Would you pay Rs. 25 for Rs.5 ?

What have you thought just after reading the title? You must have asked yourself why some one will pay Rs. 25  when he can pay Rs. 5? Isn’t it a foolish act? Yes! You are right. Absolutely right!! And I am happy to inform you that I am the person and this happened to me. 🙂 Now let me tell you this short story that I have experienced.

It was a chilled morning at Raipur city of Chhattisgarh state, India. I was travelling to MATS University via a public transport ( In an auto-rickshaw). It costs ethical Rs. 5 and takes hardly 3 minutes of travel from the source to the my destination, But when I stepped in to the auto-rickshaw, I noticed a small sticker of  Indian Armed Forces Flag Day inside the auto-rickshaw, near the driver’s mirror.

I was surprised!! But, immediately, I thought, is it the auto-rickshaw driver (generally belongs to financially weaker section of society) have contributed for the Funds for Armed Forces of the country!! My common knowledge confirmed me, Armed Forces Flag Day Sticker is  a proof of individual’s contribution towards the welfare fund.   It made me so happy that within a minute, lots of thoughts and questions raised in my mind.  Such as..

1. A financially not sound individual is contributing towards armed forces of the country!!

2. Why an auto-rickshaw driver is thinking about Armed Forces of India? Because, in general, I have never seen/ listened financially rich people of my country discussing about contributing Armed Forces of the Country. 

3. Was it easy for him to spare some of his hard earned money and think beyond his family?

4. ….

Suddenly, my thoughts and questions came to an end. As, the auto-rickshaw driver said “Bhaiya, aap ka stop aagaya (Brother, your stop has arrived)”. I checked my wallet and found Rs. 25 in my hand. Then indicating towards the sticker of Indian Armed Forces Flag Day pasted on his auto, I said to him you have done a great job and handed over Rs. 25 to him. I said “Keep all these amount”. Before, I started walking away from the auto-rickshaw & towards my working place, I noticed a smile on the face of the Auto-rickshaw driver.

I was more than happy.. ! 🙂 Only regret was that I couldn’t take a photo/selfie with him, as I was getting late for the work. But, Never mind,  I thought.. “How it will be, if  everyone think, give respect and contribute towards our Armed forces and for our Country!!” I remained optimistic..

And, I concluded..

“Sometime, happiness is not what you get but it is what you give!”

Oh Yes! Thanks for read my foolish story and bearing me! 😀

Wish you good time!

© Dr. Prabodha Kumar Meher, 2018