Value of Help

A terrible cyclone devastated a district in the kingdom of Sompur.

“My lord, we must take steps to provide relief to the people immediately,” said the minister.

“Do you think I was wasting time waiting for your counsel? I have already taken action,” the king announced proudly.

The king had sent several officers to determine the best form of aid. After three days, the officers reported that while some people needed help in the form of rice, others preferred money.

The king was confused. He established a committee of his courtiers to study the situation and decide whether to provide rice or money.

After a week, the committee decided in favor of money. The king generously distributed funds among the cyclone-affected people.

Some days later, the king donned a disguise and ventured out to see the situation for himself. Upon returning, he was disgusted and told the minister, “The people are so ungrateful! I did not hear even one of them praising me, despite the substantial monetary aid I provided. Instead, they are all praising a merchant who merely handed out bread and pickles the day after the cyclone.”

“My lord, timely help is the most unforgettable help. Bread given when people are hungry and without ovens to cook is far more valuable than gold,” explained the minister.