A story my aunt once told me under a full moon.
Curator’s Note: The story centers on a poignant childhood memory of bedtime storytelling shared by the author’s aunt during a moonlit night. The story, “When God Walked a Child to School,” follows Gopal, a boy fearful of crossing a jungle to attend school. His mother encourages him to call upon Lord Krishna for comfort, leading to an enchanting relationship between the two. Despite the joy of companionship, Gopal faces hardship at school due to poverty and mockery, yet draws strength from Krishna’s presence. Over time, Gopal’s confidence grows, altering his interactions with peers and his teacher, ultimately leading to newfound respect. This story was written by A. K. Grisam, a contributor to ILLUMINATION publications on Medium and to the community blogs at Digitalmehmet.
For generations, mothers, grandmothers, and aunts have laid the foundation of timeless values through the magic of bedtime stories—nurturing young minds and filling hearts with wonder. When God Walked a Child to School through a jungle carries that very same warmth, weaving a story that deeply resonates with readers of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
I was six or seven years old when I first heard this story. We were lying on the terrace under a full moon, stars scattered across the sky. Even today, I can hear my aunt’s soft, soothing voice as clearly as I did that night.
A Story From My Childhood
The most unforgettable story I ever heard was told to me by my aunt when I was six or seven years old. We were lying on our backs on the terrace, gazing at the full moon and a sky strewn with stars. Even today, I can hear her soft, soothing voice as clearly as I did that night.
When God Walked a Child to School
There once lived a poor village woman who wanted her son to be educated. She insisted that he go to school, but the boy refused. To reach the only school in the area, he had to cross a dense jungle — and that terrified him.
Sensing his fear, his mother spoke gently to him.
“Do not be afraid,” she said. “When you enter the jungle, shout, ‘Bala Krishna, Bala Krishna, brother, please escort me,’ and He will walk with you.”
The Child Who Feared the Jungle
Reluctantly, the boy set off. Before stepping into the jungle, he shouted the words his mother had taught him. Instantly, Lord Krishna appeared before him — as a small boy, no older than he was. Lord Bala Krishna stood before him, a flute resting lightly in one hand, a peacock feather tucked into his hair. His dark, blue-black, storm-cloud skin glowed softly, and his eyes and smile radiated love and warmth.
Lord Krishna asked gently, “Why did you call me?”
Gopal stood wonder-struck. Words failed him. Clearing his throat, he finally appealed, “Brother, I am afraid to cross the jungle to go to school. My mother said that if I called you, you would escort me.”
Lord Krishna laughed softly and said, “I will walk with you to school and back every day — but on one condition.”
Gopal’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “I am ready to do anything,” he said eagerly. “Tell me.”
Krishna smiled and replied, “You must never reveal to anyone that we are friends.”
Gopal nodded at once. “Of course. But may I tell my mother? She is the one who advised me to call you.”
Krishna paused for a moment and then said, “Very well. You may tell your mother — but no one else.”
From that day onward, Krishna walked beside Gopal every morning to school and every evening back home, telling him delightful stories along the way. Before long, the two became inseparable friends.
Gopal told his mother about Bala Krishna. She only laughed, believing it to be her child’s imagination, but she was relieved that her son now went to school happily every day. Soon, this became routine.
Poverty, Mockery, and Silent Suffering
Though Gopal’s fear of crossing the jungle was gone, his troubles at school continued. The other students mocked his poverty and his worn clothes. Their taunts grew crueler with each passing day, while Gopal suffered in silence.
The Guru, the teacher, pretended not to notice Gopal’s misery. In truth, he was not pleased to have Gopal as his disciple at all. To him, Gopal belonged among cows and sheep, not in a school meant for the elite. Gopal’s poverty irritated the Guru, who believed his institution was reserved for the privileged.
While the Guru was curt and harsh with Gopal, the Guru’s wife was a kind-hearted woman who treated the boy with warmth and compassion.
When Gopal shared the insults and torments with Krishna, Krishna asked him gently, “Why do you still go to school, despite all this suffering?”
Gopal looked at Krishna with deep devotion and said, “My dear friend, every day I look forward to meeting you and spending time with you. I will endure any hardship for that. The moment I see you, all my pain disappears.”
Krishna laughed affectionately and said, “Gopal, from tomorrow, simply think of me and chant my name in your mind. You will see me there — and you will also see a change in your Guru.”
The very next day, Gopal’s tormentors were stunned. He walked into school with a radiant smile, as though the insults hurled at him were rose petals instead of abuse.
The Guru, too, was taken aback. He was astonished by Gopal’s wisdom and depth of understanding. Gopal began asking questions and raising doubts that left the Guru embarrassed, for his own limited knowledge could not provide answers.
To avoid these uncomfortable moments, the Guru began treating Gopal with newfound respect and kindness.
Contd…
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