Once upon a time, in a beautiful jungle, there were many animals and they all used to live happily. The King of the Jungle, Sheru the lion, was very nice to all the animals and everyone used to respect him and listen to him. With time Sheru was getting old and started to keep unwell. So he decided that he should give the responsibility of the jungle to Baghi, the Bear. One day he called all the animals and announced “Hello my friends, as you all know I am getting sick and not able to perform my duties well, so today I have decided to handover all my responsibilities to Baghi so that he takes care of you and the jungle”. Listening to this all the animals were upset as their generous and loving king was retiring. But as there was no other option they all agreed with Sheru.

Baghi was a nice bear, but the only problem was that he had lots of ego. He always thought that whatever decision he takes is the correct one and everyone should quietly follow him. In that jungle, also lived a little mouse named Mica. Mica was very smart and clever, and used all his smartness and cleverness to solve problems fast. He always helped Sheru in solving problems but he never came into limelight. He always helped the King whenever he was in trouble but never boasted about it to anyone. So one day, Baghi was facing problem in assigning the task to the animals and so Mica thought he should help him. He quietly went there and asked if he could help Baghi with any advice.

Listening to this, Baghi was furious and shouted at him saying “You small animal, how could you even think of coming near me and giving me advice? Do you really think you can help me? Huh.. Just leave. ” Hearing this Mica did not say anything and just went away. But Baghi was so angry that he decided to teach Mica a lesson. So while assigning the task, he asked Mica to carry a bucket of water everyday for Sheru, as he was not keeping well. Hearing this all the animals were shocked as Mica was a small mouse and so how could he carry a bucket of water for Sheru. 

But Mica did not utter a word and accepted the task that he was assigned. The next day Mica was near Sheru’s den and heard him asking for water. As soon as he heard Sheru’s voice, he ran to get water but poor Mica was not able to lift the bucket. Fortunately, Ela the Elephant was passing and seeing Mica struggle, she offered him help. That day, Mica was able to do his duty but then he thought, that he cannot let Sheru struggle for a bucket of water everyday. That is when he decided to find a solution for it. 

After thinking a lot, he came up with an idea and started working on it. Mica decided to dig a tunnel from the lake to the den, so that Sheru can have water whenever he is thirsty. He used his gnawing (nibbling) style for digging the tunnel and used leaves and bamboo sticks to make the tunnel. He worked continuously for 24 hours and successfully built the tunnel. Sheru was very happy to see Mica’s effort and dedication and decided to praise him in front of everyone.  On the other hand, when Baghi got to know about Mica’s tunnel, he was frustrated and furious and decided to give him a piece of his mind. He called up for an all animals meet where he planned to scold the mice. All animals gathered wondering what could be the reason for this urgent meet. No one had any clue what was going to happen, but to everyone’s surprise came Sheru. This also surprised Baghi but he could not do anything as even he respected Sheru. 

Sheru then told everyone about the smartness and dedication of Mica and how he built a tunnel for him. He also told Baghi about his mistake and that he should not be rude and insensitive towards any animal. Sheru then also told everyone how Mica has been helping him when he was the king and that how his ideas have always helped him walk through a tough situation. Listening to all this everyone including Baghi were astonished. Baghi also felt ashamed for treating Mica so badly. Since then Mica was appointed as an advisor and Sheru asked everyone to consult Mica incase they had any problem. Baghi also accepted his mistake and apologised to Mica.

This story teaches few valuable lessons that can really guide us in our life. It teaches us to be like Mica who always try to think smart to solve the problems and use wisdom in all situations and never give up. It also teaches that we should never underestimate anyone’s capability like Baghi did with Mica but we should learn one thing from Baghi that, there is no shame in accepting your mistake. We also learn from Sheru that we should be kind and sensitive towards people and never misuse our power.

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu..