Panchatantra and the CIO: The Tortoise and the Swans

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Once upon a time there lived a tortoise. Some might argue that he was very talkative but others might see him for what he really was – imminently knowledgeable and altruistic. You see, this tortoise was not just content at accumulating a vast ocean of information; he wanted to pass it on to anybody and everybody with whom he came in contact with.

Needless to say, our tortoise was intensely curious and fearless by nature. So, what is the problem, you ask? Read On…

The tortoise lived on a pond that was a source of water and food. Our gregarious tortoise had two lifelong friends – pretty swans who also lived on the pond. These friends grew up together and were inseparable through thick and thin. Their motto: One for all and all for one!

This story could have had a happy ending but nature had other plans. One year, there was a drought. The pond dried up and with it the dreams of our friends the tortoise and the swans. They had many happy memories of the pond so they decided to stick it out even as they saw some of their friends die and other leave for greener pastures.

Each passing day increased their thirst and chipped away at their resolve. Soon it was apparent that if they stayed on they will die. So, the three put their heads together to think up a strategy.

Of course, the swans could save their lives by flying away to another pond but they were not going to leave their buddy alone to die. They were not equipped to fly while carrying the tortoise.

Our swans put their pretty little heads together and came up with a plan. They suggested to the tortoise that they will fly with each holding one end of a sick. The tortoise would hold on to this stick and voila!