I traveled in 2nd class unreserved compartment in train while traveling back recently from Vipassana centre. This was like working out of my comfort zone of traveling alone, without a reserved seat, among so-called poor class. I was in a reflective mood; hence it was a thoughtful travel, which left me overwhelmed.

In an over-full General compartment, I kept observing people around me - sad eyes, over-humble and adjusting attitude – which spoke of being subdued for many years. They seemed to have lived in poor conditions, denied due rights & dignity as deserved. The women looked even more suppressed and controlled than men. My day-to-day complaints seemed so exaggerated before these people, who had likely lived in unjust denial all their lives.

I could see that in expensive ticketed compartments- drama of high standards, hygiene & care was prevalent. Extra attention was given to the facilities while upper class people seemed in-flexible and complained many times. There was arrogance, ego and privacy- in the world of self-sufficient, educated, branded people. On the other hand, humans in 2nd class knew that they have to accept everyone and everything.

What a great difference and why does it go beyond different facilities? Why should monetary reasons be the basis of any division or social respect or freedom? Why human connections and social interactions get confined between such walls? My heart melted as I could see lives full of struggle and ill-treatment, which made them feel unworthy and small in their own selves. What a society have we built?

I also realized there existed a gap between me and my fellow 2nd class travelers; though I felt curious and they too, we both had inhibitions and inability to converse easily. An invisible wall of this rich/poor divide, educated class division makes us alien to each others' life? When in God's world we are almost alike: His creations, spiritual beings with huge potential; who dares to create this difference? I was thinking all this, teary eyed and overwhelmed.

My initial inhibitions and discomfort had been slowly disappearing, as I noticed that these kind, beautiful human beings had been subtly supporting me, all the while. They cared for me like someone delicate; helping with luggage and closing the windows so that I don’t get wet from the rain drops etc. I was respected and treated gently as a more educated, well-to-do lady all the time.

Though none of us spoke a word; there was no need and emotions failed us for any small talk. Moreover, words would have fallen short as a silent, human connection with a few passengers, was naturally generated in subtle ways. I felt deep compassion for their well-being and was angry for their conditions.

I had an aggressive feeling against social structures which divide us, denying equal opportunity of basic rights to all. After all, everything is a gift from God; how can anyone take more rights and deprive another fellow of theirs. It seemed clearly un-fair and wrong to me in those moments.

I could remember about Mahatma Gandhi who traveled in 2nd class and interacted with poor with due respect on the basis of social and human relations denying any monetary or class basis. He was the change and I salute him today. I also highly respect spaces like ‘Vipassana’ and ‘Servicespace’, where a world of equality and 'equal opportunity' does exist for all humans– without any consideration of religion, region or money etc. I admire all such humble, grounded leaders who have ‘walked the talk’ instead of only preaching.

While I was leaving the train, two men came by to support, with a caressing attitude as if saying – 'we are concerned about you too'. Yes, it was evident.

As I said soulful prayers for my fellow humans in 2nd class; a soft, firm voice within me said, ‘An essential Change is needed’. I deeply believe so too; universe will plan and an emergence will happen naturally.

Posted by Madhur Khanna on Aug 5, 2016 | permalink