Yes! We are progressing!

Corruption is grabbing our country. It is taking place at every corner of government offices. Mettle is taking a backseat. Isn’t India known for its democracy? If it’s a democratic country why are we scared to speak the truth? Why aren’t we allowed to write about social problems? Why are social activists killed?

He told me not to write on this topic but I think I’ll do the opposite.

Rahul was a government employee who suggested change in the working style of his company. Initially the idea was ridiculed by his head of department but he didn’t fail to mention it in the suggestion form. It saved 25-30lakhs of the government.

Credits? Oh yes! They were taken by his bosses with promotions, bonuses and perks. Not only his immediate boss took them but also his head of department.

Isn’t this progress? We are progressing in such a brilliant way, with egocentricity. He doesn't mind losing his promotion, and who are we to bother?

But every day, every second, these petty issues are responsible for a larger problem. If we genuinely want to progress, we need to eradicate corruption from its roots. The bigger theatrical picture is made by small scenes. Mere talks about corruption by Anna Hazare or Arvind Kejriwal is not going to change the mindset of conformists, actions need to be taken. Only value of Indian currency in comparison with dollar is not the benchmark for progress. Progress is continuous, it’s a change, a change from within, a change at every colony, every society. It'll start from the roots. 

An honest kid

He had a mobile phone in one hand and biscuits in another. A young boy he seemed.

“Phone at such a young age?” Raj interrogated

“I don’t know, ask him” I pointed out.

We were sitting outside a popular bakery at Hyderabad. Between our conversations we overheard the kid talking on his phone

‘No mom, three biscuits are left to sell. I’ll sell them and be home by 10.30-11’ he said.

I felt sad for him, but as if I could help. And while I was pondering my friend called out

“Hey kid! Come here”

He took him close and questioned- “what’s your name?  Where do you live?”

The kid told his name and he explained that he stayed far; he came here to sell biscuits and would reach home by 11’o clock.

I looked at the watch it was 9’o clock already.

“Bhaiya, please buy these biscuits. Only 5rs.” he put the biscuits forward.

“Ok, I’ll buy them, not an issue but first I want to talk to you. Come sit next to me”

I heard while they spoke

“Why have you come so far to sell biscuits? What do your parents do?”

“Sir, my mom does odd jobs nearby and my dad is no more. I have a younger brother to support.”

“Do you go to school? Do you like studying?”

“Yes, I love studying and I earn to finish my schooling, I want to be something in my life and make my mother proud” he said candidly

“Which standard are you in and which school? What are your fees? ”

I gave Raj a ‘why are you so bothered?’ look.

He told the name of his school and continued “I am in 8^th STD and the fees is 700rs per semester”

A small amount it was.

My friend took his number and bought two packets of biscuits by giving him 200rs. I asked him why he did that and he explained-

I had only this much money right now and I gave it all to him. If I would have simply given him the money, he wouldn’t have valued it and I wanted to help him so I am going to call him in a few days and I have promised him to fund his schooling and higher education as well; so that he can concentrate only on his studies.

He inspired me. He inspired the kid.

Small acts make a huge difference. We don’t have to be Ambanis’ to help somebody; all we need is a clean heart.

Raj did contact the kid but he said he had money. An honest kid he was.

It inspired raj to save few of those thousand bucks which he spent on a single dinner and to help kids who actually need it for a bright future.

All we have to do is be little humane and you never know who looks up to you