For two rather depressed ladies

There are few sights as depressing as seeing two normally cheerful people in a state of acute depression. Well, that is exactly what I witnessed yesterday. Two friends of mine – one with the most senseless sense of humour I have ever had the privilege to know, another with a smile that made light bulbs seem dull – sat on the stairs of the Metro station in Connaught Place, with faces so long that one could have used them to measure cloth in store!

The reason – it had been a depressing day at work. A senior person had been less than civil in front of one of them and the other had just realised that she might be dealt a particularly unpleasant blow by an organisation that she had served rather selflessly for more than two years. The depression soon assumed global dimensions and both started wondering at just how awful the world is.

Being more of an author than a master conversationist, there was little I could do to make them feel better at that time. But well, perhaps I could have told them:

“It is a tough world out there, ladies. And it ain't pretty.

It is a world in which a madman invaded another country and authorised the killing of millions, while the rest of the world (including mera bharat mahaan) just sat and watched. It is a world in which a government could fall for signing a particular agreement but not for failing to close the gap between the rich and the poor. It is a world in which children who should in school beg on the streets and practice really old professions. It is a world in which people who try hard get the boot while those who sit on their posteriors get a[promotions.

But there are things that make a difference. There are still people who protest against an irresponsible government and media. There are people who still pause and help a blind person cross the street. Or get up to let the elderly take a seat in trains in buses. Or try to cover an event which they know will not get into print because their editor feels that it will offend advertisers.

Do they make a difference? Maybe they do. Maybe they don't. But they do their best. And by doing just that, save the world from being an utter disaster.

I remember once attending a lecture by Mr. Arun Shourie and his exhortation for honesty - “not just because it is the right thing. Not just because honesty is the best policy. But because if you are honest, there will be one less dishonest person in this utterly corrupt world.”

'Tis a world full of jerks of the worst order. Unfortunately, many of them are the top and influencing the fates of millions. But there are also a few good people around. They do try to make things better. And by their efforts, they give so many others reason to believe that one does not have to be morally bankrupt to succeed.

They may not make a difference in material terms. But in purely psychological terms, they move mountains. Because they reinstate one's faith in the essential goodness of humankind.

Just like both of you do.”

Hmmm...I wonder if that would have made them feel better? I will find out when they comment. Or when they laugh at me at work later today.

Heck, it would be worth it if it just gets them to laugh.