Several incidents big or small happen in our day-to-day life, in which only a few of them create a lasting impression on us. Such an incident takes you through a multitude of emotions, so much so that you can’t resist reflecting, at least for some time.
During the usual evening bicycle ride on the campus, I caught sight of an older man, perhaps in his late fifties and peddling a manual rickshaw. He was trying to steer it up the incline. Four- five sealed LPG cylinders were kept in the carriage section. He didn’t look very sturdy rather had an average build. His face appeared as if chiselled with wrinkles advertently. The dark complexion gave me the idea that he had been through the toughest times in his life, working and surviving under adverse circumstances. His sons may have grown up; hence, he might have switched to some odd jobs. Due to his hard-working nature since childhood, he might have not preferred sitting and surviving on his son’s hard-earned money. He wore a shirt that wasn’t tattered but wrapped in dust, especially the portion near the shoulders. He might use to carry the cylinders on his firm shoulders before and after transporting them through an e-rickshaw. I could see him wearing a pair of chappals, which may have been purchased a few weeks back, but due to extensive use, they seemed worn out as if being used for months. The rickshaw, too, appeared as if re-purchased by someone and then a few essential parts such as tyres, broken brake shoes and wire, and seats were replaced to bring it to working condition. Also, facing stiff competition from e-rickshaw and modernity per se, this ‘tradition-manual’ rickshaw has been subjugated to carry only goods, not people. Moreover, It doesn’t offer a luxurious ride or save our time, as we’re always in a hurry. Isn’t it true?
Amidst all these, the aspect that drew my utmost attention is the ‘National flag’, 8*12 inches in width and height, made of satin fabric, hoisted at the tip of the handle of the rickshaw. It’s not unusual to come across such sights on the Day of Independence, nonetheless, it appeared unique, majorly due to two reasons. The first one is that the whole set, including the rickshaw, its owner and Tiranga in the front, appeared as if the perfect insignia of our country. The second, because it was still the 14th of August and not the 15th. The celebration of the spirit of Independence a day before, that too, by a rickshaw puller, has definitely belittled the formal feelings prevalent among most of the citizens. I don’t know why, but his wrinkled expression appeared to change to ‘pride’ and his every movement seem to align with the progress of the nation.
Isn’t he also a soldier, fighting for the survival- of himself, his family and the nation?
While passing by, I saluted him, and he saluted me back!
A moment of pride for me too. Jai hind!
Wishing you all “A Happy and prosperous 77th Independence Day”!
-Shashank
Pragmatic's Personas 