One Rupee Coin

“What makes you happy?” Raji Madam asked her class.  Suddenly, students started shouting “Mam... Mam... Mam...”

“Hold on... Speak one by one...” Raji Madam said.  “I will be happy to have costly dresses” said Suvarna.  “I love to have plenty of toys” Sindhu said.  “My happiness lies in eating variety of dishes” scratching his belly, Monu said making everyone laugh.  Others also gave different answers like watching films, going to malls, attending parties and so on.  But, Jasmine sat silently.

“Why are you silent?  Don’t things make you happy?” Raji Madam asked Jasmine.  “Mam, even though I love enjoying new things I find happiness with whatever I have” said Jasmine.  Suddenly, Monu laughed louder and said – “Give her just a one rupee coin and let us see how she is going to be happy”.  Everybody joined Monu laughing at little Jasmine.

“Stop laughing” Raji Madam warned the children.  Raji Madam, then, took out a one rupee coin from her hand-bag and asked the class – “Can anyone buy happiness with this one rupee coin?”  There prevailed pin-drop-silence in the classroom for a while till Suvarna asked – “What can we get with just one rupee, Mam?”

Jasmine raised her hands and said – “Mam, please give me the coin”.  Monu shook his fat belly and teased Jasmine along with others.  Raji Madam smilingly handed over the one rupee coin to Jasmine.  Jasmine happily said – “See the magic of this one rupee coin today during our lunch break”.  Suvarna whispered at Sindhu’s ears - “With one rupee, she won’t get even an ice cream!”

Finally, it was lunch break.  Children finished their lunch very fast on that day.  Raji Madam joined the students along with Viswam Master, the Principal.  To everyone’s surprise, Jasmine walked coolly to the school gate where an old lady used to sell toffees and ice creams during lunch break. 

Jasmine bought two small toffees costing 50 paisa each and went to Bhola, the two year’s old son of Meena Aunty, their Ayah in the school.  Jasmine gave toffees to Bhola.  Bhola’s innocent face bloomed with a big smile on seeing two toffees.  Meena Aunty hugged little Jasmine. 

“Hurray... Hurray...” Bhola laughed louder; shook his head and ran here and there holding two toffees in his hand.  Children could not believe their eyes on seeing the tiny tot with such an excitement. 

“Children... this is a clear example of how happiness can be bought and brought with a meager amount.  The poor kid Bhola feels rich and happy on getting just two simple toffees” Raji Madam said.  “Can anyone measure Bhola’s happiness now?” asked Viswam Master.  Children stood silently. 

Raji Madam appreciated little Jasmine and said to all – “Happiness comes in various forms.  You get happiness not only when you get certain things of your interest but also when you give or share certain things regardless of cost and quantity.  Be happy by making others happy”.

Bhola came and kissed little Jasmine.  His lips were full of toffee taste.  Looking at Jasmine, Monu screamed – “Chocolate Jasmine...”  Everybody laughed in chorus.  Little lovely Jasmine smiled innocently.  Her cute dimple was full of chocolate!!!

MURALY TV