**Title: The Mayor's Humble Ride**
It was an ordinary morning, much like any other, as I set out for
the office. The sun was just casting a warm glow over the
bustling streets of Nabarangpur,Odisha. However, on this particular day, fate
had something unexpected in store for me. With my official car driver
indisposed due to illness, I found myself in need of transportation to office.
As I made my way down to the main road from my street, I noticed a lone bike
approaching from a distance on the main road. Without hesitation, I waved to the rider from a distance, hoping to get a lift in reaching my destination.
To my relief, the rider, a simple man in his fifties, had already slowed down to a
stop as he reached me. With a kind smile, he offered to give me a lift on his
bike. Grateful for his generosity, I accepted his offer and climbed onto the
back of the bike.
Before starting the journey, the man ensured that I was seated
securely, adjusting my position with care and consideration. I marked his gesture as it spoke
volumes about his character, embodying a sense of warmth and hospitality that
was both unexpected and endearing.
As we set off down the road, I couldn't help but marvel at the
simplicity of the moment. Here I was, a high-ranking corporate professional,
sharing a ride with a stranger who exuded a sense of humility and kindness that
was truly remarkable.
Throughout the journey, conversation flowed effortlessly between
us. The man listened intently as I shared details about my work and
responsibilities, his curiosity piqued by the world of corporate life. In
return, he shared snippets of his own experiences, offering insights into the
daily life of the people of Nabarangpur,Odisha.
As we neared my office, the man brought the bike to a stop and
turned to me with a smile. With genuine interest, he asked for my name,
expressing a desire to visit me at my workplace sometime in the future. I was
taken aback by his sincerity, touched by his willingness to extend friendship
beyond our brief encounter on the road.
Before parting ways, a sense of curiosity overcame me, and I
couldn't resist asking the man about his own identity and occupation. To my
surprise, he revealed modestly that he was the Mayor of Nabarangpur
district town,Odisha.
I was stunned. Here was a man of such humble demeanour, occupying
a position of significant authority and influence within the area. Yet,
throughout our journey together, he had never once mentioned his status or
designation, choosing instead to focus on ensuring my comfort and well-being.
As I bid farewell to the Mayor and made my way into the office,
his words and actions lingered in my mind. In a world where ego and
self-promotion often reigned supreme, his humility stood out as a beacon of
light, illuminating the path towards a more compassionate and genuine form of
leadership.
In the days that followed, I found myself reflecting on the
lessons learned from my encounter with the Mayor. His example served as a
powerful reminder that true greatness was not measured by titles or accolades
or the power we wield, but by the way we treat others and the impact we have
on their lives.
Inspired by his humility and sincerity, it dawned in my mind that
great persons are different from others. I made a conscious effort to embody
those qualities in my own interactions with others.
And so, as I look back on that fateful morning, I am filled with
gratitude for the unexpected encounter that changed my perspective forever. The
Mayor's humble ride had taught me a valuable lesson in humility, reminding me
that true greatness lies not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in how we
uplift and serve those around us.
By-Sunil Kumar Pathak
