How good is Our Value system....

MangaloreJune 2010
Mangalore Monsoon and bad roads...anything new? Every year we feel the very same way when we go on the roads doing the balancing act of avoiding the potholes, and ditches which are like mini swimming pools. In fact I hate to drive on these roads but do I have a choice..? What about the people who walk on these roads..I can see them trying to avoid the traffic, and the ditches, and manage to walk on the no space left for them with their umbrellas. Is not life tough I feel, and shut my mouth thinking no more complaints! As I see the postman walking inside the gate I realise this person is coming to this area since so many years, always walking, rain or shine! Cant the postal people give him at least a cycle I wonder! On an impulse I go and fetch a set of dress material luckily I had at home, and give it to him. Imagine the pleasant surprise look in his eyes..and some how it brought lots of happiness to me too. The whole day I was feeling light and good. No I have not done anything out of pity, or as any obligation..just recognising some ones services..and commending them, in my own way! Values.. I am sure each one of us have them, either we inherit them from our parents or elders or develop in school or simply form our own by the time we become adults..! Sticking to our values is a good thing, and if we do changes to those values to improve ourselves..its even better! Basically every one of us want to be treated good, and how does that happen? ..! Xactly!! Always get what we give! We do good, and we get it back...helping others, or sharing our wealth( of power, knowledge, or money) in any way will be like the job well done. We don't need to be social workers for some one to remember us! I remember a few incidents where I got help or I was of help!! I can never forget the Chaiwala out side the airport who willingly came forward to share his cell phone when he saw me standing alone with luggage and my pick up not to be seen. I was so stressed out and had no phone on me, and no one along with me which made my situation even more difficult, at which point the chaiwala was like God sent! Same way..I remember I was trying to get a luggage trolley out from the stake, when I realised its not gonna work unless I put the demanded currency. I had a 10$ bill but does the machine care, since it needs only 3 one dollar bills. I asked each and every one for change who came my way..but no one helped or had the required change, or may be simply were busy in their own business. One Chinese man was may be watching me came out with 3 dollars , not any change to my 10 dollars..but just went off saying its ok..collect your trolley! Hm....on my walking way, one morning I saw a lady with a child sitting on the road side. May be tired or may be waiting for some one, as she looked like the road worker. As I passed the same way when heading back, I observed she was walking, and that time I realised she was full term Pregnant. She was so weak physically as she was trying to manage the cranky child in her hands and was unable to walk properly. I over shoot her, but turned back and asked her if she was OK. She said she did not eat any food, and feeling weak in her condition. I helped her to reach a near by small eatery and since I had no cash on me, spoke to the people to give her food with a promise that I will do the payment the next day morning. As they see me walking in that route since long, they were fine with it. It is a very small amount, but made me feel so good when ever I think about it!Kindness, generosity need not be in large quantities, or lump sums, but gestures of any kind to make the other person good, or relieved in my opinion is the best service in it self! I am no saint, but I do can gulp ego, anger,hurt and Jealousy and use it in small quantities when it cannot be avoided. I never ignore emails or messages sent to me personally as who knows that communication could be of some importance to the person who is on the other side and relax them even if its a one word from me.What else but we all like to be felt that we are wanted, and loved? I read this small column where a group of people were on a mountain climbing spree, and all of them almost reached the peak which is like their set goal. At that point one got injured and could not proceed but needed medical aid. One person volunteered to assist him ,ignoring the goal, and the rest of them carried on...! What makes that one person special...nothing other than,...he just feels if tomorrow he is also in similar situations, he hopes he too gets help like how he is helping the needy today.Is it not simple but great? So with these simple thoughts if we move on.... I can say we have good concrete Value system for a great life!!