It was yet another date with God on Saturday morning. As I got down the car, I walked to pick the Diyas from a road-side vendor. It was around 7am in the morning and one of the coldest mornings of Delhi winter.
The lady who sells Diyas had not come yet. I saw a small child running towards me. I was glad. I said "Hey, Pankaj". He smiled and started picking diyas for me. In one of my previous visits, he had come to ask the half coconut which I generally take to the temple. I agreed to give him the coconut but I asked him his name first.
Now, to my surprise, when I met him this morning and as I called him "Pankaj", suddenly, few children who were sitting near by shouted "Didi, his name is not Pankaj. His name is Hakeeb"
In one of my previous visits, I had given coconut to a child called " Iqbal". That child was not smart as Pankaj in changing his name on the spot.
When I came out of the temple, Pankaj did not run towards me asking coconut as he usually does. My dad started the car but I asked him to wait. I called Pankaj and gave him the half coconut. He smiled.
Of course, it doesn't matter to me that he is Pankaj or Hakeeb. I wanted to reassure him in his growing up years that humanity is much bigger than religion.
I hope to see Pankaj tomorrow! And yep, my date with god is still on! :)
The lady who sells Diyas had not come yet. I saw a small child running towards me. I was glad. I said "Hey, Pankaj". He smiled and started picking diyas for me. In one of my previous visits, he had come to ask the half coconut which I generally take to the temple. I agreed to give him the coconut but I asked him his name first.
Now, to my surprise, when I met him this morning and as I called him "Pankaj", suddenly, few children who were sitting near by shouted "Didi, his name is not Pankaj. His name is Hakeeb"
In one of my previous visits, I had given coconut to a child called " Iqbal". That child was not smart as Pankaj in changing his name on the spot.
When I came out of the temple, Pankaj did not run towards me asking coconut as he usually does. My dad started the car but I asked him to wait. I called Pankaj and gave him the half coconut. He smiled.
Of course, it doesn't matter to me that he is Pankaj or Hakeeb. I wanted to reassure him in his growing up years that humanity is much bigger than religion.
I hope to see Pankaj tomorrow! And yep, my date with god is still on! :)
Well captured. It is saddening to hear that children change their names for a coconut. This only shows that how much aware are they of our pathetic social conditions. I sincerely appreciate what you have done. However next time you may want to call him by his real name and give the coconut. That will reassure him that everyone is equal. Hope your dates succeed, Ms Goddess :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good idea. I will try it today.
ReplyDeleteI will also be careful that he is not uncomfortable and is not bothered by others in the vicinity. Let's see how this works out.
We feel good when we are able to give something to someone in need. But we may feel better when we ask few things about the stranger whom we are helping on the road. It might be that he may completely lie to you. But children, who are the future of our country, can be truthful more than often. And we may be of genuine help to them. I do not know. But I definitely felt nice tha now I have a friend when I go to temple :)
Happ Republic Day!
Thanks for the blessings Arun. Much needed ;)