Why This Incident On His Way To Work Redefined Nikhil Nayak's Purpose In Life

There are a few incidents that alter the course of a life in no time. This is what happened with Nikhil Nayak. Today, Nayak is not just redefining his purpose but also helping people around him, one bike ride at a time.

In conversation with SheThePeople, Nikhil Nayak shares how a working Monday changed his life, why he learned greater aspects of social service by looking at people's needs around him, and why there's more to life than ambition.

Nikhil Nayak Journey

“It was a usual Thursday morning. I was late for work again. I was waiting for the signal to go green when an old man on the roadside grabbed my attention. He seemed to be lying there still, in a blanket. He was at a distance and I was in a hurry, so I left. The next day, I noticed him again. He was in the same state. I wanted to go near him but wasn’t sure, so I drove past him again. The weekend passed well but the thought of him did not.

Monday morning, I decided I would do a quick check on him on my way, so I got ready for work a little earlier than usual and left home. I parked my bike on the side of the road and went near him. I asked, ‘Uncle, kaise ho?’ but he did not respond. Some people also gathered around. I was a bit worried so this time I turned him towards me and asked, ‘Uncle, kya hua?’ I freaked out as he was unconscious. I immediately called an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors declared him dead. This was something I wasn't expecting. I broke down.

People around told me that he died due to hunger. I couldn’t help but be disappointed in myself. I went home, but I couldn't forget his face. Dadi came and sat with me, holding my hand. I couldn't stop my tears from falling and narrated the whole incident to her. She said, ‘Baba, ye sab toh roz hota hai. Boht logoin ke saath hota hai’. But I couldn't accept this reasoning. I instantly said, ‘Abse nahi hoga.’

One incident turned a careless boy into a socially aware citizen. I realised life was more than just cricket, art, blogging and dance. The other day, I saw some traffic policemen doing their job in this scorching heat so I decided to give them some water bottles. One of the cops said, ‘Thank you, sir.’ That smile on his face made my day. From that day onwards, I have been using 30% of my salary to help anyone in need. I capture the videos of the same, just because I wish to spread the word. Interestingly, after a few days, Grandma said, ‘Mann mein ek baat hai.’ I said, ‘Bolo, kuch bhi.’ She offered to donate all of her pension money to help the needy. Grandma, I & my bike are on a mission to make a difference, as little or as much as we can.”

Narrated by Nikhil Nayak. Written by Bhavika Mittal and edited by Niharika.

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