Once, a lion lay sleeping in the forest when a little mouse began scampering across him and woke him. The angry lion seized the mouse, who pleaded, “Forgive me, O king of the jungle. One day I will help you.” The lion laughed — how could such a tiny creature ever help him? — yet, out of kindness, he let the mouse go.
A few days later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net and roared in distress. Hearing him, the same little mouse hurried over and gnawed through the ropes with his sharp teeth, setting the lion free. “You once saved my life,” said the mouse humbly, “and today I have repaid you.” The lion understood that even the smallest creature can be of help.
The lesson
Kindness is never wasted. Qualities such as compassion, kindness and forgiveness make life noble. When we help others without any selfishness, that goodness returns to us in some form. We should never overlook anyone as small or weak, for every person has their own special strength and worth. This story teaches us that true friendship, gratitude and cooperation are very important in life — and good sanskaar make us humble, helpful and responsible, so that we can build a better society.
This story was published in Hindi as a Baal Sanskar (Panchatantra) feature in our Jan–Mar 2026 newsletter (PDF); the English retelling above is provided for the web.
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