So much for charity

David Walliams, from one of my favourite shows ‘Little Britain’ managed the magnificent feat of generating about £1 Million for his chosen charity. After a year of rigorous training he took just 10.5-hours to swim across the English channel for Speedo Sport Relief. No small task for a non athlete.

Personal charity appeals like these have always moved me. One of my dearest colleagues from my last place of work had shaven his long curly locks off for charity.One of the managers at the same place, was trying to raise money by losing his extra stubborn weight.

Another remarkable example is of my neighbour, she is climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest for charity right now as I write. She is a small built woman and she had to train for a year, exercise and meditate regularly to prepare and qualify for the expedition.

Taking up challenges like these, giving up something important to you to make a difference is an act of self emancipation of a very high degree. These people have given more than money to their charities, they have given their positive energy ,hope and strength of their souls.

In the context of charities, one of the most disillusioning episodes of my life without any exaggeration, was a documentary about how well the money raised by Sport Relief in the UK was being used for Tsunami victims and other underprivileged children in India. People donated with big hands and bigger hearts and a lot of money was generated.

I was so disturbed by the thought that India in spite of doing so well economically is in need of money and volunteers from other countries to tackle the real problems. I was and still am so ashamed for not doing enough. Guilt stricken, I kept thinking, why our inability to do enough for our own brethren did not discourage the people who made generous and heartfelt donations.

Reason, I realised was true charity just sees the need and not the cause. A prayer at the end that our charity increases as much as our wealth.