Courtesy

Driving in India, especially north India, is a constant game of who will blink first. Every one has only one objective, irrespective of even traffic lights, "let me get through.....to hell with everything else". Running down pedestrians is fast becoming a satisfying goal for majority of vehicle drivers. Honking for least cause is de-riguer. You can define micro-second by the time elapsed between lights changing green to hearing the honk from the guy behind you!!!
It was therefore a pleasant surprise when I saw a motorist screech to a stop at zebra crossing to let a pedestrian walk across first. As I was following in the same lane I also stopped. So far so good. Just when I was thanking the gods that some courtesy is back on roads the car in the slower lane came from behind and almost took off the poor walker from zebra strip to kingdom beyond where zebra's actually live. I admire the courtesy of the first motorist and wish the second one also learns some pronto.

Second to none

Course of my work took me to a lower division court house today and for those who have not been to courts in India it is an experience. Add to that a lower division court in India !!! Teeming with humanity, is what some would call it but it was a slow day today, only a couple of thousands jostling for space to get their work done.
I came across a person who was distributing "Prasad" (Blessed sweets) to all he came across. He would dig out a handful from his big "jhola" (handbag) and with a smile pass on small portions to all with a beaming and content face. Who was he? Where did he come from? Why he was doing this? What did he do for living? I do not know but I admit that I could see his contentment in doing just what he was doing and getting pleasure form the simple act.
I admired his self confidence and approach to life - at least for that brief period - offering Prasad, without any apparent motive, to all without thought of any discrimination or priority. Life like that can be lived only when you are strong within.