Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: February 2021

Saturday, February 20, 2021

A Donkey Should Not Act Like a Tiger – Story with a Moral

A DONKEY SHOULD NOT ACT LIKE A TIGER

Ancient Wisdom

A Teaching Story

VIKRAM KARVE

Here is a story from the Panchatantra:

There once lived, in a small village, a poor dhobi (a washerman).

The dhobi had a donkey to carry heaps of clothes for washing to the ghat (riverbank) and back.

Since the poor dhobi could not afford to properly feed his donkey every day, the donkey started to become weak and could not carry his load properly.

One day, the dhobi found the dead body of a tiger while he was collecting wood from the forest.

The dhobi was very happy and thought, “I am lucky. I can skin the dead tiger and cover my donkey with the tiger’s skin and drive it into wheat farms where he will have plenty to graze. Once my donkey is covered with tiger skin, everyone will think that my donkey is a tiger. Thinking that he is a tiger, people will get scared and keep away from him. This way, my donkey will have plenty of food.”

He acted on his plan.

The dhobi would cover his donkey with tiger’s skin every evening.

Then, after dark, the donkey would go to the wheat farms every night.

The donkey would graze to his heart’s content till his stomach was full and return to his master’s house early in the morning.

The hapless farmers watched helplessly as they were scared of confronting the “tiger”, especially after dark, in the eerie darkness in the night.

This went on for sometime.

Soon the donkey became so strong and sturdy that he carried heavy loads effortlessly and the dhobi was very happy.

One night, the dhobi’s donkey (in tiger’s skin) was happily grazing at the wheat farms.

Suddenly the donkey heard the voice of a female donkey. It was a donkey mating call.

The donkey was so excited on hearing the mating call of a female donkey that he began to respond to it in ecstasy, braying loudly at full pitch.

The astounded farmers ran out of their huts and watched in amazement as they heard the “tiger” braying like a donkey instead of roaring like a tiger.

Soon the truth dawned on them.

This was no tiger.

This creature was a donkey wearing a tiger’s skin who had been grazing merrily in their wheat farms and eating up their valuable crop.

The farmers decided to take revenge and teach this “tiger” a lesson.

So all the farmers attacked the dhobi’s donkey.

They severely beat the hapless donkey in tiger’s skin with sticks.

Soon the dhobi’s donkey collapsed in pain.

His head was smashed and his bones were broken.

A few hours later, the donkey died of his injuries.

_________

Moral of the Story:

A Donkey Should Not Act Like a Tiger.

Do not pretend to be what you are not.

Be Yourself.

If you are a donkey then behave like a donkey.

___________

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Extract from my article CHICKENED OUT earlier posted first online by me Vikram Karve around 8 years ago in 2013 at url: https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-donkey-should-not-act-like-tiger.html

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Teaching Story – Chickened Out

CHICKENED OUT

A Story for your Children, and for You too.

VIKRAM KARVE

There once was a chicken farmer who found an eagle’s egg. It was beautiful large egg.

He put it in the nest of his hen along with the other chicken eggs.

That night the mother hen sat on the all the eggs, including the eagle egg and in due course an eaglet hatched along with a brood of chicks.

When the baby eagle opened his eyes for the first time it first saw the mother hen, thus identifying it the hen as his mother.

The young eagle grew up with all the other chickens.

Whatever the chickens did, the eagle also did.

He learned to cluck, cackle, scratch in the dirt for grits and worms.

The young eagle thought he was a chicken.

Since the chickens could only fly for a short distance, the eagle also learned to fly just over a short distance. He thought that was what he was supposed to do. So that was all that he thought he could do. And that was all he was able to do.

All his life he lived like a chicken. He scratched the earth for worms and insects. He clucked and cackled. And he would thrash his wings and fly a few feet into the air.

Years passed and the eagle grew very old.

One day the eagle saw a magnificent bird flying high above him. The old eagle looked up in awe as the majestic bird glided gracefully among the powerful wind currents, with scarcely a beat on his strong golden wings.

He was very impressed and curious so he asked the hens around him, “Who is that magnificent creature who has so much power and grace and poetry in motion?”

“That is the eagle, the king of the birds,” the hens told him, “He belongs to the sky and we belong to the earth because we are mere chickens.”

So the eagle lived and died a chicken because that is what he thought he was - yes, the eagle “chickened out”!

Moral of the story:

You are not what you actually are.

You are what you think you are.

___________

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

Copyright Notice:

Extract from my article CHICKENED OUT earlier posted first online by me Vikram Karve more than 11 years ago in 2011 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2011/12/chicken-out.html

Monday, February 15, 2021

Agape Love – The Best Type of Love

In an interesting discussion on Twitter about the various forms of Love – a friend mentioned “Agape Love”...

This reminded me of a blog post I had written long back on the topic of Agape Love – The Highest Form of Love

So – Dear Reader – let me delve deep into my blog and pull out my piece on Agape Love – and repost it for you to read.

Of course – the “person” who gave me “Agape Love” – my pet dog Sherry – she is no more in this world – my beloved pet Sherry passed away to her heavenly abode 7 years ago in December 2014 – and maybe – she is waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge

Now that I have told you the context – here is my piece on Agape Love...

AGAPE LOVE – THE HIGHEST FORM OF LOVE

Musings of a Veteran “Lover”

VIKRAM KARVE

PART 1 - IF YOU NEED A FRIEND GET A DOG

I still remember the apt quote from Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) in the classic movie WALL STREET:

“ If you need a friend – get a dog ”

It is true – if you need a genuine loving friend just get a dog.

Tell me – what is the highest form of love...?

I’ll tell you – it is called Agape Love – the totally pure and selfless love of one person for another.

Do you want to experience this highest form of love – Agape Love...?

Simple – just get yourself a pet dog – a nice cute little puppy – and make a commitment to look after it as your own child.

You will learn The Art of Friendship from your dog.

There is nothing to surpass the strong affection, warm attachment, unselfish loyalty, total trust and true friendship of a pet dog who will love you unconditionally for its entire life.

You will love to come home to the enthusiastic greeting and genuine welcome that your dog will give you each time you return home which will fill you with love and joy.

Your pet dog will give you loyal jovial companionship and unquestioning affection forever, fill you with buoyant happiness and your life will become bright and breezy.

Remember:

your girlfriend or boyfriend may dump you

your spouse may divorce you

your children may abandon you

your parents may disown you

your relatives may distance themselves from you

your colleagues may shun you

your neighbours may ostracize you

but – your dog will always love you, be loyal to you and never leave your side

yes

you may get rid of your dog – but your dog will always love you and never leave you of its own accord – and your dog will never forget you till his dying day...

In fact – investing your time and love in your dog is much more rewarding than wasting time, money and emotional effort indulging in unrequited romances and unfulfilling relationships.

Once the dog joins your family, invest your love and time to build a special bond that only a dog can offer and see how your dog makes you learn and practice the Art of Loving and the Art of Friendship.

Just go ahead. Get a pet dog. You will be happy you did and your life will change forever.

There is plenty of choice – whether you live in the city or the mofussil, in an apartment or bungalow, whatever your lifestyle, age and state of health, there is always a type of dog which will suit your personality and lifestyle.

You need not be too fussy about pure breeds etc - even a rough and tough well cared for mongrel is a delight and will shower you with love.

In Part 2 of this article, I will give you a few tips on Pet Parenting once you get a dog in your life.

Here is a picture of my Doberman X Caravan Hound Girl Sherry (earlier the vets used to call her “Doberman X” but now they call her a more dignified Indian Hound).

Sherry says a loving Bow Wow to you.

PART 2 - PET DOG PARENTING TIPS

Now that you are thinking of getting a pet dog here are some pet parenting tips.

Remember that it is going to be a genuine long-term commitment and your life will change forever.

The pet dog is going to be a new member of your family.

Before you bring the pet dog into your home and your life it would be worthwhile to read this:

TEN PET DOG PARENTING TIPS

(Your Pet Dog Speaks to You)

1. My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. I want your company always. Any separation from you will be painful for me. You must spend plenty of time with me. Remember that when you get me to your home and into your life and family.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Be patient. Tell me. Learn my language. Teach me your language. I will learn fast and obey you and try to please you always.

3. Place your trust in me – it is crucial for my well-being. I will always be steadfastly loyal to you.

4. Please don't be angry at me for long, and please don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment, your family members and your friends. I have only you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. I will quickly learn and understand all your emotions and body language too.

6. Always treat me with care and love. I will never forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hands, but that I choose not to bite you. Even if I am naughty never hit me. I will be contrite even if bring a serious look on your face.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, or I have been out in the sun or in the cold too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys, especially my last journey. Never say: 'I can't bear to watch it', 'let it happen in my absence' or 'I am tired of you'. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I Love You.

If you are thinking of getting a dog into your home, remember that your dog will be a family member like your own children and you are you are making a commitment to that dog for its lifetime, and will have to look after your dog probably even more than your own children.

Dogs are incredibly loyal and are simply happy just being around you and give you unconditional joy, love and friendship.

Your dog is your best friend and confidante.

Remember that – while you can hide your emotions from another human – you cannot hide your emotions from your dog.

I will like to reiterate once more:

your girlfriend or boyfriend may dump you,

your spouse may divorce you,

your children may abandon you,

your parents may disown you,

your relatives may distance themselves from you,

your colleagues may shun you,

your neighbours may ostracize you,

but – your dog will always love you – be loyal to you and never leave your side

(yes – you may try to get rid of your dog – but your dog will always love you and never leave you of its own accord – and your dog will never forget you till his dying day).

So, once the dog joins your family, invest your love and time to build a special bond that only a dog can offer.

Build a long-term permanent and unique relationship with your dog.

You will experience Agape Love, unconditional love of the highest order, and enjoy a loyal friendship which you have never experienced with human beings.

You don't have to go in for a fashionable expensive breed.

You can adopt a stray dog or a mongrel or a mixed breed - they are more hardy and tough than pure breeds. Groom your pet properly, take it to a vet, inoculate it and make it healthy, give a mongrel puppy a home.

Yes, get a dog. You will be happy you did.

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

Copyright Notice:

Extract from my article AGAPE LOVE earlier posted first online by me Vikram Karve more than 13 years ago in 2008 and reposted a number of times inlcuding at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/11/if-you-need-friend-get-dog-and.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/12/why-you-must-adopt-pet-dog.html and https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/agape-love-the-highest-form-of-love and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/07/pet-dog.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/08/happy-friendship-day.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/04/rip-sherry-karve-09-april-2006-17.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/04/remembering-sherry.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/11/agape-love-highest-form-of-love.html etc

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Asha

INTRIGUING ROMANCE

ASHA

Romance Story

VIKRAM KARVE

_________

PART 1

Pune

_______

Her name was Asha.

“Asha” means “hope”.

I hoped that she would fall in love with me.

So – I tried my best to “woo” her.

I found out what time she caught the PMT bus to her college – and – I contrived the “coincidence” – and – I landed up at the bus stop on my motorcycle.

Asha was standing at the bus stop – waiting for the bus.

“Come…” I said to Asha, “I will drop you to college…”

“No…” she said.

“Don’t be so formal…” I said to her, “I am going that side – come – sit behind – I will drop you…”

“No…” she said with irritation on her face, “I will go by bus – you please go from here…”

So – I started my bike – and went away – disappointed.

I felt snubbed – but – I didn’t give up hope.

A few days later – I contrived another coincidence – and I accosted her on Main Street.

(I had overheard Asha telling her mother that after college she would be going to Main Street to a famous ladies’ garments shop – so – I was patiently waiting nearby – unseen – like a hunter lays in wait for his prey)

The moment Asha came out of the shop – I smiled at her – and I said to her feigning surprise: “What a delightful coincidence meeting you here – come – let’s go and eat ice cream…”

“No…” she said.

“Come – don’t feel shy – you get the best ice cream here…” I said.

“No…” she said.

“Okay – if you don’t want ice cream – we can have something else…” I said.

“No…” she said, “I am not interested in having ice cream or anything…”

“Okay – at least let me drop you home – you are my neighbour – and I am going home – come – let’s go to my bike – it is parked across the road…” I said.

“No…” Asha said curtly, “I will go by bus – you can go ahead on your bike…”

With these words – Asha turned – and she walked away.

I felt terribly humiliated by her rebuff.

So – I gave up all hope – and – I stopped pursuing her.

________

PART 2

One Year Later

Curzon Road Apartments, New Delhi

_______

I returned home one evening from work – and I was surprised to see Asha sitting with my wife on the sofa.

“Hello, Vikram…” Asha said.

“Hello…” I said.

“You look so smart in your Naval Uniform…” she said.

My wife interrupted and said to me: “Why don’t you go inside and change – and freshen up – I’ll make some tea for you…”

We sat sipping tea in the balcony.

“It’s so nice to see you…” Asha said to me – with a sweet smile.

I was perplexed by her behaviour.

Earlier – she had been so curt and unfriendly to me – and now – she was being so gracious and friendly towards me.

“How did you find my house…?” I asked Asha.

“Come on, Vikram – you are my neighbour in Pune – I asked your mother…” she said.

“Asha has told me all about you…” my wife said.

I wondered what Asha had told my wife – so – I decided to change the topic.

“What brings you to Delhi…?” I asked Asha.

“I have got admission in a Post Graduate Course here…” she said.

She told me the name of the institute – a most prestigious and premier institution.

“I am staying in the hostel…” Asha said, “you are going to be my local guardian…”

“Local Guardian…?” I said – taken aback.

“Yes…” Asha said, “I have given your name…”

“Why me…? I am so young…” I said.

“Come on, Vikram – you are a Naval Officer…” she said.

My wife changed the topic – and she talked about Delhi – what a lovely place it was.

It was getting dark – so I said to Asha: “How have you come…?”

“I came by DTC Bus – there is a direct bus from our hostel gate to your place – the bus stop is just outside Curzon Road Apartments…” Asha said.

“That’s good…” I said to Asha, “it’s getting dark – come – we will walk you down to the bus stop…”

“I thought you will offer to drop me on your bike…” Asha said.

“Of course…” my wife said, “Vikram will drop you to your hostel on his bike…”

Soon – we – Asha and Me – we were driving on my bike towards her hostel – with Asha sitting behind me – legs astride – and holding me tight.

On the way – Asha said to me: “Let’s stop for some ice cream – there is a nice ice cream parlour near our hostel…”

While having ice cream – I asked her: “I don’t understand one thing – in Pune – you refused to come with me on my bike – you refused to have ice cream with me – and now – you asked me to drop you on my bike – and – you asked me to have ice cream with you…”

“Now – you are married…” Asha said to me with a sweet smile.

_________

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.