Mattress of Jivanlal (Jivanlal ki Godadi)
There were eighteen members in a joint family living together—parents, the families of three brothers, and a sister. After a long period of living together, all three brothers decided to part ways. The household goods were divided into three equal parts.
When it came to the division of mattresses, Jivanlal, the eldest brother, played a trick. For the past few months, he had been making new covers for the mattresses. In this way, he had covered nearly half of the total forty-nine mattresses. At the time of division, he took away those twenty-five mattresses, claiming that since he had covered them, they belonged to him.
Finally, he took those twenty-five mattresses along with one-third of the remaining twenty-four. His total share thus became thirty-three mattresses, while the other two brothers were left with only eight each.
This story reminds me of many Jivanlals in public administration. Wealth, property, and infrastructure developed over the years through the collective efforts of many people, using available resources, are suddenly claimed by such Jivanlals as their own achievements. By merely putting a new cover on old assets, they start asserting ownership.
The older generations worked hard and created the foundation. Because of them, the present generation is in a position to refine, renovate, or rebrand—by adding a new cover or placing their name on it. But the mattresses belong to everyone.
Salute to the elders. You were great.
This story made me think about how people often claim more than their fair share, just like Jivanlal did with the mattresses. It also reminded me how families today argue about even simple things like bedding and home items. When I read this, I also thought about how rising mattress prices in Pakistan make people hold on tightly to whatever they have. Even a small foam mattress feels valuable now. The way old generations worked together and built everything slowly feels very different from today, where people want quick credit. Your point about giving new covers and claiming old work as their own is so true in many offices and even public departments. The message is simple: shared things belong to everyone, whether it's property, effort, or something as basic as a mattress in family life.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve made an interesting connection between ownership, value, and how people perceive shared resources over time. It’s true that when things become more expensive or harder to replace, even everyday essentials start to feel more significant and closely protected. In the same way, comfort and long-term well-being also depend on choosing the right support system at home. For example, an orthopedic mattress can provide consistent support and durability, helping people prioritize both health and comfort in their daily lives.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection highlights how easily people can lose sight of fairness when resources, recognition, or possessions are involved. The story serves as a reminder that true value often comes from shared effort and mutual respect rather than ownership alone. It also shows how everyday items can become symbols of responsibility and care within a family. In the same way, investing in durable essentials like a quality latex mattress is about thinking long term and appreciating the comfort and support that benefit everyone in the household over time.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a thoughtful perspective. Stories like this often remind us that long-term value comes from making fair, practical decisions rather than focusing only on immediate gain. The same principle applies to household purchases, where durability and functionality often matter more than appearances alone. Choosing an affordable spring mattress is a good example of investing in something that provides lasting comfort and support while still being mindful of budget and everyday needs.
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