In a small village, a farmer owned a cow that followed a strict rhythm of life. Each morning it went into the forest to graze, and every evening by five, it returned home.
One day, while heading back, a lion spotted the cow and gave chase. Both ran furiously until, in their struggle, they leapt into a दलदल — a marshy swamp. The mud tightened around their legs. The more they fought, the deeper they sank.
Breathing heavily, the cow looked at the lion and asked, “Who is your owner?” The lion puffed out his chest. “Owner? I am the king of the jungle. No one owns me.”
The cow gave a quiet laugh. “Then you will die here.”
The lion frowned. “Why do you say that?”
The cow explained, “My master will notice if I don’t return by evening. He will come searching, pull me out, and save me. But you… you are too proud to belong to anyone. No one will come for you. That is your weakness.”
In business and in life, many leaders behave like the lion — confident, independent, convinced they can manage on their own. But when they fall into the inevitable swamps of uncertainty, failure, or blind spots, their pride keeps them stuck.
The cow represents those who allow guidance in their lives. Having a mentor doesn’t make you weak; it makes you resilient. A mentor is the one who notices when you don’t return on time, who searches for you when you’re stuck, and who pulls you out when your own strength is not enough.
Just like the lion, even the most powerful professionals or entrepreneurs can sink if they rely only on themselves. A mentor is not ownership; it is stewardship. It is the difference between being lost in the दलदल — or being rescued, learning, and moving forward.