Empathy

By N Chokkan

Nagasubramanian Chokkanathan (born January 17) better known by his pen name N.Chokkan is a Tamil Writer who has written two novels and nearly 100 short stories. His works has been translated into other Indian languages. Apart from this, he has written columns in several Tamil magazines. His interest for writing came from his blind aunt for whom he used to read a lot of books. His love for Books then made him to write few detective stories,which are not yet published.His first short story was published in 1997. His entry into Non-fiction area was kick started by a publishing house approaching him to write Biography of Sachin Tendulkar.He then wrote Biographies of famous Businessmen,Politicians and people who shaped the world.The list includes Narayana murthy, Azim Premji, Dhirubhai Ambani, Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin,to mention a few. This book talks about Empathy, Sympathy and its importance in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pustaka Digital Media
• Release date: Mar 18, 2016
• ISBN: 6580505001104

Book preview

Desires

1. The Race

It was the school Annual day.

All the kids were very excited. Especially the ones who were participating in various events and competitions, such as sports, painting, singing, dancing and so on.

The school ground was buzzing with action. Kids were running around with their shorts and white shirts, getting prepared for the big race.

After few minutes, there was a long whistle. Everyone went to their positions,  ready to run the moment the signal arrives.

Special guest for the day shot a dummy pistol into the air, and the next minute all the kids started running as fast as possible, towards the shiny red ribbon on the other end of the racing track.

From the very beginning, Shravan was leading the pack. A few paces behind him was Arun.

The crowd cheered loudly, ‘Come-on Arun, You can make it!’

This got Arun excited, and he started running faster. Within a few seconds, he crossed Shravan and started leading the race.

Now, Shravan got angry and tried to overtake Arun. But he couldn’t.

For the next few seconds, the whole crowd was watching the tough fight between Arun and Shravan for the #1 Crown. They were trying to outrun each other and everyone knew it is going to be a very close photo finish.

But, when they were nearing the end of the race track, suddenly Shravan fell down. Not sure what made him fall, But he was on the ground and the dust on the race field was hiding his body from the crowd.

However, Arun saw him clearly. He knew instinctly something has gone wrong. Shravan needs help.

But is this the time for helping Shravan? The race is almost over, Within next few seconds, Arun will be the clear winner of this touch competition.

Arun didn’t think that way. He stopped, turned back towards Shravan and took him in his arms, ‘Shravan, What happened? Are you hurt?’

Shravan couldn’t speak. Arun took him in his arms and ran towards the place where all the teachers, parents and other guests were sitting.

In the next few minutes, Shravan was given the first-aid and someone took him to the nearby hospital. Doctors confirmed there is nothing serious and Shravan should be back on track pretty soon.

But which track? Race is already over. Both Arun and Shravan have lost.

Shravan looked at Arun with sad eyes, ‘You deserved to win’ he said, ‘Only because of me, you lost.’

‘No Shravan, winning is not everything’ Arun said, ‘I am very happy that I could help you and now you are alright. We can always win another race. Don’t worry!’

Not only Shravan, everyone in the school were very surprised to hear about what Arun had done. He sacrificed his #1 position in the race, to help a competitor. Why?

Sure. He could have helped Shravan after winning the race. Nothing would have gone wrong in a matter of few seconds.

But there was a strong reason behind the way Arun reacted on that instance, It is called Empathy.

What is Empathy? Why do we need to know about it?

Empathy is the capability to share another being’s emotions and feelings. It may be your friend, or father, or teacher, or a stranger on the road, or even your pet dog. Whoever it may be, we are learning to think from their angle, see from their eyes, walk in their shoes.

This is