While Im writing this blog Im travelling in a bus.Not just a normal bus but something people lovingly call as "Laalpari"(The Red Queen).Its around 1pm...All I can see is 'People Pushing & Pulling' eachother to grab seats.I could see people entering bus through windows #JustIndianThings.So just grabbed a seat,which itself was a great achievement.Cant find anything more to feel proud of myself.Found a strange man who held two seats.He said - "Just called my friend he is coming". I waited for his so called friend to come.And I asked -"Ok.Let us sit for some time.We will getup after your friend comes".And his friend never came.I let a 3rd person standing share our seat.The strange man was annoyed but with a smile I said - "Bhaiya,He bharat ahe na.Itka tr karuch shakto"(Brother,This is India na.We can anyway do this much).
I got my ticket.And an another strange thing.I could pay conductor through UPI.I am really happy.Indian is really changing at grassroots on some lines.There are some cute little children around me.When I look at them they hide in the saree of their mother(#JustKidThings).Even Im not ashamed of teasing them(#JustPrasadThings).I open my eyes wide open,twinkling my eyelashes,do the dance of my eye brows,they hide and then watch again.The Jugalbandi(Entwined twins) continues.The bus is packed housefull.People are sharing their seats.Everybody lets their back break but choose to be Indians."Hmmm,So being 'Cooperative' with the fellow citizens is the Indian-ness" I realised.Ok now I have reached my destination -The district place.I need to catch an auto and then my train back to Pune.Lets see whats next.
While getting down the bus I just asked one person are you going to railway station as well.He said "Yes.Are you also ?" I said "Yes".He says -"Ok then lets go together by sharing auto" Then as we got down.An auto was already waiting for us.A family was seated inside already.I asked the driver wheres the place to sit.He said "Sit in front beside me".He readjusted his skeleton.We both adjusted seat and sat.I know this is not legal & safe but but but...Not really amazed with this...just an another #TypicalIndianthing.
The train was waiting at the station.I got onto my booked seat.Adjusted myself.Got headphones onn and started watching movie.The whole seat was mine.Perhaps I didnt hesitate when others were sitting on it.I found it ok.By the way our section was booked for 8 people.But I see around 22 people here(I literally counted)(I cant hold my laughter while writing this).As it goes dark all I can see is No battles but people are in their real colours now.Just had election day today.And they started speculating the seats,politics & parties in their places.As happens in every train journey #JustIndianThings.I am keenly listening them.As I always listen everyone #JustPrasadThings.Everyone has become friends now.Sharing their names,professions and contacts.I dont know if they will even call back anytime but all I see is the love for each other.My mind is running to a few conclusions.
The train was waiting at the station.I got onto my booked seat.Adjusted myself.Got headphones onn and started watching movie.The whole seat was mine.Perhaps I didnt hesitate when others were sitting on it.I found it ok.By the way our section was booked for 8 people.But I see around 22 people here(I literally counted)(I cant hold my laughter while writing this).As it goes dark all I can see is No battles but people are in their real colours now.Just had election day today.And they started speculating the seats,politics & parties in their places.As happens in every train journey #JustIndianThings.I am keenly listening them.As I always listen everyone #JustPrasadThings.Everyone has become friends now.Sharing their names,professions and contacts.I dont know if they will even call back anytime but all I see is the love for each other.My mind is running to a few conclusions.
I feel like repeating what I said earlier. 'Everybody lets their back break but choose to be Indians'.Being Cooperative,Adaptive,Kind,Tolerant,Trusted and Loving towards the fellow citizens is what I realised 'The Indian-ness' is.The reason why we could adopt foreign cultures invading us.It is true what the world calls us 'Unity in diversiy' and what Philosopher Saint Dnyaneshwar writes in his 'Dnyanshwari' 700 years ago - "He vishwachi maze ghar"...i.e this entire world is my home.I feel lucky to be born in this soil.I feel fulfilled.I really feel an 'Indian'.So have you realised your 'Indianness' ? Do write me back.I will be coming for you with some new stories and some new insights.Till then Stay Blessed Stay Indian.Happy Reading !
-Prasad Saroja Dattatraya Kaloji
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-prasadkaloji1999@gmail.com (email)
-@Prasad_Kaloji_01 (Instagram)
