Prahlad's Witness - Truth That Cannot Be Silenced (Satya)

Dadi**: Guddu beta, why do you think Prahlad kept speaking the truth about Vishnu even when it could have gotten him killed?

Guddu**: Because he believed it was true?

Dadi**: But many people believe things and stay quiet when speaking up is dangerous. Prahlad did something harder - he witnessed to truth regardless of consequences. Tonight, let's understand why.

Guddu**: What do you mean by "witness to truth"?

Dadi**: Hiranyakashipu proclaimed throughout his kingdom: "There is no god but me. I am the supreme power." This was his "truth." But Prahlad knew a different truth.

Guddu**: That Vishnu is God?

Dadi**: Yes. And here's the thing - Prahlad didn't speak to change his father's mind. He didn't speak to start a rebellion. He spoke because truth must be spoken.

Guddu**: Even if nobody listens?

Dadi**: Even then! When the teachers tried to "educate" him, Prahlad listened politely. But he kept saying what he knew was true. He didn't argue or fight - he simply refused to pretend.

Guddu**: What if his father had convinced him?

Dadi**: Hiranyakashipu tried everything. He said, "I have conquered all three worlds! I have the power of life and death! How can you say there's a god greater than me?"

Guddu**: That's a convincing argument!

Dadi**: Prahlad answered, "You have great power, Father. But power doesn't make truth. Even if you kill everyone who says Vishnu exists, Vishnu will still exist. Your strength cannot change reality."

Guddu**: Wow, that's brave!

Dadi**: The king threatened him. Prahlad said, "Even if you kill me, Vishnu will still be everywhere. My death won't make your statement true or mine false."

Guddu**: Truth doesn't depend on who wins?

Dadi**: Exactly, beta! That's the deepest lesson. Many people throughout history have tried to kill truth by killing truth-tellers. But truth doesn't live in people - people just point toward it.

Guddu**: So killing Prahlad wouldn't kill the truth?

Dadi**: Never. And Prahlad understood this. When asked, "Why do you persist? Your father will kill you. What is gained by dying for words?" he replied, "What is gained by living for lies?"

Guddu**: That's powerful!

Dadi**: He meant that a life spent denying what you know to be true is not really living. It's just surviving. Prahlad would rather die speaking truth than live speaking lies.

Guddu**: But he didn't die - Narasimha saved him!

Dadi**: He didn't KNOW he would be saved, beta. He was willing to die. The saving was God's choice, not his expectation.

Guddu**: So he wasn't being brave because he knew he'd be rescued?

Dadi**: Not at all! His bravery was real bravery - facing death without guarantee of rescue. He was a witness to truth, whatever the cost.

Guddu**: Are there people like that today?

Dadi**: Throughout history, beta - prophets, scientists, reformers. People who said true things when saying them was dangerous. Many did die. But their truths survived.

Guddu**: That takes so much courage!

Dadi**: It does. But Prahlad shows us something important - when you are completely connected to truth, fear loses its power. He wasn't fearless because he was strong. He was fearless because truth was more real to him than death.

Guddu**: How do I know what's true enough to stand up for?

Dadi**: Start small, beta. Don't lie even when lying would be easier. Speak up for what's right even when friends disagree. These small acts build the muscle for bigger truths.

Guddu**: I'll try, Dadi.

Dadi**: That's my brave Guddu. Goodnight, little witness!

Guddu**: Goodnight, Dadi!