A Journey Through Kindness: The Tale of Muthukumar and the Magic of Kolli Hills

In a world full of people constantly sacrificing happiness over fulfilling job expectations, accumulating wealth, and living a respectful life that the society demands, finding individuals who embrace an effortless and relaxed way of life has become a rare and remarkable phenomenon.

Muthukumar, a ticket distributor for the Tamil Nadu State Transportation Corporation (TNSTC), appears to be in his late forties or early fifties. Clad in a light blue shirt and dark blue pants, he stands about 5 feet 3 inches tall, with light brown skin and a fair complexion. His clean-shaven face, adorned with an ordinary mustache and neatly combed salt-and-pepper hair, radiates warmth. His most striking feature, however, is his ever-present, welcoming smile—a smile that seems to instantly connect him with every passenger who steps onto his bus.

I first encountered this incredible personality during a journey from Namakkal to Kollimalai. From the moment he greeted me with a polite nod, I sensed there was something extraordinary about him. What struck me most was his kindness and patience with the passengers. Whether they were old acquaintances or strangers, he spoke to them as if they were lifelong friends, his tone laced with genuine respect and cheerfulness.

Politeness came naturally to him, and it stood out. Not once did he lose his temper or utter a harsh word, even in situations where most people would have faltered. Having encountered ticket distributors who often struggle to maintain composure in challenging moments, Muthukumar's calm demeanor was a pleasant surprise. At first, I thought of him as an extraordinary man navigating an ordinary world. But as the journey unfolded, I realized he was so much more.

As the government bus began its ascent through the lush green roads of Karavalli, the gateway to Kollimalai, more passengers boarded. To my amazement, nearly every one of them greeted Muthukumar with a salute, a warm smile, or a friendly exchange. He responded with equal familiarity, addressing each by name. It was clear he had been working this route for a long time, forming bonds with the community that ran deeper than mere professional courtesy.

A group of schoolgirls teased him playfully, filling the bus with laughter. Muthukumar responded in kind, his eyes twinkling with joy. A quiet boy with a tattered bag caught his attention. Reaching out with gentle affection, Muthukumar pressed the boy’s cheek and asked, “Ennada kanna, silent-ah irukka?” The boy's face lit up with a shy grin, and the silent connection they shared spoke volumes.

Later, a woman carrying a newborn boarded the crowded bus, struggling to find a seat. Without hesitation, Muthukumar ensured she and her baby were comfortably settled. When they alighted at their stop, he watched attentively, making sure they descended safely. The woman waved and thanked him warmly—a gesture that underscored the genuine care he extended to every passenger.

At that moment, it dawned on me: Muthukumar was living up to the meaning of his name, which translates to "precious gem."

This two-and-a-half-hour journey wasn’t just a ride; it was a lesson in life. Until then, I had believed that routine jobs, devoid of creativity, lacked purpose and fulfillment. My perspective was shattered. Here was a man who found immense joy and meaning in what some might dismiss as a mundane role.

Purpose, I realized, doesn’t always have to be grand or world-changing. It can be found in the small, often-overlooked acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day. Happiness doesn’t depend on recognition; it thrives in the simplicity of doing the right thing and living in harmony with oneself and others.

As my friend and I continued exploring Kolli Hills, taking local buses to different places, I noticed something remarkable. Muthukumar wasn’t an exception—he was part of a pattern. Most of the drivers and ticket distributors shared a familial rapport with the passengers. They exchanged jokes, celebrated good news, and inquired about each other’s well-being, creating a camaraderie that was heartwarming and rare.

The magic of Kolli Hills wasn’t just in its misty landscapes or serene vistas. It lay in the simplicity and warmth of its people—the kind of magic that lingers in your heart long after you leave.

When you visit Kolli Hills, skip the private cabs and hop onto a local bus. Experience the joy of these heartfelt interactions and the charm of the journey. You’ll come away with not just memories but life lessons that stay with you forever.

To hear more about this inspiring story, check out my YouTube channel. The video is linked below. Let the magic of Kolli Hills touch your soul, just as it did mine.