In a village, there lived a clever squirrel named Gappu. He greatly admired the jungle king, Sher Singh, the lion, and considered him very powerful. One day, Gappu decided he would become just as strong. While wandering in the jungle, he saw a blacksmith’s shop. Inside, the blacksmith was hammering iron. Gappu thought this was the way to gain strength.
He entered the shop and said, “Make me as strong as Sher Singh!” The blacksmith laughed and replied, “Strength lies not in muscles but in the mind.” Gappu didn’t understand. The blacksmith explained, “Your cleverness is your strength.”
Gappu didn’t believe him. Angrily, he caused a commotion in the shop. Hearing the noise, a cat entered. Terrified, Gappu hid inside a clay pot. The cat knocked the pot over, and dust flew out, scaring the cat away. Gappu emerged and thought, “The blacksmith was right. My cleverness saved me!”
From that day, Gappu used his wit to help other jungle animals. He protected weaker animals from predators and found water during droughts. Gradually, the entire jungle admired Gappu’s intelligence. When a flood came, Gappu built a bridge from dry trees, helping all the animals cross the river. Then, Gappu realized true strength lies in helping others.
Moral of the story: Strength is not just physical power but also intelligence and the passion to help others.