Create ripples of goodwill

Success is often defined in terms of what we earn, amass and our position. In India, successful people who have accumulated wealth often flaunt it and are insensitive to their surroundings. This is unfortunate as mindless extravagance and waste happen in a world of deprivation and want. There is lot to gain if we practise giving as a cherished value.It can change lives-ours and those of others. It is by giving that we step outside the self-centeredness of our lives and find the humanity that binds us together.
As a family, we have always believed in Gandhiji's trusteeship model which expects the ones who create wealth to give back to society. My son, Kurush, always wanted us to reach out, and after his untimely death 12 years ago, I wanted his ideal to be kept alive, and so I reached out to Akanksha to be part of its programme to educate underprivileged children. Today, I spend some of my time and resources for the cause of education through a partnership that Thermax Foundation has formed with Pune Municipal Corporation and Akanksha. I find this act of devoting a part of my life for something that touches the lives of several children, very fulfilling.
Three years ago we created the Thermax Foundation which earmarks one per cent of profit after tax for social causes. Along with the Pune Municipal Corporation and Akanksha, the Foundation has adopted two municipal schools. Children love coming to these schools and are making excellent progress.
Based on Teach For America, we started a new movement called Teach for India which recruits outstanding graduates and young professionals to devote two full years to teaching underprivileged children. These young fellows have demonstrated that money is not the only thing we can give. In fact, writing a cheque is relatively an easy way to keep our conscience light.
Giving even a part of ourselves and sharing our wealth and knowledge often create ripples of goodwill that invite others to come forward and join in. I am convinced of the wisdom in these insightful words, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' I urge each and every Indian to reach out to a cause, to a fellow human being and experience the joy of giving.
(Learn more about the Joy of Giving Week-Sept 27 to Oct 3-at www.joyofgivingweek.org)