by Melwyn Pernal - Mangalore [Daijiworld News Network]

Mangalore, Jun 17: A senior friend of mine once scared me with his statement ‘Honesty pays no dividends in the present world’. Although a bitter pill that was, I swallow it and on several occasions, the experiences of life added flavour to this told reality.

But this real-life incident, which I will narrate, is sure join the elite company of those soul-touching Mangalorean spicy human-interest stories, which Daijiworld has been offering its readers from its inception.

This is a story of an honest bus conductor from Karkala.

It’s tough to find real honest people in this callous world and toughest in India. But for Suresh Kudva, who has been a bus conductor for several years, honesty stands above other virtues of life.

On his job, he comes across numerous people from various places, cultures and personalities. From morning 6 am to 11 pm, Suresh travels in the Karkala - Mangalore Padmambika Express bus. For him its the journey of life.

On one such trip on June 8, 2006 a regular passenger from Belman to Mangalore, Ravindra Shetty was travelling in his bus. He had with him a bag with of Rs 1 lac cash. Sure to say, it was not his day as forgetfulness empowered him. Shetty made a dignified alighting and carried himself along the road near the Jyothi Theatre at Jyothi Circle, leaving behind a treasure.

Engrossed in thought, that he was, Shetty had the least insight that he had forgotten something for which often brother slit each other’s throats.

Dedicated and observant bus conductor Suresh Kudva laid his hands on the bag, which lay orphaned on the seat. To his astonishment, it contained Rs 1 lac. It was like goddess Lakshmi making an unexpected walk into his life.

Hailing from a middle-class family, Kudva had several reasons to keep the money. He was passing through a tough time and was in need of money. He had applied for a bank loan but it was not sanctioned. This gift from God, no doubt would solve his problems.

Not shaken by the internal conflicts, Kudva found Shetty who had rushed to the last bus stop enveloped with panic. Like a lost sheep looking desperately for its herd, Shetty rushed into the bus only to find the bag missing from where he had left.

His anxiety grew as he approached Kudwa who wore a peaceful look on his face.

"I have your money safe. Don't worry." These words of Kudva liberated Shetty from despair. He was overjoyed to find his treasure back in his hands.

Kudsa's honesty stood above all. He did not permit greed overpower him, but stood by the beautiful virtue of honesty.

In return to his honesty, Kudwa received a cash prize of Rs 5000 from Shetty.

"I got my first installment to pay my bank loan, even before obtaining the loan,” said Kudva when I met him to capture him on my camera for Daijiworld readers.

He proved me and my guru (senior friend) wrong. Honesty did pay a fat dividend. Not only did he get Rs 5,000 but also won respect from his fellow travelers and the general public at large.

His journey continues.....