On the 8th of May, we celebrated World Red Cross Day, to mark the declaration of intention of one person; Henry Dunant. He and countless volunteers who work selflessly for the organization protect human life and health; they bring dignity to being called humans, and irrespective of nation, race, gender, religious belief, class or political opinions help people to overcome pain and suffering. Through their sincere and selfless contributions they spread the fragrance of love, care and respect, and so deserve to have it back from us.

Probably there is not a moment when some Red Cross Volunteer, is not serving our race to be better, healthier and happier. They not only find great opportunities to serve but rarely let a small opportunity pass by. They help out of love and love us because they help. With their deed of service, they have found meaning and purpose in life.

Come join me in extending our reach to help those who need it, more than us; come join me in being generous to give more and take less; come join me in lessening our fellow humans’ miseries, and fill them with joy; come join me in helping Red Cross Society in every way.

I too like Dickinson feel, ‘If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin up to his nest again, I shall not live in vain’.  Let us also have insight and values to be useful to others.

I say noble is she/he who shares her/his progress for the benefit of the poor and under-privileged. And people like Sudha Murthy, Rajashree Birla, Tata, Godrej, Aziz Premji, Bharti Group, and the Mittals are truly noble. They do not wait to improve the world with their benevolence they just live for it. They believe that joy is not only in making lots of money, but in giving it back to the society. They see the need, not the cause. They spend their life for things that outlast them. They plant trees, under whose shade they never expect to sit; they live simply so that others may enjoy the fruits of their love & compassion. They are “Angels without wings”.

We might not be as forthcoming or as generous as them but let us all pledge to make a humble beginning at philanthropy. Let us make our lives matter; let us not do nothing, just because we can only do very little.

Dare to reach out to others in darkness, so that they are pulled out into the light.

Today is Labor Day – a day to celebrate our economic and social achievements; a day when we remind ourselves of the need for hard-work and balance in our lives; a day when we recognize and commemorate vital issues affecting those who slave for our comfort.

Let us not forget that but for labour, wealth would not have existed; wealth is but the fruit of labor. I’d watched the movie ‘Blood Diamond’ and was pretty moved by how some people exploit labour. The labour force toils but with little expectations – just a few more schools and fewer prisons; just a few more books and fewer weapons; just a few more avenues and fewer vices; just a little more justice and less violence; just a few more opportunities and fewer obstacles.

Let us all awaken to the need for bringing comforts and conveniences to our fellow workers by our care and concern. Let us get together to make sure that no one will ever cry for food, clothing or shelter. Let us get together to make sure that everyone shall have freedom, health and love. Come join me in my endeavor to make this world a better place. Let our future generations remember us for what we have preserved, protected and created, rather than for what we have destroyed.

I bow down to people like Jeeturaj, who move others and make a difference in their life by bringing about social awareness through whatever they do. Being a crusader of social awareness can be challenging, lonely and disheartening at times, but I guess their love for people gives them strength to overcome all obstacles. They never give up; they keep pursuing their mission, because millions of people that they have never even met depend on the work they are doing right now. They have what I call, the fire burning in them.

In the end, it is not the critic or a supporter without action who counts, but the man who actually walks the extra mile in pursuit of social welfare, the man who has great enthusiasm, great devotion, and the one who is committed to a worthy cause. He stands tall amidst the failures and triumphs, for he knows that at every step of effort he has given his best. And thus, with love and care they overcome the greatest challenge – the challenge to change the mindset of people for better.