World Environment Day is around the corner on 5th June. This day is a reminder that people must act now to save the planet Earth.

The Red Moon is s short story that would remind you not just on 5th June, but always to take care of our blue planet.

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Transcript

There was once a little grey planet that was very sad. The people living there hadn't looked after it, despite them having all the inventions and spaceships you could ever need. They had contaminated the whole countryside so much with rubbish and pollution that there were no plants or animals left.

One day, a little boy was walking on the planet, when he passed a cave and noticed a small red flower inside. The flower was very sick - almost dying - so the boy carefully dug up the flower, with roots, soil and everything. Then, he started looking for a place where he could look after it.

Children, where do you think he will plant the red flower plant?

Let’s listen ahead.

He searched all over the planet but everywhere was so contaminated that there was no place the flower could possibly live in. Then he looked up at the sky and noticed the moon. It seemed to the boy that maybe the plant could survive there.

So the little boy put on his astronaut suit and climbed into a spaceship. He put the little red flower in the back, and off they went to the moon.

Far away from all that pollution - and with the boy visiting it every day to tend it - the flower started to grow. 

Children, how do you look after the plants?

That’s great.

The flower was so well cared for, that it soon germinated, giving birth to others, and these other flowers spread onto other flowers. Before long, the whole moon was completely covered with flowers.

That's why, whenever the little boy's flowers open up, for a few minutes the moon takes on a soft red sheen, like a warning light. Maybe it's telling us that if you don't look after your planet, a day will come when flowers will only be able to grow on the moon.

So children, promise to take care of our planet Earth and remember the 4R’s -reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering. These help to remind us of the importance of reducing waste production which in turn would save the planet Earth.

Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.

In today's story, a merchant leaves an iron chest in the care of his friend while he travels to a neighbouring village. And returning, the friend, who was very greedy, told the merchant that the mice ate up his iron chest. To find out how does the merchant get his revenge, listen to the story

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Transcript

Once there was a rich merchant called Naduk. Time passed, and his business turned for the worse.

Soon it was so bad that he not only lost all his money but also got into debt. He decided to leave the city and find his fortune in a new place. He sold all his possessions to pay off his debts.

Children, what is your favourite possession, something that you would not want to let go of? 

All that he was left with what is a heavy iron chest.

Before leaving his town, Naduk went to see his good friend Bondu. He requested him to keep the chest with him till he returned.

“Of course my friend! I will keep the chest safe for you,” said Bondu.

Naduk thanked him and left.

He travelled far and wide for many years and worked very hard. He started trading in spices and soon all his hard work paid off and he became rich again.

Children, can you name a few spices?

That’s nice.

Happy, that he was rich again, Naduk returned to his town.

He bought a new house and opened a very large shop.

Bondu had also heard that Naduk was back in town and has started a new business with the money that he had earned in all these years. Bondu was getting a little jealous of Naduk. 

One day after work Naduk went to visit his friend Bondu who welcomed him warmly. They talked for long. As he was about to leave, Naduk asked Bondu to return his iron chest.

Bondu had no intention of returning it as he knew that when he sold it, it would fetch him a good price. He put on a sad face and said, “Something bad has happened. I had kept the chest safely in my storeroom, but the mice have eaten it. I am really sorry.”

Children, do you think a mouse can eat iron??

Certainly not!

Naduk understood what was going on in Bondu’s mind.

Patting Bondu’s shoulder Naduk said, “Please don't feel sorry. It's not fair. It is not your fault that the mice ate the iron chest,”

Bondu was pleased to see that Nadu had fallen for his lie.

“How stupid can one be,” thought Bondu.

Children, do you think Naduk is stupid?

Listen ahead.

Meanwhile, Naduk asked Bondu to send his son home with him so that he could hand over the gifts that he had brought for him.

Bondu immediately asked his son Pinto to go with Naduk and fetch the gifts.

Naduk took the boy home and locked him in the cellar of his house.

Children, what do you think will happen now?

When Pinto didn't return by evening, his father got worried and came to ask about the whereabouts of his son.

Naduk said, “Oh! It was so unfortunate that while we were coming to my house, a hawk swooped and carried the boy off. I followed the hawk for some time but could not keep pace. I am sorry my friend.”

On hearing this, Bondu became furious he accused Naduk of lying. He insisted that a hawk could not carry a 15-year-old boy.

A quarrel started and they both went to the court

“Your honour, I had sent my son with this man to fetch some gifts from his house. But my son has not returned since. This man has stolen my son,” cried Bondu.

The magistrate ordered Naduk to return the boy to his father.

But Naduk insisted that a hawk carried off the boy. The magistrate asked him how it was possible.

To this Naduk replied, “If mice can eat up an iron chest, surely a hawk can carry off a boy!”

The magistrate understood that there was more to it than meets the eye here. He asked Naduk to explain everything in detail.

Naduk then narrated the entire story. Everyone in the courtroom had a good laugh. The magistrate ordered Bondu to return the iron chest to Naduk and Naduk to return Bondu’s son.

Tenali Raman was a learned scholar and a poet in King Krishnadevaraya’s court. He was a minister in the court and was also one of the eight poets. He was famous for his wit and quick thinking.

On the Story Prism podcast, Tenali Raman tales are a collection of some of those stories.

Today's story- Raman Outsmarts a Thief is a story that teaches us that being a quick thinker and witty can save us from dire situations. Do you think Raman would be able to save himself this time?

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Transcript

Once upon a time, Raman set out on a long journey. In those days, one had to walk through the jungle to get to another city.

Children, how can we travel from one place to another nowadays?

That’s a lot of ways, but long-long ago, people had to walk if they wanted to travel.

So, Raman started his journey. On the way, another traveller joined Raman, who said, “This forest is infested with thieves. I am afraid they will rob me. Can I travel with you?” the man asked Raman. Raman readily agreed.

That night, the two of them stopped at some place in the forest to rest. Raman was tired and fell asleep soon. His companion was waiting for this moment. In fact, he was a thief who used to rob travellers. He got up and looked under Raman’s pillow without disturbing him. He found nothing. He carefully searched Raman’s pockets looking for money. To his disappointment, he did not find even a paisa! Then he opened the bundle Raman was carrying. Again, he found nothing.

The next morning, the two resumed their journey. They halted for the night again. Raman again had a sound sleep. Whereas his companion yet again searched Raman’s belongings, looking for money and valuables. Again, he was disappointed.

The next day, the two travellers reached the holy city of Tirupati, the famous holy city in southern India.  This was where Raman and his companion had to part company.

At that moment the companion confessed that he was a thief. “ I have never met with failure. But this time I failed. Now that we are parting company, please tell me where you hid the money in the night?” pleaded the thief. “Unless I know your secret, I may not be able to sleep,” he confessed.

Raman smiled, “I knew you were a thief the moment I saw you. I took care to hide money where you would never find it.”

Children, where do you think Raman hid his money?

Let’s listen ahead.

“But where? I looked for it everywhere,” cried out the thief.

“Did you look for it under your pillow?” asked Raman.

“I looked for it under your pillow and found nothing. Why should I look for your money under my pillow?” asked the bewildered thief.

“Because I hid the money under your pillow,” said Raman, “I was confident it was the one place you would never look for my money.”

That indeed surprised the thief's companion. He quietly went off his way thinking about how witty Raman was.

Careful and smart thinking can help one beat even the worst people in the world

Aesop's fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson. Today's story the Foolish Stag is from the Aesop category. In this story, the stag admires his antlers but despises his legs till he faces a challenge. Is the realization too late for him,? Let’s listen to the story.

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Transcript

There lived a stag in a forest, and one day he was very thirsty. After searching for water, he found a lake nearby and bent down to the lake to drink. As he bent over the surface, he saw his reflection in the water. Looking at his own reflection he greatly admired his graceful antlers. He became very proud of his antlers.

“No other animal has such beautiful antlers,” he thought to himself while still looking at his reflection.

He went on, “Ahha! What a great pair of branching horns are these! How gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and add beauty to my face.”

Suddenly, he saw his legs in reflection and he became very much ashamed of his thin legs.

“How can it be,” he sighed, “that I should be cursed with such legs when I have such a magnificent crown.” This made him sad.

At that moment he scented a lion and in an instant was bounding away through the forest. While he was running in the open grasslands, he was really fast as his legs were strong. But once he entered the woods, his wide-spreading antlers caught in the branches of the trees. The more he tried to free himself, the more difficult it became. As the stag was struggling to get free, the lion came nearer and nearer.

Children, what do you think would happen in the story now?

Let’s listen ahead.

The stag realized his mistake and thought that how he praised his horns and but they proved to be useless ornaments on his head. Now he understood the real value of his legs, which almost took him to safety. Soon the lion caught him, and he was the food of the lion now.

So children from this story we learn that we should be thankful for what we have.

Today’s story- The Blue Jackal is from the Panchatantra. It’s a story about a jackal who acts like someone else and tries to rule the forest, but does he succeed? Listen to the story to find out.

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Transcript

Once there was an adventurous jackal in a forest who frequently strayed into the neighbouring village looking for food. The village was filled with dogs that scared the jackal. Although he was scared of the dogs, the jackal loved food and travelled to the city again and again.

One day, as he was going to enter a house, he heard barking. He was shocked to find a gang of dogs running towards the house. They looked violent and caused the jackal to panic. In a hurry, he ran to the next house he saw open. It happened to be the house of a washerman. Scared, the jackal tumbled into a tub of indigo, the blue dye used for bleaching clothes. The dogs couldn’t see the jackal and they ran another way.

Children, what colour was the jackal now?

Let’s listen ahead.

The jackal came back to the forest with his body dyed in blue. He appeared very different from any other animal. With his cunning mind at work, he was pleased as no one would be able to recognize him and he could easily fool anyone in the jungle.

Just like he had thought, everyone in the forest was surprised to see such an unusual animal.

When the lions, tigers, panthers, wolves and other animals in the forest saw him, they were frightened and ran in all directions. They thought to themselves, "We do not know his power and strength. It is better we keep a distance from him. Haven't the elders warned us not to trust strangers?”

Finally, the lions and the tigers gathered courage and asked who he was and who had sent him.

“I have been sent by God himself to look after you. I will now be the king of the jungle,” the jackal said.

The lion protested, “Don’t you know, I have always been the king of the forest.”

“From now, that must change and all of you must serve me” The Jackal said happily.

Some animals like the tiger protested and asked what would happen if they didn’t obey him. He replied, “God would destroy the entire forest if you all didn’t obey me.”

Scared for their lives and their forest, the animals asked the blue Jackal what he would like them to do.

“Bring me lots of food,” said the blue jackal promptly.

The animals quickly scurried and returned with lots of food for the Jackal.

He had so much food that he gave his leftovers to the other animals and said, “ You must serve me fresh food every day. Hope that is clear.”

He even threw out the pack of jackals from the forest because he knew that they could identify him someday.

The blue Jackal was very happy with himself for fooling the entire forest and was happy to be away from the city dogs.

But one day the banned pack of jackals was walking around the forest, howling loudly. The blue jackal began howling too out of habit.

Because of this mistake, the lions and other animals immediately recognized that their king was after all a jackal and not a God-send creature. They at once pounced on the blue jackal and in turn, banished him from the forest forever.

This story is about a very lazy baby dragon. He learns a life lesson and changes for the better.

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Transcript

"Get up Slothy. Don't you want to join your siblings in learning how to breathe out fire?" said the mother dragon lovingly.

"Umm. Please mummy, let me just sleep in a little more. I know how to breathe out fire," muttered Slothy, the baby dragon. He turned the other way and snoozed again.

There were many things Slothy enjoyed doing.

First, Slothy loved to sleep.

Next, he loved to watch television.

There was yet another thing that he loved to do. He loved to play games on the mobile phone.

But what he did not enjoy was learning, from blowing out fire to building stamina to fly fast and far.

Slothy's parents encouraged and motivated him, but all in vain. Father used to try enticing him by doing dragon training at fun places. One day he called out, “Slothy, today we are all going to the top of the mountain. We’ll all blow out fire there. Come, join us.”

“Thanks, Dad, but I am feeling tired, would rather sleep and watch a show to relax myself.”

Mother added, “ You are a dragon and, a fire-blowing dragon, you must practice it too!”

“I know all about being a dragon. Don’t worry mumma!” Slothy muttered watching his favourite Television show.

In short, we can say he was a couch potato.

One day, Slothy's mother coaxed him to get some fruits from the forest.

“I need some fruits as your uncle is coming over for dinner.”

Reluctantly, Slothy agreed and sluggishly walked over to the adjoining forest. The trees were dense and formed a beautiful canopy. The flowers were pretty spreading a lovely fragrance all around. The birds were chirping a sweet song and the earthy smell was refreshing. But none of these interested Slothy. He just wanted to get back to his TV shows.

Plodding through the forest, he arrived at a forest clearing. It was a campsite and some children were enjoying. Slothy stopped to look at them as they were singing songs around the campfire.

The ants go marching one by one, Hurrah-Hurrah!

The ants go marching one by one, Hurrah-Hurrah!

The ants go marching one by one,

The little one stopped to suck his thumb!!

And They all giggled

As the children stopped singing, one of the kids saw Slothy and exclaimed, "Wow, a dragon!"

"Hey, are you a real dragon?" asked the others.

Slothy proudly claimed, "Of course. I am a fire-breathing dragon."

“Wow! That’s amazing,” one child yelled out a thrilling cry.

"We'll believe you when you blow out fire for us," dared one of the children, not believing Slothy.

"Here you go," said Slothy and puffed. But, what was that? He couldn't blow fire. He puffed yet again, but he still could not blow out fire.

The children jeered, "No, you are not a real dragon.”

"But see, I can fly." Slothy flapped his wings and lifted himself just a little above the ground. Plonk, he fell right down.

"Little dragon, don't fool us. Learn to blow fire and fly and then come back to us," they said teasingly.

All you lovely children listening out there, can you guess why Slothy couldn’t blow out fire?

Yes, Indeed that’s because he didn’t practice.

To learn something new we all need to practice, right?

Well, in our story so far, Slothy was a lazy baby dragon and didn’t want to learn anything. He only lazed around and watched TV or played video games.

He felt embarrassed when the children at the camp asked him to blow fire, but he could not!. 

He was sad. Tears rolling down his cheeks. He returned home and locked himself in his room.

That day he felt very humiliated. He decided that he would change and learn to be a real dragon. A real fire-blowing, flying dragon. He would not be lazy and would stop watching television and playing games on the mobile phone.

He went to his father and said, “Dad, I would join my siblings in learning to blow fire, learning to fly fast and far, and whatever else you teach me! I want to be a real dragon”

“Dear son, I am very happy to hear that,” father said feeling elated.

From that day, Slothy diligently learnt all that his father taught. He practised really hard. In the beginning, he couldn't blow fire, but his father reminded him -Practice makes one perfect. Sometimes Slothy made mistakes or failed at a task, but he did not give up and kept on trying. 

Slothy admitted to his mother, “All this is really exciting! I am becoming a real dragon!”

Proudly mother patted him on his shoulder.

One day mummy again sent Slothy to collect fruits from the forest. This time he was excited and immediately agreed. As he walked into the forest, he was fascinated by the trees that formed a beautiful canopy, was awestruck by the vibrant flowers, and was captivated by the birds chirping. He also found the earthy smell very refreshing

While collecting fruits for his family, Slothy reached the same campsite. This time there were two families there. They looked kind of upset.

Slothy went closer to see what the matter was. Looking at Slothy, a little girl yelled out "Look, a fire-blowing dragon. He could help us!"

“Please come and help us dragon, we forgot to get our match sticks and therefore cannot cook our meal on the campfire.”

Children, can you guess how Slothy would help the campers?

Listen ahead .

Slothy said that he could surely help them light the fire for he was the fire-blowing dragon. He mustered up his strength and puffed. There was a spark but not quite strong to start a fire.

Slothy remembered his father's teachings and took a moment to collect his thoughts before focusing again on the task., He puffed again and Lo and behold he blew a hot stream of fire on the logs and lit the campfire.

The little girl’s eyes sparkled. She and all the campers thanked Slothy. They were all delighted.

“Now we can roast our marshmallows!” the little girl jumped in joy.

Slothy, seeing them happy, was elated as well. Waving goodbye, he soared high in the sky.

Indeed, we have to practice if we want to learn something properly, Isn’t it?

Today’s story: The Greedy Fox is a story where the fox learns a lesson about not being greedy. It’s an adapted Folktale from Aesop.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-greedy-fox-archive

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Transcript

It was deep mid-winter and Felix the Fox was very, very hungry.

But Felix was an extremely lazy fox and was always eyeing other people’s food and planning to steal food by hook or by crook.

His cunning mind was racing fast, "Where am I going to find something to eat?" As he was wandering in the forest as he passed a big oak tree his nose twitched. “Is that some delicious food that I smell?”

He slowly retraced his steps back to the oak tree, trying to trace the source of the smell.

He stopped right in front of the oak tree. He took a deep breath to absorb the aroma.

With his mouth watering, he thought, “It’s my lucky day. I can smell some delicious bread and meat inside this hollow in the trunk. Some shepherd must have left there.”

He couldn’t resist anymore and made himself as small as he could and wriggled inside.

Once he successfully crept inside, he relished the bread and the meat. He ate and he ate and he ate. And then he ate some more. He had never eaten so much food in his life.

"Marvellous," he said, licking his lips when he'd finished the very last crumb.

Children, what do you think happened to him?

Ready to listen ahead?

He was now so fat he couldn't get out again!

He squeezed... and he squeezed ... and he squeezed... but it was no good.

Of course, he hadn’t realized that he had eaten too much.

He thought that the tree had gotten smaller. He panicked.

He poked his head out of the hole and yelled, “Help! Get me out of this horrible hole.”

A weasel who was passing by stopped and asked, “ What happened?”

The fox yelled out, “This tree is shrinking, it’s crushing me to death. Help!”

The weasel lived nearby and used to pass this oak tree every morning as he went about doing his morning chores and every evening when he returned home, knew the oak tree well. He calmly explained, “I don’t think so. It looks about the same size when I passed it in the morning. Probably you have grown bigger.”

Felix with only his eyes poking out screamed, “Stop talking nonsense. And get me out.” “ I am dying I tell you!”

Weasel knew the greedy fox had been eating too much and nonchalantly said, “Well it serves you right for eating too much. You’ll just have to stay there until you get thinner, and then you can clamber out. Perhaps next time you won’t eat so much.”

Saying that the weasel waved bye-bye and walked away.

At noon the shepherd, who had safely placed his food in the tree hollow returned.

“Help,” shouted Felix, the greedy fox, “I can explain what happened.”

But seeing a fox there, the shepherd got scared and ran away.

So, poor Felix had to stay in his miserable hole for 2 days and 2 long nights. But he never ever ate too much food again.

Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.

Today's story is - The King and the Parrots

This story tells that our environment affects our speech, our behaviour and our personality.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-king-and-the-parrots

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Transcript

Once upon a time, a tribal king who was hunting in the forest caught two parrots in his net. He was very pleased with this and thought that he would teach the parrots to talk and his children would be happy to play with the talking parrots.

Children, if you had a talking parrot, what would teach him to speak?

Great!

As the tribal king was returning home with his catch, one of the parrots somehow escaped from the net and flew away to the other end of the forest. At the other end of the forest was a sage’s hut. The parrot that escaped started living here with the sage. The other parrot was carried to the tribal king’s home and he began living there with the tribal king and his family.

Many months later, one day, a king from a nearby kingdom was passing through the forest on his horse. While riding, he came near the tribal king’s house. As he came nearer to the house, the tribal king’s parrot who was kept in a cage outside the house, started shouting loudly, “Who is there? Catch this man who is coming here and beat him black and blue.”

Children, why do you think the parrot was saying such things?

Let’s listen ahead.

The king was displeased on hearing the parrot talk in such a filthy way and decided to ride in the other direction. Soon, he reached the other end of the forest where the sage’s hut was situated. When the king came closer to the hut, the sage’s parrot, who was also kept in a cage outside the hut, said politely, “You are welcome, dear sir. Please come in and have a seat. Would you like a glass of water and some sweets?” After having welcomed the guest with proper manners, the parrot called out to his master, “Guruji, you have a visitor. Please take him inside and offer him some food.”

The king was amazed to see the intelligence and manners of this parrot. He realized the contrast between the tribal king’s parrot who was extremely rude and the sage’s parrot who was polite and courteous. He understood that a good environment and training always give better results and that a man is known by the company he keeps.

oday’s story: The Four Friends is an adapted folktale from India. It’s a story about 4 animal friends who save each other from the hunters.

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Transcript

Once in India, in a beautiful jungle, there lived a crow, a mouse, and a turtle who were the best of friends. The three met every day by the pond to talk and sing. They were always ready to help each other. Isn’t that what friends are for?

Children, I am sure you also help your friends. Can you please share an incident where you helped a friend?

One day while they sat together, a gold-spotted deer ran up, her eyes huge with fear. In a frightened voice, she cried, “Help me, please! The hunters are coming to kill me.”

At once, Turtle pointed to some tall grass. Deer bent her head and slipped into the green grass. Within seconds she was hidden. The three friends then moved around to cover her tracks.

 Children, why did they cover the deer’s tracks?

 Yes, so that the hunters would not be able to trace them.

 And that’s what happened. When the hunters came, they glanced over and when they couldn’t find the deer, they rode away.

“It is safe now,” called Mouse after the hunters had left.. Deer came out, thanked the three, and stayed to talk and play with them. She enjoyed herself and decided to live near her new friends.

 Children, how many friends they are now?

That’s right, now they are 4 friends.

Many days passed happily. Everything was peaceful, and the forest was a happy place for them. Then one morning, Crow, Mouse, and Turtle met as usual. But their friend Deer did not come. They waited for hours and hours. When still she didn't come they grew worried

“We must go and search,” said Crow and flew off at once. Suddenly, the high-flying crow saw Deer below in a nearby clearing. Her leg was caught in a hunter’s trap and she could not move. Crow quickly called his friends and they came to help.

“Don't worry, dear friend,” said the Turtle kindly. “We won't leave you. We'll all think of a way to help you.” Turtle talked and talked comforting Deer, while Mouse quickly nibbled through the rope and freed her.

Into the woods jumped Deer as Crow flew off and Mouse scampered away. But while the slow-moving Turtle crawled to safety the hunter returned.

“Oh, My deer has escaped,” he shouted furiously. “But at least I have a Turtle.” He picked up poor Turtle, tied a rope around his leg, and started towards home. Crow looked down as he flew and saw his poor friend being carried away.

He quickly found Deer and Mouse and worriedly said, “Now we must save Turtle.”

And the friends quickly hatched a plan.

Deer, with Mouse on her back, ran swiftly ahead of the hunter. Then she laid down in the path, as still as could be, while Mouse hid. Crow perched right on Deer’s face and looked like he was pecking at the dead body.

 Children, can you guess the friends’ plan?

Listen ahead.

The hunter came up. He smiled when he saw the deer, thinking, “Ah, the deer didn't go too far. I'll just scare off that hungry crow and take my dinner home. It will be better than old turtle's meat.”

He tossed Turtle, took out his knife, and walked eagerly towards Deer. Meanwhile, Mouse ran right up and chewed off Turtle’s rope. Turtle slipped into a nearby pond and Mouse scurried under a stone.

When the hunter was about 3 feet away, Deer suddenly jumped up and ran away to safety. At the same time, Crow flew off, leaving the hunter alone. He waved his hands and stomped his feet in a rage.

“Well, at least I have the turtle,” he said after a while. He turned back but Turtle was gone. He looked all around but never found him.

The hunter was now alone in the silent forest. And very-very mad. But there wasn't anything he could do. So at last he walked home, with a frown on his face and nothing in his hands.

When his footsteps had faded and the woods were safe again, the four best friends met together at the pond. They had a grand time talking about their adventures while they celebrated both freedom and friendship.

Today's story, 'Tenali, The Detective' is a story where Tenali acts like a detective. A detective needs to be observant and solve problems. Let’s listen to the story to find out how Raman acts like a detective and if he succeeds or not!

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Transcript

Tenali Raman was once walking along a forest path when he was stopped by a merchant. “I’m looking for my camel which has strayed away. Did you see it passing by?” asked the sad and worried merchant.

Children, how do you feel when you lose something? I feel the same, and so we must take care of things.

So, a merchant had lost his camel and was asked Tenali is he had seen it.

“Had the camel hurt its leg?” asked Raman.

“Oh yes! That means you have seen my camel!” said the merchant. 

“Only its footprints. See, you can see footprints of an animal with three legs,” said Raman, pointing out the footprints on the ground. “It was dragging the other leg because it was hurt in that leg.”

“Was it blind in one eye?” Raman asked the merchant.

“Yes, yes,” said the merchant eagerly.

“Was it loaded it with wheat on one side and sugar on the other side?” asked Raman.

“Yes, you are right,” said the merchant. 

“So you have seen my camel!” exclaimed the merchant. 

Raman looked upset. “Did I say I saw your camel? Of course not!” 

“Then how did you give the exact description of my camel,” said the merchant. 

“I saw no camel,” said Raman. 

Children, how do you think Raman knew the exact description of the camel?

Let’s listen ahead.

“Do you see those plants lined up on both sides of this path? You can clearly see, some animal has eaten leaves of plants on the left, but the plants on the other side remain untouched. So , I figured out that the animal could see with only one eye.”

“Look down. You can see ants lined up on this side which means, the animal was loaded with sugar bag on this side. The bag had a hole, which allowed the sugar to fall off. That’s how I know that the camel was carrying bags of sugar.”

Tenali smiled and further added, “You can see grains of wheat fallen on the other side. The bag on this side also must have holes in it.”

“I can see everything you showed me,” protested the merchant, ”but I still don’t see my camel.” 

Children, any idea how Tenali would help the merchant find the camel?

Let’s see!

“You follow this trail and soon you will catch up with your animal. After all it is hurt in one leg and you seem to be hale and hearty,” said Raman.

The merchant took his advice and followed the trail left by the camel.

Soon he caught up with the poor animal, limping along. 

“Rani!” the merchant shouted in happiness, as he ran to his camel.

The Grandfather Stone is a legend from Native Americans who originally lived in what’s now known as New York state. It’s a story about how people started the art of storytelling.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-grandfather-stone-archive.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time, there was no “once upon a time.” That was because the people had no stories to tell. They didn’t even know what a “story” was! And that made the winters long and boring for people who were cooped up inside with little to do.

Children, imagine you are stuck inside homes, how would you keep yourself entertained?

In one village, a boy lived with his grandmother. As the spring arrived, , he took his spear to catch fish in the river. By the time the sunset each evening, the boy’s basket was always overflowing with plump, glistening bass and trout!

One year, on the first day of spring, when the blankets of snow melted away and colourful flowers sprang from the earth, the boy ran to the river. He waded into the water, his spear poised above his shoulder.

The little boy called out to the fish in the river, “I see you, little fish. Right there, little fish!”

But every time he plunged his spear into the crystal-clear river, the slippery fish would zig-zag away and disappear downstream.

The boy was disappointed.

By the time the sun went down, the boy’s basket had only two fish in it.

Sadly he thought to himself, “ Oh, no! I’ve never caught so few fish before! Grandmother depends on me for dinner. This is going to be one meagre meal.”

Not wanting to face his grandmother, the boy decided to meander home a different way. He entered the dark forest and took a left turn where he usually took a right.

Children, what do you think will happen now?

Listen ahead.

Soon, he approached a shadowy clearing. As he stepped inside, he heard a deep, rumbling voice call out, “ Young man, would you like to hear a story?”

The boy was aghast, “Who’s there? Who said that? And what is a story?

He heard the deep voice again, “A “story” tells about the things that happened before this time. It tells how things came to be, and why things came to be. So, I ask you again: would you like to hear a story?”

Children, if the voice asked you, “Which story would you like to listen to? “ What would you say?

Now, you remember the boy was in no hurry to go back home. Besides, he was also curious.

He requested in a deep voice, “Yes, please! I would love to hear a “story”! But first, who are you? And where are you? I don’t see anyone here!”

Just then, a gleaming, white ray of the moon passed through the trees and lit up the stone in the middle of the clearing. Suddenly, the boy realized where the voice was coming from the stone!

The stone introduced himself, “ I am Grandfather Stone. I have been here since time began, so I have many stories to tell. But first, storytellers should always receive something for their stories, a gift, in exchange for their gift. Have you something to give me?”

All that the boy had with him were the two fish he’d caught that day. He reached into his basket, pulled out the larger fish, and placed it on top of the stone and asked, “Will this do?”

Grandfather stone said, “ It will do. Thank you. Now, come sit. And I will tell you a story.”

The boy settled down on the ground and leaned back against the cool, smooth stone. He closed his eyes as the stone began the story.

The Grandfather Stone told a story about how long ago, when animals could talk, the proudest and most boastful creature was the bear. The burly beast was always bragging about his most prized possession: a long, glossy, furry tail.

One winter, a clever fox decided he’d teach the cocky bear a lesson. Fox told Bear that if he stuck his tail through the ice on the river, the next day he would catch a bounty of fish!

FISH! Hearing the word fish, the bear’s mouth started watering. He decided to stick his tail in the ice!

Children, can you guess what will happen next?

Well, come morning, guess whose tail was frozen beneath the ice?! Bear tried to yank it out, but it stayed behind in the ice, and ever since then, bears have had short tails.

By the time the story ended, the boy was grinning from ear to ear.

“Wow! This was the most extraordinary thing I have ever heard, thank you I wish you could tell me one more story, but I only have one fish left. And that’s dinner for grandmother and me. It’s also getting late and I have to run back home! “

“No problem, you can come back tomorrow,” said the grandfather stone.

The little boy rushed back home. When he reached home the Grandmother looked at the little boy and then the basket and said sadly,

“I have been worried sick,

For you didn’t see the time tick.

What! One fish?”

“Umm, grandmother…,” stammered the boy, when grandmother interrupted,

“Shh.. it’s my wish

For you to get more fish

Tomorrow.”

“Surely, surely,” and he went to bed imagining the story that the Grandfather stone told.

The next day it was the same. The little boy took his spear, tried and tried, but he managed to get only two fish yet again!

He went straight to the clearing and placing a fish requested for another story from the Grandfather Stone.

Again, the boy relaxed on the ground, his eyes closed, his head resting against the stone’s cool, smooth surface. Grandfather stone gladly told him yet another story.

After the story ended, the little boy expressed, “ Oh, Grandfather Stone! These stories are the best! I wish you could tell me more, but I only have one fish left.”

The grandfather stone comforted, “Not to worry, young man. Come back tomorrow, and I will tell you another story.

That brought a smile on the little boy’s face and happily, he went back home.

 When he reached home the Grandmother looked at the little boy and then the basket and with a tear rolling down her cheek she said,

“I have been worried sick

For you didn’t see the time tick.

What ! One fish?”

“Umm, grandmother…mother,” stammered the boy, well,

I got two fish but one I exchanged for a gift!”

Grandmother’s eye brightened, “ Gift ?” Looking into the basket she said, “ Where is it?

“Well! It’s a gift that you hear, “ the little boy said wiping the tear off grandmother’s wrinkly face and explained everything.

 “I want to meet your grandfather stone too and listen to what you call stories.”

Children, do you think the little boy would take the grandmother?

Let’s find out.

The boy asked Grandmother to take a basket, and fill it with slices of fresh cornbread.

With the basket of cornbread slung over one arm, the boy led Grandmother to the clearing in the forest. In the middle, stood Grandfather Stone, his smooth, cool surface dappled by moonlight through the trees.

They both heard the deep voice, “ Young man. You’re back already! And you’ve brought a companion! Welcome!

Grandmother was so astonished that, uh, um, that was all that she could say.

Grandmother watched as the boy emptied the basket of cornbread onto the stone.

With sparkling, curious eyes the boy said, “We would like to hear many stories.”

The grandfather stone said, “Thank you! Now, I will tell you some stories.”

The boy helped Grandmother onto the ground. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave a loving squeeze as Grandfather Stone began.

The stone told stories about foolish people and clever animals, stories about clever people and foolish animals, stories about how chipmunks got their stripes, how porcupines got their quilts and how we got the four seasons.

Hours went by. Morning came and the moon gave way to the rays of the sun, and the boy and Grandmother were wide awake, wrapped up in Grandfather Stone’s stories

At last, the stone paused.

The grandfather said, “From here on out, stories won’t be kept inside smooth, cold stones like me. They’ll be carried by warm-blooded people like you! Pass these stories on to your children... and your grandchildren, then have them pass these stories on to their children and grandchildren. Keep these stories going for as long as the world keeps going. Now, my friend, it’s your turn.”

Then the stone fell silent and never spoke again.

The boy and his grandmother listened to the stone’s final words. They returned to the village, and recounted the stories as they had heard… sharing them with everyone, young and old... again and again and again.

To show their thanks, the villagers offered gifts of food and clothing. But the way the boy and Grandmother saw it, being able to pass Grandfather Stone’s magnificent, splendid stories on to others was gift enough.

And when spring turned to summer, summer turned to fall, and fall turned to winter, and the temperatures and the snow began to drop, no one worried about suffering through a long, drawn-out season. They had their stories to entertain them and keep them warm.

And today… the whole world does, too.

Welcome to the Turtle Tales series.

Every year on the 20th of March we celebrate world storytelling day.

So, I request our listeners to share their favourite stories amongst all the episodes on our podcast. You may share it on: https://www.facebook.com/ritusnest/

Today's story,The Banana Split is a story from Panama, the central American country that bridges North and South America.

Children, what is the quickest thing you can think of? the Lion, the cheetah, the train…

Yes, all those are all quick things, to be sure. But none of them is as quick as your mind!

Today’s story is about someone saving the situation by using the fastest thing….that is MIND!

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/the-banana-spilt

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

In a tropical forest full of towering trees, dangling vines, and twisting rivers, there lived a Monkey.

Monkey had his home at the top of the only banana plant in the forest. At the very top of the thick green stem, yellow clusters of sweet, delicious bananas dangled high above the ground.

And all the animals in the forest longed to eat them! 

Like the Cuckoo said, “ I really want to eat a banana as a snack right now.”

The porcupine who was standing under the banana tree looked up and pleaded, “ Me too, cuckoo, my tummy is rumbling for a banana, actually a few bananas.”

The toucan staring at the bunch of bananas screeched, “ I wish the monkey would share some with us.”

From one of the branches jumped the monkey and swinging while eating a banana teased, “ No way! This is my tree and I won’t share even a single banana with anyone of you.”

But the animals really wanted to eat the bananas so they made a bargain and offered something in return. 

Children, can you guess what would each offer in exchange for a banana?

Think about what each of them is famous for.

Very Good.

Let’s listen ahead.

The cuckoo offered, “ I will sing you the most melodious song that would help you to sleep like a baby.”

The porcupine plucked one of his quills and said, “ here, this quill will make a perfect backscratcher.”

Toucan interrupted, “ I’ll share my most vibrant feathers and they’ll look amazing with your brown and white fur.”

But all in vain for the monkey,’ I will not fall for all these bargains. I am telling you that I won’t share any bananas with you.”

The cuckoo knew that there was a wise Turtle who could probably help them and they all decided to go to him. 

The Turtle lived deep in the heart of the forest, so it was evening by the time the Cuckoo, Toucan, and Porcupine reached her nest. The clever creature was sound asleep, with her head, legs, and tail tucked deep within her brown and yellow shell.

The cuckoo said, “ Pssst! Turtle! Wake up, wake up, we need your help.”

The Turtle poked out her head and opened one eye and looked at the cuckoo and gave a sleepy smile, “ Always there to help my dear friends.”\

Then, looking at the porcupine and the toucan, he said, “ please tell me how can I be of help.”

They explained the situation and how the monkey wasn’t sharing bananas with anyone.

Turtle closed her eyes. At first, the other animals thought she had fallen back asleep. But then she blinked her eyes open and broke into a grin. “ I know just how to make that monkey set straight.”

She reassured the friends that they needn’t worry anymore and that she has a perfect plan to teach a lesson to the monkey.

The next day, the Turtle walked towards the river and as expected found the monkey gulping water after eating his breakfast of bananas.

The Turtle said, “ hello monkey! “

“Turtle! You scared the living daylights out of me! What are you doing sneaking up on a guy while he’s washing down his breakfast? And what a breakfast it was! I must have eaten six bunches of bananas, at least! Each one is riper and sweeter than the last! Oh, you should have tasted them! Not that you ever will, of course. Since they’re mine, all mine!” said the monkey.

Turtle waited for the monkey to complete and said, “ Gosh! Those bananas. I’ll make you a bet, Monkey. I’ll bet you half of all the bananas on the plant that if you and I race to the top of it… I'll beat you!”

The monkey laughed out loud, “ You…?!? Beat me?!? To the top of the banana plant?!? But you’re a slow-crawling Turtle! And I’m a speedy, nimble monkey! You wouldn’t stand a chance racing against me!”

“We’ll see,” smiled the Turtle.

“I accept the bet,” said the monkey.

Cuckoo, Porcupine, and Toucan volunteered to be the race’s referees. Standing at the mossy, grassy base of the banana plant, they helped kick off the race.

Cuckoo said, “ On your marks.”

The porcupine added, “ get set.”

And the toucan yelled., “ Go!”

Children, whom do you think will win?

Yes! The monkey for he is so much faster than the Turtle.

Finally, when the Turtle reached the top, he politely offered his congratulations.

The other animals watching were disappointed and waved goodbye to all the bananas.

Then they all looked up in surprise when they heard the Turtle, “You are indeed fast! I wonder if I could interest you in another bet? This time, I’ll bet you half the bananas on the banana plant that I can reach the ground faster than you can!”

Monkey called down, “Cuckoo? Porcupine? Toucan? We’re having another race! This time, to the bottom! That silly Turtle still thinks she can beat me! Can you get us started?”

The animals knew that their friend Turtle would lose, but all the same went ahead.

Cuckoo said, “ On your marks.”

The porcupine added, “ get set.”

And the toucan yelled., “ Go!”

In a blink of an eye, the monkey began scrambling and swinging down the banana tree.

Well, the Turtle took a deep breath.

Children, what do you think the Turtle would do?

Let’s listen ahead.

The Turtle, however… did not move.

 Instead, she closed her eyes… then tucked her head, feet, and tail safely inside her thick, hard, brown and yellow shell.

And then… she dropped like a rock!

“Here we gooooooooo!!!!!’ she called out.

Down, down, down she fell. Until she landed… safe and sound on the grassy, mossy ground below.

She exclaimed. “ Made it!”

Monkey, meanwhile, was completely unaware of Turtle’s rapid descent. He’d been He was shocked when he reached the base of the banana plant and saw his opponent standing there, with a triumphant smile on her wrinkly face!

One very confused monkey asked, “But wait! How did you get down here before I did?”

To which the Turtle proudly said, “There’s more than one way to be quick! You have your fast feet… I have my quick mind. And now I have half the bananas in this banana plant, too!”

What else could Monkey do but split the bananas with Turtle, for he had lost the bet?

And that night, Turtle, Cuckoo, Porcupine, and Toucan enjoyed a sweet, succulent banana feast.

As for Monkey, he never again hogged all the bananas to himself. Instead, he shared them. Because he knew that despite his swift, nimble hands, feet and tail, when it came to true quickness, Turtle was truly the winner.

Description: Today’s story, Tree of Blossoms, is a folktale from Japan. It’s a story about how being kind is rewarding and being unkind eventually leads to your downfall.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-tree-of-blossoms-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Long, long ago there lived an old man and his wife who cultivated a small plot of land. They were satisfied, but unfortunately, they did not have a child.

They had a pet dog called ‘Shiro’. ‘Shiro’ means white, and he was so-called because of his colour.

They showered all their affection on their dog to the extent that if they had something nice to eat, they always gave it to Shiro, denying themselves of it.

Children, do you have any pets? If so, what have you named them, and why?

The happiest time for the couple was when they returned from the fields and had their frugal dinner of rice and some vegetable and then went to the veranda and sure enough, Shiro was waiting for his master. The old man would say, “Chin, chin!” and the dog sat up and asked for food, his master gave it to him. After that, they played with Shiro.

Children, what games do you think the old couple played with Shiro?

Their next-door neighbor was very wicked and cruel, who hated good neighbors and the dog Shiro with all their might. Whenever Shiro happened to look into their kitchen, he was rudely kicked out.

One day, Shiro was heard barking for a long time in the field at the back of his master’s house. The old man ran to check what was wrong. Then Shiro dragged him seizing the end of his kimono to a large Cherry Blossom tree. There he started digging with his paws, jumping with joy. The old man understood that the dog was telling him about something that was buried under the tree. So, the old man dug and was pleasantly surprised to find a heap of coins, gold coins!

The old man ran to call his wife, and together they carried home the treasure. In one day the poor couple became rich. His gratitude to the faithful dog knew no bounds, and he loved and petted him even more than ever.

Now, the neighbor found out about how the old couple became so rich and he became more envious after seeing the treasure. So, a few days later the neighbor called the old man’s home and asked to borrow the dog saying they wanted to show that they no longer hated the dog. Shiro’s master was too kindhearted to refuse their request and lent the dog on the condition that they should take good care of him.

Children, why does the wicked neighbor want the dog?

Let’s find out.

The wicked man returned home with an evil smile on his face. He took the spade and dragged Shiro by his collar to the Cherry Blossom tree and yelled at him,” Find the treasure! Find the treasure!” Scared, Shiro began to dig the earth under the tree. Then excitedly the neighbor started digging, only to find a heap of trash. The angry neighbor took his spade and killed Shiro. He buried Shiro there in the same hole where he found the trash. In his anger, he even cut the tree and got the tree trunk back home.

After waiting for several days, the old man went to the neighbor and asked him to return his dog. The neighbor told him that because of the dog’s bad behavior he had killed him and buried him under the Cherry Blossom tree. He said he cut the tree and got the trunk home to sell the log. Saddened, and with tears rolling, he pleaded for the tree trunk as a remembrance of his dog. Luckily, the neighbor agreed.

The old man carried the trunk of the tree and at home made a big mortar. In this, his wife put some rice and pounded it. A strange thing happened! The wife put rice into the mortar and no sooner had she begun to pound the rice to make cakes, it began to increase in quantity till it was about five times the original amount. It was indeed the reward from Shiro for their faithful love to him. From then onwards they were never troubled for food.

Again, the greedy neighbor, hearing about their new good luck was filled with envy. Soon they called in to borrow the mortar. Shiro’s master was too kind-hearted to refuse their request and lent the mortar on the condition that they should take good care of it.

When the neighbor pounded rice, only horrid-smelling stuff came out.

Children, why do you think the mortar gave rice to the good old couple and some bad stuff to the mean neighbour?

Yes, that’s because the old couple was kind whereas the neighbour was mean and unkind.

After a few days the old man went to the neighbour’s house to get his mortar back, but to his disappointment saw it being burnt. Very disappointed, the old man said sadly, “May I take back the ashes as a remembrance of Shiro?” “Yes, sure,” the neighbor agreed.

It was late autumn and all the trees had shed their leaves. The old man decided to scatter some ash on them. Lo and behold, the cherry trees, the plum trees, and all the blossoming shrubs burst into a bloom. The old couple was delighted and saved the rest of the ash.

The story of the old couple’s garden spread far and wide, and people from far and near came to see the wonderful sight.

One day, the old man heard a knock at his door. He opened it and to his surprise, saw a knight standing there. The knight said, “I am a messenger of the king. Unfortunately, the king’s favourite cherry tree has withered, and no one is able to revive it. The King heard about you who could make the withered tree to blossom, and so he wants you to help him revive his favourite tree.”

“Yes, certainly! I’ll try to see what I can do,” said the old man humbly.

The old man respectfully followed the knight with the ashes of the mortar tucked in his kimono. Once he reached the garden, he scattered some ash on the tree and indeed the tree burst into full bloom.

The king rewarded him with silver and gold and many other precious things. The King further gave him the name-The Old Man who makes the trees to blossom.’

Hearing about the story of the old couple being invited and then being rewarded by the king, the wicked neighbor was more jealous than ever now. So he set to work and gathered the ashes which remained in the fireplace after burning the mortar. He then went towards the palace yelling, “Here comes the wonderful man who makes the withered cherry trees blossom!”

The King asked him if he was the same person whom he had named ‘The Old man who makes the trees to blossom?”

The evil neighbor lied and said, “Yes indeed!”

Children, is telling a lie a good thing?

No, let’s see what happens to the mean and now also a liar neighbour?

He followed the King to the garden and scattered some ash on one of the cherry trees, but with no effect. The King understood that the man was a fraud. He was caught and put behind bars. Thus, he met with punishment at last for all his evil doings.

The good old man became rich and prosperous and lived happily ever after with his wife

Welcome to The Ant Tales series. The Ant and the Dove is a story from Panchatantra.

Children, it’s a story about doing good to others. Here a dove does something for the ant, but does the ant reciprocate? Listen to the story to find out.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/the-ant-and-the-dove

Transcript

On a hot day in summer, an ant was searching for some water. She crawled around for a long time, but in vain. She couldn’t find water.

Children, please give ideas to the ant as to where she can find water

Great! Let’s listen ahead.

By now her throat was parched. Luckily she heard the gurgling of water and rushed in that direction. Yes indeed, she reached a river. To drink the water, she climbed up on a small rock and drank to her heart's content. She took a sigh of relief and wanted to drink some more. This time, unfortunately, she slipped and fell into the river.

She shouted, “ Help! Help! I am drowning!”

There was a dove sitting on a branch of a tree on the bank of the river.  who saw an ant falling into the river. The dove was kind-hearted and always extended a helping hand to anyone in need. He quickly plucked a leaf and dropped it into the river near the struggling ant. The ant moved towards the leaf and climbed up onto it. Soon, the leaf drifted to dry ground, and the ant jumped out. She looked up at the tree and thanked the dove.

After a few days, the dove was sitting on a tree. The ant was playing under the same tree. The ant saw a hunter aiming his arrow at the dove and guessed what he was about to do. She knew that his friend, the dove was in danger.

Children, what do you think the ant would do now?

Yes! She quickly rushed towards the hunter and bit him on his leg. The hunter cried in pain and his arrow missed the dove. Alarmed by the scream, the dove understood what had happened and flew away. The ant saved the dove. The dove thanked the aunt for saving her life and became friends forever.

Description: In today's story-The Kettle Who Gave Birth, Nasiruddin tricks his neighbour. Listen to the story to find out if he succeeds.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-kettle-who-gave-birth-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Nasiruddin admired his neighbour Ali’s kettle very much.

Children, can you imagine what it looked like?

Indeed, it was big and beautiful, painted and glazed in many vibrant colours with exquisite designs.

Every time he went over to the neighbour, he was offered tea and he couldn’t stop admiring the kettle so much so that he wanted the kettle for himself.

Being a witty and an intelligent man, Nasiruddin decided to play a trick, by which he could get the kettle.

Children, do you play any tricks with your friends? These should only be friendly and not harm anyone.

One day Nasiruddin went to Ali and said, “My dear neighbour, I need to borrow your kettle as mine has developed a leak, and I have some relatives visiting me shortly.”

Ali willingly gave the kettle without suspecting anything.

Many days passed and when Nasiruddin didn’t return. So, Ali went to Nasiruddin's house and said politely, “I have been waiting for so many days. Why did you not bring my kettle back?”

Nasiruddin replied, “Oh my friend! I have great news for you.”

Children, can you guess the great news?

Listen ahead.

Nasiruddin added, “Your kettle gave birth to a little kettle. I was just waiting for the little kettle to gain strength before I brought the mother and the child to you.”

So saying, Nasiruddin returned the kettle with a smaller one.

Ali was amazed as well as overjoyed. He took his kettle and the other little one wondering at the miracle.

After a few days, Nasiruddin again went to Ali’s house and again asked if he could borrow the kettle. And Ali without hesitation gave the kettle.

Ali waited for a few days for Nasiruddin to return, but when the latter did not, Ali Went to Nasiruddin's house and asked for it.

Children, what excuse do you think Nasiruddin will give this time.

Let’s see.

“Oh, my friend! How I wish I had better news,” clasping his hands and in a sad tone Nasiruddin said, “That kettle was old and sick, and she died. I looked for you but couldn’t find you so buried her lest she would rot.”

Ali was furious and stormed out of Nasiruddin's house only to reach the court of justice and put the matter before the judge.

The judge called Nasiruddin and asked,” Why did you take this man’s kettle for your own?”

Nasiruddin said confidently, “The kettle was old and sick and she died. I looked for Ali, but couldn’t find him that day, so buried the old kettle.”

Children, think for a moment that you were the judge, what verdict you would give?

Let’s see what happens in the story next.\

“What is this? How can a kettle die? “retorted the judge.

“Oh yes! If a kettle can give birth to a baby kettle, it can also die. Whatever is born eventually dies.”

The judge was baffled and he asked for the complete story. Nasiruddin narrated all the incidents. The judge laughed and understood that Nasiruddin was very shrewd and decided that Nasiruddin be given the kettle.

Proudly Nasiruddin went back home becoming the legal owner of the kettle he so loved and desired.

A crow is a bird whom most people ignore and do not attach any special things like peacock feathers, Cuckoo's singing or sparrows nests.

Today’s story – ‘The Crow’s Discover’- is a story where a crow tries to learn something that would be special, but does he succeed?

Let’s listen to the story and find out.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-crows-discovery

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

The sun’s rays had started to paint the east horizon with hues of red and orange. In his nest, Kalu, the crow, woke up and looked around. He was bored. He cleared his throat and called a few times.” Ka, ka! It is so boring,” He thought to himself. Then suddenly, He heard beautiful music. A koel was singing his sweet song somewhere nearby.

Children, “koels and cuckoos are cousins belonging to the same family. Both birds lay eggs in the nests of host birds. koels are primarily found in the  Indian Subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia.

Getting back to the story

For a while, Kalu enjoyed the song. Then he got mad. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair! It was he who had warmed the eggs that the koel had hatched from, and now that little bird was singing so much better than his! But he shouldn't be jealous, he told himself, the thing to do was to take singing lessons from the Koel.

Kalu went looking for the koel and found his at last. The koel looked at him a little suspiciously, but Kalu was very respectful.

“You have the sweetest voice in the world. Will you teach me to sing?” Kalu asked humbly.

“For sure, but you have to be here at dawn every morning,” said the koel. 

Kalu nodded.

“Great! So, let’s start tomorrow morning,” said the koel soaring high in the sky.

Kalu was very worried. He loved his sleep, and never woke up before sunrise. But he was very firm about his singing lessons and so he wound up his alarm clock and set it before he went to bed. When the alarm rang, Kalu jumped out of the bed, rubbed his eyes and spread his wings to yawn. Then, he flapped his wings as fast as he could and reached the koel.

The koel was waiting impatiently.

“Good morning koel!” greeted Kalu.

“Let’s get started.” Kuhoo, kuhoo. Now you copy me Kalu, “she sang and asked Kalu to try.

 Eagerly, Kalu tried, but all he could say was, “Ka-ka, Ka-ka.”

After a while, the koel had had enough, “I give up. You are just not able to learn. Please find another teacher. I have to rush to the place I recently found some grains piled up. let me go and enjoy that. Don’t tell anyone else, Kalu as then I’ll have to share which I don’t want to.” 

Kalu was very disappointed that He couldn’t learn to sing.

He had tears rolling down his cheeks and sadly He returned to his nest.

Another day Kalu saw a mouse gnawing at a sack. 

Kalu called out, “Hey mouse, please teach me to gnaw too!”

The mouse whispered, “Shhhh, be quiet, else all the mice will come and finish the grains in this sack. This is my find and I want to eat it every day. I don’t want to share with anyone. Moreover, you are a crow, you crows can never learn anything, except cawing. I can’t teach you.”

Children, what can you say about the character of the mouse? Is he helpful, mean, kind, or unkind?

Well, days passed and Kalu went about doing his regular chores. But he had a burning desire to be able to do something as special as singing like koel or gnawing like the mice.

Soon it was the rainy season. Kalu used to watch the peacocks dancing. He loved to see their grace in every movement. He wanted to dance just like them.

So one day he went up to one of the peacocks and requested, “Would you be kind enough to teach me to dance?”

The peacock smiled and said, “Sure, I could most certainly do that. Just follow me.”

The peacock continued, “One-two move to the left, 3-4 move to the right.”

The crow focussed and tried. He couldn’t get it right on the first try. He tried again, and again, but all in vain.  

“Looks like I can never learn to sing like koel, gnaw like a mouse, or even dance like a peacock!” Sadly he walked back home.

“I am good at nothing,” He said sobbing.

As He passed a house, He saw wheat spread on a mat for drying.

He burst into a smile.

Children, why did the crow burst into a smile?

Let’s listen ahead.

Kalu flapped his wings as fast as he could, announcing about the wheat to all his friends and family.

They all gathered in the backyard and had a feast.

They all thanked Kalu for being generous.

It was then that a thought struck Kalu, “So what if I can sing, gnaw, or dance, but I am generous and invited my friends and family to share the wheat that I found. No other animal did that.”

He was proud of himself and grateful that He was a part of such a kind and sharing family.

Description: In today's story-The Stolen Smell, meet a baker who is so stingy that he wants to charge people just for smelling his baked goods!

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-stolen-smell-archive

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Transcript

Long ago in the city of Peru, there lived a baker. He was so stingy that he won't even give a stale crumb to the birds. His neighbour, on the other hand, was a kind man who was always glad to share the little he had. He cared more about making friends than he did about making money.

Children, what is your favourite thing to buy at a bakery?

That’s nice.

The greedy baker was jealous of his cheerful neighbour. He grumbled, “How can he have so so little and yet be so happy?”

Every morning, the smell of cinnamon buns and sweet rolls drifted out of the bakery. The wind carried the wonderful aroma towards the neighbour’s house. As the poor neighbour sat on his porch eating stale bread, the sweet smell filled the air. He took a deep breath and sighed with happiness.

As the baker watched, he thought, “The smell from my baked goods makes his stale bread taste delicious. That's not fair. He should have to pay for such pleasure.”

Children, the smell comes free, right? What other things come free?

Yes! Air we breathe, the rain, the sunlight, etc.

After seeing this happen, again and again, the baker went to his neighbour’s house and handed him a bill.

“You want me to pay you? For what? I don't have enough money to buy anything in your store,” said the kind neighbour.

“That's right you paid nothing and yet every day you steal the smell of my baked goods,” yelled the baker.

“You mean you want me to pay 10 coins as a smelling fee?” Laughed the neighbour.

“Yes! From now on, I will not be cheated and if you don't pay, I will take you to the court,” replied the baker.

When the word of the baker's demand spread around the city, everyone laughed at the idea of a stolen smell.

At last, the baker was so angry that he took the case to a respected judge.

Children, what do you think a judge does?

Yes! A judge solves people’s fights. He listens to both sides and tells people how they should resolve their problems.

Everyone was sure that the judge would dismiss the case. After all, how could anyone steal a smell? But to their surprise, the judge said, “It's my duty to listen to what the baker has to say. I order both the baker and his neighbour to come to court tomorrow.”

The judge sent word to the neighbour that he should bring five gold coins with him. When the kind man heard this, he worried that he would have to hand over the little money he had to the greedy baker. The baker was delighted with the news. He grinned as he thought of his pocket full of his neighbours gold coin.

The next day, the baker and the neighbour arrived at the crowded court. Many townspeople were puzzled by the judge’s action and came to see what the judge would do. They couldn't believe that he might make the kind man pay for the smell.

When the judge walked in, the courtroom fell silent. First, he listened to the baker's complaint. Then he returned to the neighbour and asked, “Is it true that you have enjoyed the smell of this man's baked goods every day for many years?”

“Yes, your honor! I must confess that it's true,” admitted the neighbour.

The judge thought for a while. Finally, he declared, “A smell has been stolen. Since stealing is a crime, the neighbour must be punished!

The kind man protested, “But your honour…”

“Order in the court,” bellowed the judge. He then turned to the neighbour and demanded, “Take the five gold pieces from your pocket!” After the neighbour did so the judge ordered, “Now, drop the coins from one hand to the other!”

The neighbour passed the coins back and forth between his hands. The judge turned to the baker and asked, “Did you hear the jingle of the gold coins?”

“Yes, it is a wonderful sound. It is the payment I believe I deserve,” cried the baker. The baker began to move towards his neighbour to grab the money.

“Wait!” cried the judge. “You have already a fair payment. Your neighbour was guilty of stealing the smell of your baked goods. You have been paid by hearing the sound of his money. The case is dismissed,’ said the judge.

Laughter filled the courtroom as the people marveled at the judge’s cleverness. The baker hung his head. He even saw how foolish and greedy he had been. From then on the judge was known as the wisest of all, treating people fairly and honestly

Before I take you on a journey today, let me tell you something very exciting. You and I can now meet at clever.fm/storyprism and have fun discussing various aspects of the story. Here, you can answer a question from the story, ask me something about the story, or even share what you liked or didn’t like about it.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today’s story-The Pied Piper is an adapted story from the famous story-Pied Piper of Hamelin  It teaches us to keep a promise once made.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-pied-piper-archive

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Transcript

Once upon a time there was a little town called Hamelin, located among the mountains and surrounded by beautiful fields.

Children, what is the name of the city you live in?

What is your favourite thing about this city?

Well, in the beautiful town, one day, a lot of rats arrived.  The rats ran around everywhere and troubled each and every citizen of the town. Finally, the terrified citizens went to plead with the mayor to free them from this problem.

Children, how do you think the rats terrified the citizens of Hamelin?

That’s right!  They ate all the food, troubled sleeping babies, and made a lot of noise. The people had grown tired of the rats but were unable to do anything. Even the cats were not able to kill the rats.

The Mayor was in his office trying to think of a plan, when a young man with a golden flute appeared, and offered to rid him and the town of rats in exchange for one million euros.  He was called the Pied Piper.

“If you solve this problem I will pay you.” said the Mayor.

“Certainly, and if I fail, I will not charge anything and you may even punish me if I am unable to get rid of the rats,” said the Pied Piper.

That night, a sound of a flute was heard throughout the streets of Hamelin. All the people peeped out of their homes.  And they couldn’t believe what they saw.

All the rats came out of every nook and corner of the homes and followed the Pied Piper as he marched down to the river and straight into the water. Behind him the swarm of rats followed him and every one of them was drowned and swept away by the current.

The citizens were delighted and cheered for the Pied Piper. Now, the town was free of the little devils and the people were relieved and thrilled.

After all the rats were dead, the Pied Piper returned and asked the Mayor for his money. The Mayor said, “ This was such an easy task. And I would give you only twenty Euros for such an easy job.”

Now that the rats were dead, the Mayor thought that there was nothing to worry about.

But the Pied Piper wanted to teach him a lesson. This time he played a different tune on his flute. Hearing his music, the children came out of their houses. They started following the piper, dancing and shouting. 

The elders watched in disbelief as the Pied Piper led the children far, far away. The Mayor understood his mistake and quickly sent his men to look for the Pied Piper and bring the children back. He further told the guards to carry the rest of the amount promised and give it to the pied piper who had rightly deserved it. The mayor had learned his lesson and he never broke his promise.

Welcome to The Ant Tales series. The Lost message is a folktale from Africa. The story is about different kinds of ants falling prey to other animals as they don’t live in harmony.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/the-lost-message

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Transcript

Since time immemorial, the ant has had many enemies and that was not just the birds. The Anteater fed and lived off them; the Centipede always tormented them.

Among the ants, there were a few who thought it would be wise to hold a council and arrive at an arrangement, whereby they could retreat to some place of safety when attacked by birds and animals.

The day of the council arrived, and all the ants gathered. There were many ideas and opinions about how to stay safe. – One was to make a small hole in the ground and make that their home. Another was to build a large and strong home, made of mud on the ground, just large enough for ants to enter. Yet another was to live in the trees, where the Anteater could never reach them, forgetting that there the ants would fall prey to birds; others who had wings just wanted to fly off when faced with trouble.

Children, Or Which option do you think the ants picked? And why do you think so?

They failed to arrive at a single decision since no one was ready to make adjustments.

Finally, when they could come to no mutual decision, each party resolved to work in its own way, and fortify their own dwellings.

Some of the groups together chose a king. Then they divided the labor and set about to work. All went as smoothly as it possibly could. Each had his appointed task and did his task well. But during all this hard work, none of the groups thought about what the final aim was and not one of them thought of protecting themselves against the different enemies.

Children, what do you think will happen next?

The Red-ants built their house out of mud on the ground and went to live in it. They thought they were safe. But the Anteater had no trouble leveling it to the ground in a minute, costing them many days of precious labor. The Rice-ants went to live under the ground, and they didn’t fare any better. Whenever they came out, the Anteater ate them up.

The Wagtail-ants fled to the trees. But the Centipede or the birds simply gobbled them up. The Gray-ants who planned to save themselves by flight were no match for the agile and quick Lizard or the Hunting-spider or the birds that pursued them in flight.

When the King of Insects found out that the ants had failed in their mission, he sent them the message of unity, that they all must work together”.

But do you know who his messenger was? It was the Beetle And believe it or not, he is yet to arrive at the ants. So, even today the ants do not have any harmony, for the king’s message didn’t reach them yet to reach them yet and hence fall prey to enemies.

So, children, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.

Hence, Teamwork is very important.

Today’s story, Tenali And The Three Dolls, is a story about an essential skill of observation.

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The great king Krishna Deva Raya had a lot of wise ministers in his court. The wisest of them was Tenali Rama. One day, a merchant came to the king’s court from a foreign kingdom. He saluted the king and then said, “Your Majesty, I have heard from many people that you have very wise ministers in your court. But with your permission, I would like to test the wisdom of your ministers.”

Children, could you think of how he would test the wisdom? Yaa! By giving a difficult Math problem, or solving a puzzle..)

“This is a good chance for me to prove that I have the wisest of wise ministers to all the neighbouring kingdoms,” thought the king and he gave the merchant his permission. The merchant gave the king three dolls that looked identical. He said, “Though these dolls look similar, they are different in some way. If your ministers can find out the difference, I will bow to their wisdom. But if they can’t, I will assume that there are no wise ministers in your court. I will be back in thirty days for the answer.”

The king asked all of his ministers except Tenali Rama to assemble. He gave them the three dolls and told them to find the difference in them in three days’ time. But unfortunately, none could find the difference at the end of three days.

How do you think the king felt at this time? Worried, sad that nobody in his court is smart etc.

The king got worried, “ This would be very humiliating. Other kingdoms will make fun of us that we don’t have wise people in our kingdom.” So he called Tenali Raman. Tenali Raman reported immediately, “My honour! Your order is my command. Please tell me what to do.” The king said to him, “Tenali, I did not summon you before because I thought that this problem will be too simple. But since no one has been able to find the solution, it is up to you now and saves us from humiliation. Find the difference between these dolls.” Tenali took the three dolls and went away.

Children, can you guess what was the difference between the three dolls?

Difficult right?

The problem proved difficult for Tenali too, but at last, after a lot of effort, he figured out the difference.

Happily, he went to the court with the three dolls on the day that the merchant had to return. Then, he announced in front of the whole court that he had found the difference between the dolls.

The king was worried and hoped for Tenali’s answer to be correct.

Tenali said, “These three dolls are different because one of them is good, one medium and one bad.” The king was pleased till the merchant asked, “ Tenali, please tell which doll is which.”

Tenali Raman showed them a tiny hole that was present in the ears of each of the dolls. Then, he took a very thin wire and put it in the hole of the first doll’s ear. The wire came out from the doll’s mouth. He did the same with the second doll and the wire came out from the doll’s other ear. In the third doll, the wire went to the heart and did not come out.

Tenali Rama explained, “In the first doll, the wire went in through the ear and came out through the mouth. So, this doll is bad as it represents people who cannot keep a secret. In the second doll, the wire came out of the other ear. So, it is a medium and represents harmless people who do not understand what is said to them. The third doll, in which the wire went to the heart and did not come out, represents good people who will preserve the secret that you tell them.”

The king, the merchant and all the ministers were very impressed with Tenali’s wise answer.

As usual Tenali Raman saved the day.

Well, children, eagerness to explore and learn is the only way to expand our experiences and views!

Then Tenali added another explanation, “But there can be another explanation too. The first doll represents people who gain knowledge and spread it among others, so it is good. The second doll represents people who do not understand what they are taught, so it is a medium. The third doll represents people who have knowledge but keep it all to themselves. They do not teach anyone anything and so they are bad people.