WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REPTILES Lesson 8 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REPTILES

Pambupatti is a peaceful village. People of different qualities, different religions stay there peacefully .But it was not always so. There is a story behind this.

Prem, the narrator of the story ,runs away from his village. People of his village start fighting with each other, killing each other, burning things down in the name of religion.

Prem reaches Pambupatti and faints near a well. When he opens his eyes he finds the villagers lovingly taking care of him. Prem is surprised to see such co operation and love among the villagers. An old man starts the story.

Very very long ago, there were no animals in Pambupatti, only reptiles. They had a meeting every month. Their leader was Makara-a crocodile.

One day Makara asked the tortoise to leave the forest. They were so slow, so stupid and they carry their own houses on their backs. The tortoises quietly left the forest. All were happy because there was more food, more water ,more space. But a rotting smell began to fill the forest.

Next Makara asked the snakes to leave the forest. They were so slimy and made funny noises. The snakes left quietly. All were afraid of snakes so they were happy to see the snakes go. But soon the forest was filled with rats.

Lizards were asked to go next. They had strangest habits and changed colour. Soon the lizards too left. The forest was filled with insects after the lizards left.

Life was terrible for the crocodiles now. They were troubled by rats ,frogs and insects. All turned against Makara. One day they decided to call the tortoises, snakes and lizards back. They returned and the forest became normal once again. The old man stopped his story.

“I have a story to tell my villagers, ”said Prem “will they listen to me?” “They have to” said the old man.”Remember all of us has a place in this strange, funny world.”

1)In what way is Pambupatti different from any other village? Question and Answers 1)In what way is Pambupatti different from any other village? Every one lived together –happily, peacefully. 2) Why is Prem determined not to return to his village? No peace in the village, they killed each other, fought in the name of religion.

3)Why did Makara dislike tortoises, snakes and lizards? Tortoises-slow , carried their homes own their backs Snakes- slimy, made hissing noises Lizards- strange habits, changed colours 4)What went wrong when the tortoises, snakes and lizards left the forest? When tortoises left-smell of rotting snakes left - full of rats Lizards left -full of insects

5)Why do you think Prem wants to tell the story of the reptiles to the people of his village? To make them understand there is space for all in this world. 6)Do you agree that it is difficult not to get along with someone who is strong and powerful? Yes, the strong and the powerful are not always right. Makara was wrong in sending others away.

If you were a baby crocodile , would you tell Makara that he was wrong If you were a baby crocodile , would you tell Makara that he was wrong ?What would you say to convince him? ANS :- Yes . We need the help of others to live peacefully.