Once upon a time, on the banks of a large lake, there lived a flock of geese. They were known for their wisdom and camaraderie. In this flock, there was a wise old tortoise who had befriended the geese. Despite their differences in nature, they shared a deep bond of friendship.
One summer, a severe drought struck the land, causing the lake to dry up. The geese realized that they needed to find a new home with ample water and food. Concerned about their loyal friend, they approached the tortoise and said, "Dear tortoise, we must leave this place and find a new home with enough water and nourishment. It is not suitable for you to stay here alone. Please come with us."
The tortoise, being slow and unable to fly, expressed its gratitude for the geese's concern but declined their offer. "My dear friends," said the tortoise, "I appreciate your kindness, but I am not capable of flying like you. It is best for me to stay here and face the challenges that come my way."
The geese, unwilling to abandon their friend, pondered a solution. After much discussion, they came up with an idea. They decided to find a large stick and asked the tortoise to hold it tightly in its mouth. The geese would then carry the stick together, with the tortoise suspended below, as they flew to a new home.
Panchatantra Story : The Geese and the Tortoise
The tortoise agreed to the plan, and the geese found a strong stick. The geese each held a end of the stick in their beaks, while the tortoise clung tightly to the middle. With great care and coordination, the geese took flight, carrying the tortoise safely above the ground.
As they flew, a group of villagers spotted the unusual sight and marveled at the geese's cleverness and the tortoise's courage. News of the extraordinary journey spread, and people praised the friendship and teamwork demonstrated by the geese and the tortoise.
Eventually, the geese and the tortoise reached a lush and abundant lake, where they could all thrive. The tortoise was gently lowered to the ground, and the geese celebrated their successful journey together.
From that day on, the geese, and the tortoise lived in harmony, sharing their wisdom and experiences. The tortoise was forever grateful to the geese for their unwavering friendship and selflessness.
The moral of this Panchatantra story is that true friendship finds a way to overcome obstacles. It teaches us the value of loyalty, cooperation, and thinking creatively to help others in need. The geese's determination and the tortoise's courage demonstrate that together, with compassion and unity, friends can accomplish great things, even in the face of adversity.
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