Birbal’s Khichdi

One winter day Akbar and Birbal were walking by a lake. Birbal thought that people would do anything for money. He told Akbar about this idea. To show this Akbar put his finger in the water and quickly pulled it out because it was too cold.

“I do not think anyone would be crazy enough to stand in this freezing lake all night for money ” Akbar said.

“I can find someone who will do it ” Birbal replied.

Akbar said he would give one thousand gold coins to anyone who could do it. Birbal found a beggar who was willing to try. The man got into the lake. Akbar put guards nearby to make sure he did not cheat.

The morning the shivering man was brought to Akbar. When asked he said he had stayed in the water all night. Akbar was curious. Asked him how he did not get too cold.

The man said there was a street lamp, near the shore and he kept looking at it. He felt a little warm because of the lamp. Akbar thought the lamps heat had helped the man so he did not give him the reward. The beggar looked sad. Turned to Birbal for help.

The day Birbal did not come to court. When Akbar sent a messenger to ask why he was told that Birbal would come when his food was ready. Hours. Birbal still did not arrive. Akbar went to see him.

He found Birbal sitting outside with a pot of food hanging high above a fire. Akbar and his attendants laughed.

“How will the food cook from that away?” Akbar asked.

Birbal said calmly “If a street lamp away can keep a man warm in a freezing lake all night then this fire, which is much closer can cook this food.” Akbar understood what Birbal meant. He realized he was wrong. Said the poor man should get his reward.

Moral of the Story:
If you really want to do something. You think about it carefully you can always find a way.