“We are here on Earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I don't know.” W. H. Auden
I must be around 14 when I came across the above quote but its meaning did not really dawn upon me until early last week. I happen to meet an age-old friend, who is also a philanthropist. He has been associated with many NGOs all through his life and by virtue of being a friend, he has helped me doing my share of good to the society. However, this is the first time when he has come any closer to materializing his own dream. He is drawing a bead on establishing a school for poor children, where the world class education can be provided to children at no cost at all, where the deserving candidates can be given a level-playing field, and where there is no reservation for any caste or creed. This project has taken him around the world.
During one of his trips, he met many interested investors but he is looking for someone who genuinely wants to contribute to the society and help the mankind without any selfish strings attached. And when he finally zeroed in on one sponsor, he did mention "Don’t think you're doing any favor to me. You're fortunate to have been given a chance to do good. Grab it if you can."
During one of his trips, he met many interested investors but he is looking for someone who genuinely wants to contribute to the society and help the mankind without any selfish strings attached. And when he finally zeroed in on one sponsor, he did mention "Don’t think you're doing any favor to me. You're fortunate to have been given a chance to do good. Grab it if you can."
True as God. Not so often that you're given an opportunity to do good, not even if you're willing and you've the means. Consider this.
The other day, I arbitrarily decided to feed some people. Initially, I thought it will not be a challenge considering the population living below the poverty line but it may surprise you to know that I drove around the city for 45 minutes because I could not find a soul. What about the shacks, you may ask? Yes, I did come across many shacks on the side of the roads but I just couldn’t barge in to someone's house and offer them food. It would have been demeaning. I also met a few kids playing by the side of the road. When I asked them whether it’s all right with them if I offer them food, they looked at each other first and then looked at me with disdain. I realized dropping the ball in less than a second and quickly apologized before I was hanged by the neck.
Eventually, I reached a construction site. I humbly inquired if they had their lunch yet and if they would allow me to treat them. I was fortunate that they accepted my proposal and I returned home happily. It’s easy to do things for your loved ones; it comes naturally when they are related to you. But doing anything for a stranger without an expectation for a reward gives you a sense of gratification, which can’t be put into words. Try it if you havent done so yet, you’ll know what I am talking about.
Eventually, I reached a construction site. I humbly inquired if they had their lunch yet and if they would allow me to treat them. I was fortunate that they accepted my proposal and I returned home happily. It’s easy to do things for your loved ones; it comes naturally when they are related to you. But doing anything for a stranger without an expectation for a reward gives you a sense of gratification, which can’t be put into words. Try it if you havent done so yet, you’ll know what I am talking about.
Bread cast on the water comes back to you. The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time. If you never get to see the benefit, at least you will have made the world a better place. After all, isn't that what life is all about.
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