ARE WE HUMANE HUMANS?

The other day one of the cars of our campus  was damaged due to the reckless behaviour of some residents who happen to be cricket enthusiasts, chose a leather ball perhaps - and it shattered the glass of one of the cars.

Reactions of the residents of my layout were quite mixed - some concerned, some unaffected, some critical and some took to giving precious advice. - "Should not park their cars near the Park" (The fact is the houses are in a row facing the Park and yes, not very close to the Park either).

What happened is not relevant but I was reminded of an incident that occurred while I was at  Gold Coast, Australia with my 11 students on an educational trip. A beautiful, touching experience of concern, consideration, empathy, love or may be 'Being Human'.

Cutting the details, it so happened that 5 of my boys were pure vegetarian, and I had also decided to be one, as my Father-in-law was worried that I may unknowingly consume kangaroo meat . So we were literally surviving on Pringles, Burgers and home packed 'Khakras'. I want to add here that being a vegetarian was not a good situation to survive in, as we were tourists, totally dependent on purchased foods.

That particular night, we got late in sight-seeing and decided to eat before returning to our hotel. My non-vegetarians had ample of options, so we vegetarians went to a restaurant nearby. It was pretty late and we hardly had any choices, being non-meat eaters. We did find a curry but it was very expensive - according to that day's budget. On calculating the prices, we found that we had enough to buy 6 plates of rice but not the curry. Plus, my boys wanted to have cokes also. I too did not have enough as I had bought small mementos for everybody back home, that being the last day in Australia. We were discussing options and still could not find a way out. Two of us opted out since we were not SO hungry, yet the complete meal could not be bought from the remaining dough.

Finally it was decided that we settle down with rice, two plates of curry and some complimentary sauces. While we waited for the food to be delivered, I felt very sad looking at the cherubic faces of my children whose mothers would have strangulated me, had they seen their precious ones eating THAT stuff.

At last, the food was served! Six plates of rice, six bowls of THAT CURRY, six glasses of tempting chilled fruit punch and potato wafers.

We informed the steward that, it should've been someone else's order as we were supposed to get only two plates of curry and six plates of rice as the sauces were already on the table. We could not believe when he said, "Yes Ma'm, it IS your order."

I went with the senior most boy to the counter to clarify. They confirmed the same and added that it was 'already  paid for'..

Actually, a Chinese couple had been a witness to our predicament and had decided to bring some cheer to us.. Total Strangers, without any expectations.. The most touching part was, they had already left without giving us a chance to show our gratitude AND LOVE..

Was that Humanity? Or Concern? Or Consideration? Pity, Sympathy, Empathy Or Genuine Love for Human Beings? TOTAL STRANGERS who may NEVER cross our pathways ever.. probably?

And here, where we rub shoulders with our fellow residents of the Layout, walk past them so often, attend get-togethers and exchange pleasantries???

What are we teaching our children? Being Honest, Upright and Empathetic OR being Critical, Aloof and Unconcerned?

Such beautiful words to ponder over.. 

WHEREVER  THERE  IS  A HUMAN  BEING, THERE  IS  AN  OPPORTUNITY  FOR KINDNESS.
                      -Seneca.