The right time to give is Now
All great achievements start with a dream. The Rotary Foundation started as a dream in the mind of one man — Arch Klumph. From that humble beginning it has today become one of the foremost agencies of humanitarian good. A foundation that is respected, agile, nimble and one of the most efficiently managed charities in the world. It is the charity of choice for Rotarians and many non-Rotarians too.
The University of Notre Dame’s ‘Science of Generosity Project’ defines generosity as “the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.” Three parts stand out clearly from this definition. Generosity is giving good things, giving freely, and giving abundantly. When we support TRF that is what we do — give ‘good things’ — our time and talent — freely and abundantly — to support its remarkable work through the various grants that impact and transform lives in our community and around the world.
Equally important is to give and invest in TRF. Sant Kabir says: “When the wealth in the house increases, when water fills a boat, throw them out with both hands!” There is joy in giving. When we give to TRF we know that the money will be used wisely and well by other Rotarians and together we can do much more than what we can do alone. And remember no one ever becomes poor by giving.
We all know the famous incident from the Mahabharat. Yudhishthira asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On hearing this, Bheema rejoices that Yudhishthira, his brother, has conquered death! For he is sure that he will be around the next day to give. Yudhishthira gets the message. One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give! The best time to give to TRF is NOW.
When Dr Albert Schweitzer was asked what does the future hold, he replied, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” One of the best ways of service is through TRF. As we start a new Rotary year let us lead the way in giving and serving to and through The Rotary Foundation.
Dr Bharat Pandya
TRF Trustee Vice Chair
