Srinagar, May 04: “In the Art of Giving, we cannot overlook that nature is a great giver and a selfless giver. Wind/air, earth, and fire without them the world cannot survive. The wind raises the clouds to form the rain, that nurtures the earth to grow vegetation, fruits and flowers, and the wood that kindles the fire, so we must learn to reciprocate by conserving nature,” said Dr Achyuta Samanta, the famous educationist and the founder of the ‘Art of Giving’.
He said, “A flower smiles at a plant and spreads an aroma, but the plant never expects anything from those who see it and enjoy it. However, some try to snatch that smile by plucking the smiling flowers in the name of worship, which negates the spirit of the Art of Giving. Therefore, we call nature a Mother who only gives, selflessly and that is an Art that cannot be described in words.”
But in the course of material pursuits, sometimes human beings as the most evolved characters lose this intrinsic habit and get jaundiced by self-interests and do the damage irreparably,” Dr Achyuta rued, during an interaction with this author. “Little do people realise that hope and harmony are the elixirs of peace and amity that transcends the boundaries of all the narratives in this world.”
The ‘Art of Giving’ is no more a mere phrase but taking it into a million hearts is, in itself, a path created that requires no acquiescence anymore to walk on, the noted educationist said.
Looking after thousands of needy who aspire for good grooming and shelter with food is a remarkable uptick that may benefit many generations, Dr Samanta-founded Kalinga Institute of Social Science is a signature evolution in that direction.
“This informs the origin, evolution, and growth of AOG. We have empowered about two million lives through quality education and empowerment. I started giving and sacrificing at the age of five when I was penniless,” Dr Samanta recalled. “Still, there are miles to go on this track that is paved with bricks of benevolence and empathy.”
Dr Samanta added, “This selfless giving throughout my life culminated in the Art of Giving to give to the world a philosophical and action-oriented framework to experience the joy of giving on 17 May 2013, and since then AOG has become a civic movement.”
