A debt of gratitude

"Even if you rise to the throne, never forget the time." This saying reminds us of the importance of staying humble and grounded, no matter how high we climb in life.

We often get caught up in our successes and achievements, forgetting the journey that brought us here. We forget the people who helped us, the struggles we faced, and the lessons we learned along the way.

But time has a way of keeping us in check. As the famous song by Mohammed Rafi goes, "Waqat se din aur raat, waqat se kal aur aaj, waqat ki har shay gulaam, waqt ka har shay pai raaj" (Time governs day and night, time governs yesterday and today, everything is a slave to time, and time rules over everything).

These lyrics beautifully capture the power and universality of time. Time is the one thing that governs every aspect of our lives, from the rising and setting of the sun to the passage of days, weeks, months, and years.

We should never forget time. No matter where we reach in life, we should remember it is the people around us who help us grow. We are indebted to our society, and it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the kindness and support we receive from others.

I experienced a poignant reminder of this recently. While traveling for duty, my car was almost full, but I couldn't ignore a person walking alone in the dense, cold fog. I stopped my car and asked the others to adjust and make space for him.

When he finally reached his destination and left the car, my friends asked me why I had forced them to accommodate him when there was almost no space left. I shared a story with them, one that I will never forget.

It was almost 20 years ago, when I was in my 6th standard. I was suffering from severe abdominal pain on a hot summer day. There were no ready-made painkillers freely available, and our village had no connectivity to the district headquarters in Pulwama. To get to Pulwama, we had to walk 3 kilometers through tiring hills to nearby village Rahmoo and then take a matador.

A person from our village, a strong and kind man, carried me on his shoulders all the way to Pulwama hospital. Today, as I was driving, I saw that same man walking in the fog. I couldn't believe it. The person I gave a lift today was the same person who had carried me on his shoulders 20 years ago.

This moment taught me that life comes full circle. We should never forget the people who help us, and we should always be willing to help others.

As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded of the importance of gratitude and paying it forward. We all have the power to make a positive impact on someone's life, just like that kind stranger did for me 20 years ago.

Let's strive to create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion in our communities. Let's never forget the people who help us grow and let's always be willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Conclusion

In a world that often seems to value individual success above all else, it is essential to remember that we are all part of a larger community. We are all connected, and our actions have the power to impact those around us.

Let's express our gratitude and pay it forward by showing kindness and compassion to those around us.Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community, one that values the well-being of all its members.

Dr Mohammad Younis Dar, Medical Officer J &K Health Department