At this many people (including myself, at first) might think, "It is the fault of the society." This is correct to some extent. We are too busy with ourselves. It is too hard for us to find time for others. We imagine we have have so much work that we can't spare a bit of love even for our relatives and dear friends. Many people are totally unaware who their neighbours are. It is often in the heart of such societies that the devils of selfishness, cruelty and hatred are born. While some behave the way they have been treated, some others turn out to be hard-core criminals.
A question disturbs me quite often, "Is it so difficult to show a spark of love, to show that someone thinks about you, someone cares for you? Is it very difficult to assure that I'll be there to hold your hand whenever you need? India is a democratic country; you are free to think differently, but I feel the answer is "No." It does not cost you anything to show some true love (fake love is a bit expensive, but ineffective). You can argue, "It needs time, and time is precious." I will reply, "Yes, but the prayers and blessings that you receive are even more expensive."
Now why have I said it is correct to some extent? What is society? It's just the conglomeration of several individuals like you. You alone can make a difference. It is often observed that people give the excuse "I did that because everyone else was doing that." Take the following examples. In a fray each one will say, "I hit out because everyone else was hitting." If instead some had controlled themselves, knowing fully well that what they are doing was right , the fight would not have taken such a nasty turn. You have a matchstick and the whole world to illuminate. It is true that you cannot illuminate the whole world but you can illuminate your room. Nothing stops you from doing that much. Probably a few more people will do that following your example and then a few more in geometric progression, until a large reformation is brought about. At the beginning people may sneer at you but you should not care. The majority of Hindus protested but Raja Ram Mohan Ray did get sati banned. If you really want to do something, society is too weak to obstruct. The following anecdote was narrated in Amul Star Voice of India a few days back: There was a fire in a village. People were pouring buckets of water to extinguish it. A small dove did not sit idle. It carried drops of water in its beak and poured them over the fire. A crow
mocked it, saying, "What difference will the few drops make?" The dove replied, "I may not make any significant difference, but I'll have the satisfaction that I tried to help. Moreover people would not point fingers at me saying it did not help us."
Moreover the world does not go to bed with you. That is when your conscience keeps on haunting you. So this is my earnest request: "Do whatever little you can do. Feed at least one beggar even though you cannot feed all. It will make a difference to that beggar. Open your heart. Give as much love you can. And then enjoy the bliss of your mind. Forget society if they do not follow you. You should never stop."
If this short lecture can bring about a change (for the better) in even a few people, I'll be very pleased indeed.
