At the last bus stop in the metropolis, as the conductor stopped the bus and opened the door, an elderly man standing below extended his hand to board. With one hand as support, he boarded the bus with faltering steps, holding a beautiful child idol of Lord Ganesha in his other hand.
After five or six passengers had boarded that last bus to the village, there wasn't even enough space to stand. As the bus began to move, seeing him unsuccessfully trying to balance himself, holding the idol in his hand, the conductor vacated his seat and said, "elderly man, please sit here." He sat comfortably on the seat, holding the idol close to his stomach.
In a few minutes, that adorable idol of child Ganesha became the center of everyone's curiosity and attraction. A few hands spontaneously joined together in reverence.
The conductor, taking money from the passengers in the back, stood in front of elderly man and asked, "Where are you going, elderly man?"
In response, he moved the idol slightly and tried unsuccessfully to take the money from the pocket of his dhoti.
Seeing them worried, the conductor said, "Let it be for now. You'll give it to me when you get off."
Once again, elderly man sat down, feeling confident, holding the Ganpati idol close to his stomach. The bus had now picked up speed.
After issuing tickets to everyone, the conductor stood up, leaning on a seat, and suddenly asked, "elderly man, you must have Ganesh idols in your village too. So, at this age, why are you taking this Ganesh idol from the city, after a two-hour journey and so much running around?"
Hearing the question, elderly man smiled and said, "Yes, nowadays, shops are decorated everywhere when festivals arrive. Idols are available in the village too, but not like this one. Look how beautiful and vibrant this one is."
Then, more seriously, he said, "There's a story behind taking the idol from here, son. Actually, God deprived us, husband and wife, of the joy of having children." I tried all the remedies, rituals, and mantras, then accepted it as fate and went back to my work.
...Fifteen years ago, we both came to this city for work. Ganesh Puja was approaching, so we went to the market to buy idols and worship material. Suddenly, my wife spotted a similar idol, and her maternal instincts were awakened. Calling it "my child," she hugged it to her heart.
Years of pain flowed from her eyes. The sculptor was also overwhelmed by the sight, and I extracted a promise from him to give me an idol made exactly like this every year. That's it! This tradition has continued ever since.
Until two years ago, she used to come with me to pick up her child Ganesha, but now she's unable to do so due to knee pain. I'm getting older too, but even if it's only for ten days, I don't want to take away her joy. So, I take my child Ganesha home with great care.
By now, the surrounding crowd was quite curious. Some peeked out of their seats, others jumped up, smiling and folding their hands at the idol.
Just then, the woman sitting in the back seat turned her face forward and asked, "elderly man, don't you immerse the idol again?"
With a sad smile, elderly man said, "Now, after installing the idol and worshipping it with all the rituals, we do immerse it. But because of this separation, during these ten days, it seems as if a fountain of affection flows from her heart, transforming our lives. Even now, she must be sitting there, waiting, having decorated the door with rangoli and a mango arch. When we arrive, she casts a harsh glance at us with mustard seeds and chilies. Don't ask, our child Ganesha has a small pot, a glass, a plate, a spoon, everything. Not only this, she has also made a bag of colorful small clothes, so as long as I can, I will continue to give her this pleasure." elderly man's voice choked as he said this.
Hearing this, some people's eyes moistened, while others' hearts filled with compassion. The bus was moving smoothly, about to reach elderly man's village.
So, seeing him standing holding the idol, a person standing nearby said, "Come, give me the idol!"
Gently placing the idol in his hands, taking money from the pocket of his dhoti and giving it to the conductor, elderly man said, "Here, son, get a ticket for one and a half."
Hearing this, the conductor said in surprise, "Hey, you came alone, right? Then why this one and a half ticket?"
elderly man smiled and said, "Didn't both of you come? One is me and the other is our child Ganesha."
Hearing this, everyone looked at him in surprise. Clearing the confusion, he said again, "Why are you so confused? Is the one whom everyone sees and whom God worships and consecrates merely clay? He is more alive than us. We may consider him God and ask for everything from him, but he needs our love and embrace." Saying this, elderly man's throat became choked with emotion.
Listening spellbound to his words, the conductor and the co-passengers were immersed in this unique ocean of compassion and affection when their village arrived and the bus stopped suddenly. The conductor deducted one and a half the ticket fare and handed him the remaining money and the ticket and respectfully opened the door.
When elderly man got down and extended his hand towards that passenger to hold his child Ganesha, everyone including the conductor spontaneously said: Look, elderly man, take care of him. And Dadda, holding that idol in both his arms like a little child, walked down the path with quick steps.
Moral Lessons
1. True devotion is demonstrated not only through grand deeds, but also through consistent small actions.
2. Objects of faith can have deep emotional meaning and can sustain relationships.
3. Kindness from strangers can affirm and honor personal dignity.
Life-Management Tips Inspired by the Story
1. Maintain rituals that strengthen emotional bonds—small, regular traditions strengthen relationships.
2. Plan practical assistance for an aging partner (transportation, regular help) to keep happiness alive.
3. Keep emotional routines alive to maintain courage during difficult times.
Business-Management Lessons from the Story
1. Customer empathy matters: Attention to everyone's needs builds loyalty and respect.
2. Consistency in service (fulfilling the sculptor's annual promise) builds trust and long-lasting relationships.
3. Small personalized touches (customization) can make things unique and create emotional value.
Inspiring Quotes
1. Small acts of devotion can give life profound meaning.
2. Love can transform a handmade sculpture into a living companion for lonely people.
3. Community kindness restores dignity and humanity connects strangers.
Tips for Self-Help
1. Create small, meaningful rituals to strengthen emotional health.
2. Show love openly—doing so strengthens personal purpose and connection.
3. Accept help with love; accepting help saves energy and improves quality of life.
Read more : - The Well of Conflict
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