Hands That Help!

Dear Readers,

I’m truly touched with the overwhelming concern shown by our community members towards the suggestion of participating in a cause bigger than ourselves – the past week has witnessed even greater response from both – volunteers who wish to participate in causes, as well as those representing causes and seeking volunteers. It’s been a heart-warming experience to go through your mails – ranging from people aged fourteen to eighty nine – with most seeking participation and some sharing suggestions and writing in sweet words of encouragement. It’s a great sense of redemption, faith and pride to know our community comprises of such helpful souls. As goodness begets goodness, it is my absolute delight to announce that with this issue, Parsi Times launches our new fortnightly column for our readers, ‘Hands That Help’ – A dedicated ‘Service Platform’ (Pg. 6), sharing varied causes to participate in.

In the true spirit of Parsipanu, ‘Hands That Help’ endeavours to make a difference in the lives of those not as privileged as the rest of us, and I request all our readers to open our hearts and generously contribute – what money can’t buy – your time and energy, in bringing a smile on the face of humanity. There is no greater sense of personal gratification than that which envelopes you when you serve others selflessly. In fact, one of the greatest services you will do for your own soul, is help others. Service is the ultimate therapy – it gives you so much more than just a sense of temporary purpose, it helps you find yourself and gives you a sense of identity, it shapes your character, and it moulds your destiny.

Understandably, there will be those of us who are unable to venture out and volunteer for community and social causes, due to time, geography or other constraints – let the saying ‘charity begins at home’ not be lost on you! You don’t have to venture too far out if the essence of helping lives, lies within your heart. This especially goes out to our youngsters – give your mobile phones and your parents a break and help out around your house. It will do more than give your parents a break – it will make them happy, because such helpful gestures heals and strengthens relationships.

If you’re looking for happiness, be of service to others. The happiest people I’ve met are those who are fully engaged in the world around them, who stand for something larger than themselves, who care passionately about others, who will extend a helping hand to those in need or speak up about an injustice when they see it. Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.

So, if you wish to go beyond just sitting up and taking notice, and move on to standing up and taking action, put a twist in that wrist, and turn over that outstretched ‘asking palm’ into a helping hand, because, after all, in the words of one of the world’s greatest humanitarians, our very own Mother Teresa, “Helping hands are better than praying lips.”

I thank you once again for your response and look forward to your continued participation, suggestions and feedback, especially for our new column, ‘Hands That Help’. Have a fun weekend, all!

– Anahita