Buzzing activities of this Saturday came to a grinding halt with our car refusing to budge an inch. Abdul's desperate attempts to revive the worn out battery left him drenched in sweat and short of breath. I asked him to sit at the wheels while I opted to push the car along with Anjan. I was suddenly surrounded by a handful of young boys from various directions who firmly asked me to step aside.. I obeyed and they all pushed the car back and forth till the battery coughed up to a start. I was touched beyond words that the present day young labourer came forward without my asking and took the onus to get the car started no matter if they got worn out in the process or that they might have other important tasks at hand. And all I could give them was an insufficient "thanks"... they did not even wait for it... Yeh hai mera young India...
The deep sound of the fumigating machine in the morning brought a sense of relief among the residents who have spent sleepless nights tossing in bed, slapping and itching to combat the mosquitoes. The workers of the Municipality who went round the garden of each house expected to be tipped (famous Indian system of Bakhsheesh) which people gave happily in anticipation of the relief that will be caused to them. Such was another day and I ran down with a jingling fist and offered the bakhsheesh with a smile. I was surprised to see a young lad in a pair of Jeans and T shirt and a mask to cover his nose and mouth. As I held out my arm, the boy did not take notice. "Oh!" I thought in appreciation that he will take it after he has finished fumigating every corner of the garden. Before he walked away, I held out my arm again. This time he took notice and signaled me "What?" I waved out the baksheesh but he did not come forward. Rather he waved out his hand signalling "not required"... Astonished I walked back to my house feeling proud of my young India!!
Had the opprtunity to relish a speech by Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament. The mind and heart went out to salute such a personality. But then he has a proper upbringing and lineage and education to attribute to the personality trait. but how about the simple young lads who showed their spirit sans education or lineage to boast of? Well, there lies the Indian heart which bows in respect, holds the head high in self respect, is dependable and has awakened conscience.
Salaam Young India !
