Principal

Any visit to a place away from your own country, is always an opportunity to learn something about the people there, their way of life and their culture. it is a window to the world and one becomes richer for it.

An opportunity to visit  London and  South Devon became an eye opener for me  Attitudes and social behaviour shape us as a society and we become known by them for which  I had positive experiences. It was a little intimidating to explore the place on my own at first but the entire system is so friendly and helpful that my initial reservations were soon gone and I started looking forward to my interactions.

On board a public transport, It felt good to be offered a seat by a co passenger and my mind went to those moments when such a nicety was not forthcoming from young people.  At the tube station on a day , a smiing face and a helping hand made my journey worth while.

At the store “till “, someone was willing to stand next to me to guide me through the process. On a day, when there was an overload  of purchases, I was helped by a willing pair of hands to bag them. Crossing walkers and pedestrians never went without an exchange of a nod or good morning/greeting.  Especially, what lingers as a sweet aftertaste is the great courtesy shown to a woman everywhere.

There are certain things however that one is expected to do.  Having boarded a bus, I realised there were at least five people waiting ahead ,to swipe their oyster cards. There was a conversation going on between the driver and a gentleman regarding the destination where he wanted to disembark. The conversation carried on till about three minutes during which time there was not a single murmur from the others in queue. No exhibition of intolerance or show of resentment was visible from the people waiting patiently. The gentleman finally got down as the driver advised him another route.

In a similar situation at home, we would not have been so kind. We would have  most probably pushed , jostled and questioned the concerned people’s sanity and denied any chances of addressing such an individual inconvenience calmly.

There is obviously a comparison going on in my mind and I felt that it takes such few words and only a little initiative to ease situations which can potentially erupt into violent exchanges if self discipline is missing. It is not too difficult to think of another’s need before you if a change of attitude is brought about.

I learnt to allow prams and strollers to pass as young mothers nodded their thanks or greet others with a smile when passing them by.

These were mundane experiences but a lot of learning about how a culture develops and breeds good attitude and keeps a check so silently and unobtrusively on anyone wishing to differ. That strength is the real test.

I short, this visit of mine opened my eyes to the little things that I could imbibe in my life and make it better for myself and my fellow beings.