The Village of Sunhope

In the peaceful hills beyond the river lived a village called Sunhope. The people there were kind, hard‐working, and had a beautiful tradition: every five years, they chose a village head by voting. This head would ensure there was water for all, fair markets, good schools, and help when someone was in trouble.

When the time came for elections, two candidates emerged:

Lama, a young woman known for honesty, whose father had built the first well in Sunhope when nobody else would.
Rajan, a well-dressed man, smooth-tongued, promising grand things: new roads, more festivals, even a pipe to bring water right into every home, though no one knew how he would pay for it.

On campaign day, Rajan’s supporters put up big colorful banners, held noisy rallies, gave sweets, and promised jobs. Lama, on the other hand, walked from house to house, listened to the problems of elders and children, and spoke simply about what could be really done: repairing the old water channels, fixing the school roof, having a small clinic.

As election day approached, villagers were confused: Rajan’s promises were dazzling, but seemed too big to believe. Lama’s plans were modest, but felt honest.

On voting day, many were swayed by sweets, by the spectacle of Rajan’s rallies. But a good number remembered what Lama had done before: the old well, the repaired school, the fairness she showed when dividing resources. They realized that promises are easy; doing work, even small things, is harder but more honest.

When the votes were counted, Lama won—not by grand promises, but by trust, by consistent actions, and by caring for all, not just for those who clapped loudest.