A Moment That Changed Me: Reflections from a Temple Visit

1. A Glimpse into My Journey

“Born in West Bengal and now walking my own path far from home—I never imagined how one temple visit would shift my entire perspective.” From the scent of mustard oil in my mother’s kitchen to the echo of school bells in narrow lanes, my childhood was stitched together with warmth, simplicity, and the quiet magic of everyday moments. I never knew what it meant to struggle—not with food, not with money, not even with the little things like catching a bus or buying a book. My world was cocooned in the kind of love that made everything feel possible.

2. Life After the Shift

Everything shifted when I left West Bengal to pursue higher studies. That’s when my real journey began—not just academically, but emotionally. I moved into a girls’ hostel, far from home, and for the first time, I had to manage everything on my own—cooking, shopping, budgeting, and simply learning how to live independently.

It wasn’t a struggle for survival, but it was a quiet, personal challenge. A transition from being cared for to becoming the one who cares.

3. The Hostel Chapter

Cooking, budgeting, shopping—it was all new. I was excited at first, but soon I missed the warmth of home-cooked meals and the laughter of family dinners.

Papa never let me feel the weight of the world. If I asked for ₹2000, he’d send ₹5000. ‘Keep it for emergencies,’ he’d say. I had everything—except the awareness of how lucky I was.

4. A Turning Point

One morning, my hostel friends and I decided to visit a nearby temple. I was excited. We prayed, laughed, took pictures, and walked out feeling happy and light.

But just outside the temple gates, something made me stop.

There were families sitting on the ground. They looked tired, hungry, and very poor. Their clothes were torn. Their faces looked sad and worn out. Some looked like they hadn’t eaten in days.

And then, it started to rain. We quickly ran to find a rickshaw, trying to stay dry. But those families didn’t move. They stayed there, trying to cover themselves with bits of plastic. Parents held their children close, trying to keep them safe from the rain. One old man was digging through a garbage bin, looking for something to eat. A little boy stood beside him, holding his shirt tightly.

5. What It Taught Me

I had seen poor people before. But that day, I didn’t just see them—I felt their pain.

It hit me deep inside. On one side, we were smiling in the rain. On the other, people were trying to survive it. That moment made me stop and think. It made me realise how lucky I am—to have a home, food, and a family that loves me.

Since that day, something changed in me. I don’t take things for granted anymore. I notice more. I feel more. And I try, in small ways, to be kinder, more thankful, and more helpful.

6. A Message to My Readers

That temple visit wasn’t just a fun day. It was a moment that opened my heart. A moment that changed me.

We often forget how much we have until life shows us what others lack. If this story touched you, take a moment to appreciate your blessings—and extend a hand when you can.