The Good people of 1960s

In the annals of time, there exists a generation whose resilience and selflessness shine like beacons in the darkness of history. Sixty years ago, in a world untouched by the relentless march of technology, people lived simpler lives, their daily routines dictated not by screens and smartphones, but by the rhythm of nature and the needs of their communities. It was an era where the bonds of human connection were forged through shared experiences and acts of kindness, where the spirit of generosity and compassion thrived amidst the challenges of daily life.

In those bygone days, when the sun blazed mercilessly upon the earth during the scorching months of March, April, and May, a ray of hope emerged in the form of a generous soul. In a time when buses were a rare sight and the distances between destinations seemed vast and insurmountable, this benevolent individual took it upon himself to provide relief to weary travellers. Setting up a makeshift shelter by the roadside, under the shade of a simple thatched roof, he offered respite in the form of curd water to those traversing the sweltering roads on foot.

The scene was one of humble beauty, a testament to the inherent goodness of humanity. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, amidst the backdrop of a world grappling with its own challenges and uncertainties, there stood a grandmother, her weathered hands pouring forth cups of cool, refreshing curd water from large clay pots. Her presence was a soothing balm to the weary souls who sought solace in the shade of the roadside shelter, her gentle smile a beacon of warmth in a world grown cold.

I remember watching her from afar, a silent observer to the quiet dignity of her actions. There was a grace in the way she moved, a sense of purpose that belied her age. She was fully immersed in her task, her focus unwavering as she tended to the needs of those who sought refuge from the relentless heat. In her, I saw a reflection of a bygone era, a time when people lived not for themselves alone, but for the betterment of their communities and the upliftment of their fellow beings.

But alas, such scenes are rare in the world of today. In an age dominated by technology and instant gratification, the virtues of selflessness and compassion often take a backseat to the distractions of modern life. The smartphones that now occupy our hands were once tools of connection, but have since become barriers to genuine human interaction. The cinema theatres that once brought people together now serve as temples of escapism, offering fleeting moments of entertainment amidst the chaos of daily existence. And the city streets that were once alive with the chatter of neighbours and friends now echo with the hollow sound of solitude, as individuals wander aimlessly in search of meaning in a world that seems increasingly devoid of it.

It is a lamentable truth, one that weighs heavily on the hearts of those who remember a time when community mattered more than convenience, when compassion was valued above consumption. Yet, even in the midst of this modern malaise, there are still glimpses of the goodness that once defined us as a species. There are still those among us who embody the virtues of generosity and kindness, who strive to make the world a better place one small act at a time.

As we navigate the complexities of the world around us, let us not forget the lessons of the past. Let us remember the grandmother who sat in her roadside shelter, pouring forth cups of curd water to all who passed by. Let us honour her memory by embodying the same spirit of generosity and compassion in our own lives, and by striving to create a world where acts of kindness are not the exception, but the rule.

Popular posts from this blog

M T Vasudevan Nair

My entry into the world of Malayalam literature was through the masterful writings of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, whose passing today feels like a deeply personal loss. It was his novel Manju (Mist) that first drew me into this literary universe. The story, much like its title, was enveloped in an atmosphere of melancholy and mystery. It unraveled slowly, like mist clearing in the morning light, revealing truths that were profound yet heartbreakingly simple. The characters, their struggles, and their silences lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. It was not just a novel; it was an experience. I returned to it over and over, each time discovering something new, as though the book was speaking directly to the depths of my soul. To this day, I cannot count how many times I have read Manju—it became, and remains, a companion to my thoughts. After Manju opened the door, M. T.’s other works beckoned me forward. I was soon engrossed in Nalukettu, a story that painted a vivid portra...
Read more

The concept of ghost writing

  Ghostwriting in the industry 1. _Common practice_: Ghostwriting is a common practice in the publishing industry, where a person hires a writer to create content on their behalf. 2. _Celebrity autobiographies_: Many celebrity autobiographies are written by ghostwriters, who work closely with the celebrity to capture their voice and story. 3. _Thought leaders and influencers_: Thought leaders and influencers often hire ghostwriters to help them create high-quality content, such as books, articles, and blog posts. Benefits of hiring a ghostwriter 1. _Time-saving_: Hiring a ghostwriter saves the vlogger time and effort, allowing them to focus on their core activities, such as creating content for their YouTube channel. 2. _Quality content_: A ghostwriter can bring a high level of writing expertise, ensuring that the content is engaging, well-researched, and polished. 3. _Consistency_: A ghostwriter can help maintain a consistent tone, style, and voice throughout the book, which is es...
Read more

Elephant Migration

** The Escalating Conflict Between Humans and Elephants: An Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change** The increasing incidences of elephants encroaching into human settlements in search of water and food present a vivid manifestation of the broader environmental crisis fuelled by climate change. This essay explores the complexities of this escalating conflict, which not only threatens the survival of the majestic Asian and African elephant species but also poses significant risks to human communities. The fundamental issue at the heart of this conflict is habitat loss, driven largely by climatic fluctuations and exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation and the expansion of agricultural and urban areas. As natural forests dwindle and water sources dry up, elephants, which are known for their large home ranges and dependency on vast quantities of water, are forced to venture into human-dominated areas. This migration is driven by a desperate search for the necessities of su...
Read more