brothers, sisters, etc. can cause a lot of temporary pleasure but will be harmful for you in the long run. See what happens in this story of Birbal and his jealous friends.

As Birbal was very wise and witty, the Emperor's courtiers and other people used to be jealous with him and used to find some way to degrade him.

One day the court barber, who was very jealous of Birbal, plotted a plan against him. So when the King called him again to trim his beard, he went and started trimming his beard. He said, "Sir, last night I dreamed about your father." The King got interested, so he asked, "What did he say to you?"

"Sir, he told me, that everything is good in paradise, but he feels a great absence of a good humorous man who can amuse him." The King thought and thought, but nobody else he could think of except Birbal who could perform this kind of duty very well. And, naturally, the only way to go to heaven was through death. For a moment, Akbar was very sad to lose such a good man, but thinking of his father, he made up his mind.

He summoned Birbal and said, "I think Birbal you love me very much and you can sacrifice anything for me." Birbal tried to understand his point but couldn't guess. He said, "You know Majesty, I do." "Then Birbal, please go to heaven to give company to my dear father." He asked Akbar for the sudden request, and Akbar told him the story of the barber's dream.

Birbal understood that this was a wicked plan of the courtiers and the barber to kill him. He told the Emperor politely, "I will do so, but I need a few days to prepare myself to go to heaven." The King said, "Certainly. You are giving me such a great favour, I will allow you one week to prepare yourself."

Now Birbal was worried. He thought, somebody has planned very well and he could not escape from this plan. He thought and thought. And then he found a way. He dug a ditch near his house which would serve as his grave, and dug a tunnel too which would open in a room of his house. After doing this, he returned to the Imperial Court. He said, " I am ready, His Majesty, but there two conditions." Akbar was so happy to hear this that he forgot that Birbal could put some odd conditions to him. He asked, "What are those conditions? Tell me soon. I will try to fulfil them so that you can go to heaven to be with my dear father."

Birbal said, "His majesty, I wish to be buried near my house. And I want to be buried alive so that I can reach heaven alive to amuse your dear father." The King found this logical and agreed up on them immediately.

So Birbal was buried alive near his house. Of course he made his way to his house where he lived in confinement for six months. After six months, he came out of hiding with grown beard and shabby hair and asked the permission to appear in the Royal Court.

Looking at him Akbar cried, "Where have you been Birbal"?

Birbal said, "Your Majesty, I was in Heaven with your dear father. I had a very good time there with your father. He was so happy with my services that he gave me special permission to return to Earth." Akbar was very anxious to know about his father, he asked, "Did he send any message for me?" Birbal said, "Yes Your Majesty, he said that very few barber can make it to go to Heaven, you can make out this from my grown beard and shabby hair, so he has asked to send your own barber to him immediately.

Akbar understood everything. He gave Birbal a big prize, and his barber the life sentence.

Happy reading!

Uncle N



August 21, 2007

From Idlis to IIM

Dear Kids,

I'm sure that your grandpa must be telling you to read the newspaper to improve your vocabulary.

I would strongly urge you to listen to your grandpa - It will improve not only your vocabulary but also your knowledge of a wide range of issues including:

  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Movies
  • Special achievements of people

From time to time, I'll recommend some links of nice articles which will be worth reading.

Today is one such day when I came across an inspiring story of a truly poor boy who achieved great heights through sheer will power, intelligence, hard work and perseverence.

Please read the following link from Economic Times, a popular newspaper published in India.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RVRDSC8yMDA3LzA4LzIxI0FyMDIzMDE=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

Happy reading!

Uncle N



Gift from the student

Gifts for the teacher

Dear Kids,

Teacher's day is fast approaching. Nowadays, children have started giving lots of nice gifts for their teachers on this occasion. Here's a joke that I read on the net recently about one such teacher's experience:

On teacher's day, a kindergarten teacher was receiving gifts from her pupils. The florist's son handed her a gift. She shooked it, held it over her head, and said, "I bet I know what it is - flowers!"

"That's right!" said the boy, "but how did you know?"

"Just a wild guess," she said.

The next pupil was the candy store owner's daughter. The teacher held her gift overhead, shooked it, and said, "I bet I can guess what it is - a box of candy!"

"That's right! But how did you know?" asked the girl.

"Just a lucky guess," said the teacher.

The next gift was from the liquor store owner's son. The teacher held the bag over her head and noticed that it was leaking. She touched a drop of the leakage with her finger and tasted it. "Is it wine?" she asked.

"No," the boy replied.

The teacher repeated the process, touching another drop of the leakage to her tongue. "Is it champagne?" she asked.

"No," the boy replied.

The teacher then said, "I give up, what is it?"

The boy replied, "A puppy!"

Happy reading!

Uncle N



August 17, 2007

The Clever Leader

The Clever Leader

Dear Kids,

Once upon a time there lived in a village a man by name Dhanapalan. The people of that village were all good-natured. They led a very virtuous life. However, Dhanapalan alone was a troublemaker teasing someone or the other.

A sadhu by name Venkatesan also lived in this village. Suddenly, one day Dhanapalan said to Venkatesan,"You have borrowed ten thousand rupees from me. Return it at once. " Hearing this a very scared Venkatesan said, "I have not borrowed anything from you. Why then are you saying so?"

Dhanapalan replied, " A month back I had a dream in which you asked me for a loan. I lent you ten thousand rupees." The perplexed Venkatesan took his problem to the village Panchayat. The panchayat leader was a clever man. He asked Venkatesan not to worry over this matter and within a day or two called for a meeting of the panchayat.

All the villagers took part in this hearing. The panchayat leader asked for a big mirror and placed it in this court. He then placed Rupees ten thousand in front of the mirror. He called for Dhanapalan and said to him, " Venkatesan borrowed the money from you only in the dream and not directly. Hence you can take the cash seen in the mirror. Dhanapalan not knowing what to do stood with his head bowed. Venkatesan felt relieved. The villagers praised the smart judgement of the panchayat leader.

The story goes to show that there is always a person smarter than one is.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


August 16, 2007

How Many Crows are there in the Kingdom?

How Many Crows are there in the Kingdom?

Dear Kids,

One day Akbar was strolling in his palace gardens with his dear minister Birbal. Many crows were flying around. The King enjoyed their flying. Just then he thought of a way to corner Birbal, and asked him: How many crows are there in my kingdom?

Birbal thought a moment, and promptly said, "They are ninety-five thousand, four hundred and sixty three (95,463) crows in your kingdom, Huzoor."

Akbar was stunned: "How do you know that for sure?" the King asked.

Birbal was ready with his answer - "You can get them counted, Huzoor." Birbal said.

The king again said, "If there will be less than that, then?"

Birbal replied immediately, "That means that the rest of them have gone on vacation to some neighbouring kingdoms."

"Or if there were more than that, then?"

"Then it means that other crows are visiting your kingdom, Huzoor."

Akbar was very pleased with these answers and gave Birbal a whole lot of nice gifts in appreciation.

Happy reading!

Uncle N



August 14, 2007

Failure - and facing it

Failure - And lessons from failures

Dear Kids,

Too often, it seems to me, people lose their courage in facing life because of past failures or fear that they may fail in the future. One good way to cure such fears is to remember the story of a man who actually built a life of great accomplishments out of defeats, many of which would have made any other man give up all hopes.

The following list of failures, is a living and eloquent example of what happened in a real person's life in the United States of America. At the end of the long list of failures, you'll find the name of the person.

  1. Lost job, 1832
  2. Defeated for legislature, 1832
  3. Failed in business, 1833
  4. Elected to legislature, 1834
  5. Sweetheart (Ann Rutledge) died, 1835
  6. Had nervous breakdown, 1836
  7. Defeated for Speaker, 1838
  8. Defeated for nomination for Congress, 1843
  9. Elected to Congress, 1846
  10. Lost re-nomination, 1848
  11. Rejected for Land Officer, 1849
  12. Defeated for Senate, 1854
  13. Defeated for nomination for Vice-President, 1856
  14. Again defeated for Senate, 1858

The man who failed so repeatedly throughout his life: Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest leaders in the history of United States of America.

What happened next:

  • Elected President of USA, 1860
Hence, dear kids, you must always remember that even the greatest of people tend to fail in various stages of their life. What makes them great is their confidence and ability to overcome all their negative thoughts that accompany those failures, learn proper lessons from those failures, and go right ahead to try and achieve even greater heights.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


August 13, 2007

TRANSPARENCY OF ABDUL KALAM, THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF INDIA

TRANSPARENCY OF ABDUL KALAM, THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF INDIA

Dear Kids,

Those of you who are from India would be familiar with our beloved Abdul Kalam - A great president, and more importantly, a loveable human being.

All of you must have heard many stories about his various positive qualities (besides his great intelligence) - simplicity, transparency, honesty, etc.

Here is an example:

This anecdote is a revelation - so far kept under wraps at Rashtrapati Bhavan (under Presidential orders): In May 2006, President Kalam's relatives from the South decided to descend on him (as relatives tend to often do).

On instructions of the President they were welcomed by his staff at the railway station, and were looked after right up to the time they departed.

But the Controller of Household was under strict instructions to keep a meticulous account of all the expenses incurred on behalf of the relatives - all 53 of them. Not once was an office vehicle used for any of them.

It was made clear by the President that he would pay - not only for the transport of all his relatives to and from Delhi, and also within Delhi. He would also pay for the various rooms occupied by them at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the food that was consumed by them - the rooms at the prescribed rate, the food on the basis of expenses actually incurred.

When his relatives left after a week's stay, the President was of course sad to see them all go, but he was also lighter in his pocket: the total expenses debited to his personal account was Rs 3,54,924/=!

As practising lawyers often say in court, "the facts speak for themselves". President Kalam has set a high benchmark of rectitude in public office - worthy of emulation. And, as a living embodiment of 'Transparency-National', his parting words of advice were: "Don't accept gifts." Delicately put: what he meant to say of course was: "Don't accept gifts for favours in return."

This is indeed a rare example of transparency and honesty in the midst of all the negative examples that we read in newspapers about people giving and accepting bribes, misusing their official position, etc.

Happy reading!

Uncle N


August 03, 2007

Mercury and the Axe - Part II - If you're greedy, you will lose everything!

Mercury and the Axe - Part II - If you're greedy, you will lose everything!

Dear Kids,

Whenever you get sweets from your mom, you must share it with your brothers, sisters and friends. Otherwise, you will become greedy, and end up suffering. Just see what happened to the greedy man in the following story:

The woodcutter in the old story about Mercury and the axe was happy to get back his axe. He patiently finished chopping all the wood that he needed for the day.

After he had finished chopping his wood for the day he went back to his friends who were working in another part of the wood, and told them of his good luck. As they listened, one of the men thought that he too would like to get an axe from Mercury.

So the following day he went down to the river's edge, and threw his axe into the fast flowing waters. When it had disappeared he sat down on the bank and, began to cry as loudly as he could. In a little while Mercury appeared again, and asked the man why he was so sad.

'I've lost my axe,' said the man. 'It just slipped out of my hand as I was cutting wood. It's fallen in the water and I can't find it.'

Mercury felt sorry for the man and once more dived into the cold waters of the river. He soon appeared and shouted to the man, 'I can see something down there. Is your axe a golden one?'

The eyes of the man lit up. 'Oh yes,' he said, 'it is made of real gold.'

The god was angry now, for he knew the man was lying. 'What a shame,' said Mercury, 'the axe that I have found is just an ordinary one. I cannot find your golden axe anywhere in the river. As this is not your axe I'm afraid I cannot help you. I must go and find out who this axe belongs to.' With that Mercury and the axe disappeared.

Left on the bank, without any axe, was a sadder but wiser man.

Happy reading!

Uncle N

ps: Dear Kids, I'll be out of town (and offline) for the next 10 days, and will not be posting any new stories for you. Hence, during this period, be nice to your friends, parents, teachers and everybody around you. Hope to share more stories with you soon!