A Story Of A Young Girl’s Struggle And The Responsibility To Make A Difference Some days ago, while on duty at our office hospital, I encountered a humble family who left a lasting impression on me. They were passing through our region on their way to Leh when their young child fell ill, likely due to the high altitude. I promptly attended to the child’s needs, and as the treatment progressed, I found myself engaged in a heartfelt conversation with the father.
Our talk began with the usual topics—discussing the unique landscapes of Ladakh, the challenges and beauty of high-altitude travel, and the diverse culture of the region. However, our conversation soon took a deeper turn when the father shared an experience from their visit to Sonmarg the day before. He recounted a seemingly simple yet profoundly touching incident involving his two young sons.
Like many children, they had a particular fondness for Parle-G biscuits, and while they were dipping their biscuits in chai, a little girl from the area stood nearby, quietly observing them. She was clearly from an impoverished background, her clothes worn and her expression a mix of curiosity and longing. Noticing this, the father’s elder son did something that, while ordinary to him, was extraordinary in its kindness—he offered her the entire packet of biscuits.
What happened next surprised the father. The girl, instead of eating the biscuits herself, took them to a nearby shopkeeper and exchanged them for a simple loa.