The Good Samaritan

No matter how corrupt and unsafe Delhi might seem to be, it still strives, thrives and survives on the ‘Good Samaritans’ we have in the city. They actually are the pillars of strength to the city. I’m sure you all will also agree with me once you read this till the end.

On 30^th (March,2011) morning, around 8am I got a phone call. The voice on the other side said, “Hello madam, I’m S.P Singh. Have you lost your credit cards?”

“My credit cards?” I was irritated, thinking it to be a prank, nevertheless said, “Just hold on, let me check,.”

Putting the receiver down I quickly checked my clutch purse. To my horror all five cards were missing and I didn't even know about it.”

 Hurriedly I picked up the receiver, “Oh my God, yes they are missing and wasn’t even aware of it. Where did you find them? How did you get my number? And where are you speaking from?” I rattled all in one go.

 “Calm down Madam,” the voice  explained, “I’m S.P Singh calling from R.K puram. Yesterday in the evening while walking in the deer park, we found these cards(three credit cards, licence card and pan card)  lying on the ground. I tried calling ICICI and SBI bank to block them but they refused as a policy matter. Your name and address was there on the licence. From the MTNL directory, I got the landline number…that’s how I’m calling.”

It then dawned to me that while walking yesterday I had given my keys and purse to my maid, who was walking along with me. She also didn’t realize when the cards slipped out .The whole scene flashed in front of my eyes.

Realizing the seriousness of it I got chicken skin. Had it fallen in some wrong hands, my accounts would have been swindled by now. The man saved me from so many implications.

Taking the address I drove to R.K Puram and got the cards from that person, thanking him from the bottom of my heart. Any amount of gratitude would be less for whatever he did.

Thank you my ‘Good Samaritan’… You make Delhi very proud.

SACRED DIPS!

26^th March2011. 

Who says ‘Sacred Dips’ can be taken by humans only?

There are others also who enjoy the dips with equal zest and fervour.

Had you seen it, would have felt the same.

Today, when I went to the District Park (more commonly known as ‘Deer Park’)the sight totally enthralled me. It was 7am. A flock of crows cawed merrily swooping down the trees, taking a morning dip in the so called water- logged puddles, created in various places, by watering the fields. Straining my eyes I found a hose pipe strewn on the ground with water flowing out to all the low lying area—so the puddles.

The sun had risen some time ago, spreading its lukewarm soothing rays all around the fields and the puddles, giving it a glistening effect.

I stood there transfixed watching the crows enjoying to the hilt. Some took the dip, while others fluttered their wing cawing excitedly calling out to their friends; yet others stood aside as audience waiting for their turn.The thirst effect didn’t apply here, the sunshine being quite pleasant at the time.

 My mind instantly transported to the time when I had my Kumbh dip in Allahabad some years ago. . A fresh feeling of joy swept all over me.

“Wow” I found myself bursting out, “It seems the crows are also having their sacred dip in Delhi, more so in the deer park. For them it was no less than a Kumbh. ( With no offence to religious sentiments)

I walked around the park, saw few more puddles, and crows busy with their bathing spree. Man it’s surely a ‘Bathing day’ for the crows!

Smile: An impact

 Just a few days ago, I went for a routine morning walk in Deer Park. People kept coming and going. They were all strangers, obviously didn't expect any greeting from anybody nor did I extend any. Enjoying the morning breeze, and the greenery around, I kept walking. Just then an Englishman, coming from the opposite side, wished me 'good morning' with slight nod, gentle smile and passed by.
'Goodmorning ', I returned his greetings.
Almost instantly I was transported in my thoughts to Minneapolis, a short vacation which I undertook in the month of June, last year. Everyday, I would go for a walk in a nearby creek. It was a pleasant surprise for me that every passerby would wish me with a nod, gentle smile and walk pass by. I would greet them in return. The impact was tremendous. I felt joy in my heart. A gentle smile ignited happiness and rejuvenated my whole being. That was the power of greeting with a smile. I liked their culture of greeting with a smile.
The same happiness I felt today .Encouraged I moved forward with a resolve, ‘Let me try the smile magic' and looked around hopefully. I started focusing on people. Smile! Oh it was a far cry. I found mostly people (those who walked alone), busy with their mobiles glued to their ears, or walking with a frown .The stress mostly writ large on their faces, deflated my whole focus and the smile evaporated within. I finished walking and sat in my car to go back, a wish lingering in my heart.
I wished everyone greet each other with a smile.. strangers too. I wish they could spread happiness and joy in each others heart...All that is needed is a gentle smile.. the impact--Tremendous!!