When Giving goes Viral

Meghu has talked about this to me. I have seen a few videos on this before. It is about how someone can start a chain reaction of giving.

I unwittingly participated in one in a short episode on the Delhi Metro a few weeks ago.

After work, I had just boarded the Metro back home, quite tired, frustrated and irritated. It was a peak hour and I wasn't hoping to find a seat. The Metro was jam-packed anyway and while standing in my limited area, I overheard a conversation of an elderly man with 2 young boys.

The boys were urging this gentleman to claim his seat reserved for elderly people. These were, in that moment, occupied by 2 men in their mid-thirties. The old uncle replied that if they vacated the seats themselves, that would be nice, for he didn't like asking people - that would make him feel weak and needy.

Now, one of these men got up because it was his station next. I edged forward to make space for him to find his way to the exit. The one who was going to sit in this recently vacated seat, thought that I wanted the seat, so he let me sit. I refused initially, urging him to sit, but he insisted, so I gladly took it. GIVING 1.

It had been less than 15 seconds that I had relaxed myself into the seat, when I realised I was sitting on one reserved for old people. I remembered what that old guy had said, so I sought him out in the crowd and insisted that he sit. GIVING 2.

It had again been less than 15 seconds that I vacated the seat, when this old uncle got up and gave his seat to a lady in her early fifties. GIVING 3.

When I saw this, I smiled to myself. I realised that what they say about food, is also true for seats. Morsels and seats come with names written on them. It is pure luck and destiny that you are getting to enjoy them.

And then I got mock-mad at myself for giving the seat to that old guy.

1 seat, 3 people to relinquish it for the next one, 1 beneficiary. All in less than a minute in a very crowded Metro.

Amusing.