The Art Of Giving
If you want to experience real joy, try giving without expecting anything in return. We have experienced the joy in the simple act of giving a sweet to a child or food to those in need. But, we need to move beyond this. God has been kind with us. We have health, wealth, families on our side. He has given us so much and yet we crib.
As a country, we do too little charity. The estimate of donations in India for Charitable causes is about Rs.1,200- Rs.1,500 Crores per year. That’s pittance for a country of India’s size. Warren Buffett has donated about US$31 billion, more than 50% of his wealth to Charity. Same holds for Bill Gates. Closer home, Tatas have done it. Over 60% of Tata Sons shares are held by charities. Rata Tata owns 0.68% shares – that’s all!
They are all rich and can afford to give, is the common refrain. But how many wealthy have given away their wealth for the welfare of the society, in India? Coming back to us, what portion of our income are we prepared to set aside for philanthropy? Agreed, we may not be earning like the very rich. But, we can always find some money for charity. There are too many causes crying out for money.
There are many organizations doing good work, but lack funds. Can we not support them in our own small way? Can we not support a child’s education? Many of us can afford to do that. Can we not donate uniforms & notebooks to some needy children? Can we not agree to bear the cost of feeding the children in an orphanage for a certain number of days in a year? All these are possible for the middle class - us. But too few of us are doing it & doing too little of it.
Now coming to our selfish interest, it is in our interest to preserve the fabric of the society; else, if the dispossessed start taking law into their hands, due to their poverty & agony, it directly hits us. Naxalism is believed to be a result of asymmetric development. We all will not be able to enjoy the fruits of our labour & relative comfort. What is the use of having money in the bank, if you can’t take a walk in the park, can’t drive around safely or live in perpetual fear?
It is in our interest to give a helping hand. That way we can feel good and ensure our continued well being. The sooner we realize this, the better for everyone.
Author: Mr Suresh Sadagopan, Certified Financial Planner
Ladder 7 Financial Advisors
Tel: 98200 25941/ 2752 2338, 2752 0760
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