On way to work, I get to ride with my boss/business and life partner. It's obvious work is all that we have on mid then. We discuss agenda and deliverables for the day. Help each other set priorities. In between, we do curse the traffic and jay-walkers - all part of driving in Calcutta. The 10 min conversation-on-the-move sure sets our working day right.
The return journey is a complete contrast. It's my way to disconnect from office and yet not let my mind run to home affairs. A time to myself.
This 10 min I spend in watching the world and observing people and activities around me. Believe it or not, nowhere else I have seen so many faces of life as I do during this drive. The Chauffeur drives through by-lanes to avoid traffic lights and peak hour rush.
In 10 minutes, I drive by -
the famous Kali temple
Mother Teresa's missionary of charity
street vendors on footpath
an abandoned haunted house
red-light area
small shops
Calcutta Jail
Cemetery
cheap eateries
Government offices
Swanky bungalows of the richest and famous
Hand pulled ricksaws, damaged taxis, Mercs, BMWs, Skodas (not to forget cows and dogs)
In those few minutes, I get a quick glance into the lives of greedy pundits, devotees from all parts of India, struggling entrepreneurs, Bangladeshi refugees, beggars, prostitutes, foreign tourists, newly weds, butchers, grieving families, families below poverty line, fragile old people, sweaty tired coolies and ricksaw pullers, and of course diamond clad women riding on back seat of luxury cars and at times known corporate honchos. So much disparity in 10 minutes is often so confusing to mind. As drive by them, I wonder about their lives, struggles, professions, families, achievements, relations, compulsions, responsibilities, daily challenges, earnings, aspirations, challenges, joys and sorrows.
I feel amazed at -
a refugee woman's smile while cooking meal on broken pavement
a fragile poor, elderly vegetable vendor's offering some greens to a cow
families waiting outside the jail to meet their loved one
a newly wed man bribing a pujari to get quick blessings from the Goddess
foreigners comfortably walking in filth and dirt
street side vendor feeling happy to make a Rs. 10 sale
a prostitute holding a baby in hand while waiting to be hooked
a 20 something man in a big car honking endlessly at an old man trying to cross street
There are many more such beautiful/painful/unbelievable/emotion provoking sights I observe as I drive home. I tend to ponder upon what I observe.
This drive through the lives of people makes me count my blessings more often. Reminds me to thank God for always being gracious to me. Inspires me to touch lives of those who are not as fortunate. Teaches me to be patient, polite, appreciative, and helpful.
Although comparatively insignificant, this drive also wipes away all my work thoughts by the time I reach home.
2 comments:
As you have a chauffer driven luxuary at your disposal, the best thing for you is to go and sleep as soon as you drop in your car. You will be relaxed and fresh by the time you reach home
u must be following this routine earlier.similar or different thoughts must have come earlier also.But sharing could happen because u started writing on blogs.So keep it up.Innovative things and ideas and better ways of expression will flourish.It will provide a better self occupation.Utilise this time for short medidation, thought procation,occasional nib or at times talking with me
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