A man joined a Mahatma Gandhi organisation. One day Mahatma Gandhi visited the organisation and the man found himself standing face to face with Bapu. Mahatma Gandhi was a world famous personality. This man was just an ordinary person. Nervous, he tried to introduce himself. Gandhi patted his shoulder and said with warmth, “Yes, I know you. You are such-and-such person’s son!”
The man stood stunned. It was true that he, along with his father, had met Mahatma Gandhi earlier; but that happened only once, and that too years ago. It was remarkable that Gandhi not only recognised the man even after the lapse of so many years, but also remembered his father’s name.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore once saw two children walking with their hands on each-other’s shoulder. He found it overwhelming, and tears started flowing from his eyes.
An interpreter sat beside Mrs Indira Gandhi during a long discussion. As the discussion was over and everybody started departing, Mrs Gandhi turned and said, “The interpreter did not have anything to eat. Please ensure that she is served well.”
Mohammed Rafi used to thank every accompanist after a recording, while most other singers just walked out in a hurry to catch their next recording.
A young lady employee stood alone at night in front of the Tata Centre in Mumbai. She was waiting for her husband. To her amazement, she found JRD Tata walk up to her. JRD gave her company till her husband arrived. He did not want the lady to stand alone in the night.
These people were perhaps more busy than we are. They perhaps had many more important issues to tackle than we have. Time was perhaps more in short supply for them than it is for us. Yet, they behaved far better than an average person does.
What makes us ignore the sentiments of others? Why is it a matter of pride for us to snub those who have less money, yield less power, or are physically less attractive? Why does a minister not think twice before ordering his bodyguards to open fire on citizens trying to air their grievance? Why does a boss fail to notice that his subordinate has wished him? Why does a man find nothing wrong to call his younger siblings or wife names?
The situation changes dramatically the moment the so-far-weakling acquires a position of power. Voice becomes laced with honey. Nothing but respect oozes out of the body language. An ear-to-ear smile is flashed at the slightest opportunity. People who were nasty lose count of your good qualities.
Man, how can you change so much? Neither your hatred, nor your love is true. You don’t care two hoots for anyone! I never forget these lines from a decades old Sahir nazm:
Har Ik Jism Ghayal, Har Ik Rooh Pyasi,
Nigahon Mein Uljhan, Dilon Mein Udasi,
Yeh Duniya Hai? Ya Alam-e-badhawasi?
Jahan Ik Khilona Hai Insan Ki Hasti,
Yeh Basti Hai Murdaparaston Ki Basti,
Yahan Par Ke Jeevan Se Hai Maut Sasti!
Jawani Bhatakti Hain Badkar Ban Kar,
Jawan Jism Sajte Hain Bazar Ban Kar,
Yahan Pyar Hota Hai Vyapar Ban Kar!
Yeh Duniya Jahan Admi Kuchh Nahin Hai,
Wafa Kuchh Nahin, Dosti Kuchh Nahin Hai,
Yahan Pyar Ki Kadra Hi Kuchh Nahin Hai!
संदेश
