The 'Others'

They don’t crib about music being too loud at ‘Blues’, CP. They never wonder how people survive without non vegetarian food. They have never tasted biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks; don’t know what pizzas are. May be, they have seen the wrappers with the other mucky bits of cardboard and paper they collect everyday. They can never roll up the windows of their cars, switch on the AC and frown at the pollution. They don’t know what laptops are. They never celebrate their birthdays. They don’t have a favorite brand, sometimes no family, no caste, no religion, not even an identity.

Yet they live.

The whole point is not to sell the idea by making it sound poignant and sad. The point I’m trying to make here is, that we should never, NEVER forget that there are people in this world who are less privileged than we are. And that doesn’t stop them from being what they are, and deprive them of their right to be respected. The fellow who sells groundnuts in the neighbourhood, the kids who hunt for stuff through the dumps in the nearby municipal garbage chute, the maid who cleans your home, the beggar ladies and street urchins who run to you outside Mc. D in Noida, the rickshaw pullers, or the 'chotu' working at the dhaba… all have a right to live, to be respected. And that just because they are penniless, doesn’t mean they have lost the right to be treated right. Specially the kids. In the tender stage of learning about the solar system and row multiplication, they roam around in rags without proper food and shelter. While a number take to slavery and prostitution, many fall prey to drugs and illegal organ trafficking.

Somehow I feel a sudden rush of shame when I see them, shame of being better off than them. I don’t think they are any less mortal and deserving than I am. What is it that saved me from destitution? What makes me worthy of what I have today and what I wear? They could be as good human beings as I am. Maybe better ones at that. I can almost hear my conscience sneering at me as I try to look away and deliberately avoid the grim ironies of life.

I don’t think they really need our sympathy. They are proud to be what they are, I say. These guys share this planet with the Ambanis and Bill Gates and Warren Buffets of this world, and are not any less deserving than anyone who is reading this as well. I just want people to remember this the next time they flinch at some slum nearby.

I am no Robin Hood, just a fellow blogger who thought of spreading the word. A smile, a good deed and a kind word would do. If that is too much, then poverty would have a new meaning. Heh.

This New Year, when you resolve to stick to a good diet plan, exercise regularly, drink or smoke less, just add one more check to the list- that of being a good human being. Know why it is an innocuous exercise? That’s because it is only the equals and the wealthier that have the ability to harm you. Or do some good, if they too resolve in being kind to people less privileged than them.

Following is a hymn we used to sing in schooldays… Used to be… No it still is my favourite. It's short and simple, but has a very nice message. Here Goes...

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the lord hath done.

Count your blessings name them one by one
Count your blessings see what God hath done.
Count your blessings; name them one by one.
And it will surprise you what the lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your blessings angels will attend,
Health and comfort bring you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings name them one by one
Count your blessings see what God hath done.
Count your blessings; name them one by one.
And it will surprise you what the lord hath done.