Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bangla Sahib and the urge to leave

The little girl was dressed in red overalls and a white tee. She couldn’t have been over 3 years of age. Her mother tried to keep her steady, but she bowed down three times in succession, to allow her forehead to gently touch the marble step which lay before the holy book. The golden bandana on her head, rode up, revealing several brown curly strands of hair. I watched her, perplexed and fixed, admiring the sweet soul of a child and her simplicity. Zing’s eyes were still closed in prayer and concentration, prayers which were being recited in a language that she didn’t understand, but brought to both of us, the calm and the peace that we needed. Before going to pray, I had just rushed out of my office, all my books, my snaps, my files tucked under my arm, my laptop packed, determined not to return. I don’t remember when was the last time I did something this impulsive. This time the impulse was strong and honest. The wish never to return was more resolute than ever. One can work for human rights all they want, but there is no compromising one’s honour, integrity and self-respect. I want to be like that little girl, keep my faith and bow, but carefully, and avoid hitting the marble too hard. How possible is that?

4 comments:

how can i explore ME... said...

i love kids....they have the unique capability of "forgiveness"....that we are loosing with age....

Unknown said...

it is possible I hope... :)

Anonymous said...

pretty easy way out for a strong girl like you. When things dont go your way, quit it! pretty compendable.But i wish you could stay.

Rachita Bansal said...

I am not giving up Anonymous.. I came back. And things not going my way is very different from what i am going through.. Can't explain here.. hope u understand anyways..
P.S: what makes u think am strong?