It was Wednesday of wind chill winter. I was already late to wake up as always. Thankfully Mahanagri express, the so called super fast was late by an hour. I was heading to Nasik for my exams scheduled at 2 in the afternoon. Yes, I also like to enjoy the last hour thrill. Got into the train where it would be difficult for even ant to waggle.
I managed to get enough space to stand before the train began to saunter. Then one my favorite pass time pass started i.e. observing and listening to people around. Some were abusing politicians, some were bargaining with the vendors, some were gossiping about how inter caste marriages have maligned their society.
After about an hour, I witnessed the wretchedness and the more repugnant side of the Indian railways. I was still being comfortable by taking more space and suddenly I felt something pushing my left foot. Ghastly I retrieved my foot back and looked down. The very sight was horrid. A little girl with dirty turned clothes with two pink spots drawn on her cheeks was doing acrobatics. Crawling between the legs of the people in her way, the train floor made the tiny angel even dirtier.
People shamelessly demanded her to dance in consideration of some chillars. Her mother was ‘entertaining’ another compartment ahead with his her bigger prop. Yes I am talking about her elder daughter. It left me heart-broken. More than seeing her condition, and exasperated on her mother, I was dejected by the way people were enjoying her act.
We as responsible citizens of India should discourage such acts and help to contribute maturity to our nation. Democracies need active,
informed and responsible citizens; citizens who are willing and able to take responsibility for themselves and their communities and contribute to the National progress.
If we really wish to change the image of our nation, we should start by changing ourselves.
Submitted By – Kamlesh Sharma
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