MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHILE GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Yes, we need to give back to society. Giving back isn't limited to financial contributions; it can also involve sharing our time, skills, and expertise. The idea of giving back to society first occurred to me when I was very young. I used to see my father, despite being poor, volunteering his time. Perhaps he felt obligated to the Almighty, but his selflessness left a lasting impression on me.

Initially, my father taught Sanskrit language free of cost to high school, pre-university, and university students who sought his assistance to improve their grades. Interestingly, even Sanskrit lecturers would regularly approach my father for guidance on preparing their theses or delivering lectures on various Sanskrit topics.

Secondly, my father offered astrological services, analyzing horoscopes and providing insightful predictions and suggestions. His expertise was highly regarded in our community, and many people would regularly visit our home to seek his guidance on astrology. Notably, he offered this service completely free of charge.

Thirdly, my father never accepted any form of gratitude, be it monetary gifts, public recognition, or other forms of appreciation, from anyone, at any time, or on any occasion, including public functions.

My father's selfless habits always resonated with me, but I didn't put them into practice until I started my career. As I transitioned into adulthood, I became more aware of various social issues and the concept of giving back to society. With time and experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of contributing to the community.

Initially, my salary was barely enough to cover my living expenses, with only a small amount left over for savings in case of emergencies. Without any financial support from my parents, I had to be mindful of my spending. Despite these financial constraints, I made it a point to help those in need whenever possible. I adhered to two guiding principles: first, "help and forget," where I wouldn't dwell on my actions or expect anything in return; and second, I ensured that my charitable acts remained private, never seeking to publicize or share them with others.

Hence, nothing more I should add here. 🫢🤫

Establishing a Trust in my father's name in 2013 marked a turning point for me. The Trust's primary objective is to provide financial assistance to underprivileged Brahmin students for their educational expenses. Additionally, the Trust recognizes and rewards outstanding students who excel in Sanskrit studies at the high school and college levels.

Sorry, this is not the end... let me finish...

PART 2

Another aspect that reflects society is to take the initiative to adopt unconventional measures, setting an example for others to follow, and paving the way for positive change.

For instance, consider a person who decides to marry a girl from a poor family, refusing dowry and opting for a simple temple wedding with minimal guests. In my view, this act constitutes giving back to society in two meaningful ways: firstly, by supporting a disadvantaged family, and secondly, by contributing to the temple's revenue.

Celebrating birthdays with orphans can be a powerful way to instill good values in children. By involving friends and their parents in these celebrations, we can showcase a compassionate and responsible approach to special occasions. This, in turn, can inspire friends' families to adopt similar practices, fostering a sense of social responsibility among young people.

A professional, such as a doctor, who chooses to offer services to the poor without charging a profit margin, is indeed giving back to society in a meaningful way. Ideally, this commitment should be ongoing, rather than just a one-time gesture or an occasional collaboration with NGOs. Consistency is key, as sporadic involvement can be perceived as seeking publicity rather than genuinely helping those in need.

Similarly, a businessman can also contribute to the community by selling their products at cost price to the underprivileged on designated days, such as once a month.

To foster a sense of social responsibility, schools and colleges can offer academic credits or points to students who participate in volunteer activities. Such activities may include traffic control outside the school, mentoring underperforming students, or participating in compulsory programs like NCC or NSS. By incentivising community service, educational institutions can not only enhance students' academic experience but also shape them into responsible and engaged citizens.

I firmly believe that giving back to society involves sharing both our financial resources and our expertise. By allocating a small portion of our income and offering our skills and services, we can make a meaningful difference. Crucially, this commitment should be ongoing, rather than a one-time gesture. In my view, this approach, combined with passing on these values to the next generation, is essential for creating a positive impact on our communities.

In conclusion, while many may feel they've missed opportunities to make a difference, I firmly believe that "late is better than never." It's never too late to start making a positive impact. We can all adopt simple yet meaningful practices in our daily lives, beginning today, to help those in need and give back to society.

As I continue to provide voluntary services, I'm facing several challenges:

1. Assessing the level of poverty among underprivileged individuals and families with accuracy.
2. Determining the exact amount of assistance required by each beneficiary.
3. Understanding how the poor currently manage their finances and access support.
4. Identifying existing support networks, including who is providing aid, how many people are being helped, and the extent of the support.

suresh hulikunti rao

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end- thoughts written sometime ಇನ್ August 2024

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