Random Acts of Kindness

I came across this line some time ago—Practise random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty—and it has stayed with me. I have seen so many examples of this and each time it makes the heart smile.

Mostly, it takes me by surprise when this comes from complete strangers, especially rickshaw and cab drivers. I was in a hurry once and I asked this rickshaw driver to drive fast. He not only drove fast but also exceedingly well, without flouting a single traffic rule—impressive in someone as young as he was (he'd mentioned he was still completing his studies). I offered him extra money as a token of appreciation but he refused, no matter how much I insisted, saying it was his job. I was left marvelling at his work ethic, so rare especially in a competitive metropolis.  

Then there was this rickshaw I hesitated to hail simply because it was so spectacular. If a rickshaw could look like a decorated white horse, this one did! White and chrome on the outside, the vehicle was as glamorous on the inside—complete with white-painted wood finish with chrome trimmings, luxury seating and assorted bells and whistles. The driver told me that he had got it specially made in Kolhapur at great expense and it was his pride and joy. There was not a person on the road who didn't turn to look, as the rickshaw made its stately way through the packed streets. Speaking of bells and whistles, I once rode a rickshaw that provided free Wi-Fi and had a cheerful banner offering free rides to the elderly and to pregnant ladies, a clear reflection of the person who drove it.

Another memorable instance was when I came across this cab driver who travelled with a bag of grains just so that he could feed pigeons on his way home. And how can I forget this friend who loves dogs, especially strays, so much that he would take them into his home during chilly winter nights in Delhi. There are many, many examples and my eyes especially light up, when I read about such cases in the news. I remember, I’d read about this man in Philippines, who leaves his books on the sidewalk outside his home, just so that strangers can pick them up and share his love of reading.

Kindness without reason has a special kind of beauty, a glow that lingers in the heart and the mind… and I have been grateful that I’ve been witness to so many instances and look forward to many more. :)

My dad, one of the kindest people I know, petting a stray cat with an inhaler in the other hand :)