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“Ek hi toh hain”

I know this driver, at his 50s, who drives one of my Company’s vehicles; very humble, submissive and ever smiling, named Tajuddin. Apart from his gentle nature, I have noticed a unique feature in him. Whenever he passes by a Temple, he would salute the god or goddess there, with the same devotion as he does when he passes a Durgah. One day, I asked him about this and he, very humbly, uttered a simple sentence, “Ek hi hain na, sir”.


What a matured statement, what a sign of endurance and respect for others ! I did never imagine this thought from a person, who has spent his life time in front of the steering wheel. This has provoked a serious thought process in me, as to whether we realize in our everyday’s life the value of this “oneness”!!

If you concentrate in this festive season, the essence of “oneness” is very evident. The Dusserah festival, though known in many names across different provinces, speaks about one thread which keeps human being entangled. Be it Durga Puja in East, Bathukamma in South or Mataa ki Chowki or Navratri in North and West, all speak about the Mother force and worshipping of the Divine Mother. This is really a feeling of “one” in many. Even the harvesting festivals across India speak about the “oneness”. It may be Pongal, Nobanna or Bihu, the feeling and spirit is “one” and definitely the joy of festivity in “one”.

Only problem is that we see “many” around us and sometime get carried away by the feeling of many. But the main thread is one and there are different flowers of different colors and fragrances around that single thread. “One” is literally inevitable and that oneness binds our lives.

Now, I have developed a habit of saluting any place of worship which comes my way, a Durgah, a Gurdwara and of course temples of any size, shape and version. Thanks to Tajuddin, who made me understand the very fact of life, “ek hi toh hain”.

Let’s feel the vastness of this oneness and that can be a small step towards this great world.

Enjoy the festivities!!!

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