Stories of Kindness from Around the World

The Privilege of Serving Those Who Are Not as Privileged as Us


--by Aastha, posted Jul 12, 2017
In the latter half of the dreadful month of scorching heat, in May (this is a story of India), I was ecstatic to undertake a social work assignment. However, it soon dissipated to a sudden feeling of being skeptical of the idea of participating in a noble cause. The thought of working for a state government's Ministry of Women and Child Welfare project led me to undermine my own potential of enriching the lives of so many orphan girls.

But when it struck me, I realized regardless of the quantum of contribution to the lives of some 42 orphan girls, who had undergone countless harrowing experiences in their childhood, it was more important and compelling to at least try and be able to change their lives in some small way.

Our guide put immense faith in me and, therefore, assigned me the responsibility of mentoring a team of 8 girls. As days passed by, my team of girls narrated their individual life stories and what followed was not a feeling of sympathy but an admiration and respect for their enduring nature of still loving life as it came and facing it with great fortitude.

Teaching them about various general life skills constituted the most part of my mentorship. I gradually started realizing one’s power of giving back to the society. There is no doubt that both evil and good exists but it was imperative to tell these adult girls about how they can not only survive but do well in their lives in this brutally competitive world. I am glad I could instill this aspect of life in them.

I couldn't have possessed such degree of overwhelming nature of forbearance, especially, after having seen so many harsh times in life. The best part about this whole project, for me, was that it was a two-way learning process and it convinced me of my capabilities of being able to add to other people’s efforts of goodness and kindness. It fills my heart with a lot of joy to have reciprocated some act of kindness. I believe every person has some social responsibility!
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Readers Comments

mindyjourney wrote: Thank you for making a kindness difference and realizing that we do indeed receive when we give :)))).
Mish wrote: You performed what I consider a Sacred Service there. Blessing for all of you. _/\_
kjoyw wrote: A privilege and a gift!
Rajni wrote: I loved reading your compassionate story. Your kindness is commendable. May others get inspired to follow suit. Thanks for sharing.

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