A Hidden Hero
Magnanimity doesn't have a defined form. Or lets just say that one can encounter it in any shape and size, in any place... especially where one least expects it.
Recently, a colleague narrated a similar story about the Assam Riots of 2012, due to which many were rendered homeless and often, orphaned. But that's not why I have been in awe ever since.
This absolutely inconspicuous colleague (also from Assam) told me how his room mate (whom he calls his brother) lost his parents in these riots when he was a teenager... How he saw his family being burnt alive with his own eyes. The surprising part is that he, as if he was stating the obvious, mentioned that this boy has been with him ever since, and he is now his guardian, and ensures his well being, both mental and physical. He is ensuring that he studies well (proudly admitting that he recently topped his class in DU) and he has already started preparing for IAS.
Why I am even more in awe is because the supposed guardian is all of 25+ years old. And the maturity with which he is playing his role of a parent, sibling and a care giver will put most of us to shame. Needless to say this is a stranger he met when we volunteered for the SOS program after the riots.
My learning... we don't need much to give... but we mustn't hesitate.... because what you already have is almost always enough.
PS: This is also the first time I had heard about the Assam riots, and have been reading about it since. It puts me to shame to think that we read and learn so much about the genocide and holocaust and other pieces of global events, we often sideline what happens in our own land.
Recently, a colleague narrated a similar story about the Assam Riots of 2012, due to which many were rendered homeless and often, orphaned. But that's not why I have been in awe ever since.
This absolutely inconspicuous colleague (also from Assam) told me how his room mate (whom he calls his brother) lost his parents in these riots when he was a teenager... How he saw his family being burnt alive with his own eyes. The surprising part is that he, as if he was stating the obvious, mentioned that this boy has been with him ever since, and he is now his guardian, and ensures his well being, both mental and physical. He is ensuring that he studies well (proudly admitting that he recently topped his class in DU) and he has already started preparing for IAS.
Why I am even more in awe is because the supposed guardian is all of 25+ years old. And the maturity with which he is playing his role of a parent, sibling and a care giver will put most of us to shame. Needless to say this is a stranger he met when we volunteered for the SOS program after the riots.
My learning... we don't need much to give... but we mustn't hesitate.... because what you already have is almost always enough.
PS: This is also the first time I had heard about the Assam riots, and have been reading about it since. It puts me to shame to think that we read and learn so much about the genocide and holocaust and other pieces of global events, we often sideline what happens in our own land.
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