When The Railway Minister Broke All Stereotypes...

When we talk of government servants and officials, a typical image of people wasting people’s time at their office comes to our mind. Several times when I had been to various government offices, I have observed how the officials chitchat and waste people’s precious time and I am sure most of you would agree with me on this.

But 2015 was an iconic year that witnessed a breaking of this stereotype. And it was none other than our Railway Minister, Mr Suresh Prabhu. Yes, he is the man who inspired a lot of good and went a step ahead to help people and to solve their problems instantly.

Technology has gone far in the modern world and we all know the benefits of social media in today’s world. But who would have thought social media would help them save their life? Quite literally, however, Suresh Prabhu has shown the world how to make the best and positive use of social media to deal with problems and come up with effective solutions quickly.

On the 19^th of December, 2015, a young girl was travelling in the Shramjeevi Express from Delhi to Patna when she was misbehaved with and harassed by a co-passenger. The alert young victim immediately posted her ordeal on Twitter and tagged Mr Prabhu who then arranged quick help for the young lady. The help came 30 minutes after the complaint was tweeted online and the accused was arrested by the Railway Police at the following station.

Isn’t this a classic example of how our system must function or how efficient and quick-witted our government officials should be? Had the girl not received the help on time, she might have had to face a terrible disaster. But thanks to our Railway Minister for his quick response which ensured that the girl travelled safely and reached her destination.

Some of you may argue that it is his job and he has done nothing outstanding. But, in a country like India, where the number of rapes and violent incidences has been rising continually over the last few years, this move was certainly a comforting one. Women travelling in any part of the country can now be ascertained that they are safe, and, in case any untoward incident happens, there is someone around to help them and rely upon. Truly, a great salute for your kind deed, Mr Prabhu!

And it is not just that! Mr Prabhu did not simply stop here! On the very first day of the New Year 2016, Mr Prabhu proved himself again when he arranged help for an ailing child following a tweet by his father. The child had been severely dehydrated and despite repeated attempts by the parents to stop her vomiting and loose motions. Unable to figure out what to do, the father tweeted to the Railway Ministry and got immediate help after which the child was admitted to the paediatric ward of the Divisional Railway Hospital in Asansol.

Where government work is deemed to be slow and tedious in India since ages, the Railway Minister was really commendable on his prompt response. He indeed gave 2016 a wonderful start with his timely and responsible deed of helping the child. While 2015 ended on a good note for the railways due to the Minister, the New Year saw an even promising start. He has indeed #SpreadTheVibe and we hope India gets more such responsible and witty officers who work for the people in the true sense and would not hesitate to go a step forward to arrange help for someone!

Great job, Mr Prabhu!

Disclaimer: This article has been written as an entry for the contest #SpreadTheVibe by Indiblogger and YouthKiAwaaz!

A Surprising Encounter With A Stranger #madeofgreat

We meet a lot of people in our lifetime. Sure, all of them leave some or the other impact on our lives. Personally, I believe that every person enters our life for a specific reason, to give us lessons, both good and the bitter ones! If I were to list down a few that had a huge positive impact on my life and inspired me in innumerable ways, of course, I would write the names of my parents and grandparents on the top. But, apart from these vital people in my life, I happened to meet someone in my life who laid a huge impact on me and inspired me in many strong ways.

So there was this usual Saturday, about five years ago, when I was seated in my class, attending the long Saturday lectures. I was in the 12^th grade at the time. As I was waiting for the lecture to end and head home, my phone beeped and it was my sister. An engineering student then, she had her assignment submissions on that day. When I opened the text, she sounded quite panicked since she had forgotten back an assignment at home. Of course, it was a serious matter since the non-submission would mean she would fail the internals for the particular subject. And now, after my lectures, I was expected to rush home, collect the assignment and travel all the way to Bandra, as quick as I can, to hand it to her by 4.15pm.

So here I was rushing through the crowd once I had reached Bandra station, tired and extremely hungry. In order to reach the college, I had to take a bus from the station since I did not have enough money to pay for the auto. I waited in the bus queue. The bus that otherwise arrives in a gap of about 15-20 minutes was taking too long today. It is indeed so true that you will never get it on time when you need it and, when you don’t need it, it will be there right in front of you! So I was waiting, constantly checking my watch since it was about to be 4pm in a few minutes. And I was bound to reach the college within not more than 15 minutes now or my sister would lose out on her internal marks.

Another girl, roughly of the same age group as mine, was standing right ahead of me in the queue. I asked her if she knew the bus timings just to be sure when my bus would arrive. “It should have come by now. Maybe it will be here in the other 5 minutes”, she said. With a weary smile, I began waiting again. In the other 5 minutes, she was joined by a male friend. Just as I was getting impatient and worried, my phone rang. My sister was really tensed and sounded like she was in tears. I was explaining to her on the phone that the bus was late and that I was helpless.

Just as I disconnected the phone, I heard the other girl’s male friend murmur something to her and, with his expression, I could make out he was talking about me. However, I ignored. The other moment, he turned to me, smiled and asked me where I wanted to go. I was unsure whether I needed to talk to him or even give a reply but he had recognized my worried and anxious face and offered me to go with them in a share auto. I only had 10 minutes in hand and no time to think over the offer. I agreed and got into one of the autos with the two of them. The auto sped.

Within 10 minutes, I was near the college gate. As I motioned the auto driver to stop and began searching my purse for money, the guy murmured something that took me by surprise. “Let it be, I’ll pay for it. You are late and you should rush”. Just as I stared at him in surprise and was about to say anything, he said, “Just take it as a Rakshabandhan gift from me.” Then he smiled and before I could even deny letting him pay, he motioned the auto driver to leave and the auto sped. I met my sister who then rushed into the college for the submission.

Just as I stood at the college gate, I remembered the guy, his kindness and generosity and how he had helped me in my time of need. It may not be a great help for him, the share auto costed only about Rs.10 per head and that surely wouldn’t have mattered for him. But, for me, it was a great help, not the amount but the feeling and emotion behind it of helping people when they need it the most. This was the first time I had travelled in train and outside my city of Dombivli all alone. And, while parents teach us that stepping out of the house and heading to unknown places alone can be dangerous, this was one guy who made me realise that the world is still filled by good, kind and generous people who lend a helping hand even to strangers.

That day, I learnt a very important lesson of life. No matter what, help people in need all the time. By help I don’t mean doing great things, but our smallest gestures can sometimes put a smile on someone’s face. I don’t remember the guy’s face anymore and even if he passes by me some day, I wouldn’t recognise him. But, even after 5 years, although the incident was a petty one, I still wish good for him and pray that he gets everything he dreams and desires in his life. Because, he was my Angel in my time of need, after all!

Disclaimer: This post comes as a blog written for Tata Motors #madeofgreat contest. You can check the details of this contest at http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

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