VALUE BEFORE THE VALUABLE IS LOST

Before few days, I had a confrontation with an incident which I never envisioned to be originating from a remote place and people, but it actually did. Few experiences make us realize that we are too light to weigh more than the water to sink into it. Such events remind us that we still need to put tons and tons of efforts to be what we are ought to be.

I was travelling with my family when we saw a small road-side shop on highway. The journey was via very remote route and unknown locations. The shop showcased numerous varieties of flowerpots, tabletops, and all ceramic based hand-made molded and crafted aesthetics. We love colors so the display was really appealing to us. We stopped and went down to the shop. It was literally a decent shop where every item was seen to have taken its supposed co-ordinates. We did not expect it to be so neat and tidy. A 20–22-year-old boy guided us throughout the exploration of various items and purchase. We sourced couple of items, and I mistakenly took my mobile out to digitally transfer the amount. I even asked him for QR code/number but stopped halfway, assuming that it is stupid of me to ask for these details as they must be dealing with only cash.

The boy noticed my behavior and before I could take some cash out, he joyfully (in his native language) informed, “Madam, you can send money via Phonepay, Paytm, Gpay anything you wish”. I was seriously glad to know this not because I prefer that, but I feel very satisfied when such people show their willingness to walk with the pace of world, into the world, within their world, doing their part in what keeps one updated. I wanted to confirm as this sight is very rare.

I asked, “Seriously?”. He smiled and replied, “Education is not something money can buy. It is on an individual. I even have a business card which I request you to take and connect with me for such material requirement in future.”. Honestly, I was shocked to hear BUSINESS CARD word from this boy who not at all seemed to be the one aligned to it in any physical ways. “Money and education are nowhere related” is entirely engraved into my DNA but witnessing someone living this understanding and growing was much fulfilling.

We did money transfer digitally, took the items and conveyed thank you. He answered, "Thanks to you”. I questioned, “For what?”. He answered, “When I informed that we support online transfer, I could see a sparkle in your eyes. May be that is what we actually earn by selling our ceramic art.” We have a habit of labeling everyone as black and white, without knowing their true color.

What we should remember from this little conversation and incident is the approach with which this boy, and hopefully many such people are living. His body language was clearly explaining that he was not in awe of money, he understood that scarcity of something does not make that a right thing to chase for. You can create your own world with what you have, what you believe you can achieve and that’s all. People respect you for what you have, what you have already offered and not what you could be. Above picture shows happiness trap which symbolizes that we constantly keep “CHASING MODE” ON and miss to enhance the gifts we already have been offered.

I remember, when Dhoni was declared out in 2019 World cup semifinal, it was natural for him and all of us to shed tears for watching him out (that too run out) along with going a step away from lifting World Cup. Despite this, we could hear spectators giving a standing ovation to Dhoni and chanting, “Dhoni, you have given us everything”. I think that is the biggest thing we, as Indian cricket lovers could ever give to Dhoni. His tears and our emotions of gratitude towards him made an everlasting combination of “DHONI – The Character”.

The depth of our soul lies in inspiring someone how to swim and not make them sink 😊