Tranced Once Again
“You said you’re working somewhere?”
Oops, It took a couple of seconds for me to realize I’m in middle of a conversation with a stranger whom I met en-route to M G Road.
“Yea,I’m working on something” it was a programmed answer for all strangers who asks more about myself.
Well,Presumably He wasn’t quite impressed with that reply.
Like many in this evening train Midhun is also a techie migrated to Bangalore heading out for a weekend bash at some pub. His friends are sitting few seats away.
I remember, it was his smile towards me which struck up this conversation,but I don’t remember what we were talking about. I lost my mind at some point of that conversation.May be he doesn’t deserve my attention.
Or I assume I lost my interest in that conversation on the very first moment he said that he’s a programmer.
My brain cannot capitalize their conversations,which is mostly out of my world. I don’t hate programmers but always maintain a distance from them.
“Get a trip,won’t be a bad idea. I feel like you really need one”
**********
Its just been 24 hours after conversation with Midhun. I am travelling through Theni to Bodhi Mettu.
A weekend getaway from Bengaluru. Travelling through alluring topography, The morning sun making thoughts bright. Midhun was right. I needed a trip.
But this is not about my trip to Munnar. This is about how each trip helps everyone to transfigure the outlook, perspective or the stance. The angle of viewpoint which you have. It needs to be tested,re-assessed,altered or enhanced at regular time periods.
What it did to me is what you’re reading right now. It took a long 2 years for me to revamp my blog and make a contribution.
I feel the same perturbation which I felt years back when I joined new school.
Rummaging through memories for something to share, Almost 2 hours. Then got stuck with an amazing kid’s question which I faced while I was taking a survey with inmates of Juvenile Observation Home back there my home town for my graduation dissertation.
“How do I stop being a criminal ??? “
I felt that he is very curious & concerned, He was disturbed by the words told to him by juvenile caretaker.
“Everyone goes out from here end up being criminal than what they were when they came here”
But this juvenile didn’t wanted to be one of such, He wanted to know how not to become as such. I advised him to be in good peer group always,help others,don’t get addicted to alcohol or drugs,work to earn your living.
“I wish to study”
I can’t verbalize the discomposure I felt that moment. I should have asked him to study,to read,to learn & understand, above all to be wise.
“ Its enough for the day, leave now. Warden will come soon “ The care taker said as he knocks the door.
I won’t be allowed to visit this juvenile & inmates again,I had to bribe for this visit with lots of condition. one among them was I shouldn’t ask for another chance to meet them again. Couple of minutes left with me before I make a move from there.
Thoughts came rushing to my mind. He is curious, wants to study, Indirectly he was asking for a help. I should do something. But what can I do ? How Can I do ?
Nothing, Absolutely nothing I can do within 2 minutes inside the dark room of a juvenile observation home.
A spark of thought turned me on. What if I gift him a book ? something to read might make him inspired. Not sure though. But I don’t have a book.
No I have a book. a career guidance magazine published in my regional language to help students choose after their higher secondary education. Just took it off from my department library to substitute a writing pad. I gave it to him and walked off in hurry to leave the building premises before the warden comes back.
**********
Graduation last year, Hectic academic schedules and urge to capitalize joy from possible moments. A real chock a block. It was a friendly match between my college and Maharaja’s Technical Institute (MTI) . There was a another reason for me to go and watch this match as my schoolmate was leading MTI team.
As I went to meet my schoolmate & their team,There was a face which recognized me in a pleasant way. Took a while to realize that it was same juvenile. Was 10th Grade pass when he got into juvenile observation home now first year diploma student in electrical engineering. Respect and happiness to enduring passion of this kid made my eyes filled with tears. He made me even more happy when he told that he got to know about diploma courses from the book which I gave him 3 years back.
I met him again after the match they ended up on losing end. But this guy seemed to be happy. Then I realized He choose to be happy. That’s all matters at this moment. or may be forever
**********
The folks are gearing up for another Project LOL academic year with Rhythm Of Nation.
Once again a new team will adopt the kids as their own brothers. Help them to expand their curiosity level. serve them the flavors of educational enlightenment. make them push their limits. inspire them to find and follow their dreams.
And me ? I will be the same guy going there in search of the most curious one.
