I was running out of ideas for this week’s Substack when I opened my Google Photos App.
Suddenly, one memory popped up from March 17, 2019.
4 years ago, it said, I was sitting outside Janpath Metro Station Gate Number 02 on violet line in New Delhi. For those who are well versed with this part of New Delhi, this is the gate just opposite McD at the signal.
Exactly 4 years ago, I wrote to many like Suhavi. Some friends, some couples, some professionals fresh out of office, some foreigners doing street shopping and even some shop owners at the Janpath Market.
Here’s another one I clicked of an (Irish?) man who was traveling in India and happened to be at Janpath that day.
But important question is WHY?
Why did I sit for 100 minutes straight and do this?
Well, it is not the only time I have done this. It is my way of learning about a new city. If I am in a new city and want to make new friends, I’d sit at some busy place like this. In place of talking to people, I’d have people talk to me.
But why did it start?
In first quarter of 2019, I was going through a low phase. I wanted to experiment with new things that could cheer me up and it came out to be exactly the things I wanted: Make people smile for your own happiness.
So, how did it these people talk to me?
I pulled out an A4 sheet, scribbled something on it and pasted it to my bag. What did I write?👇🏼
I did not shout or attracted attention. Just sat next to bag outside metro station.
Most common conversation breaker: “Oh hey! What’s this about?” with a smile!
After a small chat, I’d either write them a postcard upfront or ask them a word which they think describes them the best. I’d then use this word as a keyword in writing some phrase on their postcard.
If they wanted to still be in touch, I’d either have them follow me online or simply invite them to my next show. What show? Something like this👇🏼
Will I recommend you to do this?
Without a doubt! If nothing else, it’ll improve your social skills and boy, those smiles you earn. Ah, precious!