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Why is your bestfriend, your best friend?

Reading Time: 5 minutes    |   Age Limit: 7-10    |   Country Origin: India

Read It Like a Book

“A Handful of Rice: A Tale of Friendship”

Discover the story:

What happens when a poor man visits his royal best friend after many years with just a handful of rice?

A magical story of love, laughter, and the kind of friendship that asks for nothing—but gives everything!

Story in motion

The Gift of Friendship

Why is your bestfriend, your best friend?

In a small village, a kind-hearted man lived with his family. Though he had little, he was content with his life. He spent his days singing and sharing stories, always grateful for what he had. But his wife worried about their struggles. One day, she suggested, “Why don’t you visit your old friend? He might be able to help us.”

The man’s eyes sparkled with joy—not at the thought of asking for help, but because he longed to see his friend again. “That’s a wonderful idea,” he said. “But I cannot go empty-handed. I must take a gift.”

His wife searched their home and found a small handful of rice flakes. She tied them in a cloth and handed them to him. “It’s all we have,” she said softly.

He smiled, took the simple gift, and set off on his journey. Along the way, he thought about his childhood and the wonderful times he had shared with his friend.

Can you think of a friend you haven’t seen in a long time? How would you feel meeting them again?

After many days, he arrived at a grand city, unlike anything he had ever seen. The streets shimmered, the palaces gleamed, and the people bustled about in fine clothes. When he reached the gates of a magnificent palace, the guards looked at him doubtfully. “What do you want?” they asked.

“I am an old friend of the one who lives here,” he replied. “Please tell him I have come.”

The guards scoffed, but soon, the grand doors burst open, and a noble figure rushed out, arms wide with joy. “My dear friend! You have come!” The two embraced, tears of happiness streaming down their faces.

The nobleman led his friend inside, treating him with the utmost kindness. He offered fresh clothes, warm food, and a place of honor at his side. They spoke for hours, laughing and reminiscing about their childhood adventures.

As they sat together, the nobleman suddenly asked, “Did you bring me a gift?”

The traveler hesitated, feeling ashamed of his humble offering. But the nobleman insisted, so he shyly handed over the small bundle of rice flakes. The nobleman’s face lit up with delight. “Sudama, this is the most precious gift,” he said, taking a handful and eating it with joy. “Because it comes from you, my dear friend.”

The traveler stayed for the night, basking in the warmth of their reunion. The next morning, as he walked back home, he realized he had never asked for help. “But what does it matter?” he thought. “I have my friend’s love, and that is enough.”

As he approached his village, he was shocked to find a beautiful home where his small hut once stood. His wife, now dressed in fine clothes, greeted him with a radiant smile. “Look at what your friend has given us!” she exclaimed.

Tears welled in Sudama’s eyes. “Krishna’s generosity is great,” he whispered, “but his love is even greater.”

Only then did he realizes that his friend, Krishna had known all along what he needed and had given it without being asked.

What do you think is the most valuable thing a friend can give you ?

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Tollit referrentur contentiones an sed. Ius tacimates defini tione, quoprimatum dicunt labitur te. Te debet tibique.

“Krishna and Sudama: A Bond Beyond Time”

Meet the legend:

The nobleman Krishna, a great and wise ruler, had many friends—from the playful cowherd boys in Vrindavan to brave warriors and wise kings. He was loved by all and shared special bonds with many, including Arjuna, the greatest archer.

But among all his friendships, the one with Sudama stands out as one of the greatest examples of pure, selfless friendship. They studied in gurukulam (residential school) under Guru Sandipani. Their story reminds us that true friendship never fades, no matter the time or distance. It is built on love, kindness, and the joy of being together.

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