Those
were the days, when time and train waited for no one. With a
'Vada-Paav' in the mouth, and a briefcase in the other, a commuter
scrambling through the crowded platform was a familiar sight. The
compartments meant to carry 2000 passengers, accommodated thrice that
number. Those inside, huffed and puffed to redefine the concept of
space! Like 3 million odd daily commuters, I too survived this
ordeal for years.
So, when I had to
travel to the city recently, like a seasoned commuter I reached the
station well past the rush hour. The platforms were still crowded,
and the trains jam-packed. My intent was to board a compartment and
move right inside, to avoid getting caught in the crosscurrent of
commuters desperate to exit and eager to board at the next station.
As I stood taking stock
of the situation, a pleasant surprise appeared in the form of a good
old co-commuter. We talked for 30 minutes or so, before
managing to get on to a 'Double Fast' train and find space to stand
between two rows of seats. That was where one could find some
comfort, and grab a seat as soon as it fell vacant.
“Remember?” my
friend whispered: “We used to offer our seats midway to the
standees. Nobody asked us. but we did it out of courtesy. Times have
changed; with it manners too. Look at these college students. People as old as their fathers and grandfathers are standing. Is
anyone bothered?” I pacified him: “Don't be judgemental”. My
friend quipped: “Yeah yeah... You've always been like this. Indifferent and unconcerned!”
At the next station, a
passenger got up to disembark. Since my friend declined, I occupied
the seat. However, among the new entrants, was a frail old gentleman. I
offered my seat to him. My friend couldn't hold his tongue: “Wow..
I am impressed, Sir!'' As if on cue, a student got up: “Uncle,
please sit here”. Three other youngsters followed suit.
I turned to my friend:
“The new generation grows up observing us, just as we did in our
younger days. Be fair to them!''
“Elders who wonder
where the younger generation is going should remember where it came
from."
- Sam Ewing -
