Column

Floods that ravaged North Karnataka, not very long ago, arrived with a loud calling — a call that needed immediate attention, a call that needed some very quick responses. Bengaluru rose to the occasion. People across the city from various backgrounds came together to contribute liberally to aid the people in distress — help them salvage a little of their lost livelihoods and to rebuild their shattered lives.

Groups, organisations, political parties and individuals wasted little time. They mobilised donation drives to collect the most immediate, basic commodities such as food grains, clothing, and medicine. Efforts to collect material and money for the displaced and affected saw enthusiastic participation from the rich and poor, young and old alike. People contributed generously.

One did not know whom their contribution would go to, which caste that person belonged to, or which village it was reaching. And people contributed without a bias or agenda. They gave all they could give straight from their hearts. Professionals donated their salaries, doctors donated their services and students volunteered time to help those devastated by the floods.

The media coverage of the catastrophe and the response of the good samaritans was a great catalyst. What brought relief and solace to the displaced was a decidedly collective effort from the entire city.

Unfortunately, it took a serious flood in North Karnataka to whip up such a frenzy of giving in our city. But looking at the bright side, what it did demonstrate was that the city has a soul. A soul that cares. A soul that wants to share. Even habitual complainers and those who feel helpless in such situations came together. Instead of wondering how or what to contribute, where to offer help and assistance, they made that little effort, they pitched in to make that difference — a difference that meant food to the hungry, medicines to the sick, shelter to the displaced and plain hope — hope for a better future.

Now is the time to keep the momentum going. It’s not the time to rest and wait for that disaster to strike us again to wake up and regroup.

Quite often we are plagued by questions like — “How can I help?”, “How can I make a difference?” or “Will the little time I contribute really make any difference?” and, “Will my small efforts bring about that desired change?” It is time to shed the thought, that an individual cannot make a difference.

I say, well, just try and you will be amazed to see what you can achieve. Volunteer and feel good. Don’t just feel helpless and frustrated. Don’t get into the classic mood of blaming the government, or the officers for every single flaw in the city.Don’t sit down and moan all the time. Get up and try. Rise up and give — volunteer at a local government school, visit an old age home or an orphanage, get a group together to clean up a neighbourhood park, plant a sapling, use public transportation whenever possible, refuse that plastic bag, turn off that mindless television, clean a street, conserve water… this list is endless. Some constructive thinking will lead you to several options where the city and its people need you, your time and contribution.

So take charge! Parents and teachers — do your bit, encourage and educate children about the joys of giving. Policy makers — make volunteering an activity in schools. Students and professionals — find a group near you that you can help over the weekends and holidays. Corporates — live up to your social responsibility jargon and make volunteering interesting and meaningful.

Remember what you give is ultimately what you get —one of life’s simple truths. So, what are you waiting for? Get going...