Mangoes taught a lesson

In the rich village of Vellicholai, a man named Sengodan owned fields, cattle, and the largest mango grove in the district.

His mangoes were known far and wide — golden and sweet. But Sengodan was a miser.

When children asked, he barked, “Buy it with coins!”

When old women begged during the festival, he said, “Go ask the gods!”

Even fallen mangoes were swept into the river so no one could taste them.

One evening, as the sun dipped behind the trees, a group of travelers stopped at his gate.

“We’ve been walking since morning,” said one. “Could we have a few mangoes?”

Sengodan squinted. “Are your hands filled with gold? If not, keep walking.”

The travelers bowed and left, but not all of them were good men.

That night, under the light of the half-moon, shadows crept into the orchard. Branches snapped, fruits were packed in sacks, and young trees were slashed for speed. By dawn, half the grove was gone.

Sengodan stood with his mouth open. “Thieves! My mangoes! My grove!”

The village chief came, looked at the broken trees, and said calmly:

“Had you given them when asked with folded hands,

you wouldn't have lost them to those with hidden knives.”

Then, he quoted Avvaiyaar’s timeless warning:

"ஈயார் தேட்டை தீயார் கொள்வர்"

“That which the miser won't give, the wicked will take.”

From that day, Sengodan built a stone bench at his gate with a sign:

“Ask freely. Take wisely.”

He didn’t grow just mangoes anymore.

He grew respect.

Moral:

Generosity not only brings us respect but also saves us from great losses.