A strange event happened today. While standing with friends at a Thadi (tea-stall) near a railway crossing, I observed a man in his 70’s standing in between the railway tracks (there were 4-5 railway lines) and talking to himself. It was weird and unusual at the same time. We went to him and asked what he is up to. It was funny for us the way he said: “upar jana hai”. There was a signal for the train.

He gave his wife’s number and requested us to let her know about his death. We stopped him for some time, engaged him in conversation. We talked about his whereabouts, his family. We got to know that he is not unsound (earlier we thought him to be one!). The train crossed, but he was stuck at one point, checking the time and waiting for signals for the next train. Everything was sorted in his life, he worked for an MNC for a good number of years, his children are well settled, but still he valued himself to be low. For some reason, he thought his life was worth nothing and should be ended. Anyhow we stopped him and tricked him to leave the place.

It was a matter of that moment, once crossed the suicidal intention ends. I was reminded of Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s search for meaning” where he talks about a lady who called him in the wake of a midnight and coldly said that she wants to die, commit suicide. Frankl gave her many reasons to live and finally she dropped her plan. Upon meeting, he asked her that which of the reasons appealed to her. She replied none! It was the moment of time Frankl spared for her and listened to her which helped change her mind not merely the reasons to live.

The person we met was gratuitous to us for interacting with him. He was convinced and changed his mind eventually. He made me realise that a small conversation can save a life.

Submitted By: – Anisha Pradhan

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