Benevolence – The Abandoned Ones

The true joy of giving is felt only when it springs from a heart filled with happiness, gratitude, and compassion. To me, giving is not just about sharing resources—it is about sharing kindness, empathy, and love with those who need it most. When we extend ourselves to the abandoned, the poor, and the needy, we find a sense of fulfillment that enriches our own lives in return.

I deeply believe in the saying, “Helping the poor and needy is to serve God.” This has guided me in my own life and in shaping the values we nurture at St. Britto’s Academy. Every child in our school is encouraged to carry this belief forward, to recognize the abandoned ones in society, and to reach out with an open heart.

We also remind ourselves of the beautiful truth: “The more you give, the more you receive.” When children learn to give—whether it is time, a smile, or support—they not only uplift others but also discover inner strength and joy that last a lifetime.

Science itself confirms what our hearts already know: giving is good for health. It lowers stress, boosts happiness, and strengthens bonds. The “warm glow” one feels while giving is no illusion—our brains release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, creating what psychologists call the helper’s high. Gandhiji beautifully said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.” And Mother Teresa lived this truth every day, finding fulfillment in giving herself to others in their moments of pain and despair.

At St. Britto’s Academy, we ensure our students live this value, not just learn it. Together with our staff, they visit old age homes, orphanages, and care centers like Assise, Kakkum Karangal, K.S.S Home, Udavum Karangal, and Shadow Trust. They bring groceries, medicines, clothes, and stationery. They share a meal, music, laughter, and even theatre, spreading light wherever they go. Our “Wish Tree” initiative has allowed children in orphanages to hang their wishes on branches, which we then fulfill—turning hope into reality. Street plays performed by our students have raised awareness about the joy of giving, proving that service is not bound by age.

The values learned through such experiences are lifelong: respect for elders, gratitude to parents and teachers, a willingness to volunteer, and the understanding that love is never to be abandoned. In Anandam Old Age Home, we have seen senior citizens teaching tailoring, yoga, and even volunteering during crises like floods and Covid. Their example reminds our students that giving is a continuous cycle that enriches both the giver and the receiver.

Giving, like any other habit, becomes an addiction—a beautiful one. Each act of kindness lifts our spirit, lightens our burdens, and fills us with a purpose that material possessions never can.

One of the most profound ways of giving, in my view, is through books. As Garrison Keillor said, “A book is a gift you can open again and again.” When children donate books to create libraries in villages, they gift not just words on a page but entire worlds of imagination, learning, and opportunity. A single book can spark a child’s interest in reading, build their vocabulary, and even change the course of their future. For students in city schools, reading may be an extracurricular activity, but for rural children, it can be the key to breaking cycles of illiteracy.

Books do more than just teach—they inspire. They allow children to question, to imagine, to build confidence, and to problem-solve with creativity and maturity. At St. Britto’s, we encourage students to donate books during birthdays or family celebrations. It has become a tradition of love and concern, a way to celebrate life by giving to others. As Charles Scribner, Jr. reminds us, “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.”

At the end of the day, giving is about joy. When we give, we witness smiles, tears of gratitude, and hearts filled with hope. That is the true reward. As Ben Carson beautifully said, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”

I am proud of my students who embody this spirit of benevolence. They remind me every day that kindness is not taught through words alone, but through action. Together, we will continue to practice the joy of giving—not as a duty, but as a way of life.