Farmer Finds a Friend

Story: N. Mangai, N. Chokkan

Illustrations: Pratham Books

Illustrations Courtesy: Pratham Books

Released In “Creative Commons – Attribution”

Once upon a time, there was a farmer named Ramaiyah.

He had a small farm. He took good care of it by planting quality seeds. This gave him enough food for his entire family.

One day, he saw five goats running fast. He realized they were having a race.

Ramaiyah decided to cheer the goats. He clapped happily, and they ran even faster.

Suddenly, a goat running the race fell down. It was badly hurt.

Ramaiyah saw this and ran towards the goat.

He took it in his arms and stroked it. ‘Don’t worry my dear, you will be alright soon.’

He took the goat to his home. He applied herbal medicines to its wounds.

After few hours, the goat felt better. It thanked Ramaiyah for the help.

Now, the goat felt hungry. It asked Ramaiyah for some food.

Ramaiyah took the goat to a place with plenty of grass. The goat ate happily.

The goat wanted to give something back to Ramaiyah. But it didn’t know what to give.

Ramaiyah stroked it lovingly, ‘Dear, I don’t need anything from you. I am happy to help you!’

Next morning, Ramaiyah’s mother went to milk his cow as usual. But it was sick. Ramaiyah’s father told, ‘Dear, wait for few days, she will feel better. After that she will give plenty of milk.’ ‘But, what do we do for milk today?’ wondered Ramaiyah.

The goat was overhearing this and ran towards Ramaiah. ‘I can give you milk.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Yes’ told the goat. ‘Just like you helped me yesterday, please let me help you today. That will make me happier!’

Ramaiyah smiled and accepted the milk from the goat. Everyone liked the yummy milk from the goat.

From that day, the goat became part of their family. You can see it along with Ramaiyah in their farm, even today!