Life is the slowest when I walk  and of course it is limited to short distances. But my next best slower movement with distance covered is when I cycle in the morning. I have a habit of cycling through different segments and keep my eyes wide open to look for opportunities - not for making money - but to give to the right people. 

when I was pedaling through a segment, I went past a tri junction and something attracted me. I said, I went past and yes I went past. The attraction was stronger than my momentum that I had to stop and turn back. 

What attracted me was an elder man spreading beds for his dogs and a few were covered in blankets. No doubt it was a cold morning and yes why should the wonderful dogs resist the warm blanket?

I picked up a little talk with him and he started introducing all his dogs one by one by name. He told me that he spends around 200 rupees on these dogs every day. It was not a complaint or an indirect request but a statement that showed how much he loved the dogs.

He told me about his family and his five children and again had no complaints. Difficult to see such happy people. I did not dig  with questions asking why are you living in this small shed when you have so many. I did not want to but I can assume.

He was having some set up like a cycle repair shop and I asked him if he needed anything. He said nothing sir, thank you and I was all set to leave but told him I will come again tomorrow and will get you something. I don't know what he understood but he said if you want to get me something then I need a cycle pump since someone robbed mine and I am not able to earn.

I told him that I will get him one and purchased one for him. He was so happy. I took a step forward to bend into the small dwelling unit of his saw that he was living in darkness. It was so darn veen in the afternoon and I wanted to help him.Then I spoke to our team and released funds from our foundation to give him a solar light with backup. That was an unbelievable gift he received and I can't comprehend his happiness.

All that I can say is he displayed compassion and that resulted in compassion.

What an opportunity to serve and be of help to another. My heart is filled with joy.

-- Paulraj Joseph

Update 23.02.2022

We visited Megaraj today and found him to be joyful. He had expressed a need to have a clock and we thought we should give him one. Our team member  presented him a Wall clock and some rice as a dry ration supply.

My Interview/ Talk  with AWM Media Team