### Cheap Goods or Our Cheap Behavior?

In today’s world of appearances, it is truly disheartening to see how shallow human nature can be. We often gravitate towards flashy things rather than those of real value. This obsession with appearances speaks volumes about our society’s priorities. It shows that we often care more about how something looks rather than what it truly is and, most importantly, what its qualities are.

Take shopping, for example. When we visit expensive malls, hotels, and showrooms, we end up buying things we don’t really need without a second thought. In fact, the entire setup is designed to entice us towards these products. We know very well that we’ll get high-priced items there, yet we are silent and unquestioning. We don’t raise any questions about the high prices, nor do we even consider bargaining because we fear it might cause us embarrassment. So, without batting an eye, we happily spend 500 rupees on a cup of coffee. Yes, the uneasiness does prick our conscience, but we make sure it doesn’t show on our faces.

On the other hand, when we buy something from street vendors, our approach and mindset change completely. Not only do we question the quality and durability of the items excessively, but we also threaten to return them if they don’t meet our expectations. We bargain with them as if they are selling our own goods on the streets. There is no hesitation here. But is this really necessary? How much do we really save by bargaining with the person selling pens at the traffic signal, the woman selling vegetables in the morning, or the elderly man selling balloons near the market?

The money we save by bargaining may not matter much to us, but have we ever thought about how much it means to those poor souls? We don’t even consider that the vendor at the traffic signal is trying to earn a few bucks for his family through this small job. The vegetable vendor feeds his family through this work. The elderly man selling balloons might be trying to provide one decent meal for his grandchildren.

It’s painful to think that we don’t hesitate to spend lavishly on things we don’t even need, yet we try to save a few rupees from those who need it the most.

If you were to try bargaining in malls and big hotels, they wouldn’t reduce the price by even a single rupee because they know well that if you don’t buy it, someone else will. On the other hand, street vendors constantly worry about whether anyone will come later if you don’t buy from them, whether they will make enough to eat that night, and whether they will be able to support their families. With this in mind, they sell their goods at the prices we demand. It’s shameful to admit that we exploit the helpless while filling the already full bellies of the well-fed.

It deeply saddens me to see people ignoring or disrespecting these street vendors. If you don’t want to buy their goods, then don’t. But stop bargaining, finding unnecessary faults, and disrespecting them. It’s not just an insult to them, but to their hard work as well. Just because they are helpless and poor doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated this way.

Before you haggle over five or ten rupees, think about how those rupees might mean a world of difference to them. These small vendors work honestly to earn a few bucks. They wake up early, work all day, and face countless challenges to support their families. For such hard work, they deserve our respect and compassion, not our relentless bargaining. These poor people sweat all day long, and we go there to drain their energy further. Think about how many people like you come to them daily with their bargaining mindset.

It’s often said that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, and it’s not wrong. We are attracted to flashy, expensive things and ignore the simple, ordinary things around us. In this race for luxury, we forget that true happiness often lies in simple things. The fruits sold by an elderly woman on the roadside may be sweeter than those from a fancy shopping complex and could keep her stove burning.

So, next time you argue with a street vendor over a few rupees, take a moment to consider that you might be their source of a full meal that night. Think about the struggles behind their tired smiles. Before you start bargaining, ask yourself if saving those few rupees will make a big difference to you.

Goodness begets goodness. That’s why we humans have the power to feel empathy and emotions. So why not give a reason to smile to those who struggle for two meals a day? Think about the elderly grandmother selling fruits, the young man selling pens at the traffic signal, or the elderly man selling balloons. Your kindness might help them have a full meal that night.

Imagine their faces shining with gratitude after receiving a bit of kindness from you. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling to know that you made someone’s day a little better? The true meaning of being human is to make someone’s life easier with your goodness. Acknowledge their hard work, respect their dignity, and show them that we care.

Ultimately, these luxury items won’t give you the joy that comes from being the reason for someone’s smile. So, next time you see a street vendor, give them a reason to smile, and in their smile, you’ll find yourself smiling too.