Black Cat

 Mumbai, 27th December 2020:

I was out for my morning routine (this one started in December, so looks like it will not go the New Year resolution way and will continue). While I trudged alone, lost in my thoughts, I saw an elderly gentleman slowly walking as well. The common area where I go in the morning is usually covered with a few people from society, who exchange morning pleasantries and go about their respective routines. The elderly gentleman was a regular, usually walking for about half an hour and then talking to anyone he could catch hold of, explaining the benefits of walking, food, or whatnot.  A lot of the walkers/joggers usually avoided him (I’ll be honest, including me), concerned about the time and their routines. One of the guys used to speed up when he saw the gentleman approaching, while others used to pretend to be lost in their Bluetooth audios, or busy checking their smartwatches. Left alone, the elderly gentlemen used to sit and gaze at the others.

Today, a new guy joined the daily gang- Bluetooth headset on, running at a decent pace. After completing one round, he glanced at the elderly gentleman, sitting alone in the sun. He turned course and went near him, wishing him a “good morning” and to my surprise, waited there. Eyes down, body slightly bowed and a smile on the face. He stood at a certain distance from the old man, listening intently. His body language was of utmost respect, to the point of reverence; as he listened to the old man explain the benefits of Yoga. As I crossed them, I heard: “Ji Uncle Ji” and could not help but smile, getting an important yet wonderful message about life.

The man had not done anything significant. He just gave the old man 5 minutes of his time. We are so set in our ways, so “busy” with our routines and purposes that we forget the importance of “time”. The man took out 5 minutes from his routine to speak to a stranger- got nothing out of it but a little smile from a stranger. Another important point, of him showing due respect to the elderly gentleman- his body language was proof of that. We are working in organizations that are gradually moving away from Sir” “Ma’am” to a first name basis. This is a good example of being progressive, of taking down the bureaucratic culture, but that does not mean that we do not show the much-required respect to the next person! As an Indian, we have been groomed with words like “bhaiya”, “didi” etc. which create a sense of respect and solidarity. Also, it reduces that feeling of formality among people, somehow making it easier to sustain a relationship.   

Image Courtesy: https://stock.adobe.com/in/images/respect-icon-vector-from-friendship-collection-thin-line-respect-outline-icon-vector-illustration-linear-symbol-for-use-on-web-and-mobile-apps-logo-print-media/256814220

I am not saying that we use “sir” and “ma’am”, but using a small “Ji” does create that Indian feeling of respect, doesn’t it?  Use a word, salutation which gives due respect to a lady two decades your senior, or a guy 10 years your junior- that does create a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.