The Servant’s Name

One day, a new servant arrived at the royal palace. Though quiet and humble, he worked diligently cleaning before anyone asked, assisting without being noticed, and always ready to help with grace and care.

After a few days, Emperor Akbar noticed the servant's remarkable efficiency and presence. Curious, he called him forward during court.

“You’ve been working well,” Akbar said. “But I realize… I do not even know your name. What are you called?”

The servant looked down and remained silent. He opened his mouth slightly but said nothing. Some courtiers began to whisper, thinking he might be rude or mute.

Akbar frowned. “Why won’t he speak?”

Birbal stepped in with his calm smile. “Jahanpanah, perhaps he does not wish to speak his name. But does he need to? His actions already speak more clearly than any words could. Names are labels but true identity is revealed in what we do.”

Akbar thought for a moment and then smiled. “Well said, Birbal. Then let us call him Nishabd the silent one. His silence is not weakness; it is strength that shines through quiet effort.”

From that day forward, the servant was known not by a name he spoke, but by the dignity of his deeds.

Moral: True worth is not declared it is demonstrated.