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 loaf of bread. This exchange spoke volumes. It revealed a harsh reality—the girl, driven by hunger and necessity, chose the more filling and practical option of bread over the treat of biscuits.

This incident struck a deep chord with the father, leading him to reflect on the broader implications of what he had witnessed. Here was a young girl, in the heart of one of the most picturesque places in the country, who was so deprived that she couldn’t even afford the luxury of enjoying a small packet of biscuits. Instead, her reality was defined by basic survival, where a loaf of bread represented sustenance that could perhaps feed her for the day.

As the father shared this story, I couldn’t help but think about the stark contrast between his family and the little girl. His children, like many others in more fortunate circumstances, had the luxury of choice, of enjoying small pleasures without a second thought. Meanwhile, this young girl’s life was a daily struggle to meet her most basic needs.

The father’s reflection didn’t end there. He began to ponder the broader failures of society—the growing chasm between the rich and the poor, and how the pursuit of wealth and luxury by a few often overshadows the dire needs of many. In a world where some are focused on building grand structures, luxurious malls, and acquiring material wealth, there are countless others who struggle to secure even the most basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

This conversation left me with a profound sense of responsibility, not just as a healthcare provider but as a member of society. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, to focus on our own ambitions and desires, but it’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of those who are less fortunate. The story of the little girl in Sonmarg is a stark reminder of the realities that many people face daily.

This is why I felt compelled to share this story with you. It’s a call to action, a reminder that we must always be mindful of the needs of others. If you are fortunate enough to have a stable home, regular meals, and financial security, you are already among the lucky ones. But with that privilege comes a responsibility—a duty to look around you, to see the invisible faces of poverty, and to extend a helping hand where it’s needed.

Compassion and empathy should not be optional; they should be the guiding principles in how we live our lives. It’s not enough to simply feel sorry for those who are struggling. We must take active steps to make a difference, whether it’s through charitable giving, volunteering, or simply being more conscious of our consumption and how it affects others.

In conclusion, let us not measure our success by the size of our homes or the balance in our bank accounts, but by the impact we have on the lives of others. Let us strive to bridge the gap between privilege and poverty, to ensure that our success is not just personal but communal. By doing so, we can help create a world where no child has to choose between a loaf of bread and a packet of biscuits, where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.

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Dr Fazal ul Haq Wani