A Naked King

Once upon a time, there was a powerful King. His subjects were very obedient; so obedient that they could not believe that the King could do any wrong. Over time they became the most loyal subjects. The King did not tolerate anyone who would question or even think about questioning any action of the King or his cabinet of ministers or his army generals.

In the schools, colleges, and universities across the kingdom, the teachers were revered. The students never asked their teachers any questions. Nobody expressed their opinion on anything. In effect, everybody was obedient, compliant, and above all loyal and content. There was no hint of any thought to the contrary.

One day the King was in conversation with his Prime Minister. When asked by the King about the state of affairs of his kingdom, the Prime Minister replied, “Your Majesty, the subjects are very happy; there is peace everywhere. From shopkeepers to landowners, from school teachers to police, everyone is obedient and compliant to the rules. Everyone obeys your diktats, Your Majesty”.

The Prime Minister continued, “Your Majesty, no one asks questions in Neverland. The students revere their teachers. They do not ask questions. The patients prefer to die peacefully, even if they are not treated in the hospital. No one protests about the obscene cost of medicines. Everyone keeps quiet, whatever be the situation. There is peace everywhere, Your Majesty”. The King seemed to be satisfied.

However, in His mind, the King was not so sure. What if there grows a tiny blade of questioning spirit from a crevice of the kingdom’s solid concrete of governance? Complacence may give rise to a future problem. There was a frown on the Royal forehead.

The King summoned the Prime Minister again. He declared his wish to tour the capital of his kingdom of Neverland. He would go around the streets with the Royal entourage to personally see and observe the faces of his compliant, loyal, and happy subjects. A day was fixed and the Royal tour was declared all over for the occasion.

On the appointed day, the King prepared himself well. He wore the diamond and emerald studded belt around his waist, from where the bejewelled sword dangled in its case. He put the invaluable crown on his head, shining like a mid-day Sun. He asked his Prime Minister, “How do I look?” The P.M. replied, “You look majestic, incomparable, Your Majesty”!

The king boarded the Royal Chariot, drawn by six of the best white horses (the King despised the black) from the Royal stable. Instead of being seated on the throne, He preferred that day to stand erect with the crown dazzling on his head. The chariot was flanked by two of the Generals, also atop their white horses, a step back. This was followed by the Prime Ministerial mount and other cabinet ministers. Behind were the soldiers – cavalry and foot soldiers, all bedecked ceremonially to mark the grand occasion. The Army band played “Long live the King; long live Neverland”. Truly, it was a sight to behold.

The streets were lined by the subjects, all dressed up. After all, it is not an everyday affair. They left their calling for the day; their main task at hand was to greet the Royal procession. So they chanted “Long live the King”, as the procession passed gently with full regalia. There was peace, contentment, and happiness all around. The King seemed to be mighty pleased.

As the Royal procession turned on to the third street around the central square, a five-year-old boy appeared suddenly from the cheering crowd of subjects. He came running almost in front of the Royal Chariot. Looking up to the King, the boy burst into laughter, saying “the King is naked…the King is naked”. Silence befell like a bomb from the sky. The whole procession suddenly screeched to a halt.

The parents of the boy were mortally scared. In great fear, their feet got sunk onto the pavement, or so it seemed. Everyone was quiet and frozen like an eternity. In the meanwhile, the King, tall and erect, descended from the chariot. Slowly He walked up to the boy. The boy was bewildered by the suddenness of the tidings. The naked King held the boy’s hand and greeted him with a smile.

The King summoned the Prime Minister. The King roared, “You damn fool! Why didn’t you advise me that I was naked and must put on my dresses? You.. good for nothing! You’re fired..” He realized that a child could do what an entire nation was unable to do. The child was simple, honest, and unconditioned; so he could do what he did.

***

We all live in Neverland everywhere, in all spheres of life, wherever we may be. As subjects, we are supposed to accept everything, as they are, no questions asked. We are so conditioned that we are only entitled to feel happy.

The subjects are not supposed to seek reasons and logic behind the establishment’s decisions. The customers are not supposed to fume on abominable prices or complaint about the poor quality of products and merchandise against the big corporates.

Even when the corporate king is naked.

The students are supposed not to ask for any explanation or clear any doubts. They must not have any doubts at all or ever think to oppose the government’s policies.

The writers, authors, and poets are not supposed to discuss among themselves or dare to ask the editors, hosting platforms, and publishers any question. They are never supposed to speak, write or use funny language about anyone in power.

Even when the academic King is naked.

Science is abhorred. Only beliefs and sermons are to be followed in the Neverland of today. The subjects must seek comfort from the fact they live in Neverland, not in hell, no matter if the living conditions are abhorrent or close to hell; even if insults are meted to them every day. They have been mentally conditioned through years and decades of compliance. Anyone with a contrarian view must be re-educated so that their power of questioning is so diminished that they would always see what they are asked to see; they won’t see what they are trained not to see.

Even if the King is naked!

There are many Neverlands across our globe – some are yellow, while some are red and those, which are green. But there is one commonality – the Kings are naked. None is allowed to ask their Kings or their agents any questions. If someone asks any question, he or she would be eliminated, even in some other Neverland. Of course, each one of their subjects has a choice. Either comply or perish.

Where on earth is our little child? Can we find him in our own Neverland?

***

Author's Note:

The story is based on an old Indian tale.

I can be contacted via bdatta.enc@gmail