An original paragraph on the mighty animal tiger, written by our student Jasmeh Kaur Sethi.

Jasmeh is 14 years old, and a young writer and speaker from Mysore. We are proud to have her as a student of the Little Writers Program, an Online Creative Writing Program using Applied Storytelling & Applied Theatre tools under the mentorship of Trainer Khusshbo Chokhaani. We congratulate Jasmeh for this exemplary true self-expression.

A Clash of Kings

Silence. Deafeningly silent. Ideally, the citizens of the jungle should be relieved. That is not the case here. The screaming silence only adds to the panic. Chills run up all their spines as they realize what is coming. The animals begin to grasp who is coming.

The lion. I am sure that is the first word that came to your mind. After all, he is the king of the jungle. My opinion differs. I feel like the tiger would make a better king. Agree or disagree? This might take some convincing.

The tiger is a silent trotter, contrasting with its large size. Solitude is like its home. A dark silent night in the jungle is all it needs to hunt. They generally identify each other via their stripes. Like human fingerprints, every tiger does not have the same set of streaks. They have five different types of whiskers that help in sensing and detecting all that is around them. No animal or enemy dares to even think about going near these wild cats. This is not just because they can sense motion, but for the fact that their ears can rotate. With 360-degree hearing, they can easily pull a 180 on any threat.

An invisible danger. A pair of focused eyes. Crunch!

With a speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the tiger pounces on its prey before it even has time to breathe. These orange and black streaked animals are known to be one of the most analytical species ever known to mankind. They protect their cubs with their whole heart and their streak is the most loyal one ever seen.

Not only cubs but humans as well. According to ancient Indian folktales from Central India, the tiger is known as the protector of all tribes. In hopes of a good harvest, it is worshipped in regions of Maharashtra and Nagaland, as a powerful deity.

Many Indian goddesses have the tiger as one of their counterparts or as an insignia of their immense bravery and wisdom.

Speaking of goddesses, most women in India have been known to symbolize the tigress. While both are quite curious and intelligent, they are mainly compared because of their bravery. It has been seen in history and modern times that the sacrifices of women have made a massive impact on the world. These are like the tigers of a streak who constantly sacrifice their comfort and in some cases their life for the sake of their loved ones.

Scorching flames burned along the stripes of its coat. An elemental, the master of fire. Asian mythology presents tigers as the wielder of the flame and the symbols of the sun. ‘Agni tattvam raksham! ‘, a Sanskrit shloka about the tiger, stating it as a royal protector, standing by their goddesses, loyalty coursing through its veins.

Bravery, patience, power, intuition, focus, loyalty, and protection. Are these not qualities of a king? I do not have to answer this. You know the answer. So, tell me, agree or disagree?

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