Heal the world

Spread cheer, happiness and laughter as life is too short.

During my evening walks in the complex I live in, a dignified grey-haired, much older man passes me by regularly. Cultured and polite, he always smiles and wishes me.

On the days that I am walking alone, he will stop, to ask me why I am alone. His smile is infectious and goodness evident, and when he sees me, with my spouse, his face lights up, and he always has a blessing to impart.

This simple act of reaching out to strangers, showing concern and spreading joy set me thinking.

This stranger had touched me with his concern. His face bore a calmness, contentment and selflessness of a life well-lived, with the need to now befriend people without a purpose.

I started to introspect and delve into my past. My metamorphosis from a shy, reticent, unconfident school girl to a confident though modest achiever was gradual and happened over the years.

During the process, I began to enjoy the company of people, lending an ear to my friends who wanted somebody they could trust with their secrets, or not be judgemental about their negative thoughts. I learnt not to advise them when they were emotional and wait for the opportune moment and help them make the right decisions.

I also realised I had a way with people, and they felt that I would never let them down. I think I am intensely loyal and tend to stick out my neck for others or what I felt was right. I won respect and loyalty of my colleagues and my years as a professional were satisfying and fulfilling.

Off late, I have been watching a quiz show on Indian national television which is hosted by the famous Indian actor Mr Amitabh Bacchan. Watching the veteran actor enthral and captivate his audience with his compassion, wit, humour, and emotionally connect with the contestant makes you realise how people idolise role models. They can inadvertently influence your entire personality.

We, often are unable to fathom the influence a public personality can have on ordinary human beings. So many contestants, when selected to participate in the quiz show he hosts, break down and Mr Bachhan helps them settle, lending them tissues and handing them a glass of water.

He is now 77 years old and comes across as very sensitive and caring. He tries to empathise with their dire circumstances. He highlights their struggle and appreciates their grit, determination and desire to improve a lot of their family.

As an actor, he was known for his macho roles and ace acting. He ruled Bollywood for years and in the sunset of his life he has won the hearts of his audience as an ace quiz master and champion of many causes.

He relates and comes across as a genuine person with the concern, love and understanding he displays.

He keeps reminding everyone about his age, but in his case, his persona is more significant than life and age is just a number. Every one of his contestants, be it young, middle-aged, old, from whatever strata of society, male or female gets drawn out of their shell by his charm, mannerisms and sensitivity. As a spectator, I am captivated by his expressive eyes and subtle humour.

He truly is a people’s person and impacts many as a role model. Acting may have got him fame, wealth, status, recognition but today it is his knowledge, experiences and ability to reach out and bond with people across all sections of society, that makes him a universal father figure to many.

People differ. Some of us enjoy and need to be always with others. Others prefer solitude and introspection, and are their own best friends. They are quiet listeners, who prefer spending an evening at home curled up with a book of their choice.

Over time, we evolve. We stop being the person we are not and learn to fly on our own and be true to ourselves.

There are no right or wrong people. We all find our path, pursuing happiness. Investing in others is rewarding, and helping them achieve their aspirations sometimes may meet many roadblocks.

Never give up !!

Even if we help one person have a better day, we have a cause to smile and be content. Every drop in the ocean counts and if we all pledge to wipe the sorrows of a few we would,

“Heal the world we live in, save it for our children”.

Michael Jackson