Our culture is rich and diverse and as a result unique in its very own way. Our manners, way of communicating with one another, etc are one of the important components of our culture. Even though we have accepted modern means of living, improved our lifestyle, our values and beliefs still remain unchanged. A person can change his way of clothing, way of eating and living but the rich values in a person always remains unchanged because they are deeply rooted within our hearts, mind, body and soul which we receive from our culture.

It was on September 30^th, we were shifting some essential material to a camp at Yalahanka.  On the way, just a km from the camp we found a lady around 55-year-old sitting on the divider and we were told that she was there since morning.  Then we unloaded the material in the camp and immediately went to check on her.  By the time we reached the place she was surrounded by 2 police men and some 5-6 people.  On enquiry we came to know that she was a Gujrati and she knew only Gujrati.  She was in very bad condition.  She was drenched in rain, her clothes were wet and she was shivering horribly.  Then we convinced to take her to the camp.  She was ready but wanted to be accompanied by woman only.  Somebody tried giving her Rs. 500 she just rejected it.  Then we called up our volunteer who knew Gujrati.  They spoke to her and found that she was from Binar.  She was depressed and had no interest in life.  She had no desire to live and she said she has a son who is well settled in life.

Then she was brought to the camp.  She had bath and some food.  For our surprise, the following day she denied to have food, the reason being she was just not ready to take anything for free.  She said she wants to justify.  Then she was given some cleaning job, she use to finish her job only then she use to eat. 

We finally were able to trace her home.  We spoke to her family and they were so happy to hear about her.   They even had registered an FIR.  Her son left immediately and it took 2 days for him to reach Bangalore.  The reunion was so emotional every volunteer’s eyes were wet.  While leaving, the lady gave Rs.100 as a token of appreciation for the services we are doing. 

The things to be noticed here are, she was in pathetic condition, unknown place, everyone were strangers despite when we called her to the camp she insisted a woman to accompany her. Another thing is she wanted to earn her food, fine she did the least work but the attitude which mattered.  This is what our culture is!!  This is what we are taught.