If you have had the opportunity to travel in public transport specially in Uttar Pradesh you may know what I am talking about. Today, I was in a UPSRTC bus travelling from Allahabad to Lucknow, on my way I saw a man entering the bus with a hindi newspaper in his hand. As soon as he took his seat, he suddenly became the centre of attraction and the 12 sheet paper was split and it was being shared by at least 10 different people at the same time.
I was amazed at the way all the people around started sharing the pages of the newspaper. I was even more surprised at the way there was a mutual understanding and how the sheets were being rotated amongst each one of them. I am almost sure some of the people who were sharing the newspaper were not even aware about the owner of the newspaper.
When I thought I have seen enough for the day, I got another shock. The owner of the newspaper stood up and said that he has to get down at the next stop in about a couple of minutes. This broadcast was more than enough and I was shocked at the speed at which the split sheets of the newspaper were collected, bundled in sequence and returned to the owner. Looking the paper you cannot assume that it had moved through a dozen hands.
I have not seen a better use of any newspaper. For me this was the best use that can be done of a newspaper and it was a 'full paisa wasool' performance by the people. I simply loved it.
