Tale of Lalu: A Lesson for a Generation

'' Organizations not just protect us help us with a good standard of living, a respect in society.. etc, but also protect us from other risks - unforeseen financial expenses (hospitalization/family exigency).''

- My mentor

In the heart of Gandhinagar’s bustling IT hub, nestled among sleek glass buildings and manicured gardens, a litter of puppies was born. Among them was Lalu, a light brown puppy with white markings, full of energy and charm. What made Lalu’s life extraordinary was not just his adorable antics but the unique family he grew up with — the Gen Z IT professionals who worked at the company.

From the moment Lalu opened his eyes, he was showered with love and attention. These professionals, glued to their laptops during the day, would find moments of joy in feeding Lalu, playing with him, and sharing his life on social media. Lalu’s mother, an Indian breed dog, was content with this co-parenting arrangement. She saw her pup thrive on organic treats, filtered water, and the endless cuddles from these humans who seemed to treat him like their own.

Lalu’s life was idyllic. Every need was met without effort. Even before he felt hungry, someone would bring him a bowl of warm milk and biscuits. If he felt bored, a crowd of humans would appear to play with him. Lalu lived in a bubble of comfort, not knowing the world outside the gates of the IT premises.

The Day of Adventure

One fateful morning, Lalu’s curiosity got the better of him. A butterfly flitted past, beyond the garden, towards the main road. Without thinking, Lalu followed, trotting happily out of the gate and onto the chaotic streets of Gandhinagar.

For the first time, Lalu faced the harsh reality of the world beyond his comfort zone. The busy street was filled with blaring horns, screeching brakes, and humans rushing past without a glance at him. Lalu tried to approach a man for food, wagging his tail hopefully, but was met with a dismissive shove.

The once-playful puppy was now surrounded by dangers he didn’t understand. Other street dogs saw him as an intruder and chased him. He narrowly escaped, his coat now matted with dirt and a small cut on his ear. Hunger gnawed at him, but there was no bowl of stew in sight.

A Harsh Realization

Lalu wandered aimlessly, searching for a familiar face or a friendly hand. He was tired, scared, and overwhelmed. The streets were nothing like the garden where life was easy and everyone adored him. As night fell, Lalu curled up under a parked car, shivering from the cold and nursing his wounds.

In that moment, Lalu understood something profound: life outside his sheltered world was unforgiving. There were no guarantees of safety, comfort, or kindness. It was a lesson he had never needed to learn in the cocoon of the IT premises.

A Lesson for Gen Z

Meanwhile, back at the IT company, panic set in. Lalu’s absence was noticed immediately, and a search party was organized. The Gen Z professionals, many of whom had never faced real hardship themselves, were distraught. Their social media posts reflected their anxiety: “#FindLalu #ComeHomeBaby.”

After hours of searching, they found him huddled under the car, scared and trembling. They scooped him up, tears streaming down their faces, and brought him back to the garden. Lalu was back in his safe haven, but he was no longer the same carefree puppy. He had seen the other side of life.

As Lalu healed, his tale became a story shared during coffee breaks. It wasn’t just about a lost puppy; it became a metaphor for their own lives. These Gen Z professionals, raised in relative comfort, began to see how insulated they had been from the challenges of the real world. They realized that life outside their carefully curated bubbles wasn’t always kind or forgiving.

A Satire of Comfort

Lalu’s story became a reminder: just as he had to face the harsh realities of life, so too would they. The free food, the comfortable job perks, and the constant validation from their digital lives were temporary luxuries. The world outside wouldn’t hand them these comforts on a platter.

In the end, Lalu became a beloved symbol of resilience. His journey inspired his Gen Z parents to appreciate their privileges but also prepare for the challenges ahead.

And Lalu? He lived happily ever after, but he never ventured beyond the garden gate again. Sometimes, he would sit by the fence, looking out at the bustling street, silently reminding his humans of the life they often took for granted.

This fictional story is inspired from the old story of a puppy and bullock cart wherein puppy thinks the cart is driven by him and when he stops the cart goes on on its own pulled by the mighty bulls. The pup learns the cart was not just moving on its own but also protected it from other dangers; such as other street dogs.

I was reminded of this story by one of my mentors 14 years back while I was a fresher and had hell lot of complaints on work-life.