Children's Story: Pappu and the Peepul tree!

A thousand years ago when forests were left alone by the so- called human civilization, in the heart of a beautiful jungle at the foot of the Vindhyas there stood an age-old peepul tree. It was said to be very wise. It sheltered a number of families of birds. While the parent birds were away looking for food, the peepul tree looked after the chicks. It kept them amused by telling them wonderful stories.

One day it so happened that a king on a hunting expedition came to rest under our peepul tree. At that time the tree was talking to a young parrot called Pappu. Pappu asked questions and the peepul tree answered them all perfectly.

The king who could understand the languages of birds, animals and plants was amazed at the wisdom of the peepul tree. He compared in his mind his dull-headed ministers with the peepul tree and decided to include it in his cabinet. But the peepul tree was reluctant to accept the offer. At the same time the king was equally obstinate. “Don’t you worry; I won’t bother you often, I will come to you only when I face very difficult situations.” The peepul tree agreed.