8. WALKING IN THE MORNING: THE FELLOW - MORNING WALKERS.
Walking is a wholesome exercise. Every part of the body gets the required exercise when we walk. Moreover it costs practically nothing. All what one has to do is to get up before sunrise, get fresh and walk in the fresh air. Walking any time is good but it is more comfortable in the morning when air is fresh. It is good for all specially for the persons suffering from heart ailments, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, breathing problems etc. Walking includes long strides, jogging and simply strolling.
District Park is abuzz with morning walkers by the time I enter. Some people come as early as 5 a. m. The park layout is very much conducive for walking. The walking trail is wide enough to accommodate 4 persons horizontally. It is however more comfortable if walkers walk in line. It is about 1.5km long trail encircling the main park. It’s short of a ring around the park.
The profile of morning walkers is rather complex mix of senior citizens, elderly in their forties, youths, teenagers, men, women, boys, girls and kids. Most of the walkers belong to the category of obese, mainly women trying to shed a few kilos. Again if my guess is correct most of the walkers are here because of their doctor’s advice. Why would one come out of the sweet, slumber sleep early in the morning when almost 99% people are still in bed particularly in winter?
Some walk in groups of 3 or 4 horizontally least caring that they are hindering the easy flow of other walkers. This particular group is always in serious discussions on some current event mostly, political or economic and speaks loudly. One of them seems to have solution to every problem the nation is facing be it infiltration or inflation
There is one music lover who sings the same old Hindi movie song of yester years. He has a melodious voice though. He walks at slow pace in tune with the song. I am sure if some one can spare time and implore him to sit and sing more such songs, he will happily agree. An artist needs audience. I have seen him sitting on a bench playing the same tune on his mouth organ in perfect harmony with the morning. He is good at mouth organ too. The song is “O! Dunia ke rakhwale” (O Savior of the world).
Then there are music lovers mostly young generations with their iPods or cell phones. There are multi taskers, particularly young girls who can listen to music, ear phones plugged to ears, talk with hands free devices and walk at a brisk speed too. There are boys too but they can either listen or speak. Then there are some who keep the speakers on at full volume probably for the benefit of all.
Our upbringing taught us to see God in one and all. This gentle man is the perfect example of a true follower. He wishes “Jai Sri Ram” to everyone with folded hands. Some respond, some do not. Some people believe that God’s name always on lips not only helps in this life but pays dividends in next life also. God bless him.
There are people, some times couples, who bring sugar mixed wheat flour and pour the same at some strategic points to attract ants. Perhaps feeding ants is something to do with religious faith. Some bring grains to feed the birds. Some fill the earthen pots with water for birds. There is always scope for our religious faith anywhere we go. Starting first thing in the morning is added satisfaction.
Unlike in the West, we Indians are unlikely to wish fellow morning walkers a ‘good morning’ unless formally introduced. Perhaps we are not as extrovert. We take time to open up.
There is no formal dress for morning walkers and cannot be. Men are in kurta-pajamas, jeans-t-shirts, sorts-Bermudas-t shirts, sleeping suites, pant-shirts and some in dhotis too. Women are in salwar-kamiz, sarees, jeans-tops and Bermudas-tops.
The messages printed on the t-shirts and tops are at time hilarious. One frail bodied old chap has the t-shirt “WHAT CAN YOU DO?” printed on it. “Devil Inside”, “Touch me not” “I am lost” etc make a good day.
All in all Chitrgupta Park is fun filled ground.
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