Food for thought with lesson in contentment
Richness in one’s thoughts, honesty and purity in the call of conscience, and a simple truism in the inner voice need no cognitive intelligence. Even an illiterate and ordinary-looking man can subtly teach one the most valuable life lessons. The lessons so learned get ingrained in one’s character and possess the power to mould our thinking and attitude towards life.
The taste bug is how I’m known in the family, and it is justified when I find myself finicky about spicy street food. I confess that wherever I go, I successfully locate the place of my interest and never fail to enjoy the delicacies despite objections and reservations raised by my health-conscious family members. A chole bhature wala became my favourite snack junction in Bhiwani, where my brother lives. Being a frequent visitor, I’ve seen him progress from a mere rehri to a shop to opening branches in the other parts of the city. In just three years, his growth has been remarkable. With an attractive price tag of ₹20 a plate, his clientele keeps growing with time.
During a routine visit to Bhiwani, I visited the shop to have the chole bhature packed for breakfast. As usual, people waiting to get their orders packed and people desperately waiting for a table to get vacant stood waiting outside the ordinary-looking shop. After getting my order packed, I did not fail to compliment the owner on the taste and quality of the food he serves. He acknowledged the praise showered by me in front of other customers with all humility.
My economic prudence suitably cued by my experience as a commerce teacher was quick to dole out free advice to the entrepreneur. Riding high on my academic intelligence, I affectionately suggested that he mull over increasing the rate as the product had captured the hearts of city inhabitants. The step, therefore, would beyond any doubt raise his counter collections.
He listened patiently. The subtle smile on his face was enough for me to understand that he had not relished my suggestion. With a unique spark of contentment in his eyes, he said, “Sir ji iss keemat mein jab ameer aur garib dono tassali se kha ke jaate hein to mujhe ek sukoon sa milta hei jise mein khona nahin chahta. (Sir, when the affluent and the deprived both enjoy these servings at this price, I derive a satisfaction that I don’t want to lose.)”
He went on to add: “Even at this rate, I’m growing mentally and economically, so where is the need for a hike?”
The candid reply of that illiterate person made me cringe. My academic degrees and experience of producing many a professional appeared meagre in front of his simplicity, humility, and sensitivity. I sheepishly agreed to what he said and could not muster the courage to look into his eyes. I hurriedly picked up the packet and headed home. This time, I not only took along the food for my palate but also for thought with heart and soul.
EVEN AN ILLITERATE AND ORDINARY-LOOKING MAN CAN SUBTLY TEACH ONE THE MOST VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS. THE LESSONS SO LEARNED GET INGRAINED IN ONE’S CHARACTER