The moral of the story "A Gift of Chappals" is to appreciate the value of what we have and not to take things for granted. This short story, written by Kamala Das, revolves around a poor boy named Govindan who receives a pair of chappals as a gift. The story teaches us a valuable lesson about gratitude and contentment.

The Importance of Gratitude:
The story emphasizes the importance of being grateful for what we have. Govindan, who comes from a poor background, receives a gift of chappals from a kind stranger. Initially, he is overjoyed and grateful for this unexpected act of kindness. However, as time passes, his excitement fades, and he starts taking the chappals for granted. He becomes careless with them, neglecting their proper care and maintenance. This teaches us that we should always appreciate and value the gifts and blessings we receive in life, no matter how small they may seem.

Contentment and Simplicity:
The story also highlights the idea of finding contentment in simple things. Govindan's family is poor, and they struggle to meet their basic needs. However, the chappals bring temporary happiness and contentment to Govindan's life. It shows that true happiness does not depend on material possessions or wealth but can be found in the simplest of things. The chappals symbolize the little joys in life that we often overlook in our pursuit of materialistic desires.

Lesson of Empathy:
Another moral lesson from the story is empathy towards others. The kind stranger who gifts the chappals to Govindan shows compassion and understands the boy's need. This act of kindness not only brings joy to Govindan's life but also teaches us the importance of helping those in need. It encourages us to be empathetic towards others and extend a helping hand whenever possible.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the moral of "A Gift of Chappals" is to appreciate the value of what we have, find contentment in simplicity, and practice empathy towards others. Through the story, Kamala Das reminds us to be grateful for the blessings in our lives and not to take them for granted. It serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the little things and find joy in the present moment.