Sir,

After retiring from my active service eight years back, I have been frequently travelling between Mysuru and Bengaluru by train. Most of the time, I book my ticket in advance for comfortable travelling and on very few occasions, forced to travel without reservation. One recent incident which disturbed me most is worth sharing here.

I was travelling by Vishwa-manava Express starting at 5.50 am from Mysuru City Railway Station and it stopped at Mandya. People started pushing in for seats and one old man, aged around 75 years, was struggling to get a seat. The train started moving and hence could not get down. Desperately, he started begging for a seat from a couple of youngsters and middle-aged. Sensing his capacity to travel standing, I called him and offered my seat for which he refused stating that I am also around his age and his conscious will not permit to accept such help.

After my repeated request he agreed to take this offer on one condition that he will stand again after Ramanagaram. 

At this juncture, I remembered some of the articles in SOM by N.K.A. Ballal on human values and respect for elders. It is really painful to see the attitude of present generation. Barring a few, it is difficult to understand our young blood who have commercialised even human relations. 

At Ramanagaram, as per our understanding he allowed me the valuable seat and the journey continued. Luckily he got a seat at Bidadi. He got down at Kengeri thanking me orally and through his eyes for my concern and help.

Railways have improved their services and provided separate ladies compartments in almost all the trains but not a single compartment marking reservation to seniors ! Even the ticket counter meant for seniors, both at Mysuru and Bengaluru is being used by all !

– Ashok Nayak, V.V. Mohalla, 28.1.2020

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