Children Short story: Salute the Seniors

Festival season had arrived. It was time for celebration. The jungle was getting ready for the fun, feast, and festivities.

The animals cleaned their houses. They threw away the old and damaged goods. New and colourful household articles, festoons, flags, and stars enhanced the beauty of their homes.

They planned for the common community celebrations as well. A meeting was arranged to plan the common programmes. The King Lion headed the meeting.

“The little peacocks dance every year. Why don’t you give us a chance to dance this year?” asked the young Tiger Cubs.

“Do you want to dance? Really? I can’t believe it at all,” commented the Bear.

“We have already selected a few songs and we are practising as well,” quipped the Tiger Cubs.

“'The tiger came to tea' song—'Hey there tigers let you call'...” “'Titus the tiger sings in a car'...” “'In the jungle deep where the tigers play'...”

The Cubs listed the tunes they had practised. “We have also shortlisted the popular Tamil movie songs in which the word ‘tiger’ has come.” The little Tiger Cubs even danced a few steps in front of them.

The King granted permission for the dance of the Tiger Cubs.

“Oh, King, please give us also permission to dance. At least one dance, we would like to present,” requested the peacocks and deer.

“Certainly, I will. Permission is granted to you folks to dance for a single song. However, there is a condition: You should clean the area for the function. You should clean this place before and after the programme,” declared the King Lion.

The peacocks and deer half-heartedly accepted the condition.

The Bear, the Prime Minister, talked about the various arrangements and distributed the responsibilities to the animals.

“In case you folks require any tools or things, you should inform our minister, the clever Fox. Do you have any other questions?” asked the Bear.

“We have a request,” said the little Tiger Cubs.

“We have given you permission to dance as per your wish. Still, do you ask for favours?” said the King sharply.

“Oh, King, our aunty and mother had trained us to dance.”

“Oh! I see! So nice. Continue your practice and dance well.”

“We will. But, oh Lion King, our aunty and mother had learnt the dance from our grandmother and grandfather.”

“That’s indeed great! They should also be appreciated,” said the King.

“Oh, King! We would like our grandparents to witness our programme,” prayed the little Tiger Cubs.

“Well, let them come! Your grandparents are welcome to our celebration. Each and every citizen of this jungle can come and watch the programme,” said the Bear.

“They may not be able to move long distances due to their age. They need assistance.”

The other animals also joined the Tiger Cubs. “Oh, Lion King, our grandparents would also like to attend the function.”

“What stops them from attending? How can we make them attend?” asked the Lion.

“They need help to reach the spot and also special arrangements here to sit and watch,” said the clever Fox.

“I salute all the senior citizens. In my court, the first priority is always given to the good old seniors. Oh, the mighty Elephant, I order you to take the responsibility of bringing the seniors to the programme. Rani! You should take care of their seating arrangements and other needs for their comfortable presence here,” ordered the Lion.

All the animals clapped and welcomed the announcement.