Finding Hope in Humanity: A Simple Delhi Metro Incident That Restored Faith
Rajkumari Sharma Tankha
The other day, I was chatting with a group of friends when the conversation drifted towards how times are changing—how neither young girls nor elderly women feel safe anymore, how crime seems to be on the rise, and how incidents involving young boys are becoming increasingly disturbing.
“We must do something—maybe form a group and start educating boys and men,” said Vibhuti.
“Honestly, when I see so much crime around, I feel scared for my children,” added Madhu.
I couldn’t disagree. Every morning, newspapers seem filled with reports of rape, murder, theft, and violence. Crime dominates headlines. But having been a journalist for over two decades, I also understand that negative news often gets more attention because of its shock value. Positive stories rarely make it to the front page, even though they exist in abundance.
Are We Ignoring the Good Around Us?
Does that mean the world is only getting worse? I don’t think so.
I have always believed in the inherent goodness of people. Yes, there are criminals and selfish individuals, but there are just as many—if not more—good, kind-hearted souls around us. The key lies in where we choose to focus.
If you look for negativity, you will find it everywhere. But if you consciously look for goodness, you will begin to notice it too.
This doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to wrongdoing. On the contrary, it means doing our bit—starting from our homes. Be a role model for your children. Teach them values. Speak up when you see something wrong. Don’t rely entirely on the system; real change begins with individuals.
A Small Act of Kindness on the Delhi Metro
A recent incident reaffirmed this belief for me.
I was travelling on the Delhi Metro one night, heading towards Shalimar Bagh via the Yellow Line. It was around 10 pm, and despite the late hour, the train was fairly crowded.
As I looked for a comfortable spot to stand, a little boy approached me and gently pulled my dupatta. He must have been very young—he later told me his name was Aryan and that he studied in nursery at Delhi Police Public School.
“Aunty, aap yahan baith jaayeye,” he said.
He was offering me his seat.
I was taken aback. Such a small child, yet so thoughtful and considerate. When I declined, he insisted. Though I didn’t take the seat, his gesture touched me deeply.
I couldn’t help but appreciate his mother for raising him with such values. She simply smiled—no pride, no show—just quiet grace.
Why Small Acts Matter
That brief moment in the metro did something powerful—it restored my faith in humanity.
In a world where we often hear only about negativity, it is important to remember that kindness still exists. It is being taught in homes, practiced by children, and quietly shaping the society we live in.
Change Begins at Home
The purpose of sharing this experience is simple: we don’t need to become doomsayers.
Yes, challenges exist. Yes, crime is real. But so is goodness.
And if we truly want to improve society, we must begin with ourselves—with our homes, our families, and the values we pass on to the next generation.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture—like a child offering his seat—to remind us that we are not headed towards darkness, but perhaps towards better days.
