It is really sad to see that
they will not only pluck the flowers, but also the buds, that too, very tender
ones! They can be so hard hearted that they may not leave any flowers for the
lady of the house.
On the road divider in front
of our clinic, we got some flowering plants maintained by a gardener. The
watering is done from our clinic. We had a dream of looking at the flowers from
the clinic windows. But the local flower thieves will not leave even buds on
the plants. Many times, on our way to yoga class early morning, we will
encounter these ladies plucking flowers and buds. When I try to stop them, they
will say,’ It is for the Gods. We do puja with them”, as if they are doing a
great service to the humanity!
When I reply, “God won’t
accept flowers got by stealing. You have to grow plants in your house and offer
them.” If I thought that those words would make a dent on their conscience, it
was my mistake.
Next time I tried a
different approach. I asked the lady, “Are you doing anything for these plants?
Do you water them? We are maintaining these plants and watering them. Let every
body have the joy of seeing these flowers.”
The lady was quick with her
response, “But the plants are on the road, this is public property. So I will
pluck them.”
Aha! Look at her defiance. I
responded, “These street lights are also on the road. Take away the light bulbs
to your house, they are public property.” She immediately left, to come back
later when I was gone.
I have stayed in different
parts of India , but this
flower theft is most rampant in Belgaum
I have only one mode of
action, fold my hands and pray to God, to instill some civic sense in my fellow
country women.
