Tenali Raman Teaches a Soldier About Survival

The king, a soldier, and Tenali Raman once visited a remote village in Vijayanagaram. The villagers, who lived a simple life, survived by eating ragi and occasionally consuming the meat of dead animals, though they never hunted. The soldier, witnessing their lifestyle, remarked disdainfully, “I would never eat dead animals’ meat, no matter what.”

Raman, unimpressed by the soldier’s arrogance, retorted, “Under such circumstances, survival is more important than pride. I, too, would eat what they provide if needed.”

The king, amused, saw an opportunity for a challenge. He arranged for the soldier to live in the village under strict conditions: he was not allowed to leave, and he had to survive on whatever food the villagers provided.

The Soldier’s Ordeal

At first, the soldier refused to eat anything. The villagers offered him ragi, their staple food, but he despised its taste. Days passed, and the soldier grew weak from hunger. Despite his resolve, the pangs of starvation gnawed at his pride. By the end of the week, he could no longer resist. Begrudgingly, he ate the ragi and even partook in the meat of a dead animal.

Raman’s Victory

When the week ended, the soldier, frail but alive, admitted defeat. “I concede, Raman. Survival outweighs arrogance,” he confessed.

The king, pleased with the lesson imparted by Raman, praised his wisdom. The incident left everyone reflecting on the importance of humility and adaptability in life.