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The naughty Boys and the Frogs In a certain village, there existed a pond that was notorious for its murky and unclean water. The pond was home to many frogs, who spent their days in the water, enjoying each other's company. One day, a group of boys happened to pass by the pond and noticed the presence of frogs, crabs, and snails. Without warning, they began to hurl stones at the unsuspecting amphibians, finding it amusing to see them scatter and jump. Some of the frogs were injured, and others lay dying. The boys were relentless in their cruel sport, throwing more stones with each passing moment. The frogs were distraught, unsure of how to save themselves from the unprovoked violence. In an effort to reason with the boys, the oldest and wisest frog among them approached the children and asked, "Dear little boys, why are you pelting us with stones? We have never done any harm to you. Why are you being so cruel to us? Some of us have already perished, and many more of us have been injured." The boys, who were under the impression that they were just playing, replied, "We are only having fun. We don't mean to hurt you. We are only throwing stones." The old frog then made a plea to the boys, saying, "I implore you to stop this cruel game of yours, for what seems like play to you could result in death for us." The boys, realizing the error of their ways, felt remorseful for their cruel behavior. They ceased their violent activities and left the pond with heavy hearts, vowing never to harm the innocent creatures again. Moral :

The Merchant of Venice Once upon a time, in the picturesque city of Venice, there lived a prosperous merchant named Antonio, known for his philanthropic demeanor and generosity. He had a close friend, Bassanio, who approached him for monetary assistance, but unfortunately, Antonio was experiencing a liquidity crunch at that moment. Nevertheless, with a sense of unwavering loyalty towards his friend, he borrowed a large sum of money from a shrewd and notorious lender named Shylock, at an exorbitant rate of interest, and duly passed it on to Bassanio. Bassanio, being grateful to his friend for his unyielding support, embarked upon a journey to win the heart of the beautiful and virtuous Portia. At her residence, he was informed that he needed to select one of the three caskets, made of gold, silver, and lead, to win Portia's hand in marriage. Bassanio cunningly chose the third casket, which contained a portrait of Portia and thereby won her affection. As fate would have it, all of Antonio's ships had sunk in the sea, leaving him unable to repay his debt to Shylock. The usurer, taking advantage of the situation, demanded that Antonio honor their agreement, which stated that in case of a default in payment, Antonio would have to sacrifice a pound of flesh. Despite this dire predicament, Antonio did not hold Bassanio responsible for his current misfortune. The situation seemed hopeless, but with the help of a brilliant lawyer named Portia disguised as a man, who outwitted the cunning Shylock, Antonio was saved from certain death. Through her astute reasoning and persuasive arguments, Portia proved that the bond did not permit Shylock to shed even a drop of Antonio's blood. Eventually, justice prevailed, and Antonio was saved from the clutches of the vindictive Shylock, while Bassanio and Portia lived happily ever after in a world of love and prosperity. Moral :

The King and the Astrologer: Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom, there was a monarch who was deeply enamored with divining his destiny through the means of astrologers. One fortuitous day, a seasoned astrologer arrived in the royal city en route to Benares. The king, as was his wont, summoned the astrologer to unveil his future prospects, and was presented with an unsavory prophesy. The palmist disclosed that the sovereign's subjects would mount a rebellion against him, leading to his eventual ouster from the throne. The king, who was adored by his people, was instantly incensed by this prognostication, which shook him to the core. In an impulsive burst of anger, the king ordered his retinue to publicly execute the palmist on the following day. The palmist, gripped with trepidation, spent a sleepless night pondering his fate. However, as the day of his execution arrived, the old man's demeanor inexplicably transformed. Instead of weeping, he wore a smile on his face, causing the king to be flummoxed by this display of insouciance in the face of his impending death. He scolded the palmist, accusing him of being a liar and asked him why he was laughing in the face of certain death. The wily palmist, with a loud guffaw, retorted that the king himself would perish within a week, and that he, the palmist, would be hovering in the ether to receive the king's soul. The stars and the moon had purportedly confirmed this prophecy the previous night, which was why the palmist was chuckling away. The king, rattled by the palmist's brazenness, was overcome with fear and speechless for a moment. He then ordered his men to escort the palmist away, for he could no longer tolerate the man's presence. The king hastily departed from the scene, his mind reeling with the ramifications of the palmist's chilling revelation. Moral :

The Greatness of Giasuddin Azam Shah Once upon a time, there reigned a magnanimous and equitable king by the name of Giasuddin Azam Shah in Bengal, whose royal seat was situated in Sonargoan, near Dhaka. The king was known for his love for hunting and would frequently venture into the forests in pursuit of his sport. One such day, after wandering for hours without any game to hunt, the king caught sight of a fawn and took aim. However, his arrow missed the mark and fatally struck a young boy, who happened to be the only son of a widow. This tragedy left the mother inconsolable, as she had lost all hope for her future. Desperate for justice, the widow approached the Quazi and lodged a complaint against the sultan. The Quazi summoned the king and declared, "By the laws of this land, you shall be punished. But if you can compensate the widow for her loss, you may avoid such retribution." The just and fair king was pleased to oblige and offered appropriate compensation to the widow, who was satisfied with the outcome. The Quazi then stepped down from his high seat and showed deference to the king. In an act of great humility, the king drew his sword and proclaimed, "Listen, Mr. Quazi, if you had failed to deliver justice to the widow, I would have used this sword to punish you." The Quazi also drew his cane and retorted, "If you had disobeyed my verdict, I would have beaten you with this cane." The king expressed his gratitude to the Quazi for his wise judgment and embraced him, thus cementing their newfound friendship. Moral :

The hare and the tortoise Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there resided a haughty hare, who was immensely proud of his remarkable speed. He always boasted about it and mocked the tortoise, his neighbor, for being sluggish. The hare often belittled the tortoise by saying, “You have legs just like mine, but I am certain that you cannot run as fast as I do, or perhaps you cannot run at all.” Listening to this constant taunt, the tortoise got irked and responded by saying, “You can surely run fast, no doubt about that, but I think you can talk even faster than you can run.” Feeling challenged, the hare readily agreed to run a race with the tortoise. However, the hare was confident that the tortoise would not stand a chance against his swift speed. In a tone of ridicule, the hare said, “Friend tortoise, you are merely wasting your time and mine as well. You know my speed, and it would be as easy as picking some soft grass from the field to beat you in the race.” Undeterred, the tortoise responded by saying, “Indeed, I am aware of your speed, but there is one thing that I know, which you do not. And that’s precisely what I am going to take advantage of.” After this, they both approached a wise fox and asked him to officiate their race. The fox agreed and laid down some rules for the race, and set the destination as well. Finally, the race commenced, and the hare began at a breakneck pace, leaving the tortoise far behind. The hare was supremely confident of his victory and stopped midway to rest, thinking to himself, “What a fool I am! I have run so fast for nothing. Why did I exert myself in the hot sun while that slow-moving tortoise is nowhere in sight? I should start running again when he is about to catch me, and until then, I can rest for a while.” As the hare was exhausted, he dozed off. On the other hand, the tortoise ran continuously, as fast as he could, without any pause. On his way, he stumbled upon the sleeping hare and silently moved ahead. When the hare woke up, he realized that the tortoise had already crossed the finish line, and he had lost the race. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, the hare conceded defeat. The tortoise won the race, and he felt extremely content and proud of his accomplishment. From that day on, the hare learned that deeds matter more than words and that being overconfident could lead to one's downfall. Moral :

The hare and the tortoise Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there resided a haughty hare, who was immensely proud of his remarkable speed. He always boasted about it and mocked the tortoise, his neighbor, for being sluggish. The hare often belittled the tortoise by saying, “You have legs just like mine, but I am certain that you cannot run as fast as I do, or perhaps you cannot run at all.” Listening to this constant taunt, the tortoise got irked and responded by saying, “You can surely run fast, no doubt about that, but I think you can talk even faster than you can run.” Feeling challenged, the hare readily agreed to run a race with the tortoise. However, the hare was confident that the tortoise would not stand a chance against his swift speed. In a tone of ridicule, the hare said, “Friend tortoise, you are merely wasting your time and mine as well. You know my speed, and it would be as easy as picking some soft grass from the field to beat you in the race.” Undeterred, the tortoise responded by saying, “Indeed, I am aware of your speed, but there is one thing that I know, which you do not. And that’s precisely what I am going to take advantage of.” After this, they both approached a wise fox and asked him to officiate their race. The fox agreed and laid down some rules for the race, and set the destination as well. Finally, the race commenced, and the hare began at a breakneck pace, leaving the tortoise far behind. The hare was supremely confident of his victory and stopped midway to rest, thinking to himself, “What a fool I am! I have run so fast for nothing. Why did I exert myself in the hot sun while that slow-moving tortoise is nowhere in sight? I should start running again when he is about to catch me, and until then, I can rest for a while.” As the hare was exhausted, he dozed off. On the other hand, the tortoise ran continuously, as fast as he could, without any pause. On his way, he stumbled upon the sleeping hare and silently moved ahead. When the hare woke up, he realized that the tortoise had already crossed the finish line, and he had lost the race. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, the hare conceded defeat. The tortoise won the race, and he felt extremely content and proud of his accomplishment. From that day on, the hare learned that deeds matter more than words and that being overconfident could lead to one's downfall. Moral :

Sheikh Saadi's Wit Sheikh Saadi, an illustrious Persian poet known for his simple living, once found himself on his way to the court of the king of Iran. Tired and in need of rest, he took shelter in a nobleman's house for a night. At the time, he was dressed in plain and unassuming attire. However, the servants of the house mistook him for an ordinary man and paid little attention to his needs, serving him meager and simple food. Although Saadi felt saddened by this, he did not utter a word and managed to get through the night. The next day, Saadi proceeded to the king's court and spent several days there before making his way back home. He once again sought shelter in the same nobleman's house, this time adorned in rich and luxurious clothing. The nobleman and his household, mistaking him for an elite figure, greeted him with utmost hospitality and respect. To his delight, the servants served him rich and sumptuous food. However, Saadi was not pleased with the behavior of the nobleman and decided to teach him a valuable lesson. During the meal, Saadi unexpectedly began putting the food into his pockets instead of eating it. The nobleman and his servants were surprised and asked him about this unusual behavior. Saadi replied, "I am merely doing the right thing. When I came to your house in plain attire, nobody cared for my comfort. But now that I am dressed in luxurious clothing, all of you are showing me respect and serving me rich food. It seems to me that it is not I, but my attire that has earned this food. Therefore, I am putting it into my pockets." Upon hearing these words, the nobleman was struck with guilt and remorse. He realized his mistake and begged Saadi's forgiveness. The poet's wise lesson had taught the nobleman that true worth lies not in external appearances, but in the character and actions of a person. Moral :

Righteousness of Some Schoolboys On a fateful day, a group of young boys were engaged in a game of cricket in a school playground. Suddenly, they were interrupted by a clamor from the vicinity. They quickly halted their game and proceeded towards the source of the commotion. To their dismay, they found a house engulfed in flames, the fire raging with alarming ferocity. Without wasting any time, the boys took it upon themselves to avert the potential disaster. They raised their voices in unison, shouting "Fire! Fire! Help!" in hopes of drawing attention from the neighborhood. The boys then rallied the people around, urging them to join forces to extinguish the raging inferno. In their quest to extinguish the flames, the boys scurried around to neighboring houses, fetching pitchers, buckets, and other containers to gather water. They sprinted to the nearby pond and river, repeatedly ferrying water to douse the destructive fire. Despite their valiant efforts, two houses were entirely ravaged by the blaze, and three others suffered significant damage. The young boys worked tirelessly with other adults to quell the flames and rescue the inhabitants of the affected dwellings. Their steadfast and responsible actions were met with appreciation from all present, lauding their brave and commendable efforts. Moral :

Responsibility of a Young Boy A young boy by the name of Arif, while returning home from school on foot, stumbled upon a moneybag lying abandoned beside the road. The young boy was initially taken aback and found himself in a perplexing situation, wondering whether to pick up the bag, for fear of being branded a thief, or to leave it there unattended. However, he refused to be deemed as someone who disregarded the well-being of his community and chose to pick up the moneybag and carry it home. Once he arrived home, Arif, being a responsible and conscientious boy, discussed the matter with his parents and younger sister. His parents advised him to search for the owner of the bag, as he had found a considerable amount of money inside it. In order to accomplish this task, Arif began to search for some identifying information inside the bag. Eventually, he stumbled upon a visiting card, which had a phone number printed on it. Without hesitation, Arif decided to call the number printed on the card. On the other end of the line, a man with a deep and serious voice answered the call. Arif, with a sense of responsibility and honesty, informed the man of his discovery, and conveyed his identity and the fact that he had found the moneybag. The man, who was relieved and overjoyed, informed Arif that he was indeed the owner of the bag and thanked him for his honesty and responsible conduct. Arif was still skeptical and cautious of the man's claims and sought to verify his authenticity by conversing further with him. However, during their conversation, Arif was convinced of the man's honesty and confirmed that he was indeed the rightful owner of the moneybag. Arif gave the man his address, and the man arrived at his residence, thanking him for his sense of responsibility and presenting him with a nice storybook as a token of appreciation for his honesty and integrity. Moral :

Self-employment Rafin, an unemployed youth, had relentlessly strived to secure a lucrative job, but despite his best efforts, had failed to do so. Disheartened, he set out for Dhaka, the capital city, in search of better employment prospects, but all his endeavors ended up in vain. Returning to his hometown, Rafin was met with mockery and ridicule from his peers, who taunted him for his futile pursuit. Undeterred by the disparaging remarks, Rafin turned to vegetable cultivation, an occupation that he found solace in. Initially, Rafin encountered numerous challenges, and his efforts were met with little success. However, he persevered and worked tirelessly in his field, honing his skills and gaining expertise. Subsequently, he enrolled in the training programme organized by the National Horticulture Board and underwent extensive training in vegetable cultivation. Encouraged by his newfound knowledge, Rafin leased a piece of land and applied his newly acquired techniques, which resulted in a profit of Taka 25,000 in the first year. The following year, he diversified his crop selection and cultivated high-quality cauliflowers, which fetched him a substantial profit of Taka one lakh. Bolstered by his success, Rafin acquired additional land and dedicated it entirely to cauliflower cultivation. Furthermore, he commenced breeding hi-breed cows for milk production and manure generation, thus expanding his income streams. His fortune had turned for the better, and he expressed his delight at having become self-sufficient. "I am elated to have achieved financial independence," Rafin said with a contented smile. "Previously, I had nothing to call my own, but now I possess so much. It has been possible only through my unwavering hard work and methodical approach. I am also grateful to the National Horticulture Board for their support," he added. The officer-in-charge of the National Horticulture Board lauded Rafin's perseverance and dedication, stating that he could serve as an inspiration to countless other youths in the country. Indeed, Rafin's story attests to the fact that hard work, coupled with a steadfast resolve, is the key to success. Moral :

Pranks are not Always Fun As the night wore on, I was deeply engrossed in my studies, preparing for an upcoming examination. The house was quiet as everyone else in my family had retired for the night. Abruptly, my phone rang and displayed an unfamiliar number. I felt a sudden surge of fear, as late night phone calls often signal an emergency or other alarming events. My father was away on a business trip, and I immediately feared that something might have happened to him. Tentatively, I answered the phone and inquired as to the caller's identity. There was no response, only a deep sigh that heightened my sense of unease. I repeated my question, but still received no reply. For several agonizing minutes, the line remained silent until finally, a fit of laughter erupted from the other end, and the caller hung up. I was left bewildered and terrified by the experience, my mind so disturbed that I was unable to concentrate on my studies any longer. The next day, after completing my exam, I encountered a friend who informed me that one of my classmates had played a prank on me the previous night. I was astounded by the revelation and confronted the prankster in search of an explanation. He confessed to being fond of pranks but claimed that no harm was intended. I implored him to refrain from such antics in the future, reminding him that we must all be mindful of our actions and refrain from causing needless distress to others. This incident taught me the importance of not engaging in activities that disrupt the peace of others' minds and reminded me that pranks are not always a source of amusement. Moral :

Failure is the pillar of success It has been quite some time since Robert Bruce reigned as king of Scotland. He was known for his valiant leadership as a ruler and a warrior. He had an ardent love for freedom, as Scotland was then under the oppressive rule of England. Robert Bruce aimed to gain the independence of his country and engaged in six battles with the English army, one after the other. However, despite his best efforts, he was defeated each time. His spirit became disheartened, and he lost hope of success. Ultimately, he was dethroned, and his enemies were determined to capture him. Robert Bruce became a fugitive, wandering aimlessly in search of refuge in hills and forests until he finally sought shelter in a cave. One day, while lying in the cave, Robert Bruce reflected on his misfortunes. Suddenly, he observed a spider attempting to climb to the ceiling. He watched intently as the spider tried to crawl up, only to fall down on its silken thread a few inches up. But the spider did not give up. Instead, it continued to try and try again. On its seventh attempt, the spider finally succeeded in reaching the top. Robert Bruce was struck by the spider's persistence and determination. Despite repeated failures, the spider remained undeterred, never losing hope, and ultimately achieving its goal. This sight of the spider invigorated Robert Bruce, filling him with a renewed sense of hope. He realized that success could be achieved through patience and repeated efforts. He emerged from the cave, gathering his forces for one final attempt. With persistence and perseverance, Robert Bruce was ultimately successful, and Scotland was finally freed from English rule. This story exemplifies how failures and setbacks can ultimately lead to success and that perseverance and determination are key to achieving one's goals. Moral :

Necessity of Physical Labour Once upon a time, there lived an indolent king who avoided physical exertion. Consequently, his body became bloated, and he found it challenging to move around. In search of a solution, he summoned a learned and astute physician who diagnosed that the king's inactivity was the root cause of his corpulence. However, the remedy to alleviate his obesity required the king to engage in physical labor. The physician was apprehensive that if he advised the king to perform such activities and the king did not comply, he would grow even more robust. Finally, the sagacious physician conceived a plan. He informed the king that his physical health was in grave danger and he needed urgent treatment. The king became despondent upon hearing this news. The physician then handed the king a club and instructed him to swing it in the morning and evening for at least an hour each day. At the outset, the king found the task arduous, and he quickly grew weary and perspired profusely. Despite the initial difficulties, he persisted and continued to swing the club for an entire month. After a month, the king found himself rejuvenated, and his body had returned to a more healthy size. He appeared trim and fit. The physician returned to the palace to visit the king and informed him that engaging in physical labor is the best way to maintain good health. The king realized the physician's strategy and praised him for prescribing such a valuable remedy. In gratitude, the king rewarded the physician for his service. Moral :

Mr Ant and Mr Grasshopper In a grassy meadow, there once lived an industrious ant and a carefree grasshopper. Day in and day out, the ant would toil without cease, rushing back and forth from the field to collect the grains of wheat and store them carefully in her larder. Meanwhile, the grasshopper would laugh at the ant's diligence and urge her to dance and enjoy the pleasures of summer. Despite the ant's disregard for the grasshopper's frivolous behavior, the grasshopper would continue to hop across the meadow, singing and dancing merrily. But as summer faded into autumn and autumn turned into winter, the meadow and the farmer's field became blanketed in snow, and the grasshopper found himself cold and hungry with nowhere to shelter from the harsh weather. Desperate and in need of sustenance, the grasshopper recalled the ant and decided to seek refuge and food from her. Upon knocking at the ant's door, he greeted her with cheer and proposed to sing for her as he warmed himself by her fire, while she retrieved some food from her larder. The ant, however, looked at the grasshopper with disdain and rebuked him for his lack of foresight. Reminding him of the hard work she had put in during the summer months, she refused to offer him shelter or food. "You should have thought of winter then!" she chided before slamming the door in the grasshopper's face. Thus, the grasshopper was left alone in the cold and snow, regretting his inaction and lack of preparation for the inevitable winter. The moral of the story being, as the adage goes, "Look before you leap." Moral: Work hard and don’t be lazy. Moral :

Look Before you Leap / Rumour of fire Rahima is employed at a large textile factory comprising more than five hundred workers. One day, while engrossed in her duties, she suddenly heard the startling news that a fire had erupted due to a short circuit. As is often the case, this alarming information quickly spread among the workers. However, without verifying the veracity of the report, all of the factory's employees, gripped by panic, rushed towards the exit. Unfortunately, the factory possessed only one egress, and the passageway leading to it was extremely narrow. It was impossible for three people to traverse this path side by side. Consequently, as the entire workforce attempted to escape through the limited exit, the passageway rapidly became clogged, and a stampede ensued. Due to the jostling and overcrowding, many laborers stumbled and were trampled underfoot by their colleagues, resulting in severe injuries. In short, a state of chaos reigned within the factory. After surveying the situation, the management intervened to quell the disturbance. Through a public address system, they announced that the fire was a mere rumor, and no actual blaze had occurred. In reality, a pipe filled with dye had burst in the dyeing section, but there had been no fatalities. After hearing this statement twice, the workers comprehended their mistake and returned to their respective duties. Moral :

King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba Long, long ago, in a far-off land known as Palestine, there reigned a wise and just king among the Jews, known to all as Solomon. He ruled his kingdom with sagacity and keen intelligence, and his problem-solving skills were unparalleled. His judgements were infallible, and the people of his realm revered him for his wisdom. Indeed, Solomon's reputation for sagacity spread far and wide, even beyond the borders of his own kingdom. Word of his wisdom and intellect eventually reached the ears of the Queen of Sheba, who herself was renowned for her own beauty and intelligence. Desirous of testing his knowledge and perception, she determined to visit Solomon's court. When the queen arrived at Solomon's court, she paid due respect to the king, acknowledging his sovereignty with all the decorum of a queen. However, she also informed him that she had brought with her a small gift - two garlands of flowers - one real and one fake. Her challenge to the king was to discern which of the two garlands was real. The king accepted the queen's challenge, though he knew it would be a difficult task. At first glance, the two garlands appeared identical - they even exuded the same fragrant aroma. Solomon, however, was not one to be easily deterred by such obstacles. As luck would have it, it was springtime, and the windows to the court were opened. The breeze wafted through the room, carrying with it the humming of bees from the nearby garden. The bees, drawn to the fragrance of the real flowers, alighted upon the authentic garland, thereby indicating to Solomon which one was real and which was not. The queen was greatly impressed by the king's sagacity and astuteness, and she duly paid her respects to the wise ruler before returning to Sheba. Moral :

The Golden Touch Once upon a time, in a far-off land called Midas, there lived a king who had a beautiful daughter, whom he loved dearly. However, the king had a great desire for gold and had amassed a vast amount of it, but he was not content. His thirst for more gold could never be quenched. One day, while sitting in his storeroom, he was struck with the idea that he did not possess enough gold, and it was then that an angel suddenly appeared before him. The angel granted him a boon and asked him to wish for anything he desired, and the king asked for the power to change anything he touched into gold. The angel granted his wish, and the king was overjoyed. Midas discovered that he could turn anything into gold by merely touching it, and he ran into his garden to try it out. He touched the flowers, and they turned into gold, and then he touched everything he could get his hands on. He was ecstatic with his newfound power. However, his happiness did not last long. As he sat down to dinner, he touched an egg and a cup, and they turned to gold. He then took a piece of bread and turned it into gold, and he became terrified of his golden touch. When his daughter came to him and hugged him, she immediately turned into a golden statue. Midas was overcome with grief and anguish. He was willing to do anything to get his daughter back. Suddenly, the angel reappeared before him and asked him what was wrong. Midas begged the angel to take back his golden touch and return his daughter to him. The angel was delighted to hear this and granted his request, taking away his magical power. Things reverted to their original state, and the angel advised the king to be content with what he had. The angel then departed, leaving Midas with all that he had before his fateful wish. Moral :

Judgement of King Solomon In a certain village, there lived two women, one of whom had given birth to a baby. However, the other woman had claimed the child as her own, resulting in a bitter quarrel between the two. With no resolution in sight, they decided to seek the wise counsel of King Solomon, renowned for his sagacity. The king listened attentively to their pleas and requested them to tell him the truth. Both the women claimed the baby as their own, leaving the king perplexed as to how to decide the matter. After some contemplation, King Solomon came up with a plan to resolve the issue technically. He asked the two women to return the next day and promised to give his judgment then. The next day, the two women appeared before the king with the baby. King Solomon began by stating that he had never encountered a complaint like this before, but he was determined to settle the matter. To the surprise of both women, the king proposed to cut the baby into two equal parts and give one part to each mother. Upon hearing this, one of the women turned pale and began to weep, while the other remained silent. The true mother of the child, moved by maternal love, begged the king to spare the baby's life and give it to the other woman so that she could at least know her child was alive. The false mother, in contrast, readily agreed to the king's proposal, stating that he should cut the baby in half and give them both a share. King Solomon, perceptive and astute as he was, recognized the real mother of the baby and punished the deceitful woman. He then awarded the baby to the true mother, who had demonstrated her willingness to let her child live, even with the false mother. Thus, King Solomon's wisdom and judgment prevailed once again, and the two women returned to their village, satisfied and grateful for the king's guidance. Moral :

Industry is the Key to Success: Muna / Feroza , a young girl hailing from a destitute farmer's family, was deprived of education by her father due to their impoverished circumstances. Eventually, at the tender age of fifteen, her parents arranged her marriage to a man of similar means. Alas, the groom proved indolent, lacking any inclination towards work. Thus, Muna/Feroza had to toil relentlessly to support her family. However, she was plagued with a persistent fear: what if she gave birth to a female child? The specter of penury loomed large, and she yearned to find a way to earn a livelihood. In her quest for a solution, Muna/Feroza sought the guidance of her cousin, who was affiliated with a youth training center. He suggested that she receive training in poultry farming. Muna/Feroza took his advice and diligently completed the course. Subsequently, she obtained a loan of 10,000 Taka from the training center under lenient terms. Using the loan, she initiated a poultry farm at her home and diligently tended to the birds. Her chickens and ducks thrived under her care, attaining robust health. Eventually, she sold them in the market and earned a substantial sum of money. After clearing the loan, Muna obtained a larger loan from the training center and invested the funds in profitable ventures, effectively running her own business. Through her hard work and perseverance, Muna/Feroza transformed her fortunes, ascending to the status of a wealthy woman. She now enjoys a peaceful life and can afford to send her daughter to school, nurturing the hope that her offspring will attain higher education and enlighten society. Moral :

Honesty of a Young Boy Rahim, a traveler aboard the Padma Express from Dhaka to Rajshahi, encountered a devastating setback when he lost his bag on the ferry while crossing the river to board another train at the stations of Gafargaon, Mymensing, and Jagannathgonj. The bag held his essential belongings, including his clothes, money, and ticket, among other items. Faced with this predicament, Rahim was overcome with frustration and anxiety, not knowing how to proceed. However, a notion dawned on him, leading him to approach the station master, who exhibited the kindness of a benevolent heart. Rahim explained his situation to the station master, who, in turn, listened to him patiently and empathetically, comprehending the gravity of his situation. Taking note of Rahim's name and particulars, the station master directed him to wait for a while and informed the "lost and found" department of the situation. He issued an announcement over the microphone in the hopes of retrieving Rahim's lost bag. Rahim waited with bated breath for a resolution, knowing that the contents of the lost bag were critical for the maintenance of his family. Eventually, his patience was rewarded when a young man emerged, bearing his lost bag and handing it over to the department officer. Overjoyed with relief, Rahim received his bag and could not contain his gratitude, thanking the young man from the bottom of his heart. He prayed to Allah, expressing his deep appreciation for the young man's honesty and integrity, which had saved him from immense hardship. Moral :

Honesty of a Rickshaw-puller Kashem, a destitute rickshaw puller in Dhaka, could barely make ends meet driving his rickshaw across various parts of the city. One day, while plying his trade, he chanced upon a group of men enticing passersby to purchase lottery tickets. Although Kashem knew that the odds of winning were slim, he was nevertheless tempted to buy a ticket. He noted the date of the draw and waited with bated breath for the results. On the day of the draw, he purchased a daily newspaper, which he perused with great eagerness. Having received rudimentary education in his childhood, Kashem could read and write, albeit to a limited extent. He carefully scanned the pages of the newspaper in search of the lottery result, his heart pounding with excitement as he searched for his ticket number. Finally, to his great surprise, he found his ticket number listed at the top of the winning numbers. Overwhelmed with joy, Kashem broke down in tears. But the magnitude of his win left him unsure of how to proceed. Kashem decided to seek the advice of a school teacher in his neighborhood, who had kindly offered to assist him. Together, they went to the nearest police station to request security and subsequently contacted the lottery authorities. The officials confirmed Kashem's ticket and awarded him twenty-five lac taka as the first prize. Kashem returned home under police protection, his joy knowing no bounds. With his newfound wealth, Kashem resolved to pursue self-employment. He returned to his village and invested in a poultry farm and a stationery shop, both of which proved profitable ventures. The remaining amount was deposited in a bank. Kashem's days of hardship were finally over, and he became financially stable and self-sufficient. Moral :

Honesty Never Goes Unrewarded In a small, rural village lived a poor but worthy farmer who, with the modest income from his meager few acres of land, managed to support himself, his wife and their seven children. As he walked through his fields one day, he pondered his circumstances, realizing that as his children grew older and required more, their family expenses continued to increase. In an effort to brainstorm how he could earn additional funds, he happened upon a purse lying on the ground before him. Initially, the farmer considered that someone must have lost the purse, and he could not keep it for himself. Nevertheless, he picked it up and opened it, revealing a substantial sum of money inside. Rushing home to share his discovery with his wife, she greedily suggested they keep the money for themselves and use it to better their family's situation. However, the farmer's moral compass pointed in a different direction. He recognized that the money was not rightfully theirs and insisted that they find the owner of the lost purse. After a few days, the farmer successfully located the rightful owner and promptly returned the lost item, along with its contents. The owner, a very wealthy man, was deeply moved by the farmer's honesty and integrity. Impressed by the farmer's character, the wealthy man appointed him as his caretaker. Overjoyed by this newfound opportunity, the farmer began his new job with a sense of pride and honor. His honesty had not only earned him the admiration of others, but it had also paved the way for a brighter future. The farmer learned that doing what is right is often rewarded in ways beyond measure, and his unwavering moral compass had led him to a newfound success and prosperity. Moral :

Happiness Lies in Contentment In a certain town, there once resided a cobbler, whose days were spent merrily in the pursuit of singing and dancing. Living a life of hand-to-mouth existence, he never troubled himself with thoughts of the future, content to live in the moment and subsist on his daily earnings. His wealthy neighbor, a banker, was surprised by this and inquired of the cobbler how much he earned in a year. With a gentle smile, the cobbler admitted to never having counted his earnings in such a manner, as he was content with his simple existence. The banker, moved by the cobbler's situation, resolved to lift him out of poverty and presented him with a generous sum of ten thousand taka, urging him to keep it safe for times of need. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of this windfall, the cobbler hastened home to secure the money, but was beset by a nagging sense of unease. Unable to rest easy, he eventually resorted to burying the money in a hole he had dug in his room, hoping to keep it safe from harm. Yet, despite his efforts, the cobbler was tormented by thoughts of the money being stolen or lost. As the days turned into weeks, his mind plagued with worry, the cobbler found himself unable to sleep soundly, consumed by his anxiety over the safety of his newfound wealth. Unable to bear this mental agony any longer, he went to the banker and, with great reluctance, handed back the money, explaining that its presence had robbed him of his peace of mind. Thus, the cobbler learned that true contentment and happiness could not be found in material possessions, and that the simple pleasures of life were often more valuable than great riches. Moral :

Grasp All, Lose All On a certain day, a dog, consumed by a voracious appetite, pilfered a piece of meat from a nearby meat shop. Gripping the meat in its jaws, the canine proceeded to run alongside a babbling stream. Soon enough, the dog arrived at a bridge that spanned the stream. However, while traversing the bridge, the dog chanced upon a fascinating sight: another dog, carrying a succulent piece of meat in its own mouth, was walking in the opposite direction. Enthralled by the prospect of acquiring yet another delicious morsel of meat, the dog halted its progress and cast a keen glance downwards towards the canal. To its surprise, it beheld a mirror-like reflection of itself, which it mistook for another dog. Overcome with a sense of greed and avarice, the dog let out a howl at the image, determined to acquire the other piece of meat. Alas! As a result of its own foolishness, the piece of meat slipped from its grip and tumbled into the water below. In a desperate attempt to retrieve its lost treasure, the dog plunged into the water, but its efforts were in vain. Exhausted and famished, the dog eventually managed to swim to the opposite bank of the canal, where it remained unfed and dejected. Thus, the dog learned a valuable lesson that by trying to grasp everything, it could end up losing everything. Moral : Model Answer-2 The Dog and the Shadow Once upon a time, there was a dog who lived near a butcher's shop. He was very greedy and always on the lookout for food. Since the butcher's shop was full of tasty meat, the dog decided to steal a piece for himself. He was thrilled at the thought of finally enjoying such delicious food. After many days of waiting for the right moment, the dog decided to find a safe spot to enjoy his stolen meat. He chose to cross a bridge over a canal. As he crossed, he glanced down into the water and saw another dog carrying a piece of meat in its mouth. The dog on the bridge stopped and carefully observed the dog in the water. Thinking it was another dog with meat, he couldn't resist the opportunity to snatch it away. But to his surprise, the "other dog" was just his own reflection in the clear water. He barked at the reflection, causing the piece of meat to fall into the water. In a panic, the dog jumped into the canal to retrieve the meat, but it sank out of reach. Despite his efforts, he couldn't get it back. Instead, he found himself in the water, unfed and disappointed. Reflecting on what happened, the dog realized that his greed had caused him to lose everything. He learned the hard way that trying to take everything for oneself can lead to losing it all in the end.

Grapes are Sour In the vicinity of a village, there existed a dense forest which was home to a plethora of animals. Amongst them, there was a fox that possessed a remarkable level of cunningness. This sly creature had an innate ability to make the most out of any given situation. The farmers residing in the village were quite perturbed by the existence of this fox as it could potentially pilfer their precious hens and cocks at any moment. On a scorching summer day, while traversing through the forest, the fox found itself in a dire need of water. Despite a thorough search, the fox was unable to locate any water source. However, to its amazement, it spotted a cluster of luscious and succulent grapes hanging down from a branch that was at a considerable height from the ground. The fox leapt repeatedly, but its attempts to reach the grapes were in vain. With every futile attempt, the fox became hungrier and thirstier, leading to a feeling of weakness. The unfulfilled desire to relish the tantalizing grapes left the fox unhappy and dejected. In a last-ditch attempt to come to terms with the fact that the grapes were beyond its reach, the fox resorted to consoling itself by reasoning that the grapes were sour and injurious to its health. The fox arrived at the conclusion that contentment with what is attainable is a virtue and that one should not fret over what cannot be achieved easily. Moral : Model Answer-2 The Fox and the Grapes There was a dense forest beside a village. There lived different types of animal including  foxes. Among all the animals, one fox was very cunning. It was so clever that it could make the best use of any situation. The farmers of that village were concerned about this fox, because it might steal their hens and cocks at any time without missing any chance. It was a hot summer day. That fox was passing through a bush. Beside it, a sparrow was flying. The fox was thirsty and looking for water. But it could not find any source of water. Suddenly it saw a bunch of ripe, juicy grapes hanging down from a branch at a little height from the ground. The fox jumped a little and got the grapes without much trouble. The fox had never tasted grapes before. So he relished the delicious grapes and it felt cool against his thirsty tongue. The fox was very contented and said to himself, “It’s surely a lucky day. I have tasted such wonderful fruits as I never did before.” The sparrow now sitting in a nearby tree heard what the fox had said. It said to the fox, “There is a place in this forest where you can find bunches of grapes lying on the ground. If you want I can lead you there and you can eat as much as you like.” The fox felt excited and requested the sparrow to show him that place. In fact, the sparrow wanted to fool him and muttered, “What a fool you would be when you won’t reach the height of the grapes even if you jump again and again!” The cunning fox followed the sparrow and reached the expected place. Seeing the grapes, which were bigger and juicier, the fox became greedy to have them. But all its expectation went in vain. The grapes were hanging quite high up in the tree the fox jumped over and over again but failed to reach there. Then it began to repent and whispered, “what a mistake I’ve done by trusting in the naughty sparrow. Now I cannot go back to the previous grape tree as I have forgotten the way.” The cunning fox then tried to console himself saying, “The grapes are sour and harmful for health.” So, we ought to keep in mind that everyone should be contented with what he has or what he can get easily. The Fox and the Grapes Once a fox was very hungry and thirsty. It was a very hot day. But he did not have any food at his hand.  He was roaming in search of food. It became quite a hard day for him. He became disappointed and sat down at the shade of a tree. But suddenly he saw a vineyard at a corner of the jungle. It was full of ripe grapes. These were hanging from the vine. Seeing the grapes the fox became very glad and said to himself, “How lucky I am! There are so many sweet grapes. I must have some of them to satisfy my hunger.” Saying this he jumped up. But unfortunately the grapes were hanging too high for him to reach. So he could not reach them. He tried again to catch the grapes.  But all of his efforts ended in smoke. When the ray of hope of having the gapes became dimmed, he decided to quit the enterprise and look for food at another place. That is, he was much upset at his failure to get the grapes. At last he consoled himself saying, “Grapes are sour, I don’t like them.” So saying, he left the place.

Consequences of Deforestation Once upon a time, there was a ruler who governed an island that was rich in lush vegetation, particularly trees. The king, however, had an ambitious vision to construct a grand palace on the island. To make his dream a reality, he instructed his men to fell all the trees on the island. Despite opposition from some of his subjects, the king ignored their concerns and went ahead with his plan. The trees were cut down, leaving the island bare and barren. As a result, there was a noticeable shift in the climate, which had devastating consequences. The absence of trees led to a lack of rainfall, which, in turn, triggered floods that destroyed crops and washed away the fertile topsoil. The farmers could no longer cultivate their land, and food shortages ensued, leading to a famine. In desperation, the people of the island turned to the king, pleading for assistance and sustenance. It was then that the king realized the grave error he had committed in felling all the trees. He grasped the critical role of trees in the environment and the lives of his subjects. To make amends, he imported a vast number of tree saplings and distributed them free of charge to his people. Over time, the saplings grew into beautiful trees, and the island was once again teeming with lush greenery. The trees aided in restoring the ecological balance of the island, and the rains returned. The farmers were able to grow crops once more, and prosperity returned to the land. The people of the island were grateful to the king, who had learned a valuable lesson about the importance of trees and the natural environment. Moral :

Bread Dividing by a Cunning Monkey Once upon a time, two feline friends had the misfortune of stealing a piece of bread. However, their attempt to divide it equally failed as both were greedy and wanted the bigger portion. Consequently, the argument became heated, and the two cats sought the counsel of a wise monkey, renowned in the forest for his wisdom. The monkey, being a creature of intellect and reason, counseled the cats to resolve the issue amongst themselves as it would be a costly affair. However, the cats insisted that they needed his assistance to find a solution to their problem. Thus, the monkey, with his great knowledge, decided to bring out a pair of scales and divided the bread into two parts. But alas, each piece was unevenly sized, and the cats once again became agitated. Determined to find a solution, the monkey began to nibble a small portion from the bigger piece and weighed it again. This caused the smaller piece to be heavier. He then took a small piece from the smaller portion and put it on the scales, resulting in the bigger piece being heavier again. The monkey continued to repeat the process, but the pieces never became equal. In the end, only a small piece remained. The cats requested the remaining piece, but the monkey, infuriated by their greediness and lack of cooperation, claimed it as his own and devoured it without hesitation. The story demonstrates how greed can lead to foolishness, and how cunning behavior can ultimately lead to unfavorable outcomes. Moral : Two Rats and a Piece of Bread Once upon a time, in a cozy little house, two mischievous rats snuck in and pilfered a tempting piece of bread. However, their joy quickly turned into a squabble as they couldn't agree on how to divide the spoils. In a bid to settle their dispute, they sought the arbitration of a nearby cat. The cunning cat, sensing an opportunity, agreed to help and fetched a balance scale. With a flick of its whiskers, the cat broke the bread in two and placed each piece on one side of the scale. Predictably, one piece outweighed the other. Seizing the chance, the cat took a sizable bite from the heavier piece, claiming it was to balance the weights. But instead of equalizing, the bite only made the heavier piece even more substantial. Undeterred by the failed attempt, the cat continued its deceitful game. It nibbled alternately from each piece, ostensibly striving for parity. However, its bites were not equal, and with each chomp, the balance tipped further out of alignment. Though the rats saw through the cat's ruse, they dared not protest, fearing its wrath. As the bread diminished with each fraudulent bite, the rats finally plucked up the courage to request their share of what remained. However, the crafty cat, with a smirk on its whiskered face, denied their plea, claiming the remnant as payment for its "services" and swiftly devoured it. Crestfallen and wiser from the ordeal, the rats slunk away, lamenting their misfortune. Reflecting on their encounter with the conniving cat, the rats realized the folly of their actions. They understood that disputes are best resolved through cooperation and compromise rather than relying on dubious intermediaries. Though they departed with empty stomachs, they carried with them a valuable lesson: the importance of amicable resolution in the face of disagreement. And so, with newfound wisdom, the rats vowed to settle their future disputes peacefully, steering clear of cunning cats and their deceptive schemes.

Bilkis / Feroza Changes Her Life Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst the verdant countryside, there dwelt a resolute and hardworking middle-aged woman by the name of Bilkis, who was entrusted with the task of providing for her family of five comprising of her husband and three sons. Despite her assiduous efforts, the onerous burden of making ends meet fell solely on her shoulders, for her spouse was a lethargic individual who did not make any contribution towards their sustenance. One day, Bilkis had a serendipitous encounter with a group of philanthropic individuals from the Grameen Bank, who expressed their eagerness to assist indigent, landless and vulnerable people. Grasping the opportunity with both hands, she applied for a loan of three thousand taka from the Bank and was approved. Armed with this loan, she proceeded to purchase a dheki and some paddy, and embarked on her journey towards financial independence. Undeterred by the arduous struggles that lay ahead, Bilkis and her husband began to meticulously plan out their future course of action. They first constructed a thatched hut to provide shelter for themselves and their children, sparing them from the elements. Subsequently, Bilkis sold the rice in the market, reaping a considerable profit that allowed her to repay the first instalment of her loan, as well as purchase food and clothing for her offspring. Through sheer perseverance and unflagging determination, Bilkis persevered through the trials and tribulations that lay ahead, emerging triumphant in her struggle for existence. Her tireless efforts had borne fruit, culminating in a life of dignity and self-reliance for her and her family. Moral :

Bayazid's Love for His Mother In the annals of time, there existed a young boy named Bayazid, whose mother was ailing and in need of care. One fateful day, Bayazid was found studying by his mother's bedside when, unexpectedly, she stirred from her slumber and requested a glass of water. The dutiful boy, in an effort to fulfill his mother's wish, took the glass and headed to the pitcher. However, his efforts were in vain as the pitcher was bereft of any liquid. Despite this setback, Bayazid's resourceful mind led him to recall a nearby stream from which he could procure water. However, this stream was located at a considerable distance from his abode and was situated in a far-flung corner of the village. The night was pitch black and ominous, but the devoted son, resolute in his determination to provide for his mother, took the empty pitcher and set out on his quest to fetch water. Through the dark and winding pathways of the village, Bayazid trudged onwards to the stream, undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead. After an arduous journey, he reached the stream and filled the pitcher with water. Though exhausted and weary, the boy set out to return home, his heart beating with the desire to fulfill his mother's wishes. As he reached his humble abode, Bayazid was met with a heartwarming sight - his mother was in a deep slumber. Ever mindful of his mother's comfort, Bayazid resolved to wait patiently by her bedside with the glass of water in his hand. He knew that rousing his mother from her peaceful repose might cause her undue distress, so he decided to stand vigil until the break of dawn. The long and lonely night passed by, and with the first rays of the sun, Bayazid's mother awoke to a heartwarming sight. Her devoted son stood by her bedside, holding a glass of water. The sight of this act of love moved her deeply, and tears of joy streamed down her face as she embraced her son with all the motherly affection she possessed. Her blessings imbued Bayazid with a profound sense of spirituality and led him to become a great saint, revered for his devotion to his mother and his unwavering faith in the power of love. Moral :

Androcles and the Lion Once upon a time, there lived a youthful man by the name of Androcles. Unfortunately, he was captured by a slave merchant and sold to a wealthy man in another land, where his master subjected him to unspeakable cruelty and hardship. Androcles, consumed by homesickness, longed for a means of escape from his dire predicament. One day, while seeking refuge in a cave, Androcles chanced upon a wounded lion, who was groaning in agony. Displaying a tremendous amount of courage, he approached the lion and took the injured paw into his hand, removing a sizable thorn lodged within it. The lion, overjoyed at the relief from pain, appeared grateful and calm in his presence. After some time, Androcles departed the cave and began his journey homeward. Unfortunately, he was apprehended by his master's people en route, who subsequently threw him into a lion's den. The ravenous lion charged towards Androcles, but upon recognizing his savior, the animal immediately prostrated himself at Androcles' feet. In a miraculous turn of events, the lion then proceeded to break open the cage and carry Androcles away on his back, ultimately allowing him to escape the clutches of his tormentor. In the end, Androcles' selfless act of kindness towards the injured lion ultimately saved his own life, exemplifying the notion that good deeds never go unrewarded. Moral :

An Ungrateful Wolf and a Crane Once upon a time, there was a lazy wolf living in a jungle. Near his house was a pond. Many animals came to the pond to drink water. The wolf was always in search of food. One day, he was sitting near the pond hoping to get something to eat. When suddenly he spotted a dead bull. “Aha! What a luck! Now I can eat all I want,” he thought and his mouth strated watering. He began to eat the bull. A thought struck him, “if another beast comes this way he will ask for a share. I had better eat fast.” ‘Grub! Grub! Grub! Grub1’ he chewed, faster and faster. In his haste, a piece of bone got stuck in his throat. “Ohh! Errk!” cried the wolf. He tried to bring it out of his mouth. He tried to cough it out but in vain. Next, he tried to swallow it down but he failed. “Ooh, the bone in throat hurts. What shall I do now?” thought the wolf. Suddenly he remembered that a crane lived on the nearby riverbank. The wolf went to the crane and pleaded, “My dear Crane! I have got a bone stuck in my throat. I will give you a present, if you pull it out of my throat with your long beak.” The crane took pity on the wolf. He asked the wolf to look up with his mouth open. The crane then put its head into the wolf’s mouth and pulled out the bone. “Oh! What a relief!” the wolf sighed. “Now where is my present?” asked the crane. “What present?” the wolf replied, pretending not aware of its promise. “You said that you would give me a present if I remove the bone from your throat,” said the crane humbly. “Hah! Is it not a present that you put your head into my mouth and got out alive? I could have easily crushed your head while your beak was inside my mouth,” said the ungrateful wolf and went away. The crane felt helpless and decided not to help any ungrateful creature in the future. Moral :