/ A friend in need is afriend indeed Meaning: Many of our friends are fair weather friends. ‘They desert us when we are in trouble. Only a few friends stand by us in our hour of need. They are friends, indeed! Alternative: A friend Is best judged in adversity. In times of prosperity friends will be plenty. In times of adversity not one among twenty. Hindi 1, rere WS a ae, aT AAT aT ta! Equivalents: 2. 0-1 agri 3a are. Mustrative Story: Sudama was a poor Brahmin. He and his family lived in utter poverty and misery. For days together, they had very little to eat They often slept without having any food at all. Sudama cursed himself for not being able to provide for his family. The thoughts of committing suicide often crossed his mind. Once in a fit of depression he voiced histhoughtsto his wife. Shetried toconsole her husband and then, reminded him of his friendship with Lord Krishna—the King of Owarika. As children Krishna and Sudama had lived and studied together in Sandipan Muni's Ashram, "Go to him", she pleaded, "Krishna Is all powerful, kind and gener- fous. He will surely help you in this hour of need". sudama hesitated, "He is a King and I'm just 2 poor wretched Brahmin How can | visit him?" "So what!" she countered, "friendship is aforces with great skill. The Pandavs found it impossible to penetrate the enemy lines. They suffered heavy casualities "We will never win," groaned Yudhishter. "That Is a defeatist attitude. We can always find a way out," sald Lord Krishna. “What do you suggest?" Yudhishter turned to Lord Krishna, "You are Dharmaputra. The whale world knows you never lle. If you agree to piay a trick, we can beat Dronacharya,” said Lord Krishna. “How'*Yudhishter enquired. "Get hold of an elephant. Name the elephant Ashwathama after the son of Dronacharya. kill the elephant. Then announce, an x