While
returning home, we boarded the “Cochin” boat, which was owned by one of my
school-mates and friend, Vakkachan Manikkath. ‘Appachan’ was engrossed in his usual chit chats with the natives
on the boat. My attention was diverted to two Tamil children who entered the
boat. I was amazed at how these two little children understood the mob
psychology of people. The older one
whispered something to the younger one; he immediately pulled out a tin and stretched
it out for alms before the commuters starting from one corner of the boat. They
were ignored by each and every one; but nothing deterred them. They waited
patiently for the right moment. A few more couples boarded the boat. A gentle
breeze came to cool the humid atmosphere. With renewed vigour and confidence,
they stretched out their now partially filled tin. The coins were put in by
themselves in an attempt to make believe that it was given by the other inmates
of the boat. The newcomer gave a rupee coin; encouraged; they moved to the next
and the next and completed another round. I was amazed to find their vessel
full of coins. Those who refused initially also yielded at the second time. I
was wonder-struck.
Excerpts from
MEMOIRS
An autobiography
by
Joseph J. Thayamkeril
Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com
josephjthayamkeril@google.com
josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment