The Fruit Without Seed

One day, a traveling merchant arrived at Emperor Akbar’s court, presenting an exotic basket of fruit. With flair and confidence, he declared, “These fruits are magical! They are completely seedless perfect, clean, and without flaw.”

The courtiers were impressed, and many praised the merchant’s offering. Even Akbar, intrigued by the novelty, picked one up and admired its smoothness.

But Birbal, ever observant, remained silent. Then he asked, “Tell me, good merchant, if these fruits have no seeds, how will more of them grow?”

The man stammered, “Well… they don’t grow naturally, but they look better, and people like them.”

Birbal turned to the emperor and said, “Jahanpanah, a fruit without seeds may seem convenient now, but it holds no promise for tomorrow. Without roots and seeds, there is no future only the illusion of perfection.”

He gently added, “Just like wisdom, values, or tradition if we enjoy the fruit but forget to plant the seed, we lose the cycle of growth.”

Akbar nodded thoughtfully. “True worth lies not only in what we consume, but in what we leave behind.”

Moral: Lasting growth comes from what carries forward not just what pleases in the moment.