“No-one has
ever become poor by giving.” - Anne Frank.
Every year,
Diwali heralds a burst of activity in every Indian household. In the center of
these tumultuous days of preparing for the festival, stands the lady of the
house.
This day,
every year, new clothes have to be bought for the children (I am now an expert
in internet fashion!), an unending supply of goodies to cook (it’s a sleight of
hand!), and not to mention giving the house a thorough spring cleaning (and I’m
not a spring chicken!). It was more tiring than the toughest of my teaching
days. And if that’s not all, the lady of the house has to look special!!!
This Diwali
was unusual. Surrounded by whoops and glees of my children, I suddenly realized
how everyone deserved to smile on this day. Tired as I felt, I couldn’t help
remembering that Diwali is a celebration of the victor, Good, over its
adversary, Evil. Surely, that’s a reason for everyone to smile!
There are
two maids who help out with the domestic chores. I gave them a saree and some
cash each. I gave more cash to the fellow who cleans our car, and then I gave
some to the garbage collector, and a few others, who I felt were less
fortunate. I felt satisfied knowing that the money is more than welcome.
I even
refrained from bargaining while shopping for Diwali with small-time roadside
vendors selling lamps, candles and flowers. I could see that they could do a
bit for their families with the extra cash and that was a source of great
elation for me.
I could see
the smiles on the faces of their children, and that proved to be exhilarating! My initial
drive to see a smile on everyone on Diwali created this deep realization that
giving is a wonderful thing to do! Much better than receiving!
For
instance, I now understand why Bill Gates with his majestic billions, not only
invests so much time and energy in third-world countries, but also his
billions. He is helping millions of poor people lead a better life rather than
spending it in luxurious, hedonistic living.
To change
someone’s life for the better, to be the agent of that change, to put a smile
on a face, are blessings, I felt.
As a
teacher, it hit me right in the middle. All this while, unknowingly, I had
unconditionally given and shared with my students. It dawned on me that I’m
very fortunate to receive their genuine love, respect and admiration. I came to
the conclusion that the very act of giving is a sacred lesson every institution
should epitomize to its students.
Look at the
difference a noble act of giving can make. Helping someone with money can
create instant relief. Hundreds of youngsters gave their time and energy for
the Teach India Movement. The soldiers of our country take it one step further
by putting their lives on the line for the love of the country and its people.
The more
and more I thought about it, I am convinced that every child should understand
the act of giving and sharing from an early age. Not only parents, but also schools
must create an atmosphere of giving and sharing.
I am of the
firm belief, that teach a child a good habit and the child will keep that habit
for a lifetime.
I know! I
have proof!