Sunday, August 10, 2008

Transform Negative Energy

India came to realise that there exist fearful word Tsunami in 2004. And then, I had punched some words, which got published in HT for its Inner Voice column. What I felt then (Jan 2005), I still believe in it, till date, firmly. In negativity, I realise my strength.

Metro Miseries

While DMRC has given us Delhiites a gift like never before in the form of Metro travel, it has brought some miseries too, which can be taken seriously in some cases and with humour in some.

Let us discuss the serious issue. A week back while I was on my way to office as usual, I argued with myself on a phrase used in Metro that we read very often. It was related to designated seats “For Old & Physically Challenged Only”. Suddenly, I recalled how DMRC is trying to put forward its corporate image at its best. Yet, one aspect was missing: a sensitive approach.

I quickly made sure that an e-mail should go from my end to DMRC officials changing that phrase to --- For Elderly & Differently Abled --- which will be respectful and also command respect from others to offer seats. Let there be no feeling of apathy among the commuters towards this section of society. There should be more empathetic approach to the issue. I might be wrong, yet I felt good on writing that letter to the concerned. Now, I stand to wait for the change to take place.

On another instance, I would never write a letter for the misery many travelers go through courtesy “loud peers” in the Metro. Turning on the music, that too in the speaker mode is ridiculous; and what more, they don’t play good music. While traveling back home one day, my colleague and friend Prateek Sahay said, “Why he is not changing the track; I don’t like it.” I didn’t respond to his invigorating comments but it made clear to me what others around that fellow would be thinking on this subject. The interesting part, that fellow playing music was oblivious of the fact that all others are looking at him and conjuring up something against him. Luckily, he was about to alight. As soon as he went out of train, we heard another one boarding issued us a warrant of listening to his choice of music. Sometimes, God is at His irritating best.

Yet, our love for Metro seems to be on track. Only if some people can pay little attention to minute of sensitivities for the good of society at large, it would turn out to be smooth as well. Amen!