A small Gesture creates a Big impact
Prathiba Jayaprakash
Corporate Behavioural Trainer | Experiential Learning Facilitator | Emotional Intelligence Trainer | English language Instructor
Today was one of the most pleasant days of my life, and I felt as if everything was going well for me.?
I was on my way back from the workshop when this happened. In the evening, about 7 p.m., I took a bus to get home.
There was a seat available, but it was already taken by another lady. As a result, I got up and approached the conductor, asking for a ticket (the one who collects fare and issues tickets). He surprised me by offering the ticket with a pleasant smile (it was the most heartfelt smile I'd ever seen from a conductor).
The conductor was gracious enough to offer me his seat. "Thanks gentleman, it's okay, I'll stand," I answered, astounded by his generosity. "Parvala madam ukkarunga (translation: It's OK madam, please sit)," he added with a friendly smile. I sat down after thanking him.
Then I began to observe him. He walked over to each passenger and gently handed out the tickets. "Sir, there is a seat in this row," the conductor replied as an elderly man boarded the bus. "Please take a seat here."?
After a while, a lady from the last row stepped out, prompting the conductor to ask me, "madam, there's a seat in the last row." "Are you able to relocate there?"
Before moving the seat, I thanked him. I happened to meet a special child in the last row, and she was beaming at everyone. When it came time for her to step down, she became nervous. With his gesture, the conductor put her at ease and said, "Don't worry, dear! "I am here to assist you."
Wow! What a fantastic persona. There were a million thoughts racing through my mind to thank the man who had been so gentle and kind to the passengers. I was hesitant to start a conversation with him at first because he was away from me, and I was also concerned about how he would perceive it.
Me: Sir, thank you so much! How long have you been working in this field??
Conductor: Ma'am, I've been in this field for 17 years. (a wide smile with a puzzled expression)?
Me: Sir, thank you very much. Not only for offering me your seat, but also for your gesture towards the passengers.
Conductor: It's my job, ma'am. That's why I'm paid. Also, everyone goes to and comes home from work tense. It is not fair to yell at them in order to obtain the exact ticket fare. People occasionally forget to give me the balance of ?1, ?2, or ?3. I don't yell at them, and I'll be paying ?50 to compensate. We are all Humans.
Mesmerised by his words!
Me: Fantastic! You're doing an excellent job. Congratulations!?
Conductor: Ma'am, even helping would sometimes get me in trouble. Few people get it wrong when I offer my seat to a woman. I’m little mindful about that sometimes too.
Me: It all depends on how we perceive others. We see the good in others when we are good.
My stop came quickly. "Thank you again, sir," I said, "and keep up the good work."?
Conductor: Madam, nandri, (Translation: thank you- with a warm and genuine smile) Madam, how would I recognise you the next time??
Me: I took off my mask, smiled, thanked him, and waved goodbye.?
As I stepped off the bus. Said, “Bless You sir.”
While reliving the entire scenario in my mind, I realised I had forgotten to ask the name of the Gem of a person I met.?
I'm hoping to meet the person again soon. I wish him the eternal life of happiness.?
We meet a lot of people. Even after a long day at work, it is difficult for anyone to keep a proud smile on their face.?
Few may find this amusing. However, this is not a typical scenario. An extraordinary man doing the best in an ordinary environment.
A small gesture can make a big difference. His kindness and smile made me realise that humanity is at its best.?
Learning for the Day:
Have you ever witnessed such human gestures? Please share your experience in the comments section. Let us honour them.
Photo credits: Google
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2 年Thanks for sharing this.
Co-Founder / Technical Director – Conserve Solutions | PMP| LEED AP BD+C | GSAS CGP
2 年Good Narration. Prathiba Jayaprakash . Lot of things can be learnt from your narration. Even he has been in this field for 17 years, every day is a postive and fantastic day for him since he is doing things with passion. He is enjoying and doing this without expecting any returns, which really makes us to discuss about him in this platform. Cheers...Great...
Learning Data science l Python l Java
2 年Its a very good narration and happy to hear this Prathiba Jayaprakash ????
Senior Verification Engineer at Cientra Techsolutions
2 年One of the best narrations prathi??
Acoustic Design Engineer at Khatib & Alami
2 年This proves that we have to admit that people should not be judged by their profession. Regardless of the nature of their work; Beauty and humanity are based on how human beings treat others! ??