The Compassionate King

It's a long time ago. India was ruled by the great emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty. His kingdom was known for its happiness and prosperity, but one day, a severe drought struck the kingdom. The earth crackled with thirst, and not a single grain of grain remained in the fields. The people were in a state of hunger and thirst.

When this news reached Emperor Ashoka, his heart was moved. He immediately ordered, "All the royal granaries in the kingdom should be opened to the people. No one in my kingdom should go to bed hungry."

Relief camps were set up everywhere upon receiving the king's order. Long queues of people waiting to receive food would form by morning. One evening, a relief center was overcrowded. The staff were exhausted from their work since morning. The sun was about to set, and they were just about to stop work.

Just then, a very frail and old man somehow managed to break through the crowd. His body was a mere skeleton.  He said with trembling hands, "Son, give me some grain too. I haven't had the stove on in my house for two days."

The distribution worker, tired and irritated, scolded the old man, "Hey, man! Can't you see it's evening? The charity has stopped. Whatever you want, come tomorrow. Get out of here!"

The old man's eyes welled with tears. He was about to leave in disappointment when a well-built young man arrived. He was dressed in ordinary clothes, but his face had a unique radiance.

The young man stepped forward, grabbed the worker's hand, and said in a serious voice, "Brother, what are you doing? This old man has been standing at the back of the line since morning. It is our first duty to feed him."

The worker was surprised, but he couldn't say anything in the face of the young man's brilliance. The young man personally fed the old man grain and water.

The next morning, the same young man appeared before the servant in the palace as a royal servant. The servant bowed his head in fear. Then the young man smiled and said, "Fear not! I am Emperor Ashoka. Last night I saw that even when everyone has disappointed me, there is one person in this kingdom who truly knows how to serve his people. You have fulfilled the duty of a true king before my eyes. I honor you."

Emperor Ashoka rewarded the servant and kept him in his personal service.

Moral of the Story : - 

* A true king is one who stands with his subjects in their sorrows and pains, not just on his throne.

* True kingship lies in justice, mercy, and      humanity.

* The true meaning of power is to serve, not to rule.

Read more : - The Case for Swift Justice