The Power Of A Common Man
THE POWER OF A COMMON MAN
©Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker
My husband and I have always divided our household chores equally. If I order vegetables, he orders the fruits. If our cook doesn’t show up, either one of us can step in to cook. If I teach our son math, he takes him for the tennis class. And if I have a challenging day at the hospital, he makes sure to order something nice for dinner. This balance has been the rhythm of our lives for almost two decades.
The other day, I overheard him ordering fruits on the phone. We’ve been getting our fruits from Guddu for over five years. We first became regulars at his small roadside shop, and later, he started delivering fruits directly to our home. He knows our preferences and always brings us the best of the lot. If certain fruits aren’t good that season, he’ll always let us know. Now we don’t even need to check on anything. He is extremely trustworthy and that’s the kind of relationship we’ve shared with him for years.
This time, however, the phone conversation seemed unusually long. After the list of fruits, words like Bajaj, Tata, Reliance, stocks, equity, and investments floated through the air. Curious, I listened for a bit longer and realized my husband wasn’t just ordering fruits—he was giving Guddu investment advice! I must say that this exchange between my white-collar husband and Guddu, our trusted fruit vendor, left me both amused and was deeply thought provoking.
This small interaction left me reflecting on two things. The first was about the relationships we form with people in our extended community. Over time, we had come to trust Guddu with our fruits, and in return, Guddu trusted my husband with his finances and investments. These bonds, built on mutual respect and trust, add so much richness to our lives. They go beyond mere transactions and bring a sense of connection in an increasingly impersonal world.
In today’s age of impersonal and faceless online deliveries, where convenience is king, these human interactions are often lost. While digital apps offer unparalleled efficiency—allowing us to receive groceries and everything else under the sun (from a to z!) at the click of a button—they lack the warmth, trust, and familiarity that come with personal interactions. Every call to Guddu isn’t just about fruits—it’s an opportunity for a meaningful conversation that can inspire and uplift. Such moments of connection reduce loneliness, decrease stress, and bring genuine happiness. In a fast-paced world, they remind us of the joy of slowing down and forming real relationships within our universe.
The second thought was about the evolution of the common man. Here was Guddu, a fruit vendor, discussing stocks and investments with ease. It was inspiring to see how even someone from modest means has an aspiration to secure a better future. Guddu’s aspirations for growth, his awareness of financial tools, and his willingness to seek advice speak volumes about the changing mindset of the common man in India.
He wasn’t just saving money—he was thinking about growing it. This reflects a profound hopefulness, not just for himself but for the next generation. He has no hesitation, no shame in asking for help, and a deep-seated belief in striving for something better. It’s a lesson for all of us: ambition, curiosity, and openness to learning can transform lives.
Guddu gives me hope. He truly embodies the dialogue of Shahrukh Khan—“Don’t underestimate the power of a common man.” He reminds me that the drive to improve, the courage to ask, and the willingness to grow are not limited by one’s circumstances or educational/financial status. It’s this spirit that makes the common man so extraordinary and inspires us all to believe in a better tomorrow.