By the banks of a sparkling river lived a fisherman named Somu. Every morning, before the sun climbed high, Somu would row his small boat into the deep waters to cast his nets. He was a hardworking man who sold his fresh catch at the village market to support his family.
One morning, on his way to the river, Somu met a man named Kathir. Kathir had no job and spent his days sitting by the roadside, asking passersby for coins. Feeling pity, Somu gave him some money. This happened for several days. Somu realized that Kathir wasn't just poor; he was very lazy and had lost the will to work.
Somu decided to help Kathir in a better way. "Kathir," Somu said, "instead of asking for coins, come to the riverbank tomorrow morning. I have a wonderful surprise for you that will change your life."
Kathir was thrilled. He couldn't sleep all night, dreaming of gold or riches. He reached the riverbank very early the next day, but Somu was not there yet. Kathir sat on a large rock, watching the water, waiting impatiently.
When Somu finally arrived, Kathir jumped up. "Sir, where is my prize?" he asked eagerly.
Somu smiled calmly. "The prize is waiting, but first, I need your help. I will teach you how to cast this net properly into the water. If you can do it, you shall have your reward."
Somu showed Kathir how to spread the net wide and throw it with strength. Then, they sat together in silence, watching the ripples on the water. Time passed, and finally, Somu signaled that it was time to pull the net in.
As they pulled, the net grew heavy. Suddenly, dozens of silver fish splashed in the net! Kathir's eyes widened. "Wow! Can I just sell these fish and keep the money?" he asked excitedly.
Somu handed him a brand new, strong fishing net. "This net is your real prize, Kathir. Today, you woke up early, you worked hard, and you practiced patience. If you use this net every day, you will never have to beg again."
Kathir looked at the net and then at his own hands. He realized that the true gift wasn't the fish, but the ability to earn them. From that day on, he became the most hardworking fisherman in the village.
Moral
Teaching someone a skill is more valuable than giving them a handout.
