Anjali wanted to fly a kite this Sankrathi and we were planning to buy one for her. The winter being one of the coldest in Hyderabad in recent years, we both got out of our house for a stroll on the Sankranthi day afternoon, towards the nearby park next door. There we found that our highly security conscious colony society had locked up the gate to the sand pit area with a brand new lock, probably fearing that the young kids from the slums who sometimes come to play there may just steal all the sand! Or worse, they may get some happiness! But since those kids never use any entrance and are adept at scaling all the walls in the world, this lock is for law abiding citizens who seek permissions.
Anyway, as we walked back out there were two young boys, one about 14 and the other 8, dressed out in traditional clothes, blowing the flute-like instrument they go with for Sankranthi, along with their gangireddu, and collect alms. The younger of them had just picked up a kite that was lying on the road, and the moment they saw Anjali, the elder one took it from his younger brother and gave it to her without a thought. When Anjali whispered a feeble 'Thank You' the older of the boys said distinctly 'Welcome' and walked on, his back erect, his head held high. Probably going to school. They were both exactly that age when kite flying is the most fun for boys and it was a good kite in good condition. For them to give it to a little kid without batting an eyelid was wonderful, just as the manner in which they accepted the thanks and walked off. It was a noble and kind act and they did not stop by for more than a second and disappeared around the corner.
I am more than convinced that such acts of kindness and nobility only exist in those who know that real joy lies in thinking of what the act means to others, more than what its loss means to them. Most times I see such acts coming from people for whom what they are giving up means a lot - they truly know its value - just as they know the value of what it means to the recipient of their kindness (the poor and the needy). On the other hand many people who can afford things hold on to their precious little, even things they do not need, and behave in such an ungracious manner that it sickens the soul (the middle class and the upper class).
There is little we need to live by, and if we can simply find the value, the true spirit of giving, it will enrich our existence and of those around us, so much more. Those two kids were giving much more than they were taking that day. Somewhere, in our hearts, we need to find that spot where those kids are coming from.
Anyway, as we walked back out there were two young boys, one about 14 and the other 8, dressed out in traditional clothes, blowing the flute-like instrument they go with for Sankranthi, along with their gangireddu, and collect alms. The younger of them had just picked up a kite that was lying on the road, and the moment they saw Anjali, the elder one took it from his younger brother and gave it to her without a thought. When Anjali whispered a feeble 'Thank You' the older of the boys said distinctly 'Welcome' and walked on, his back erect, his head held high. Probably going to school. They were both exactly that age when kite flying is the most fun for boys and it was a good kite in good condition. For them to give it to a little kid without batting an eyelid was wonderful, just as the manner in which they accepted the thanks and walked off. It was a noble and kind act and they did not stop by for more than a second and disappeared around the corner.
I am more than convinced that such acts of kindness and nobility only exist in those who know that real joy lies in thinking of what the act means to others, more than what its loss means to them. Most times I see such acts coming from people for whom what they are giving up means a lot - they truly know its value - just as they know the value of what it means to the recipient of their kindness (the poor and the needy). On the other hand many people who can afford things hold on to their precious little, even things they do not need, and behave in such an ungracious manner that it sickens the soul (the middle class and the upper class).
There is little we need to live by, and if we can simply find the value, the true spirit of giving, it will enrich our existence and of those around us, so much more. Those two kids were giving much more than they were taking that day. Somewhere, in our hearts, we need to find that spot where those kids are coming from.
4 comments:
Isn't this the power of innocence that we lose as we grow up?
It is, and we must find it and keep it alive. Its a wonderful thing to have I think.
An act of generosity?
Found it in under privileged ,some times , in good auto drivers! here in Hyderabad.( Undani amma, yem paravaledhu, they say) the graciousness of some of them is etched in my memory.
Yes it is an act of generosity as well, one that only big hearts can find in them. That perspective, the large heartedness is what appears to be missing as we strive to go higher in the societal ladder. The art of being human.
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