Test to merit
The King of Malwa had introduced a service commission examination to select suitable men for higher posts within the government. Those selected would be sent to the chief minister, the chancellor of the exchequer, and the chief of military staff for adequate training before being appointed to their posts.
The Examination Journey
Once, two young men, Kanda and Vinda, were sent to the minister. Equally able and clever, only one of them would be appointed. The minister, after a great deal of thought, devised a test. He gave each one a full basket of Jelebis (sweet treats) and different delivery destinations. They were to deliver the baskets and bring back signed receipts from the recipients. Thus, Kanda and Vinda set out in different directions.
The Journey of Vinda
Vinda, whose journey was long and tiring under the blazing sun, took a rest under a tree. Overcome by curiosity, he opened the basket to discover two hundred Jelebis. Their aroma stirred his hunger, and he justified eating ten of them, assuming he could always plead hunger for the reduced number. He resumed his journey, delivered the Jelebis, and received a receipt certifying the one hundred and ninety Jelebis delivered.
The Journey of Kanda
Kanda also had a long journey. During a break, he opened his basket and was attracted by the aroma of Jelebis. Despite keen hunger, he resisted eating any, as this would reduce the count. Instead, he came up with a trick: he broke off a piece from each Jelebi, satisfying his hunger while maintaining the count. Upon reaching his destination, he delivered the Jelebis, receiving a receipt for the correct number.
The Return and the Final Test
Returning to the minister, Vinda confessed his act when asked about the reduction in the number of Jelebis, while Kanda provided his signed receipt and explained his lunch compromise. The minister decided to further test the two youths by assigning them to deliver trays of ash to the Kings of Avanthi and Anga respectively.
Delivery of Ash
Vinda, straightforwardly offering the ash to the King of Anga, angered the king and ended up imprisoned, but managed to escape thanks to a minister’s intervention. Kanda, on the other hand, presented the ash to the King of Avanthi as a sacred gift in a silver chalice, earning the king’s gratitude and commendation.
The Result
Kanda and Vinda returned to Malwa and narrated their experiences to the Prime Minister. After deliberation, the Prime Minister chose Kanda for the cabinet post, as he had proven to be the worthier of the two.