THE MINISTERS GOT IT WRONG

A drama company’s impressive stage setup in a village and the character of a king being played inspired a young boy Santok to go meet the real King.

Waiting in the crowd to get a glimpse of the king, Santok standing with folded hands got noticed by the king who stopped to ask, what is it you want young man. With pure innocence he replied I wanted your darshan. I am sure you have more desires the king asked, Santok replied meeting you and your presence is good for me. The king asked a mantri to take the boy along. Returning to the palace later the king ordered Santok be put up in the guest house to rest. Santok choose to be close to the king and after a few hours when the king opens his room doors he sees Santok lying on the floor. The king ordered food be given to Santok but he replied, I shall eat when you will eat. Soon two plates were served but Santok then said I shall eat from the King’s plate. Many were surprised and took offence, their anxiety ended as he completed his sentence saying I shall eat after you finish in your used plate with whatever is balance.

The king took liking to Santok and sent word to his parents of his stay with him. The following day the king ordered new clothes to be stitched but Santok choose king’s old clothes to be altered. Years went by Santok took to Gurukool teachings and self-learning shaping himself to be a person with much awareness. One day under serious health conditions king appointed Santok to manage the Darbar, an appointment not well taken by some ministers. His first challenge was a severe drought which griped the kingdom. He gave it a thought and immediately announced easy loans to be extended to all the needy with a condition that loan it must be returned when the King dies.

The ministers started to act upon dispersing the loans but were very upset about the condition of returning the loan. They felt the young ruler was disrespecting the trust of the King and awaiting his death. Ministers being ministers they stormed to complain to the ailing king. King took note but was weak to look into the matter then. Years went by and the kingdom affairs were managed well but for few minds who found reasons of disorder. The older king was back to rule and the few ministers living in the past wanted the outgoing ruler to apologies for the loan condition he put. Santok in his explanation said to the King “it was prayers of wellness for you Rajan”. All who took the loan kept praying dearly for your longer life, as that extended the period of returning the loan. The king amazed by the wisdom of Santok walked up to him in gratitude and desired to touch his feet. The ministers got it wrong again strongly objecting to Santok’s arrogance as to why he did not stop and step back when the king was bowing down. The young man folded his hands to the king and said “Rajan when everything is yours these feet are not mine”.

Live life developing a state of mind as “Maan Neeva, Maat Uchi”, a quotation from a Sikh’s daily prayer(Ardas). The first term highlights the concept of living one’s life in humility. The second term highlights the concept of living a life which adheres to high moral values and high spiritual principles.