This is a beautiful story about a girl named Leela who taught everyone a big lesson.
Leela was a little girl who had to move to a new town because her father got transferred. She left behind her old school, her friends, and everything familiar.
She had to say goodbye to the place she knew so well and begin again in a brand-new school.
“Amma, I’m scared about the new school…” Leela said nervously.
Her father reassured her with a smile, “Don’t be scared, dear. Just stay calm. You’ll do great.”
Leela joined the new school. And today was her first day in class.
The moment she stepped into the classroom, all the students stared at her.
Some were shocked.
Some started giggling.
Some turned their faces away.
Leela noticed all this and felt really hurt.
“Why are they looking at me like this? Did I do something wrong?” she wondered.
Still, she took a deep breath and calmly sat in an empty seat.
She tried to talk to a few classmates.
“Hi, can I borrow a pencil?”
“Which chapter are we on?”
But no one responded. No one smiled. No one helped.
Leela felt invisible.
The class teacher, who had been observing everything, noticed Leela’s sadness. That day, she called her after class.
“Leela, I saw how the students behaved. Are you feeling okay?”
Leela nodded slowly. “I don’t think anyone wants to talk to me, ma’am.”
The teacher gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Leela, sometimes people behave this way because they don’t understand. But listen carefully — just because your skin is dark doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful. Dark is beautiful too. Don’t ever forget that.”
She smiled and said,
“You must study well and believe in yourself. You’re special. You’re unique. And you don’t need to change for anyone.”
Leela smiled softly. “Thank you, ma’am.”
From then on, she started focusing more on class and studying better.
A few days later, the school announced a fashion competition.
The teacher said, “Students who are interested, give me your names!”
A few hands went up. Leela stayed quiet.
The teacher noticed and asked,
“Why didn’t you give your name, Leela?”
Leela looked down and said,
“I don’t think I can do it, ma’am. I won’t be good at it.”
The whole class chuckled.
But the teacher didn’t give up.
“You can, Leela. In fact, I’ve already added your name to the list.”
Leela’s eyes widened.
“Really? You want me to participate?”
“Of course! And I’ll help you every step of the way.”
The teacher helped Leela choose the right dress, hairstyle, and theme.
They looked through magazines and searched online for ideas.
Leela got involved too, gathering details and learning about fashion.
Her parents were surprised but proud.
“Do it, dear! You’ll shine,” her mother said.
Her father added, “We’re here to support you always.”
Leela asked the teacher,
“Ma’am… what if they laugh at me again?”
The teacher smiled.
“Just standing on that stage is your first win, Leela. Winning or losing doesn’t matter. You’re stepping up. The same kids who avoided you will watch you now — and that’s your second victory. And the biggest of all — they’ll understand that dark skin is beautiful too. That’s why I wanted you to do this.”
Leela’s eyes sparkled with confidence.
“Okay, ma’am. I’ll do it.”
On the day of the competition, Leela dressed up beautifully and styled her hair.
As she walked the ramp with poise, the entire crowd went silent.
“Is that… Leela?” someone whispered.
Her long, thick hair flowed gently. Her smile was warm and confident. Her walk was graceful.
No one noticed her skin tone anymore — they only saw her beauty.
Leela won first place in the competition.
She was filled with joy. Her parents were proud.
Her teacher beamed with pride.
The next day at school, her classmates came to her.
“Leela… we’re really sorry.”
“We were wrong to avoid you.”
“Will you accept us as your friend?”
Leela smiled warmly.
“You’ve always been my friends. I never saw you any other way.”
The teacher then stood before the class and said,
“Children, judging someone by skin colour is hurtful. Think about your parents, grandparents, or even siblings — some of them may have darker skin. Do you love them any less? No, right?”
The class shook their heads.
“Exactly. So don’t treat your classmates differently either. Grow up with love, kindness, and respect for all. That’s what the world needs from you.”
Moral of the Story:
Don’t judge anyone by their appearance. True beauty shines from within.
Be the friend who lifts others up, not the one who pushes them down.
