Story

Ramu was well – known in the village as an honest milkman. He had two sons, Surya and Chandra. Time and again, Ramu used to tell them, “look here, never deceive or cheat any one. Honest labour alone gives you real peace and happiness in life.

One day, Ramu severely scolded Surya for not taking the cattle for grazing. Surya felt so much hurt that he left home, determined never to return.

Old Ramu would feel worried and miserable whenever he remembered Surya. A few days before his death, Ramu said to Chandra, “My dear son, try your best to find our Surya, your brother. You can recognize him by the big, black scar on his forehead. Out of the ten buffaloes we have, give him five as his share.” After Ramu’s death, Chandra used to go to every fair and mela in the nearby villages, hoping to find Surya there. But all his efforts were in vain.

One day, Chandra was returning home with the buffaloes after their grazing. On the way, he saw a stranger in the village sitting under a tree. As Chandra came close to him, he was surprised to find a big, black scar on his forehead. He recognized him as his brother. But he was very much pained to see him in soiled and torn clothes. So, he almost wept as he said, “Oh brother Surya, why are you leading a miserable life and wearing such clothes? Come home with me. Take five out of the ten buffalo’s father has left for us and leads a happy life, selling mild and butter.” Surya went home with his brother. But he was silent all the time. After having food together, Chandra spread a big carpet and soon, both were fast asleep.

Next morning, Chandra woke up and, to his surprise, found that Surya had left with the five buffaloes. But, then, a doubt arose in his mind. “Why should Surya run away with the buffaloes? I hope, I have not been cheated by a rogue.” After some thinking he consoled himself, “I have been honest and done just as Pitaji advised me, God be witness to it. Why, then, should I worry?’

After a few days, a nice bullock-cart stopped in front of Chandra’s door. As Chandra peeped out, he saw a person with a big, black scar on his forehead coming towards him. But now, he was quite decently dressed and looked like a rich man. He came close to Chandra and said, with a smile, “Oh brother, didn’t you recognize me” But Chandra replied in a sad tone, “Brother, I do recognize you. But I have committed a grave mistake. “Two weeks ago, I gave away your five buffaloes to someone else, mistaking him for you. But then, I don’t want you to suffer for my folly. I will give you the five buffaloes which are mine.

Embracing his brother, Surya said, “My dear Chandra, you have not committed any mistake. I myself had some at that time dressed as a poor man, to test your honesty. Indeed, you are as honest as our beloved Pitaji himself. By his blessing, I too have built up a good business in fruits and vegetables. It has made me a rich man. Now, I have a big house in the town, this bullock cart and a small fruit garden as well. I have come to take you to town to stay with me. I have purchased a small room in the market for you where you can start a dairy and sell milk and sweets.”

Both the brother then went in, hand-in-hand, and standing before their father’s small photograph said, “Pitaji, you taught us to be always honest. Indeed, we are very fortunate to have learnt it from you. Today is our honesty that is giving us peace and joy, which no amount of money can ever give.”

Activity

• An honest person is one who does not lie or cheat or steal. God expects us to be absolutely honest in all our actions. Honesty is usually about things that belong to people.
• What do you think would be the honest thing to do in the following circumstances?
• You see a pencil lying on the floor that no-one else has seen.
• Mother gives you R10 to buy bread. The bread costs only R8.50. What would you do with the change?
• There are sweets in a dish on the table. There is no-one else around. What would you do?
• Father gives you 5 stickers to give to your friend. One of them is a beautiful one that you would like to have. What do you do?
• You are playing a board game with your friend. He is not paying attention.You know that you could move your counter a few blocks forward to win, and he wouldn’t notice. What would you do?