An enduring legacy of honesty

HONESTY is a virtue that often reveals itself in the simplest of lives, shining through in the most unexpected moments. One such remarkable example was Niku, fondly called Subedar, whose integrity left an indelible mark on the residents of my village, Aloh, in Kangra district.

Unmarried and illiterate, Niku lived a modest life alone after his parents passed away. Despite his poverty, he was always cheerful and kind-hearted. As children, we often saw him in the jungle tending to his animals, playing soulful melodies on his bamboo flute and spreading joy throughout the village.

His small home stood near the only shop in the area, which remained crowded. Villagers waiting for their turn at the shop would often gather at Niku’s house, where he welcomed them with warmth. He cared for two ageing cows. Though they no longer produced milk, he kept them until his last days. These cattle held a special place in village life; they were often used during religious and social ceremonies, serving the community in both joyful and sorrowful times.

In 2002, my brother died in a road accident while on duty in Morinda, Punjab. Having been married for only a year and a half, his demise shattered our family. I was in Solan when I received the news. I contacted my elder brother, and we rushed to complete the formalities and bring the body home.

Communication was difficult in those days. The only telephone in the village was in the post office, located opposite Niku’s house. Through this lifeline, we informed our relatives, and soon, the entire village mourned with us.

Upon hearing the news, Niku was deeply saddened. But amid the sorrow, his debt occupied his mind. A month before the mishap that claimed my brother’s life, Niku had borrowed Rs 1,000 from him. None of us knew about this transaction at the time.

He immediately set out to repay the money. On the way, a villager asked him where he was going. When Niku said he wanted to return the money to my mother, the villager realised that my mother and sister-in-law had not yet been informed of the tragedy. He advised Niku to wait. Niku turned back, but his unwavering honesty left a lasting impression.

Most people might have ignored or forgotten such a small debt, especially after the lender’s passing. But not Niku. His determination to fulfil his obligation, even in the face of immense grief, reaffirmed the timeless truth that “honesty is the best policy.” During village events, people would send him food as a gesture of respect. As a Brahmin, he was frequently invited to perform rituals during Shraddh and serve as the Kul Purohit for the Gugga shrine. He is no longer around, but his legacy endures.

Niku’s life is a testament to the adage, “A good name is better than riches”. His honesty remains an inspiration, reminding us that true wealth is found not in material possessions but in the values we uphold.