Sometimes it is so much better to travel by a public vehicle than your own car. Why???
Well...you get to experience life in its truest of forms. Everyday, I come across a lot of interesting stories and recently I experienced something worth sharing.
Of late, I was travelling by a bus when I came across a very old lady. I was sitting beside her. Her face was wrinkled, and it seemed that she was in her eighties. I was reading a book. On our way, she tried to talk to me by asking random questions like the time, the location and so on and so forth. I finally decided to stop reading and enjoy the ride.
When the lady saw that I was no longer reading, she started talking to me and asked me questions about my profession, whether I’m Punjabi or not and if I’m then I should wear a kada (bangle) to protect myself. She gave me some Prasad and some candies ;). Though I’m not a kid anymore but I loved them at that moment. Somehow, she reminded me of my grand mother.
While talking to her, I kept looking at her and saw my grandma’s reflection in her. When I arrived at my destination, I turned back to look at her for the last time and say goodbye. At the end of the ride, I was left with a feeling of guilt inside my heart...I asked myself that when was the last time I met my Nani (grand mother), when was the last time I spoke to her???
With tears in my eyes, I immediately called up my Nani. And you know what...she could not believe her ears that it was her grand daughter calling her. I could sense the happiness in her voice. I loved that feeling.
That very day I realised that our grand parents have always loved us unconditionally. They gave us everything we ever wanted, they taught us the lessons of life and it is on us to give them back twice the love they gave us. After all, they are the reason for our beautiful present.
The journey between me and the old lady ended but from then on, a new journey of relationships began.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Uncertain is the future!
An incident, again, that made me think about many who live a life of uncertainty.
Recently, when I was travelling by metro, I overheard an old man talk on phone. I guess he was talking to his son. The man was quite old, his clothes were a little tattered…but I think he tried to put his best clothes on for that day. He couldn’t even stand and he was carrying a bag, which I guess were gifts or goodies for his son’s family.
He was desperate to reach his destination and meet his son. But, his son was in a hurry. The old man tried his level best to make his son wait for him and he kept calling him from inside the metro several times…saying “beta…main aa raha hoon. Tum kahi jaana mat. Mujhse mil ke hi jaana..” (son…I’, coming, don’t go anywhere. Don’t leave without meeting me..”).
Time was passing by quickly and his worry was increasing by every passing second. He was just 2 stations away, when the phone rang. He didn’t speak a word. He just cried. Hands shivering, trying to wipe off tears and hide them. He didn’t want anyone to see his pain. It was evident…his son had left, without meeting him.
The incident left me questioning this selfish world. How can a son not wait for his father, who is old and travelling far off just so that he could meet his dear son?? How can a son, whose father loves him so much, leave his father all alone at this point in life??
But this is the reality. Young men and women do not have space in their homes for their old parents, who made them what they are today. Such is life.
Do we have a little space in our hearts for the elderly destitute?? Can we spread a little cheer in their lives??
To reach out to elderly destitute log on to http://www.helpageindia.org/
Recently, when I was travelling by metro, I overheard an old man talk on phone. I guess he was talking to his son. The man was quite old, his clothes were a little tattered…but I think he tried to put his best clothes on for that day. He couldn’t even stand and he was carrying a bag, which I guess were gifts or goodies for his son’s family.
He was desperate to reach his destination and meet his son. But, his son was in a hurry. The old man tried his level best to make his son wait for him and he kept calling him from inside the metro several times…saying “beta…main aa raha hoon. Tum kahi jaana mat. Mujhse mil ke hi jaana..” (son…I’, coming, don’t go anywhere. Don’t leave without meeting me..”).
Time was passing by quickly and his worry was increasing by every passing second. He was just 2 stations away, when the phone rang. He didn’t speak a word. He just cried. Hands shivering, trying to wipe off tears and hide them. He didn’t want anyone to see his pain. It was evident…his son had left, without meeting him.
The incident left me questioning this selfish world. How can a son not wait for his father, who is old and travelling far off just so that he could meet his dear son?? How can a son, whose father loves him so much, leave his father all alone at this point in life??
But this is the reality. Young men and women do not have space in their homes for their old parents, who made them what they are today. Such is life.
Do we have a little space in our hearts for the elderly destitute?? Can we spread a little cheer in their lives??
To reach out to elderly destitute log on to http://www.helpageindia.org/
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Experiencing Mixed Emotions!
Since the moment I decided to be a part of HelpAge India, I can’t stop recalling the day I visited one of HelpAge India’s centers.
I was in 8th standard then and our school took us to an Old Age Home (supported by HelpAge India). We saw how people lived there and what they did during the whole day. I was also escorted to an old lady’s room, so that I could interact with her and understand the way the inmates lived there.
Initially it was weird…the room wasn’t well lit and I was all alone with a complete stranger. I didn’t know what to say to her. In fact, she could sense the awkwardness that I was experiencing, so she took the initiative to begin the conversation. She told me that she belonged to a very well off family but stayed at the Old Age Home because her family “Did Not Have The Time” to take care of her. Shocking isn’t it?? She could barely see then… so she held my hands during the complete conversation. She also told me that I was just like her grand daughter and before I left, I promised to always keep in touch with her…
But I didn’t :(
I feel bad that I did not fulfill my promise. I was a kid then. But now, I’m all grown up…who can take care of herself, her family as well as the ones who are in desperate need of assistance and care.
So now is the time to do something about the lost opportunity…now is the time to donate and support the disadvantaged elderly, both, financially and spiritually.
http://www.helpageindia.org/
Cheers!
I was in 8th standard then and our school took us to an Old Age Home (supported by HelpAge India). We saw how people lived there and what they did during the whole day. I was also escorted to an old lady’s room, so that I could interact with her and understand the way the inmates lived there.
Initially it was weird…the room wasn’t well lit and I was all alone with a complete stranger. I didn’t know what to say to her. In fact, she could sense the awkwardness that I was experiencing, so she took the initiative to begin the conversation. She told me that she belonged to a very well off family but stayed at the Old Age Home because her family “Did Not Have The Time” to take care of her. Shocking isn’t it?? She could barely see then… so she held my hands during the complete conversation. She also told me that I was just like her grand daughter and before I left, I promised to always keep in touch with her…
But I didn’t :(
I feel bad that I did not fulfill my promise. I was a kid then. But now, I’m all grown up…who can take care of herself, her family as well as the ones who are in desperate need of assistance and care.
So now is the time to do something about the lost opportunity…now is the time to donate and support the disadvantaged elderly, both, financially and spiritually.
http://www.helpageindia.org/
Cheers!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
2010 - Let's make it special
Life is uncertain but deeds live long. My life is fairly simple, nothing extraordinary...but before I merge into the ashes I’d want my name to live long in the memories of many. And this New Year, I have decided to support the ones in need. By donating a part of what I earn to Support-A-Grandparent Programme (Help Age India).
I was inspired by my friend, Nikhil. He transformed the life of a destitute widow, Dukhi Tanti who had no family, financial or social support. At the age of 73, with 8 children to take care of, she decided to take help from Help Age India. Nikhil donated for Support-A-Gran Programme and through the very same programme, Dukhi Tanti got a place to live and a regular access to monthly ration, medicines, clothing, etc. Moreover, she got back her lost dignity.
Looking at this, I too feel why not make this year much happier and wonderful for ourselves as well as for others!!
2010 – Let’s really make it special.
(http://www.helpageindia.org/donate-support-grandparent.php)
Cheers!
I was inspired by my friend, Nikhil. He transformed the life of a destitute widow, Dukhi Tanti who had no family, financial or social support. At the age of 73, with 8 children to take care of, she decided to take help from Help Age India. Nikhil donated for Support-A-Gran Programme and through the very same programme, Dukhi Tanti got a place to live and a regular access to monthly ration, medicines, clothing, etc. Moreover, she got back her lost dignity.
Looking at this, I too feel why not make this year much happier and wonderful for ourselves as well as for others!!
2010 – Let’s really make it special.
(http://www.helpageindia.org/donate-support-grandparent.php)
Cheers!
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