The Chappals Next to Mridu's Slippers

Mridu placed her pair of slippers next to a pair of chappals. These chappals were given to her by a poor boy named Ramu. The incident is described in the story "A Gift of Chappals" by Sudha Murty.

The Chappals as a Gift
Mridu, a young girl from a privileged background, was visiting her grandparents' house in the village during her summer vacation. She was used to wearing branded slippers and was not familiar with the concept of chappals, which are a type of traditional Indian footwear.

One day, while Mridu was playing outside, she noticed a boy named Ramu who had worn-out and torn chappals. Feeling sorry for him, Mridu decided to give him her slippers as a gift. She thought that her slippers were much better than Ramu's chappals and that he would be happy to receive them.

The Appearance of the Chappals
The story does not provide a detailed description of the chappals next to which Mridu placed her slippers. However, it can be inferred that they were old, worn-out, and in a poor condition. The chappals may have been made of cheap material and lacked the stylish design and comfort of Mridu's slippers.

The Symbolic Value of the Chappals
Although the physical appearance of the chappals is not explicitly described, they hold a significant symbolic value in the story. The chappals represent the humble and selfless nature of Ramu, who did not have much but was willing to share what little he had with others.

The Lesson Learned
By giving away her slippers, Mridu learns a valuable lesson about empathy, kindness, and the importance of appreciating what one has. She realizes that material possessions do not determine one's worth and that true happiness lies in giving and helping others.

The Transformation
After giving away her slippers, Mridu experiences a transformation in her perspective. She starts valuing relationships and experiences over material possessions. This incident teaches her to be more compassionate and understanding towards others, regardless of their social or economic background.

In conclusion, the chappals next to which Mridu placed her slippers were a symbol of humility and selflessness. Through this incident, Mridu learns important life lessons and undergoes a transformation in her worldview.