Something is indeed extremely fascinating about the national capital. Amongst the shivers and chatters, a calm and serene air prevailed throughout the day. Maybe it was me or the overall atmosphere, the energies of people seemed to have been dripping. But, Anshu Gupta’s speech woke everyone from the slumber and provoked each to action.
As he spoke about Habib, a man who made a living out of picking up unclaimed dead bodies, and the state of sanitary and menstrual habits of most women in India , there was a sense of guilt that swept through each one in the room. An anger amongst the ones who had done nothing to move their a** and the ones who’ve done a little to push harder. A snapshot of the real India was anything but fun. Goosebumps stood up as he recited the short yet powerful poem in the end.
Apart from Anshu Gupta’s glaring story-telling/public speaking style which no doubt adds hugely to his advantage, one not so obvious yet remarkable quality is his obsession and anger, the urgency through which he continues to address issues and the simplicity of his thinking, his ideas and his execution. A visit to the Goonj collection and dispatching unit was only an affirmation to the same. Every single unit, process and employee exhibited that simplicity at each step – making it seem as though it all can be done – by you, by me and by every privileged citizen in the country.
While the visit proved to be one of the best experiences, not just at the yatra, but in life as well, it reminded us of our responsibilities and most importantly, compassion one needs to have to do something noble. Every tiny example Mr. Gupta quoted portrayed such humility, such a need. Not just the need to be responsible, but just the need for “being human”. If one angry man with one crazy, simple idea can make an ocean of difference, then why not us? I guess, we aren’t angry enough yet…
12.50 am, Friday, Jan 6, 2012
(From Delhi to Tilonia, Rajasthan)
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