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 -
Good one. Takes me back to those days when I was working in Corporation Bank, Kollam. I used to commute by the passenger train from Tvpm. The train stoped at all the stations en route. We used to offer our seats to old people, women carrying babies and pregnant women. Now there is no one to teach the younger generation politeness and manners. The parents are busy running around to make money and the teachers teach the lessons mechanically. There are no grandparents at home. If we show them the way they will definitely follow us.
ReplyDeleteA reflection of the present!
DeleteThe way out is your belief "if we show them the way they will definitely follow us". I hope our generation does that.
Thanks Asha for your feedback.
👌
ReplyDeleteThanks Divya. Please visit again.
DeleteI am falling in with your writing style..thanks for bringing those memories back during this " Work from home "days. And message of this article was crystal clear. Indeed, we grows up observing things around us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandar for your words of appreciation; without doubt a great motivation for me.
DeleteCheck out my next post please.
Nice one! It takes me back to my younger ages!
ReplyDeleteJoe
Thanks Joe. Hope to meet you again soon.
DeleteTwo things are part of a typical Mumbaikar's life - Vada Paav and local trains. You can't take them away from him. Naturally I was happy to come across these in your post. Both bridging the past with the present, written in a crisp and attractive style. Moreover it conveyed a very important message of social etiquette too. Keep it up Rajuda.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bhasi for your encouraging words.
DeleteHappy to see that the abyss between generations did not devour my core message.
Come again please.
You have covered all aspects of the local train travel. One thing that hasn't changed then 30 years before and now is the crowd in them. I can't see any progress we claim to have made when I walk in to catch a train. It is pathetic. Any suggestions to its improvement?
ReplyDeleteOh! I do share your pessimistic concern. The only suggestion I have, rather hope, is that the powers-that-be shed their apathy one day to make our daily travels comfortable. Thanks Brij. Hope to see you again.
DeleteMy train journey demanded a lot of preparation but when I stepped in full swing ,I too felt I could cope up with others.Initially ,getting into the train was a dream come true and coming out of it needed more of an acrobatics. But it was short lived.I became a complete success when I realised that more than getting a seat,getting a space is more important. I always made sure that I find a way out to come out.Now I am happy I can give training to the new train commuters. I felt that I learnt and experienced a new art.Hope you too ...
DeleteYou not only need to be quick, but acrobatic too as you rightly said. Good that you have acquired these skills and are even ready to train novices.
DeleteThanks. Please drop in again.
Local train journey is a special experience especially when you are a permanent commuter.Infact this is like building a close family connection. They have the same seat every Day.Each one is concerned about the others seat.When all are set,they discuss all their matters some about family,job,about job opportunities and what not.All are willing to help others sincerely.Apart from these,they have parties,bhajans,games and many more.While leaving,they bid goodbye for a better tomorrow. If you are lucky to pass their test,you might also become a permanent memberin their group.That's how every Mumbaikar leads ones life towards happiness.In the train or at the office,they find ways to enjoy.....They have no complaints.A big Salute to this Wonderful City!
ReplyDeleteYes, for a regular commuter with an outgoing nature, this train journey is a pleasant experience. As you said, once you "pass the test", what you get to enjoy is real bonhomie.
DeleteThanks, friend. Hope to see you again.