Revolution on Wheels: The Legacy of Golden Uncle by Danish Jamil

In the heart of a small town, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there exists a sundae vendor who stands out from the rest. I saw him every Sunday in my colony, just after completing my Asr Salah at the nearby Noori Mosque. Amazingly — or, perhaps, unfortunately — I regrettably never tasted a single ice cream because of my dental bridge. But whenever I saw him, I don't know whether it was Golden Uncle's superhuman nature or his adorably reminiscent manner, I felt an inscrutable attraction towards his unique style of selling ice cream. Unlike the conventional approach, he chooses to represent himself as a symbol of idealism, drawing inspiration from the iconic revolutionary, Shaheed-e-Azam. With his moustache reminiscent of the great freedom fighter, this humble ice cream man aspires to be more than just a purveyor of frozen treats. Behind his small electric rickshaw-converted wagon lies a story of moral values, emotions, and sheer enthusiasm that captivates the entire town.

Golden Uncle's journey begins with great gusto, with a dream in his heart and a determination to make a difference. Armed with an electric rickshaw converted into an eye-catching ice cream wagon, he embarks on his mission. Driven by the indomitable spirit of a Sardar, he aims to spread not just sweetness, but also a sense of great enthusiasm and idealism among people. In every interaction, Golden Uncle emphasizes the values championed by Shaheed Bhagat Singh — justice, equality, and freedom. With a huge smile on his face, he treats patrons with respect, irrespective of their social status. He teaches the lesson that kindness and empathy should prevail in all our endeavours, no matter how small they may seem. As Shaheed Bhagat Singh wrote in his letter to Shaheed Sukhdev about love, "Whether love ever proved helpful to any man," he answered that question in the affirmative. He also wrote, "As regards the moral status of love, I may say that it in itself is nothing but passion, not an animal passion but a human one, and very sweet too."

In a nearly similar way, through the tireless pursuit of his dream, Golden Uncle evokes a range of emotions. Children are filled with excitement and joy as they rush to his wagon, not just for ice cream, but also for the experience he creates. Parents feel nostalgic, reflecting on their youthful dreams, and are reminded of the importance of instilling values in their children. Golden Uncle exemplifies the unyielding spirit and enthusiasm of Bhagat Singh in every action he takes.

Rain or shine, he traverses the town with unwavering dedication, spreading the warmth of his presence. His commitment inspires others to pursue their passions with similar zeal, urging them to believe in the power of their dreams. It demonstrates that one need not hold a grand position or wield great power to make a difference. Sometimes, it is the simplest of acts, rooted in moral values, emotions, spirit, and enthusiasm, that leave an indelible mark on people's lives. In the ice cream seller's unwavering pursuit of his dream and his commitment to embody the principles of Bhagat Singh, we find a source of inspiration.

As 23rd March is Martyrs' Day, or Shaheed Diwas, to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were hanged by the British, it prompts us to introspect and reflect on our own lives, encouraging us to channel our passion in pursuit of a better and more just world. So, the next time you hear the delightful jingle of an ice cream cart, let it be a reminder that change can come from the humblest sources. Let us celebrate those who choose to be more than just sellers of treats, those who yearn to make a difference, and those who, like the ice cream seller, strive to be ideal figures in their unique ways.