One day while returning home in the evening my car stopped at the traffic light . A small child 6 or 7 years of age approached me with a big bundle of good quality dusters for purchase . As is my habit I offered him Rs 10 and told him that I did not need them . Next , his reaction amazed me . He walked away without accepting Rs 10 . There was a lot of traffic so I yelled that I would buy a few . I was carrying only Rs 30 and coins worth Rs 50 . He refused to listen and in an angry posture sat down at one side of the traffic . The light turned green and I drove ahead with a heavy heart but totally overwhelmed with respect and love for the little idealist .

I instucted Ravi my driver to return to the same spot where we had left the small businessman . As my car had to be parked across the raod I emptied the contents of my wallet and told Ravi to convince the child to sell me two dusters against the money .

Ravi found the boy sitting in the same spot pensive and very annoyed .It took a lot of convincing by Ravi to apologise and urge him to give the two dusters against the money .

My heart wept for the child and his young convictions both in admiration and a feeling of helplessness . So much young talent going waste on the roads . No education , food , clothes , toys or proper shelter . Years of neglect and indifference by everyone .