How often do you come across posts on social media that are powerful enough to take a pause, think, and smile?
Meet Ratan, a beautiful old lady with a warm smile. She has been selling pens on the sidewalks of Pune’s MG Road. What makes her unique and powerful is that she chooses to earn her living instead of begging.
The pens were kept in a card box, which had a particular note written on it, “I do not want to beg. Please buy blue pens for Rs.10/-. Thank you very much. May God bless you.”
As mentioned on her Instagram profile, entrepreneur Shikha Rathi came across Ratan by chance while out on a drive with her friend.
“Today I met a real-life hero and champion- Ratan!” reads Shikha’s post.
“I had gone out with a friend when we met Ratan. When we read her note, my friend immediately made a purchase. Ratan was overjoyed, and we could see gratitude and kindness in her eyes! She thanked us and didn’t even push us further to purchase more pens from her! Her integrity along with her sweet smile, kind heart, and her joyful attitude made me purchase more pens from her!” Shikha further narrated the brief meeting with Ratan.
“Ratan, a remarkable elderly person from Pune, has given up begging on the streets in favor of selling colorful pens and is earning her living with pride and hard work. Her commitment to a life of integrity should serve as an example to all of us,” MP Vijaya Sai Reddy V who also tweeted the photo, wrote in the caption.
Ratan, an incredible senior citizen from Pune, has forgone begging on the streets by putting her efforts into selling colourful pens and is earning her wages with pride and hard work. Her dedication to an honest living should act as an inspiration to all of us. pic.twitter.com/x3gzq7VKmB
— Vijayasai Reddy V (@VSReddy_MP) October 17, 2021
Netizens react:
“Plz can u buy some pens from her if possible plz i m from tamilnadu i will transfer the amount to you kindly reply me,” wrote Instagram user @anlinroshina98 in response to Shikha’s post.
“This is beyond beautiful, I’m so inspired by her,” replied @visheshbhambhani
Also, read: How Steve Jobs Would Have Sold A Pen?
“Priceless joy and happiness.,…I wish I could meet her… Everyone around M G road… Please go and buy a pen from her..🙏” wrote @sonymats.
“Hey….She Is Soo Cute ❤️ I Am In Mumbai And Wish To Purchase Pens From Her…. Could You ? On My Behalf….I Will Transfer The Amount To You….And Would Also Like To Send Her A Video Note…..Can You Please Get Me A Video Note From Her In Return….She Looks Exactly Like My Late Nani….I Miss Her So Much….😔😔” wrote @singer_richa_bhatnagar.
Ratan has been adored on the internet. The reaction on social media demonstrates how welcoming and compassionate this digital world can be.
Are you in Pune? Go, buy some pens from her. Will you?