Once upon a time, King Vikram of the Chola kingdom was looking for a wise minister. He knew that a prosperous kingdom needed a leader who could be trusted in every situation. He shortlisted three young men: Kadhir, Maran, and Ilango.
First, the King tested Kadhir. Kadhir was very intelligent, but he had a deep love for wealth. The King secretly gave him a bag of gold and told him to manage it for the kingdom. However, Kadhir tried to hide some of the coins for his own use. The King realized that Kadhir's love for money would make him dishonest.
Next, the King observed Maran. Maran was a cheerful man, but he was easily distracted by luxury and sensory pleasures. During the grand palace festivals, Maran spent all his time enjoying the music and fine food, neglecting his duties. The King saw that Maran could not stay focused on serious responsibilities.
Finally, the King tested Ilango. Ilango was a man of great character. One day, a crisis arose near the kingdom's borders, putting Ilango's own family in danger. While anyone else might have run away to save their loved ones, Ilango stayed calm. He prioritized his duty to the kingdom over his fear for his family's life. He showed that his sense of righteousness was stronger than his fear of loss.
King Vikram chose Ilango as his minister. He saw that Ilango had mastered his desires for wealth and pleasure, and possessed a courage that stood above the fear of death.
