Father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi suffered tremendous persecutions and unimaginable miseries from the British in order to win freedom for us. He sacrificed his bright future and selflessly worked with single minded total focus to liberate our motherland from the clutches of slavery. Even so many years after his death, we all thankfully remember and recognize his sacrifice and service to the nation.
Individuals who sacrifice their present for the sake of humanity’s future through their noble, generous and selfless deeds continue to occupy enviable place in the heart of those people whom they served. They successfully leave behind their permanent footprint on the sand of time.
Paul Harris was one such person who thought that the true essence of freedom is enjoyed only when people are able to live a life free from poverty, illiteracy and hunger. He founded Rotary and if this institution is living and flourishing in the hearts and minds of over 1.2 million members in nearly 200 countries after his death, it shows that the man really did something wonderful for the humanity.
During this time of pandemic, doctors and nurses are risking their lives to save ours. Volunteers taking to the streets to demand that we live up to our highest ideals. Workers, who have always been essential, maintaining critical parts of our infrastructure and economy—keeping shelves stocked, lights on and vital operations open are working daily. Rotarian volunteers putting masks and donating blood. Researchers racing to find treatments. Artists sustaining us with new creations. Musicians writing soothing songs to make us peaceful and people everywhere around the world calling and marching for change. All these are extraordinary people who make a difference.
Every act you perform is a definite choice, and every choice generates an outcome. It is up to each one of you to choose actions that are meaningful, purposeful, helpful and can effect positive change in the lives of individuals and the world at large . It is unfortunate that those who have the great potential and resources to do something meaningful and make the world a better place to live in , go through life so emotionlessly and passively that they fail to leave behind their Mark .
Life may not offer you opportunity to perform great things all the time , but there is always a chance to perform great things with great passion and love in the lives of less fortunate people , provided you have tuned your eyes to see the suffering around you and heart conditioned to empathise . Don’t simply exist but co exist and pro exist. Life is not about getting but it is about giving as well.
It is up to you and you alone to take control of your life and lead yourself to where you wish to be. Become more sensitive to the needs of others, for it is the only way that you become a person with a difference.