Last Sunday I went (with a couple of friends) to Matunga for a nice South Indian Breakfast/brunch.. We were chatting and laughing in the car and moving smoothly until we reached the Matunga market which was crowded as usual and to be expected on a Sunday..
As we got to the corner where we had to turn left for
Arya Bhavan (my all-time favourite South Indian restaurant) we stopped.. just
stopped.. because there wasn’t an empty square inch of road to drive on!
Everywhere we looked.. we saw visually impaired people
tapping their white sticks and trying to negotiate their way.. and I’m talking
about over a hundred people! We were obviously crawling through the narrow lane
taking extreme care not to even lightly brush against a single person.
As we were sitting in the car, a young girl tapped on
my window and when I lowered the glass, she told me “Please be very careful and
drive slowly.. there’s very little space to move and these blind people can’t
see you”! She was probably still in her teens and I promised to do as she
requested and we moved ahead..
Further ahead we saw a banner that announced that it
was “Andha Ann Din” which meant some kindhearted soul/s were donating foodstuff
and grains to these people.. so finally we understood the reason for the hordes
of people. Somehow that gesture of the young girl really touched me.. she didn’t
HAVE to tap on my window with her words of caution.. but.. she genuinely cared
about the people and went out of her way and “walked the extra mile” to do so!
It was brave on her part as well because there was
always the possibility that I could have been a different kind of person who
snapped and said something like “I am not blind and can see.. You don’t need to
tell me what to do.. Just mind your business.. Are you trying to be Mother
Teresa?” The sad truth is that we Mumbaikars pride ourselves on being “so busy”
and think that is a licence to be rude and snappy!
I like to believe that there are times when we want to
“walk the extra mile” for others but are a little worried that it may
backfire.. or the other person might think we are weird or crazy.. or mistake
our intentions as power play or whatever.. but it is SO important to perform
small acts of random kindness that are unexpected..
Just think about it.. there are so many opportunities
through the day when you can do this.. hold a door open for someone who’s laden
with parcels.. try and help sort out a traffic snarl.. offer to share your
umbrella with someone who needs it.. carry your neighbour’s courier parcel up
and drop it to their door.. send flowers to your bestie “just because”.. hand
tetrapacks of “lassi” and “chaash” to traffic policemen doing duty in the
sweltering afternoon sun or even order a special meal for your staff the day
they’re really tired..
As we go through life.. let’s try and resolve to do
something small and thoughtful for another person whenever we can.. going the
extra mile isn’t troublesome or difficult.. It just needs a kind and thoughtful
heart and a willingness to bring a smile to another person’s face! Kindness
costs nothing and what a wonderful habit to pass on to our children and
everyone around us.. It will bring you a glow of warmth in the heart and a
smile that stretches from ear to ear! With all the exercise gymming yoga
Pilates and swimming we do.. let’s make “walking the extra mile” a regular part
of our lives too!
As always, thank you for reading and please write your
name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!
I completely agree with you that we should avail of the opportunities to do for others as we would like them to do for us. Kamal
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting heartfelt read !
ReplyDeleteAn eye opener !
What a beautiful kind gesture for some kind person to feed the blind .
Yes, I totally agree that we should all try to walk that extra mile .
Kindness does not always cost money ..
So beautifully written !
Raziya
I did not see where to enter my name and I will always proudly enter my name as I get to read your awesome reviews and thoughts .
ReplyDeleteYou are that kind person that are always aware and thoughtful and just by reading many of us can go that extra mile in so many different ways .
I was so busy that I hadn’t time to think about others not related with me. But throughout reading your story, I will stop sometimes to think about around me and try to care others 🙂.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written Pallu.. I have started something here called pay it forward. I started this in the Christmas of 2023. I buy an anonymous coffee for someone and leave a card explaining that they need to pay it forward to someone else. Thus, goes the card all around the world. Last year I got the card myself and smiled that my small gesture came back to me. It's such a joy to do small things for others when you know the world is struggling and GOD has been kind to you. Thank you Pallu for this beautiful blog. You are the kind of person that goes out off your way to make people loved. Bless you. I am proud to be your friend and blessed that you are still in my life after 46 years.
ReplyDeleteKetan
As always a fab piece!!! Yes, we most of the time don’t listen to our heart that tells us to do good but instead go with what the head has to ‘warn’ us against!- Yukti
ReplyDeleteYes Pallu so agree that in our daily life we get many opportunities to walk that extra mile with a purpose to make a positive difference. Need to be aware of those and not be so self involved that we let it pass.
ReplyDeleteReading this has made me resolve to be more aware of my surroundings. Ulupi
Thanks ma'am this is really eye opner
ReplyDeleteWell written Pallu.
ReplyDeleteThis extremely impactful write-up reminds me of the quote "kindness is free". It's so true that the tiniest of gestures can go the longest of ways with loved ones and strangers alike. I have found that a sincere smile genuinely turns my frown upside down so if that's all I have to give, I do my best to give it. I am not stating this for a pat on the back, but to say it works wonders on me all the same. I'm waiting to see the next act of kindness manifest itself in my 3D, and when I do, I will remember this blog post and I will remember you!!
ReplyDeleteXoxo!
-SK
As the little girl who tapped on your window to "take care " your sharing taps on our conscience to be mindful of the struggles of others. A gentle reminder to us all to be mindful of those who need a small gesture a kind word & a bit of encouragement & to just go ahead & do it. So many of us "see " & choose to be blind. You saw & gave insight for me to SEE. Be Blessed always.
ReplyDeleteKindness, that's always been your quality which reflects in your every acts.Thanks for motivation
ReplyDelete