Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty

I came across this line some time ago—Practise random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty—and it has stayed with me. I have seen so many examples of this and each time it makes my heart smile.

Mostly, I’m pleasantly surprised when I witness such acts from complete strangers, especially rickshaw and cab drivers. I was in a hurry once and asked this rickshaw driver to drive fast. He not only drove fast but also exceedingly well, without flouting a single traffic rule.

It was impressive in someone as young as he was (he'd mentioned he was still completing his studies). I offered him extra money as a token of appreciation. He refused, no matter how much I insisted, saying it was his job. I was left marvelling his work ethic, so rare especially in a competitive metropolis.

Then there was this rickshaw I hesitated to hail simply because it was so spectacular. If a rickshaw could look like a white horse adorned in silver, this one did! White and chrome on the outside, the vehicle was as glamorous on the inside. White-painted wood finish with chrome trimmings, luxury seats, plus, assorted bells and whistles.

The driver told me that he had got it specially made in Kolhapur at great expense. It was his pride and joy. There was not a person on the road who didn't turn to look, as the rickshaw made its stately way through the packed streets.

Speaking of bells and whistles, I once rode a rickshaw that provided free Wi-Fi. It also had a cheerful banner offering free rides to the elderly and to pregnant ladies, a clear reflection of the person who drove it.

Another memorable instance was when I came across this cab driver who travelled with a bag of grains just so that he could feed pigeons on his way home. And, how can I forget a colleague who loves dogs, especially strays, so much that he would take them into his home during chilly winter nights in Delhi.

There are many, many examples and my eyes light up, when I read about such cases in the news. I remember, I’d read about this man in Philippines, who leaves his books on the sidewalk outside his home. Allowing strangers to take them away and share his love of reading.

Then there are my sisters for whom helping out when they see someone in need is a default. Be it noticing and assisting a child in a store who’s scared of going down steep steps. Or giving company and assistance to a friend’s mother working all day in the kitchen. (At the end of that visit, she was sorry to see my sister go. 😊)

Kindness without reason has a special kind of beauty, a glow that lingers in the heart and the mind… I have been grateful that I’ve been witness to so many instances and look forward to many more. :)

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My dad, one of the kindest, sweetest people ever, petting a stray cat in the Hanging Gardens, Malabar, Mumbai, clutching an inhaler in his other hand :) Image: Rajani Thindiath