The Learning Incident .

Last year during summer vacation me and my cousins, Nia and Yasveer, had planned to visit zoo in Mumbai. We kids had ourselves planned the entire day, fun activities with the help of my aunt Chitra who is the mother of Nia and Yashveer.

We were so excited that the night before the zoo visit, we hardly slept. Next morning we all got up early and got ready on our own. Neither my mom nor aunt Chitra had to run behind us for breakfast, bath and wearing clothes.

We all left in my aunt's car. Our car stopped at a signal. An old man approached our car and tapped on the window where my aunt was sitting, she rolled the window down and asked for a newspaper. Its only when we realized that he wasn't bedding for money. In-fact he was selling goods. He was carrying a bundle of pens, ear bud packets, key chains and such small items along with a newspaper.

Aunt paid Rs 20/- to the old man and he handed over a newspaper, said thank-you and left. As our car started moving again. I asked her why that uncle charged Rs 20/- for just a newspaper. Aunt laughed and explained to us.

That the old man is a regular appearance at that signal. He sells these pity items in exchange for whatever money we offer. He chose to earn his living even at this age instead of begging, which would have been an easier option considering his age and appearance.

So aunt paid Rs 20/- to appreciate his hard-work and honor his dignity, She explained to us that those of us who are privileged and can afford should give back to the poor and needy in whatever means possible. Even today, I carry the learning of this incident with me which actually was the highlight of our rest of the funfilled day.