Underneath the Umbrella Tree🔊

Long ago, in a small village nestled amidst the lush green valley, there was a beautiful umbrella tree. This was not a usual tree, people appraised it as the village's emblem for unity and strength. They named it 'Samanvay,' which means 'Harmony.'

The village was inhabited by two ethnic groups, the Dakshis, and the Parvans. They had been living cordially for generations, shrouded under an unspoken pact of peace but there was an underlying animosity that arose out of old folklores and rivalries. Their association resembled the umbrella tree having two different sets of branches facing divergently, united by the sturdy trunk.

One stormy night, the umbrella tree was struck by a thunderbolt. Major part of it got incinerated, leaving it grievously wounded and barren. This tragic incident woke up the fake truce and old grudges reared their ugly heads. Each party blamed the other for the mishap. The peace was disrupted, the unity was shattered. The once joyous village turned somber and grim.

Savors walked in the chaos closely, a ten-year-old boy who was beloved by all and was known for his astute observations and profound understanding of life. Ignoring the clash around, Savors began collecting the seeds from the charred branches. He understood they were alike the seeds, different yet bound by the same origin and future. The seeds represented unity, a hefty price the village was about to pay if differences continued to sever the cord of harmony.

Ignoring the menacing glares, Savors started nurture the seeds. With every sunup, he would water the seeds, talk to them, and sing lullabies just like the elderlies did to their grandchildren. His innocent actions stirred whispers first, and then curiosity. The villagers began to observe Savors’s daily routine, his dedication and love toward the new saplings fascinated them.

When the saplings sprout, Savors invited the villagers for their unveiling. With hesitance, they arrived. Savors took to center and spoke thus, 'Look at these saplings, they have no grudges, no differences, just one aim, to grow and nourish life. We were like them once but have forgotten our aim. It's time we remember and learn from our past.' His heart-touching plea and the sight of the saplings that promised future unity general silences, followed by teary eyes and guilt-filled hearts.

Slowly, the ice started to melt. The blame game ceased, and the villagers started taking turns helping Savors nourish the young plants. Laughter and chit-chat returned to the village. The trunk became their meeting point; discussions took place there, and decisions were made under the young shades. The umbrella tree, once again, became the symbol of their unity, their strength.

Years later, the village was again brought under one umbrella. It was much stronger, much united than before. The villagers realized the tree's importance, what it stood for, the unity. They thanked Savors for the lesson he had taught them through the tree. They promised to keep their unity intact, not just for them but for future generations.

The tale of the village offers a simple lesson of unity, harmony, and the importance of seeing beyond differences. The tree could be any organization, family, or community, and the two groups could be any two different thinking groups, with a different set of beliefs and values but bound by a common goal. It emphasizes the importance of unity, understanding and nurture relationships despite the differences we have, as it is the key to progress and prosperity.

Thus, Savors’s story and the great umbrella tree became a familiar folklore, a tale recounted for generations that lived and thrived under the great umbrella tree remaining in unity and strength, the village of Samanvay thrived.