THE REAL JEWEL

“Life is a journey, we encounter stop signs, road blocks, breakdowns etc.” There are times we need some sort of direction and motivational stories to keep ourselves optimistic and so is the story of Sardar Darshan Singh ji. He is an eighty year old man who has been ferrying children of Our lady of Fatima convent school, Patiala since 65 years. I myself spent my glorious 12 years in that school and seeing that man working tirelessly in sweat, I couldn’t resist myself writing this blog. Meeting Darshan singh Ji was not easy as he resides in Sanaur  village , 10 kms away from Patiala . I had to call him specially for interacting with him and of course he was a bit shy. The school was established in 1960 and since then he is carrying children to and fro from school to home and vice versa. On talking to him, Darshan Singh Ji said, “most of the children in my buggy are now well settled in countries like America, Germany, Canada etc.” He very proudly says that my kids have reached higher peaks (kithon de kithe pohch gye). He recalls about the first sister (principal in catholic schools), Miss Veronica who was from Italy and initially she taught many students free of cost. He added how with the new technology and arrival of motor Vans and autos only very less work is left with him. In a very proud way he addresses every child as his own, he says, “mughe bohat khushi milti hai , koi doctor ban gya hai aur  koi SHO”. The sad part is even after his tireless service of 65 years he is not able to live a better life. He only earns Rs 3000 per month. He had tears in his eyes and when he recalled how he is the only one who is alive out of all his companions. He says,”eh ohda bhana hai.” (It’s all Gods will)  Ever since I was in Fatima I wanted to write about this man who has worked selflessly and tirelessly. We often complaint about our lives and aren’t satisfied with what God has given us, but are we doing right?  The answer is “NO”. We should look forward to life of such people like Darshan singh ji who give us positive approach towards life .Working honestly and selflessly are the qualities we should foster in our lives. “YOUR EDUCATION BEGINS WHEN YOU LEAVE SCHOOL, NOT WHEN YOU ARE IN SCHOOL.“

By Amitoj Kaur