The Change Came

The animals living in Shantivan often fought among themselves.

- Dr. K Rani

Although the forest was called Shantivan, peace was rarely seen there. Even small matters led to arguments.

Elmo elephant was the biggest and strongest of all. He used his strength to scare others. Folly fox was clever and often provoked others through her words. Lolo donkey was stubborn. Once he decided something, he would never change his mind. Matty monkey often interrupted others and made arguments worse.

One early morning, Elmo was splashing water near the pond in the middle of the forest. Just then, Folly came running and said, “Hey Elmo, you’re using all the pond’s water for your play. We need water too.”

Elmo said loudly, “I’m the strongest. I have the first right to the water.”

Just then, Lolo arrived and raised his voice, “What’s the use of strength? Everyone in the forest should get an equal share.”

Matty jumped down from a tree and said with a laugh, “Oh brothers, you keep fighting! Meanwhile, I’ll eat some fruits.”

Hearing that, Folly taunted him, “Matty, you don’t care about anything. All you want is fun and food.”

That was it—the four of them started fighting. Many animals gathered around. Some supported Elmo, while others stood with Lolo. Soon the whole forest was filled with noise.

At that moment, the wise old turtle, Koki, arrived. Seeing him, everyone fell silent.

Koki said, “My children, if you keep fighting like this, how will peace remain in the forest?”

Folly asked, “But how do we stop fighting? There should be some way.”

Koki said, “Decide it yourselves. Divide the work and respect one another.”

Lolo said proudly, “To live together in the forest, we'll make some rules so that no one can force anyone else.”