The winds of literacy had swept through the forest as well.
The lion had ordered that all animals and birds must send their children to government schools. He had made the entire education system free. Therefore, no animal or bird could pretend to be poor. Everyone, without any discrimination of race, had to study and be taught in school.
The result was excellent. The forest reached 100% literacy. Just like the state of Kerala in India. Armies of educated youth could be seen in the forests, mountains, and bushes.
As happens, after literacy, winds of change begin to blow. New ideas begin to come to mind. These ideas also seem most appropriate. Winds of ideological change began to blow in the literate forest as well. Young animals and birds began to talk. First, the conversation would take place between two friends, then in a gathering of friends. In this way, this wind spread throughout the animal community and the forest kingdom.
The young people argued. How educated is the king of the forest? Has he obtained a degree? If he isn't literate, how can he rule the forest? We've studied for years. We know the language and subjects well. Does the King of the Forest know all this? So how can he remain the King of the Forest?
After discussing in the group, when the young men returned home, all the above questions would linger in their minds. They would sometimes raise them with their parents or elders. The young bear would growl at his father, "Why is an illiterate lion our king?" The cubs would grind their teeth in anger. The birds had also become more hoarse. The young monkeys would jump from tree to tree in such anger that some weak branches would break. The cawing of the young crows had also increased.
Parents tried to reason with them, but they couldn't convince the young children. They had their own arguments. What could possibly counter education? Defeated, even the older animals and birds would remain silent. This would only double the enthusiasm of the young ones. He used to leave his elders speechless.
One day, the young animals held a large gathering. Speeches went on for a long time, and arguments ensued. The long discussion resulted in a resolution.
The young animals passed a resolution: "The King of the Forest is illiterate. Therefore, he should abdicate his throne. An illiterate person cannot run such a vast forest kingdom. Literacy is essential for communication with other forests. Knowledge of a common language is essential. Therefore, a literate youth should become the king and a member of the king's council of ministers."
The news and the proposal reached the King of the Forest. He carefully read it. He summoned his Chief Minister, Bhalumal. He showed him the proposal.
Bhalumal smiled after reading the resolution. He said, "King, the wind of literacy is blowing."
The King of the Forest laughed loudly, "It seems you too want to get rid of me!"
The Chief Minister bowed low and said, "King, you have no equal in physical strength and intelligence." This forest and its unity depend on your strength.
Vanraj said, "Young children have acquired new knowledge through education. It's natural for their views to differ from ours. This cannot be denied at all. Only by understanding their views and making them understand can something be done."
Vanraj said seriously, "Right now, it's not right for me to comment on this. So, please look into the matter."
Everyone was invited to the huge royal courtyard. The courtyard was packed with animals and birds even before the scheduled time. The entire auditorium was bustling with noise. Everyone was eager to express their views.
At the appointed time, General Secretary Bhalumal arrived on stage. All the animals and birds welcomed him with applause.
After a glance around, Bhalumal said, "Hey, educated young animals and birds have been invited here. So what are the illiterate parents of these young people doing here?"
Bhalumal said angrily, "All the illiterate animals and birds should leave." This is a gathering of educated people.
Some young people objected, "These are our parents. They raised us."
Bhalumal countered, "So what? They're not educated!"
All the illiterate animals and birds had to leave the gathering. The young people were offended. Angered by this, some left the auditorium.
The General Secretary said, "What is this? I asked the illiterate people to leave. Why did their educated children leave?"
Everyone was speechless.
Now Bhalumal began, "You're all quite educated. Some may have graduated, some may have done postgraduate work. Some may have become engineers or doctors. But how many of you have studied to become teachers?"
The auditorium was silent. Bhalumal stared at everyone for a while. Then he said, "Don't you want to educate your children? Then why didn't any of you study to become teachers?"
The young men felt embarrassed.
Bhaloomal said, "Now I will ask a question to an educated young man from each species. This question will be in the context of another species."
The Chief Minister asked the young lion, "What does a bear eat?"
He asked the bear, "What does a deer eat?"
Bhaloomal asked the camel, "Why does a monkey climb trees? What does it eat?"
He asked the monkey, "What do birds eat? Do they eat meat?"
Animals of any other species did not know the answers to these questions.
With a sarcastic smile, Bhaloomal asked the young man, who aspired to rule the forest, "During the rains, when the entire forest is covered with trees,
The area is flooded. How will you arrange food for everyone? Where will you get the grains?
The young man was speechless.
He asked an engineer monkey, "You live in trees. You can cross the river by jumping from one tree to another during floods. But how do people cross the river during floods in the forest?"
The monkey looked around.
The General Secretary began, "None of you had answers to my questions. But ask the King of the Forest; he knows all the answers. He has studied the diet, lifestyle, and habits of all the animals and birds. He has experience in public life. He stores grains well in advance of the rainy season."
"It is essential for a ruler to anticipate the future and make plans. The king of the forest stores grains and other crops in high caves before the rains. During the rains, the stored grains can be used for livelihood."
"Many animals can cross a raging river, but this is not possible for smaller animals. Here, the king of elephants helps. He carries the smaller animals on his back, carries them across the river, and brings them back. Cooperation and collaboration are essential for a strong state."
As they walked, Bhalumal asked the young crowd, "Can you explain why the stage in the auditorium is high and far away?"
The young people were speechless.
The bear replied, "Because I am different from you all, being the most knowledgeable and experienced. You are undoubtedly educated. But you lack experience, which is why you are not on stage. Besides, from the stage, one can see each other clearly. One can sense emotions. This also fosters a sense of personal superiority and respect."
All the young animals and birds went back to their homes, pondering.
But the matter didn't end there. After this meeting, Vanraj also appointed educated young men to positions in his council of ministers. He entrusted some with the task of building dams, bridges, and boats. He assigned others to agricultural development. He also ordered the development of plans for bird and animal habitats. He also provided some educated young men with teaching training so that there would be no shortage of teachers in the future.
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