Guwahati: A homeless man in Upper Assam's Sivasagar district got a complete makeover thanks to a kind-hearted youth from the town who picked him up from the roadside, gave him a haircut, a proper shower, new clothes, and a meal.
Later, the youth, Dipjyoti Tamuli, wrote about his experience in a lengthy social media post that has gone viral across the length and breadth of Assam.
In his social media post, Dipjyoti Tamuli wrote that he came across the homeless person on the streets while he was heading towards the gymnasium. Shockingly, the unkempt and uncouth person had wrapped a hot blanket around his body in spite of the searing heat.
Upon being asked why he was wearing the blanket in such hot weather, the man answered that he used to sleep in a shop at night, making him a prime target for mosquitoes. Thus, he had no option but to wrap it around his body as protection.
Amused by the anecdote, Tamuli took the man to his house and got a nearby barber to trim his hair and scraggly beard. He also ensured that this mysterious stranger was properly and thoroughly cleaned up. Tamuli then handed him a brand new set of clothes. Thereafter, he had lunch with the stranger and the duo got around to discussing life. Tamuli wrote that the man said that some people used to call him "crazy", but he was not mad. Soon after, the beggar went on his way, a reformed man.
"Actually people like them are not mad, our society is making them mad. Let them live as good people instead of being a mad or beggar", Tamuli appealed.
For reasons that largely remain unknown, this unknown man has captured the imagination of Assam's citizenry and Tamuli's post has been 'liked' over 11,000 times, with social media users lauding Dipjyoti Tamuli for doing his part to help a complete stranger, a social outcast.
"You have shown a path to many more. Indeed it's a great job, salute you", wrote one user, while another said, "Hats off... Respect from core of the heart."