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September 2018

DEMOCRACY

By C. N. VAZE
Chartered Accountant
Reading Time 4 mins

In Maansarovar,
hauns” (swan) and “haunsini” (she swan) were staying happily.
Once upon a time, a flock of crows came flying over there. The leader of the
crows greeted the hauns and asked him as to “who he was and why he was
staying over there?” Hauns replied, “this is Maansarovar and it
belongs to the swans. So we are staying here for many generations”. Oh! said
the crow.” So the dispute is not on two issues but only on one point.”

 

Hauns was surprised. “Where is the dispute here?”. he asked.

 

Crow –
“Actually we came from a far off place and we were not sure whether this is Maansarovar
or something else. Since you said it is Maansarovar, we agree. The
second question was whether it belongs to Swans. We also accept that it belongs
to swans as you say”.

 

Hauns (terribly puzzled) – “Then where is the question of any dispute?” The
leader of the crow coolly said, “the question is who is the swan?” “We believe
in democracy”, he continued, “naturally, we will decide as to who is the
swan by majority votes”.

 

Hauns immediately agreed, “Satyameva Jayate”, he exclaimed. Haunsini
tried to resist but hauns pacified her.

 

Voting took
place. Crows became swans. Swan with his wife had to vacate the place. They
went away cursing their fate. Suddenly, they came across the Eagle. “Oh dear hauns,
what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here? All well at Mansarovar?”

 

Hauns – “No, actually there was a little problem.” Hauns narrated the
story of crows.

 

Eagle – “Arey,
are you a fool? Tomorrow these crows will come to me and claim that they are
eagles. I will tell them point blank. I will decide who is the eagle, by my
power”.

Hauns – “Yes, I see a point in what you say. I will immediately rush to
Maansarovar and tell the crows as you have guided”.

 

Hauns and haunsini came back. Hauns challenged the leader of the
crows, “Hey, listen, your majority voting is not acceptable to me. We will
decide as to who is the swan by our power of wings and beaks”.

 

 “I am a peace-loving person”, the crow
retorted, “Still if you wish to taste our power, we are ready”.

 

A squirrel
from the tree close-by was watching that the hauns was talking to the crows.
She came out and asked the hauns what was the matter. She asked why he came
back. Hauns told her about his conversation with the eagle.

 

Squirrel – “Arey
brother hauns, this showing of strength is alright for the eagle to say. With
what are you going to fight?, your delicate wings or beautiful beak? It will be
suicidal”.

 

Hauns – “I know, but I must fight for the truth. Ultimately, truth shall
succeed”.

 

The show of
power took place. Hauns was killed, haunsini was killed and since
the squirrel was advising them, she was also killed. Crows were triumphant.

 

The moral of
the story – “Hauns died since he did not realise the truth and squirrel
died since she knew the truth”.

 

Note – This article is
adapted from a story written by a well-known marathi author Late Mr. G.A.
Kulkarni. I acknowledge this with thanks to him. It has been written in the
context of many elections that we are going to experience within next few
months. The real moral is – if the swans really hope to succeed, they must
acquire real power including physical strength and remain united. This is true
in all walks of life. Otherwise the mediocre people will take the front seat.

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