I was going to Seawoods today, and as usual I decided to go by train as it takes only 10 minutes from Vashi station to Seawoods station. I was in a bit hurry and the train was running 10 mins late. I was getting impatient, grinned as I stared at the digital clock. Ah…the train entered finally and I hopped in even before it came to complete halt. Wooah…stood there….took out my cell phone and started surfing the net. I knew if I stand still and do nothing 10 minutes would feel like 30minutes, just wanted to loose myself in something to keep impatience from killing me.
As I was surfing a group sitting behind me started singing “ tere mast mast do naine” from Dabaang in loud voice. I paid less heed as there are many who come in train with their bajaas, sing and earn some pennies. Suddenly, what started as just another, “sing-a-song-earn-a-penny” turned to be an entertaining musical performance. Their rusty voice was well supported by broken harmonium and an age old dhol.
A guy standing opposite to me started humming the song and swinging in the mood and so did few others. I then just couldn’t help myself but turn back completely to watch them and enjoy for free. I loved their enthusiasm. The lead singer seemed to care less about his torned, unwashed shirt, and the dholki guy with his unkempt hair bouncing in air was not in a mood to stop. Just when I started enjoying the performance my stop came and I had to get down, but I stopped for a second, took out an old and crushed Rs.5 note which a rickshawwala had given me same morning and told the person sitting near the window seat to hand it over to them. The dholki guy looked at me in delight on receiving the note, his big bold eyes twinkled with happiness. I bid him adieu with a smile and thumb’s up.
Why did I stop for a second when I alighted at the Seawoods station?
I just thought that may be this little act of mine would encourage them to do what they are doing. They come form poor backgrounds, they must not have ever attended the school, but still instead of begging or going a wrong way to satisfy their hunger they chose to entertain people and earn well deserved money (even if it’s a rupee coin). That’s what I liked about them. Wow! these guys are an inspiration.
We, being the fortunate ones, should encourage them at such times so that they never go the wrong way to earn bucks. A ONE RUPEE coin given with a smile can do wonders to uplift their spirits. That One Rupee is a message from our society to them that “you’re a respectable part of our society, and we want you to continue doing the good work”
We, being the fortunate ones, should encourage them at such times so that they never go the wrong way to earn bucks. A ONE RUPEE coin given with a smile can do wonders to uplift their spirits. That One Rupee is a message from our society to them that “you’re a respectable part of our society, and we want you to continue doing the good work”
Next time when you see such people, please stop for a moment and slide hands inside your pocket to take out that One rupee. That silver colour coin has immense potential to motivate lost spirits and change lives.
Today is Christmas. This is perhaps the most celebrated holiday in the entire world. I read somewhere that Gift giving is core to the message of Christmas, and I thank God that although unknowingly, I did give away a small gift today.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given or received? How did it impact you? Please leave your story in the comment box below.
Merry Christmas :)
"Giving begins the receiving process"
