The best of humanity is our exercise of compassion…….

This is a true story. But the names have been changed to protect the identity of the people involved.

It was a very hot and humid day here in Kerala. We wanted to get some provisions for the daily digestive activities and me  who is ever ready to go out jumped at the opportunity to get out of the house along with Nandan. Then we remembered that we did not have our  car that day since it was given for its regular service.  The lady who cooks for us was very adamant  that she would make something  only after she gets her essential things. So there it was…no other short cuts.  Someone had to go and get the things. Then Nandan said he would take an auto to our regular supermarket and get the things.

He bought the stuff and eventually got into an auto rickshaw. The auto drivers  in our city are very special than anywhere in the whole of kerala. They are very polite and do not charge extra. They really go out of their ways to help anyone. Strangers and tourists love them because they will never be taken for a ride literally but they are well taken care of.! So he got into an auto and reached home in  a few minutes. The ride cost him about 30 rupees in the meter but the driver was very rude and he demanded 50. Nandan argued with him and gave a 50 since there was no change with him. The driver without giving back anything, furiously turned his auto. He was grumbling and uttering something which  Nandan could not pick up. The auto left in a rush. Nandan was still fuming after the incident but somehow calmed down and  got himself to read that day’s newspaper.

Then something happened. He heard the sound of an auto. The same driver was back again in out courtyard. Was he coming for more? He rang the bell and Nandan opened the main door and there he was clutching a 20 rupees note. Nandan  was very apprehensive and waited. The auto driver said “  Sir, I am so sorry for my rude behavior earlier” . Please take your money back’. Nandan was very much surprised and something in the driver’s eyes melted his heart. He said. “ That is alright. Now you may keep the money” . The man’s eyes brimmed with tears. Clutching the note he almost broke down and said. “ Sir please do not misunderstand me. My life is a mess I don’t know what to do”. Any spectator could understand that he was genuine and  had tear filled eyes.  Nandan wanted to know more. He asked him to sit down and told him to calm down. Tea was offered and after drinking that the conversation turned into something very strange.

This person had a son who was about 12 or thirteen years of age. He had been diagnosed with a disease that the parents did not know. All they knew was their son  was  going to die in a few years.  The father  burst out crying that he was at his wit’s end and was running around to provide his everyday  medication which cost him around 500 rupees daily!! Nandan was so moved by listening to this man that he asked for more details of the doctor and the treatment that he could get more. The driver said that the medications are available outside India but there is no way he could access those. He asked the driver to give him copy of his medical report and said he will check with the medical fraternity that he knew personally. The driver was beaming with hope and happiness and he left with a lighter heart.

That night Nandan studied the reports and came to know that it was a condition called Muscular dystrophy and more advanced researches are being done in this. He visited various websites and posted the boy’s condition asking for further guidance. Noone replied. Then on the 4^th day he got an email from a Doctor who was in Paris, France. He has posted his email id and telephone number too. This doctor wanted to know more about the boy’s condition and specific medications that he was taking.

The next day he called the auto driver and asked to bring all detailed reports which was promptly emailed to him and then Nandan spoke to the good doctor from Paris. He explained everything in detail and suggested some new medications which he promptly passed on to the auto driver. He also assured that with proper care and medicines the boy can be better too. This was a total relief to the parents and everyone who came to know about this.

 This happened a year ago and the treatment is going steady. All that people need is kindness and care……nothing else…

BE KIND, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A