The power of community & connections: a language of kindness

Submitted by Pooja Thakkar

As Eric Hoffer famously said, kindness can be its own reward. We become kind by acting kindly.

During our recent Hamilton County Leadership Academy class meeting, Alicia Klingerman, the executive director of Family Promise of Hamilton County, mentioned that her pantry was running low and she needed help providing nonperishable items for those in need before the holidays. Our team immediately responded by donating bags full of items to support her cause.

As I was collecting donations from various Hindu Dharmic organizations to support multiple recipients (Mary Riggs, Boys and Girls Club, welcome basket for immigrants and refugees, Fueled For School in Marion, Hendricks, and Hamilton counties) we were able to add Family Promise of Hamilton County to our list by donating 800 pounds of food on Monday, Nov. 18.

We are a team of over 60 Hindu volunteers who have been dedicating our Wednesday nights since September to the #SewaDiwali fundraising campaign in Indiana, which has now expanded nationwide. This is our sixth year of participating in SEWA (Selfless Service to Humanity) and celebrating the Diwali Festival of Lights with a delicious Indian feast, fun, and fireworks with our family and friends. We have now extended our celebration to include our community in need because we believe that food is a basic human need and that no religion is greater than humanity.

One powerful way to instill values of empathy and generosity in our children is by involving them in acts of giving, such as taking them to Aldi on weekday nights to fill a cart with essential nonperishable items for those in need. By selecting items like jelly, peanut butter, mac ‘n cheese, and other pantry staples, our children learn firsthand the importance of compassion and helping others in need. This simple act of kindness not only teaches them the value of generosity but also fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy towards those less fortunate in our community. Through these small gestures, we can raise compassionate and caring individuals who understand the importance of giving back and helping others in need.

We let our daughters practice the concepts of saving, spending, and sharing by allowing them to use their piggy banks to help those in need in our community. By sharing their favorite treats and pantry items, they gain a deeper understanding of the importance of giving. We believe that even small gestures can have a big impact, and no act of kindness is ever too small.

Photo provided

When little Navya sees the sign for a buy one, gets one free deal on the aisle, she quickly grabs one for herself and another for the community. This teaches us as parents and community volunteers the importance of instilling kindness at a young age and doing something positive for others.

I am reaching out to ask you, as a reader, to consider the importance of cultivating empathy and kindness in our increasingly digital world. In a society where emojis often replace genuine emotions, it is crucial to remember the value of understanding and compassion without passing judgment. We are all navigating our own challenges and obstacles in this unpredictable journey of life. Let’s remember that kindness is a powerful force that can easily be overshadowed by negativity.

In order to foster a stronger sense of community and belonging, we have made the commitment to be open and accessible to our members at all times. As we enter the holiday season, it is important to reflect on the significance of community and connections. Let us strive to be more kind, compassionate, and generous this year. Let us also make a concerted effort to instill in our children the values of empathy and generosity, serving as positive role models for them to follow.

Photos provided