Sehnsucht.....

Yes, there is still goodness in this world

My dad was at his bank this past weekend when he had a blackout of some kind. It was a smallish space, there was a bit of a crowd, and he felt some discomfort come on. He was alone and does not remember everything that happened; but he ended up falling or losing his balance somehow.

He was helped by people around him, all strangers. A young man; a retired Army officer; the manager of the bank....One of them took his mobile phone and made a call to Mom asking her to come and get him; the retired Colonel ensured that Papa was comfortable and very kindly remained with him till Ma had reached, even offering to drive them to the hospital himself. The manager of the bank was there too and offered to let Papa rest in his office for a while.

Newspapers and reality TV keep reminding us on a daily basis how apathetic and uncaring people in general have grown towards each other. I am glad such people are still around who stop and make an effort to help those in need. My very sincere thank you to all of them.

Happy Diwali

It's Diwali. The Festival of Lights. Should have been called the festival of noise, since that's what seems to be the predominant interest of people celebrating the festival at least in my neighbourhood. 

But this isn't a post to rant about the smoke and the noise. I love Diwali and everything it represents and brings. I have enjoyed the time spent with family over the last couple of days. 

A thought struck me today - how many people are regularly unable to celebrate Diwali in this way because their jobs demand it? The cop on the street, the soldier at the border post, the young doctor in the Emergency wing, the airline crew, the security guard, the staff at a popular restaurant..... It's a longish list....A silent prayer and thanks to them and their families.

Happy Diwali.