The Little Gestures

What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us; what we have done for others and the world, remains and is immortal. No man, however lofty and however humble, can isolate himself from his kind, and, shutting himself up in the dark cell of his exclusiveness, determine to live for himself alone.- Albert Pike.

Hello friends, after the advent of Internet and social media, the world has become truly a global village, people living in any part of the world can connect with each other at the drop of few buttons at a minimum price. One new phenomenon among the younger generation is particularly remarkable is that more one is able to relate virtually, more the ability of physical interaction is receding. They feel very much reluctant to start a casual talk with a stranger, consequently in this era of work and education from home, the feeling of isolation and loneliness has started creeping in.

Human beings are social in nature, therfore a healthy interaction with people living around us, serving us in various capacities like, housemaid, cook, milkman, grocery man or vegetable seller lady etc can provide us a window to assess their problems in lives and try to do our best to sort them out. It can be through giving inputs and suggestions without being over meddling into their affairs. If possible provide them with monetary assistance. By caring a little we can bring positive changes in other people’s lives, it can also bring happiness and contentment in us. More we are able to connect in person more the feeling of isolation vanishes from our lives.

Recently I along with my husband went to visit the floating market in Patuli, Kolkata built in the lines of one, Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchburi Province, 100 km away from Bangkok. People visit the place more for recreation purposes than buying and we were not the exception. The shops are built on sturdy wooden boats and an wooden passage is prepared like ramps to stroll past the shop. The stalls were mostly selling beverages and Indian snacks like pakoras(fritters ) and gol gappas (we call it phuchka, shall tell you about it in details some other time). Vegetable and toy shops were there too.

I was enjoying the leisure stroll, when my eyes fell on an old lady selling flowers in one of the shop. As flowers are the most perishable of the lot, the danger of incurring losses for the unsold one are fairly more. I requested the lady to give me a stick of rose and asked my better half to pay for it. It cost 50 Rupees, a 100 Rupees note was given to her. She was looking for returning the change when I asked her to keep the change. For once, she was surprised because she was more accustomed to haggling for a better bargain than this, then gave a sweet smile, her face lighting up.

We moved on, the fresh red rose tucked securely in my hands. I couldn’t put it in my side bag fearing of it getting bruised in the process. Several of young couples were meandering around enjoying the evening. I could perceive that the girls gushing whenever we passed them. Then heard a female voice complaining to her partner apparently indicating us that she hadn’t received such beautiful flower though they were still courting each other. How could I tell her that I had a kind of self gifted myself the flower in a bid to help the woman. I looked gleefully at my hubby and he was smiling mischievously too.

The best part is on the way return, I was suddenly called by the same lady selling flowers. She lovingly offered me a marigold garland. I tried to refuse the offer but she insisted that I must take it because she is giving the flowers to be offered to the God by me. How did the lady know that I offer flower everyday to God! When I took it gladly, there was a glow of satisfaction on the old lady’s face.

Friends, this little gestures of give and take goes a long way in building relationships. A little care and empathy towards our less privileged fellow beings brings a lot of positvity. We all dearly need such good energy around to extract us all from the prevailing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Thanks for reading. Stay happy and safe.

Adieu for now.

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