Its impolite to eavesdrop on a conversation that does not intend to include you. Or so I upheld until now. Turns out that it "depends".
I recently participated in the introductory tour of the Maitrimandir at Pondicherry. It was a beautiful experience and I was in relaxed, peaceful state. As I walked out of the compound, I overheard a middle-aged man giving what sounded like an exclusive talk about the place to a group of middle-aged Indian couples. Some seemed to be listening with interest, the others out of compulsion. Am not sure what compelled me to stop as I was passing by, the politely confident quality of his voice or my hunger to learn more about this unique place. Quite likely that it was both.
I stood rooted at a respectful distance from the group and lapped up every word of what he said. It turned out that he was a senior civil servant who was sharing the story of Maitrimandir and Auroville from the lens of the Indian Govt.'s role (or deliberate lack of it) in the whole project. He seemed well-informed yet humble and I got some great insights into this 40+ years old work-in-progress project called Auroville world city.
It probably lasted no longer than 10 minutes. I could sense that his talk was coming to a close and it was time for him to steer the group forward to continue their round of the premises. I looked at him to express my gratitude, only to find him looking back. I smiled and nodded at him in a expression of my heartfelt thanks and he reciprocated with a very similar nod. It was over in 3 seconds.
It struck me later that maybe he was thanking me too. For listening with a curious and respectful ear. For giving him the gift of eavesdropping.
I recently participated in the introductory tour of the Maitrimandir at Pondicherry. It was a beautiful experience and I was in relaxed, peaceful state. As I walked out of the compound, I overheard a middle-aged man giving what sounded like an exclusive talk about the place to a group of middle-aged Indian couples. Some seemed to be listening with interest, the others out of compulsion. Am not sure what compelled me to stop as I was passing by, the politely confident quality of his voice or my hunger to learn more about this unique place. Quite likely that it was both.
I stood rooted at a respectful distance from the group and lapped up every word of what he said. It turned out that he was a senior civil servant who was sharing the story of Maitrimandir and Auroville from the lens of the Indian Govt.'s role (or deliberate lack of it) in the whole project. He seemed well-informed yet humble and I got some great insights into this 40+ years old work-in-progress project called Auroville world city.
It probably lasted no longer than 10 minutes. I could sense that his talk was coming to a close and it was time for him to steer the group forward to continue their round of the premises. I looked at him to express my gratitude, only to find him looking back. I smiled and nodded at him in a expression of my heartfelt thanks and he reciprocated with a very similar nod. It was over in 3 seconds.
It struck me later that maybe he was thanking me too. For listening with a curious and respectful ear. For giving him the gift of eavesdropping.
