Kindness Doesn’t Need Translation

When Raj sensed something might be wrong, he didn’t hesitate to act. His simple concern for a stranger reminds us that kindness, awareness, and caring are the strongest forces for health.

This week’s Force for Health Hero is a young man named Raj, a graduate student from India.

Recently, I found myself on a 16-hour overnight Amtrak ride, sitting upright the entire way. For anyone, that’s uncomfortable—but with my mobility challenges and back pain, it became a true endurance test. The train was completely sold out, so I was relieved just to have a seat. A quiet young man sat beside me and introduced himself as Raj. He had been in America for about a year and a half, working toward his graduate degree.

Though his English was sometimes difficult to understand, we connected easily. We talked about health, education, and the power of helping others. I understood that he wants to start a foundation to gather and distribute clothing to those that need them. Raj was fascinated when I told him about the Force for Health Network and how it helps people “Learn it, Live it, and Share it” to make healthier choices. He mentioned that his brother is a doctor near Mumbai, India, and said he’d love to share the idea with him. We even exchanged contact information before trying to rest for the night.

A few hours later, in the dark of the train as most people slept, I needed to stand, stretch, and use the restroom. I carefully worked my way down the aisle, stopping later to stand in a dining car to give my back a break. After about 20 minutes, my phone buzzed. At first, I thought it was spam—but then I looked closer. The message read:

“Dr. Robert, are you OK? Where are you? Do you need help?”

It was from Raj. I realized he was worried and did not know where to look for me. I tested him and went back to my seat.

Apparently, he had woken up, noticed I was still gone, and feared I might have been locked in a restroom, fallen, or suffered a medical emergency. On a crowded, quiet train filled with strangers, he didn’t hesitate—he cared enough to check.

When I returned to my seat, Raj looked relieved. “I was worried you were hurt,” he said softly. I thanked him, but his simple, heartfelt act of concern has stayed with me.

In a world that often feels divided or distracted, Raj reminded me of the power of simple kindness—of paying attention, reaching out, and daring to care about someone you barely know. That’s what it means to be a Force for Health.

Thank you, Raj, for being a bright example of what our world needs more of: awareness, empathy, and action. You are truly a Force for Health Hero.