Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal
Whatever visible and invisible things exist around us are mutually sustained and complementary to each other and, in one way or another, are meant for the welfare of human beings as a whole. Therefore, in order to ensure their preservation, it is said:
“O Yudhishthira! The head of the family actually consumes Amrit (ambrosia) who himself eats food only after feeding servants, guests and all those dependent upon him, including two-legged and four-legged creatures, animals, birds and others.”
Many are seen making mention of this and many other wisdoms of higher living, but there are also those who live by imbibing them. One such inspiring instance has come from the people of Gwalior.
Just take a look at how the power of law and the compassion of humanity have blended together to set a new milestone. An initiative by the Hon’ble High Court Justice Anand Pathak has come as a succour to helpless, handicapped juveniles residing in the “Mercy Home” of Gwalior city. Once destined to lead a life in torn clothes within premises infested with dirt and leftovers and surrounded by damp-ridden walls, the world of these juveniles has now been transformed. Once-abandoned fans and coolers, earlier junked, again began to blow soothing air; walls are now decked with lively painted images displaying smiles. This became possible due to an order of the High Court which made advocates move out of their chambers to the field of social service.
This is part of an unprecedented initiative taken by MP High Court’s Administrative Justice Anand Pathak. In cases where petitions were earlier dismissed due to faults of advocates, the Court assigned them the responsibility of “social service” to get the petitions restored. Thus, when a group of 44 advocates reached the Mercy Home to offer two hours of service, what they saw moved their hearts to the core. The suffering and pain of 50 handicapped children living in utter unhygienic conditions compelled the advocates to perform their duty of humanity. They submitted their detailed report to the Court without seeking any fees in return.
Taking cognizance of the report, the Court ordered the local administration to take necessary action. The Collector, Ruchika Chouhan, herself came forward to lead from the front and handed over the responsibility to “Ram Astha Mission”. Thus began the process of renovation, and the Mercy Home was reformed into a home that truly displays compassion for those who have found shelter inside.
In the mission were also students of the art college, who by their deft hands in painting brought the walls of the Mercy Home alive. The time-worn temple already standing in the premises was also renovated, and in its divine proximity the children now feel spiritually blessed.
“After the initiative, people in general have also felt encouraged to visit the place, spending time with the children, sharing their feelings with them and offering whatever more is required for the Mercy Home to remain well-maintained from time to time,” says Collector Ruchika Chauhan.
Vivekananda says: “Why should we do good to others? Apparently to help others, but really we help ourselves — help ourselves to reach nearer to the eternal bliss of higher life.” Once, he adds, “I read a sermon — ‘All this world is very beautiful, for it gives us time and opportunity to help others.’”
So preaches the Chhandogya Upanishad that the limit of intimacy expands as a person proceeds closer to eternal supreme joy in beatitude with the Universal Self, whereas affection within the narrow sphere of individuality often turns into over-attachment which eventually becomes the cause of pain, owing to the inevitability of separation ingrained in the rule-book of destiny.
The Gita lays emphasis in its own way on the importance of charity in philosophical tone:
“The cycle of the Universe runs on give and take; but he who only takes from it without giving back, thus breaking this cycle, the life of such a self-indulgent person is sinful and useless.”
(Gita 3:12, 3:16)
These preaching, however, acquire true substance only when they are translated into life — and the people of Gwalior have beautifully emulated this.
( Er. Rajesh Pathak is a freelance writer and columnist)
