Time and again, I'm humbled by the many wonderful people I've encountered; the many lessons they've taught me. On Friday evening, I was seated in the second-class compartment of an Andheri-bound local train, when a handicapped hawker boarded the train. He has severed both his hands, but still manages to sell bangles, earrings, trinkets and little knick-knacks. He also manages to groom himself astoundingly well - with a funky hairdo and a well-washed pair of denims. It's a marvel to watch him guiding his limbs, and executing a sale ever so efficiently.
A couple stations later, a blind man boarded the train. Guiding his way with a feeble pole, he is selling tiny combs, little toys and safety-pins. While the girls gushed over the earrings, nobody wanted to buy safety pins. The man with severed limbs however, did. He stopped the blind man, handed him some loose change and bought a useless plastic toy off him. Incredible! I was humbled. Some of us have such big hearts!
I was reminded of this privilege once again, at the launch of Suma Varughese's 'Traveling Light.' While the book launch itself was fantastic, for me it was such an honour to see a woman I revered on stage, celebrating a dream-like moment. Suma along with Nari Hira, Shobha De, Sathya Saren and Luke Kenny introduced the book, whilst discussing its many facets.
I was reminded of Suma's incredible generosity. When I was seventeen, and chasing an unsure dream, she took me in. Guided me, taught me, scolded me...and when I needed a change, even put in touch with able teachers. What little I know of writing, editing, beats, proofing, QuarkExpress I owe it to her. And, another incredible woman, who Suma put me through, Priyanka Sinha. Amidst all my childish exuberance, my lack on knowledge, and unforgivable mistakes, here were two women with little time, but giving hearts.
I am thinking of them this Monday. I am thinking of their unconditional generosity, of their invaluable teachings. And, I'm thinking of how a Thank-you will never be enough.
It is so overwhelming once you think about it,but I guess the best way to express gratitude to God for these wonderful people in our lives is to be one for someone around us. Maybe we cant be as good as they were,but we can make our tiny effort,hai na?
I always love to see things like that. Little acts of kindness or generosity. It really makes my day =)
This makes me think of all the people I owe my existence to and who I am today. Thank you for reminding me.
Teachers and guiders. All it takes is one open hand, no?
Zain
Hey, I am lost without my Monday Musing today.
It's the small actions like that that restore my faith in humanity's ability to be generous...with all the selfishness and violence in the world, it's really touching to know that people still care about and look out for each other.
Comments (6)
It is so overwhelming once you think about it,but I guess the best way to express gratitude to God for these wonderful people in our lives is to be one for someone around us. Maybe we cant be as good as they were,but we can make our tiny effort,hai na?
I always love to see things like that. Little acts of kindness or generosity. It really makes my day =)
This makes me think of all the people I owe my existence to and who I am today. Thank you for reminding me.
Teachers and guiders.
All it takes is one open hand, no?
Zain
Hey, I am lost without my Monday Musing today.
It's the small actions like that that restore my faith in humanity's ability to be generous...with all the selfishness and violence in the world, it's really touching to know that people still care about and look out for each other.