Sincere efforts never go in vain. This is a poem which reaffirms this conviction, narrating a myth from the Raamaayana, in which the sincere, but trivial-looking efforts of a little squirrel are appreciated by Shree Raama during the construction of the bridge - Raama-Setu - to Lanka.
How Did Squirrels Get Stripes On Their Back?
The vast, roaring ocean
Posed an incredible task on
Sugreeva’s army, toiling, tenacious;
Huge, heavy rocks, mountainous,
Inscribed with “Raama”, the holy name, redeemer,
On the dancing waves, lay together,
Forming the bridge, unbelievable,
Across the ocean, unfathomable,
Beyond the cape of Indian peninsula,
To Raavana’s golden kingdom, Lanka ….
Time was too less,
The task, enormous,
Hurrying past the trail,
Someone spotted a squirrel,
Rolling vigorously on the sand,
Gathering sand on its fluffy back,
Filling hands with a pebble or two,
As much as could be carried through,
And then racing to the bridge,
To empty the carried loads on it.
“What’s going on, little one ?
Why are you pacing along ?”
“Trying to lend a helping hand,
In this titanic task, my friend !!”
“Oh really ??!!” Jested the soldier,
And the ensuing wave of laughter,
Caught Shree Raama’s caring ears.
He came to see the tiniest of troopers.
He lifted the tiny critter, tenderly,
The little soldier said, shyly,
“I too, wanted to contribute ….”
“Oh, why not ? I do truly value
Your piety, sincerity and effort !”
Full of love, said the Lord,
The earth and sky and world yonder,
Echoed with immense joy and cheer.
Shree Raama ran His fingers, gently,
On the fluffy back of his little devotee,
As stripes, marks of love, appear,
To be on squirrel’s back, then on, forever.
Vanita Thakkar (10-06-2023)
This poem narrates a very famous story from the Raamaayana, which has always inspired me. I narrate it during my teaching sessions or talks and on relevant occasions.
In the modern fast world of competitions and acquisitions, it is easy to underestimate the value of true, but seemingly trivial individual efforts. This story shows that each individual effort is important in team work. A true leader, like Lord Raama, accepts and appreciates every contributor.
One gets reminded of this incident even as a lone, significant contributor in thankless working conditions, which may be due to working under substandard leadership / administration.
