(This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025, wherein 10 posts are published in 15 days. This is the tenth and last one. The prompt: What’s a small act of kindness you’ll never forget?)
It was 29 November 2016. My father passed away around 4 am.
Since he passed away at home, we called an ambulance and took him to a nearby hospital, where it was confirmed with an ECG.
The cremation was around 1 pm.
Even though those were pre-UPI days, I’d already begun avoiding cash as far as possible. I preferred using debit or credit cards, so I rarely kept much cash at home.
(UPI — Unified Payments Interface — is a real-time digital payment system that enables instant, inter-bank fund transfers through a single mobile app. Hugely popular now, it’s overtaken Visa and Mastercard in transaction volumes.)
Exactly three weeks before that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the demonetisation of all ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes. New ₹500 and ₹2,000 notes were issued in exchange, but the transition was anything but smooth.
I needed cash — for the ambulance, for those helping with funeral arrangements, and for payments at the crematorium.
Normally, I’d have just walked to one of the five nearby ATMs. But thanks to demonetisation, none had the new notes. Even those that did had long queues, and cash ran out quickly.
One of my friends in the apartment complex heard about my situation and quietly handed me some cash. A few others — people I barely knew — did the same. I made sure to note down in my diary who gave how much, lest I forget.
It was a remarkable gesture. In the midst of grief and logistical chaos, these neighbours — some practically strangers — stepped in without hesitation. Their kindness and generosity moved me deeply.
About a week later, my wife and I visited each of those friends to return the cash they had so kindly lent us. Their spontaneous act only reinforced our faith in humanity.
I remember the chaos of demonetisation. Acts like these made that period bearable. What grace from your neighbours.
ReplyDeleteBeing a nice person paid off - people helped you at the time of your need.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThe kindness of strangers - or even open spontaneity from those we know - can be overwhelming. A most touching post. YAM xx
Your post affected me deeply. When there are persons who step forward to be a help to us in terrible times, it is a time just "covered in gold" it is so precious. I am so glad for you and the family.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful when people help like this without being asked to, there are good people in the world
ReplyDeleteYour post is very nice and I rallye lire it, wish you a happy week-end.
ReplyDeleteTruly sorry to read about your helpless situation initially. Those were really bad days.
ReplyDeleteA true example of kindness of the community and the human spirit amid complete chaos. I also believe the goodwill that you and your father had in the eyes of the community came to the fore, prompting them to go out of their way to help in whatever way they could.
At a time of great sadness and stress, the actions of strangers lifted your spirits.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes. Hugs to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - that's a lovely story and how wonderful to have such thoughtful neighbours and friends ... we never know do we. I have some cash here: in case. Your father would have been proud of all there for him ... particularly you and the family. With thoughts - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteMy beloved parents both passed away then. You can never lose the pain, but you can celebrate the pleasures from the past. Photos on your walls can help
ReplyDeleteIn times of grief, kindness by people can help so much, and clearly you were liked and respected, and so you were in receipt of such kindness.
ReplyDelete