From generations, Himba elephant’s family had won the ‘Happy Baby Contest. All the babies born in this family had a well-balanced body, with correct height and weight. They were healthy and happy.
Therefore, all the babies in Himba elephant’s family used to easily win the competition every year easily defeating all the other babies of the jungle.
This time, it was Timba’s turn to take part in the competition. Timba was only six years old. He could hardly walk properly. Recently, he had been weaned off milk and had started eating various types of grasses.
Timba’s mother was upset. Her baby, though eligible, wasn’t the only one capable of winning the ‘Happy Baby Contest. There were many babies participating in this competition!
A giraffe baby, a tiger baby and a rhino baby were some of the strong contenders. They appeared to be happy and healthy. They were also active and mischievous.
As the competition date approached, Timba’s mother started taking special care of her baby. She started cooking food that Timba liked.
She paid special attention to his sleep and exercise habits. In spite of all these efforts, Timba became dull. He used to cry over small things and throw tantrums.
Timba’s mother was worried. She went to meet their family’s oldest grandmother; who had been a healthy baby contest winner in her childhood.
Grandma lived in another part of the jungle with her maternal family. It was near a pond.
Mother said, “Grandma, I am very worried about Timba. He has to participate in the ‘Happy Baby Contest’ next month.
However, he looks so sad and is inactive. What should I do to make him active and happy?”
Grandma consoled Timba’s mother by saying, “You don’t have to worry about your child. He will perform well. I am sure he will win.”
She added, “There is still some time left for the competition. Why don’t you let Timba stay with me for a few days?”
Timba’s mother was relieved to hear this. She had great faith in Grandma.
The next day, Timba’s mother told her son, “Good news! Your Grandma, who is also a part of the Himba family, has been remembering you. She wants you to go and stay with her for some days.”
Hearing this, Timba nodded his head reluctantly.
Next day, Mother took him to meet Grandma. Grandma was a patient elephant. She smiled and hugged Timba.
She lovingly exclaimed, “Little Timba! I am very happy to see you. I want you to stay with me for a few days, so that I can get to know you better.”
Timba looked at her and smiled. He decided to stay. The next morning, when Timba woke up, Grandma said, “Timba, let’s go for a walk.”
He was in no mood to walk but could not say this to his Grandma.
He muttered, “Okay Grandma!” and got ready quickly.
As they started walking, they came across a lot of animals. Grandma being a happy person, greeted by nodding her head or waving her trunk. She was very popular with everyone in the jungle.
Timba observed how she behaved. He realised that he was growing very fond of his Grandma.
For a few days, Grandma didn’t say anything to Timba.
Timba had started liking his morning walks with Grandma. He looked forward to them. He also started saying hello to everyone. In fact, he was smiling all day!
Just before the last day of his visit, Timba asked Grandma, “Grandma, How can you be so happy and so friendly with everyone? I have a few friends who don’t talk to me. Some of the others even tease me and call me fatso.”
Grandma replied, “Animals may say anything. However, when we are friendly and confident of ourselves, they will always respect us. When we smile, they will smile in return. If you respect others, they will always do the same.”
Hearing this, Timba became very thoughtful. The next day he returned to his mother. His attitude had changed completely. He began to greet everyone just like his Grandma. In turn, everyone returned the greetings. Everyone was becoming fond of Timba baby!
Needless to say, Timba won the ‘Happy Baby Contest. And he remained a happy and a healthy elephant.
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