Forgetting people like Salman would be a sin, says senior Madhya Pradesh police official who met his friend after 14 years
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In a heartwarming reunion that reads like a movie script, DSP Santosh Patel, an officer in Madhya Pradesh Police, finally found Salman Khan, a vegetable vendor who had helped him during his days of financial hardship. Fourteen years after their paths first crossed, the two men reconnected, reviving a friendship that had left a lasting impact on Patel’s life.
The story goes back to 2009, when Patel, then a struggling engineering student in Bhopal, often found himself without enough money. He would stop by Salman’s vegetable stall, where the young vendor, noticing Patel’s situation, would offer him vegetables for free. Reflecting on this generosity, DSP Patel sought out his old friend as soon as his duties brought him to Bhopal, hoping to express his gratitude in person.
When DSP Patel’s police van pulled up in front of Salman Khan’s stall in Bhopal recently, it took a moment for Salman to recognise his long-lost friend. The shock quickly turned to joy, as Patel approached, smiled, and asked, “Do you recognise me?” Salman’s face lit up with recognition, and the two men embraced. What followed was a heartfelt conversation as they reminisced about the days when life was tough, yet Salman’s small acts of kindness had made a world of difference to the young student.
“I never forgot him,” Patel told the media, sharing how deeply Salman’s generosity had touched him. “During those days, I couldn’t always afford food, but Salman would give me tomatoes, eggplants, whatever I needed. He has a heart of gold.” The reunion was a poignant reminder of how small acts of kindness can leave a lasting legacy.
Patel, now 32, hails from a humble family in Panna, where his father was an artisan, and most of his extended family worked as postal workers. Determined to build a better life, Patel moved to Bhopal for his studies in engineering but soon found himself struggling financially. “I am the first graduate in my family of 120,” he shared, “and the first police officer.”
Salman Khan, also in his 30s, grew up in Bhopal, where his family managed small businesses. The vegetable stall near Apsara Talkies was the family’s main source of income. As the eldest of five brothers, Salman bore the responsibility of helping his family. During those tough years, he connected with Patel, who would stop by for vegetables. “Santosh was just like me, a poor man. We understood each other. Why should I ask him to pay when he could barely afford to eat?” Salman explained, downplaying his generosity.
Patel’s journey from engineering student to DSP was not straightforward. After completing his engineering degree, he returned to his village to work as a forest guard in Panna. He continued studying and finally passed the MP Police Service Commission exam in 2017, securing a DSP position. Through his journey, he never forgot Salman, whom he referred to as “a messiah in my life.” Despite being posted in various districts, including Betul and Newari, he held on to the memory of his old friend’s kindness.
Now known for his warm and approachable demeanour, DSP Patel has become popular in Madhya Pradesh’s rural areas. He regularly engages with local youth, listens to the concerns of students, and even provides school uniforms and bags to underprivileged children. “Remembering those who helped me during my struggle is my duty,” he said. “Forgetting people like Salman would be a sin.”
The reunion ended with Patel giving Salman a box of sweets and some cash as a token of appreciation. He also handed Salman his phone number, saying, “Call me whenever you need anything.” For Salman, the visit was an emotional moment. “I have sold vegetables to thousands of people, and most forget me as soon as they walk away. But Santosh remembered. It means everything,” he shared with a smile.
This simple yet powerful reunion serves as a reminder that compassion and humanity go beyond social status or profession. Patel and Salman’s story has since captured the hearts of people across the country, symbolising the timeless bond of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness.