Today, I witnessed an incident that shook me deeply.
While traveling, I noticed a message written on the back of a truck:
“Drive slowly, honk gently… The Hindu society is asleep.”
Meeting at the Tea Stall
These words kept resonating in my mind, and I became curious about the inspiration behind them. I decided to follow the truck, hoping it would stop at a tea stall or somewhere, giving me a chance to meet the driver and talk.
Eventually, the truck stopped at a roadside eatery for tea. I parked there too and sat on a cot nearby, determined to start a conversation. I asked the driver,
“Brother, why did you write such a profound message on your truck?”
He smiled and replied,
“Sir, time is a powerful teacher. It inspires even the most unmotivated souls. But the problem is that once we have a full stomach, we stop seeking inspiration. I wrote this message because thousands of people read it while driving. If even 20% of them understand it, my purpose is fulfilled.”
His words intrigued me further. He then took out a slip of paper from his pocket and recited a poem written on the same theme.
Poem: Drive Slowly, Honk Gently… The Hindu Society is Asleep
“The tyranny of casteism and oppression,
Has left us weeping endlessly…
Drive slowly, honk gently,
The Hindu society is asleep!”
“Having lost past and future,
We’ve settled for the comfort of deep slumber…
Pull over if you find space,
Let the exploitation happen without protest…
Why lose yourself in the worry of awakening others,
When you’ve already forgotten your purpose?
Drive slowly, honk gently,
The Hindu society is asleep!”
“Reservation policies lie abandoned,
In the dusty corners of old books…
Leaders of the backward classes,
Have chained themselves to servitude…
Why not make false promises too,
Why remain lost in honesty?
Drive slowly, honk gently,
The Hindu society is asleep!”
“This society is like a lion,
Let it rest as long as it wishes…
On these roads of servitude,
Let the exploitation continue daily…
Why cry in pain over awakening society,
When it’s easier to let things be?
Drive slowly, honk gently,
The Hindu society is asleep!”
“If this society ever awakens,
The oppressors will kneel in fear…
The silent members of the RSS will speak up,
And every casteist will weep…
Even Dr. Ambedkar would be ashamed,
Witnessing our ignorance and complacency…
Drive slowly, honk gently,
The Hindu society is asleep!”
A Profound Conversation
This poem touched me deeply. As we listened, we didn’t even realize when the tea arrived or when we finished drinking it.
After finishing his tea, the driver went on his way, but his concern and sensitivity towards the Hindu community left a lasting impression on me.
Before parting, I told him,
“Friend, from today, you’re not alone. I’m joining your mission to spread this message far and wide.”
A Special Request
If you, too, feel connected to this mission, you are welcome to join.
This message is not just profound but also essential to create awareness.
Share it with your friends, family, and every member of the community.
Remember: Even a small step can lead to a monumental change.
