We are living in a “me first” type of society. For many of us, we are taught from the cradle to “look out for number one!” and many of us do just that. We are self-focused and self-possessed. An unfortunately large segment of the world population finds it very difficult to see beyond themselves to look at those around them. How often do we act without considering the effect of our actions on those around us?
“Lakshmi, idhar aa”
—–pause—-
“O Lakshmi, kahan hai?”
Lakshmi runs from behind the bushes to her father who is busy with his daily work surrounded with piles of clothes.
“Kya kar rahi thi udhar chup ke?”
—–no answer—-
4-year old Lakshmi is the daughter of the guy who sits in one of the garages in our residential colony and irons clothes. He starts his day around 8 and manages to leave for home by 8 in the night. Meanwhile his daughter, who doesn’t go to school because of their limited means, spends time around, keeping herself busy- no, not with toys or books, but in her own way by observing the nature, stalking the ants, playing wth random make-belief toys and….and by looking at other kids play.
While I take my kids in the park everyday for their play-time, I have seen Lakshmi observing them play and have fun. I have seen that smile on her face when my kids do some funny antics. The twinkle in her eyes when the kids take out a new toy to play with is so evident. But so is the fear and reluctance in her mind. The fear of being different, the fear of belonging to ‘another’ world.
While she has never stepped up to come closer to play with my kids, I have noticed her noticing other kids. Ducking in behind the bushes or peeping from behind the cars parked- she finds enjoyment in this itself.
The other day I went close to her and asked her to come over and join my kids to play. At first, she hesitated, then walked closer. I offered her a ball to play with. She looked stunned, like I was violating some accepted code of conduct. I urged her to take it. She slowly reached out and took the ball. She smiled.
So did I.
And soon she became a part of the kids’ gang and spends 2 hours everyday playing, laughing, running and living her childhood.
Teaching kids to care and be kind to others starts from us- the Parents. The differences created basis class, caste, colour, looks- all this is imbibed by us. These innocent kids only understand the language of love and affection. In my experience, random acts of kindness help children to expand and deepen their contact with the real world.
And a wonderful platform to help our chidren not only learn but experince happiness by doing deeds of kindness is #100DeedsOfKindness. It is a beautiful initiative taken up by a mother who thinks like us and believes in encouraging children to serve others and be more kind, which will make them more fulfilled and mindful individuals.
The idea behind this initiative is to involve children in small and simple acts of kindness in their homes, neighborhood and communities. They believe that an act of Kindness can change someone’s day, make someone feel loved, inspire goodness and in turn shift the child’s outlook towards life. These ‘Acts’ may involve creating a craft with your child and giving it to someone, feeding a cow, or just smiling and saying hello to people at the supermarket. Isn’t it so simple?
Think you want your child to experience real happiness? Come and become a part of this drive! Enrol your child and share his acts of kindness. The enthusiastic team has already touched several lives through their visit to NGO ‘The Earth Saviours Foundation’, brought a smile to the brave firemen by handing over “Thank you” notes at the local Fire Station and arranged a hearty meal to the less privileged through a “Food Drive”. Click here to be a part of #100DeedsOfKindness.
Go Mommy!
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