God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

When I was a child I heard this story from my Grand ma about a young man who was rewarded by the king for his actions. There was a big crowd moving from one part of the country to the other by foot. People were carrying their things in bullock carts, on donkeys etc. The King moved in the crowd in disguise to see who was the most befitting to become his noble minister. Suddenly there was an uproar that the King was coming to meet the people. Immediately people ran hither and thither trying to stand ahead in the crowd in order to have a glimpse of the King. In the midst of the chaos, one of the wheels of the carts rode by a young man fell into a deep ditch. As a result the bullock also fell down. The cart was heavy with goods. The young man cried in vain for help. After a while the young man jumped from the cart, going to the rear of the cart, putting all his strength to his shoulders tried to push the cart from the ditch.

The King was watching the whole scene from a distance. After a while, he went near the young man and said, “Don’t you know the king is passing bye? Instead of meeting him, you are busy pulling out your cart?”
The young man replied, “ I wish to meet him but if I delay my bullock will die.”
The king replied, “Perhaps the king can help you….”
The Youngman promptly replied, “Before I wait for the King to solve my problem let me try myself because I believe that God helps those who help themselves.”
The King bent down and gave a help to the young man and soon the cart and bullock were safe.
The young man turned to the king in disguise and said, “You are no king but don’t you think God helped me through you?”

To day as we struggle in the midst of our chaotic society, with everything in the fast lane, with no room for honesty, integrity and sensitivity towards each other, we often cry out for help. We blame and brood over the declining sense of morality, the liberal values that are so easily eroding our human sense. Instead of blaming westernization, or any other external enemies and waiting for the other person to rectify himself/herself first, it would be nice and sensible if we/I be the first person to change for good. The small transformation may not be obvious at once but small ripples do create an effect. You and me can become the agent of change in our society. Let us remember that God helps those who help themselves. A small deed of kindness, a firm step of integrity, a little act of patience towards others can create wonders and make our Bharat truly a Mahan place to live and let live.