These days, the media seems to nurture itself on tales of lost integrity, duplicity and manipulative misdeeds. At this time, I have a personal experience to share that helps to re-affirm my faith in the human character and the existing moral code of our country.
More than a decade ago, we (my wife and daughter) were going to Bijapur from Bellary by train. It was morning time. After a journey of half hour or so the train stopped at some station. I looked out for a cup of tea, in no time a very small boy wearing a cap appeared with tea. A cup of tea at that time cost Rs.1/-. We took two cups and paid a five rupee note. The boy did not have the change and so ran for his shop to fetch the change. In the meantime the train started moving. I did not notice the name of the Station. Soon we forgot about the incident. After a fruitful visit of Bijapur and some near by places, we returned back by the same train. In the late afternoon the train stopped at a small staion. My wife was sitting near the window. She was, as usual wearing Bengali saree, some gold bangles and the typical Bengali conchshell bangles, which are pecauliar to married Bengali (and Assamese) ladies. Suddenly a young man of say 25 yrs appeared on the window and asked my wife whether we travelled by this train few days back. When she confirmed, he offered Rs.3/- to my wife saying that his small boy could not return the money as the train had left. I was Stunned. On my further probing, he said that, he was watching this train everyday, for last few days for us, as he was sure we are tourist and likely to return by the same train. As to the question of identifying us, he pointed out to the dress of my wife.
A burning example of honesty. I was choked with emotion. I , possibly, would not have taken such trouble to return this small amount.
I salute this citizen. And I am proud to be a citizen of this great country.
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Teaser - Three students went to a hotel and paid Rs 300/- for nights stay. The manager, thought about his poorly students days, sympathesised with the poor students and returned Rs.50/- through one of his assistants. This assistant instead kept Rs.20/- for himself and gave back Rs.30/- to the students. So now the students effectly paid Rs.270/-, the assistant took Rs. 20/- thus the total 270+20=290. But the students initially paid Rs.300/-. The calculation is correct - then where are the 10 rupees gone ? (this was contributed by my daughter many many years ago during her school days).
Teaser - Three students went to a hotel and paid Rs 300/- for nights stay. The manager, thought about his poorly students days, sympathesised with the poor students and returned Rs.50/- through one of his assistants. This assistant instead kept Rs.20/- for himself and gave back Rs.30/- to the students. So now the students effectly paid Rs.270/-, the assistant took Rs. 20/- thus the total 270+20=290. But the students initially paid Rs.300/-. The calculation is correct - then where are the 10 rupees gone ? (this was contributed by my daughter many many years ago during her school days).
When you find the tenor, please let me know.
Claps! Claps!! Claps!!! So you are finally here.:) Thanks, T.
ReplyDeleteI remember you telling me the story long back... it is an excellent example showing where we really should place our faith and hopes upon.
Teaser: Let the assistant be more honest and keep only Rs 5 to himself.. it makes the teaser even more interesting :)
Btw, you can read this blog by Indiana, on the real story behind Mangalore pub incident, at: http://earthrattle.blogspot.com/2009/01/simmering-discontent.html.
My random blogs, you must have gathered by now, are at: http://shoumitro.blogspot.com/
Cheers,
P
Thank you very much, Pintu. I appreciate your comment! Will read your blogs and comment further.
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