myspace: From Udupi to Kochi with un-diminishing smile

The question which has always been a question to me, is the events that happened are in our lifetime are intentional or accidental? I have been on a short trip to Kochi, Kerala and the only thing which has been in my mind was how people are coping up with the losses they sufferred due to recent deluge. Based on my interaction with the cab driver the scenario is not so desperate for Kochi residents but it is the other parts of kerala faced the fury of the nature. It is partially a relief for me, may be because I will not witness the burnt of the nature in its most disturbing shape because rebuilding of life is a slow and painful process. Anyway, immediately after reaching my hotel, I stepped out because i was feeling a little hungry. So, while walking through the lanes of Broadway found one decent restaurant which announced delicacies which will be small and just enough to leave some space for dinner. So, I ordered a Papdi Chat and one Coffee. So, waiting for delicacies in the nearest table, a kid not more than 15 or 16 approached me with a radiant snile on his face and asked I am from which part of India. There was something magical in his smile so I replied I am from Delhi and to keep him engagrd asked in return is he from Kerala or elsewhere? He said he is from Udupi (a small town of Karnataka bordering Kerala and famous for affordable breakfast and meals, all vegeterian) and it takes a full day to reach his hometown from Kochi. I just dont know why I continued with the conversation. I asked him How he reched here and he replied his brother brought him here. I just dont know anything about him but still felt a tinge in my heart for him and the brave journey he is enduring to make a life for himself. He had not just a bright smile on his face but a hope. So far away from home he is doing this petty job but may be this life has got more promise than the life he was enduring in his hometown. So, no wonder India is shining but those many people who are being left behind, creating lives which are yet to pass through Test of Fire and their survival is partly in their hand and partly in ours. When all these things are unfolding in front of my eyes, I saw another family enjoying their evening day out with two sons and the younger one was having some physical imbalances linked to probably cerebral palsy or polio in either case making him one among the most vulnerable citizens when he grows up. Seeing all this, I have a strong feeling that, mostly from poverty comes more poverty so how much resources we dedicate for next few decades we can only dream to be a developed nation, the struggle for life and death will continue. Every now and then i will see one such handsome face in the crowd who would be desperately trying to make a life for himself or herself but the journey will be far from difficult, far from comfort, far from enjoyment, a constant struggle and what will be the only saving grace is the bright radiant smile which will be far from fading away into darkness. I wish you well gentleman and I