A light drizzling in middle of day calmed the furious sun. I was able to hear noise of my stomach and decided to look for a decent restaurant. In India, we have concept of meal plate or Thali which will be a combo of rice, chapati, 2-3 varieties of curry, sweet and papad. Pickles will be already on your table. My target was to eat Thali as it’s a complete combo and less spicy for those who eat outside daily.

I roamed around a bit and found one restaurant. It was not much crowd as peak lunch hours was over.In a quick glimpse, restaurant seemed decent to dine in. I was looking at the list of items on menu when a short height guy, in his 30’s came beside me. I noticed that he had some problem in his one leg as he was not able to walk straight. With a smiling face, he said

“Sir, you can take a seat, I will bring menu on your table”.

Smiling is a common gesture but not in India, at least not in average restaurants unless you visit any fine dine restaurant. you might see only straight or frustrated faces. After a small discussion on availability, I ordered Thali. Yes, I was looking for Thali only but discussion was to find if something else is available and what this restaurant thali contains.

The Waiter, the hero

After couple of minutes, he came with a fully loaded Thali, 2 types of veggies, dal, rice, one chapati, curd, papad and one sweet. Rice it seems was unlimited and so were other veggies in the thali except sweet and papad. He stood in one corner and was watching everyone from far. In spite of problem in leg, he was not lazy to walk to the table wherever he sees any item finished in plate. With same pleasant attitude he will ask if he needs the veggie which got over or wants extra rice.

He walked to my table as well and asked if I would take more rice. After serving rice, he rushed to get pot to serve dal and veggies.

It forced me think as what motivates these employees. how can he be so excited at his work all the time. I am sure his salary might not be so high for him neither he is going to get any good increment which can keep him motivated. 

He taught me the true meaning of giving your heart to work. He said silently “no work is small. Do it with dedication and it will turn into great work.” Most probably his mission was not only to serve food but also see a satisfied and happy customer walking out of restaurant.

 I wanted to give tip to him but it might de-valuate his work. After payment at counter I walked to him, thanked him and took a click with his smiling face.