Celebrating the Joy of Giving

 They say good things come in small packages, but I say that they come in jumbo packs too. It is that time of the year when we all celebrate the Joy of Giving. The Joy of Giving Week which started back in the year 2009 is India’s ‘festival of giving’ and brings together Indians from all walks of life. A part of this festival which is organized as a ‘mela’ here at Hyderabad is the Karamayog Sevamela, organized at the Zoroastrian Club, Secunderabad. The mela with a difference- the Sevamela is a platform wherein the purpose is to connect people with NGOs.  An opportunity for NGOs to showcase their services and the efforts put in by them.

Well this was not the first time that I have been to the sevamela. Having visited it last year, I made it a point that I shall not miss it and I was there once again. A total of 65 NGOs made their presence felt this year and the place was livelier than it had ever been before. Unfortunately I missed the inaugural session and joined the mela late in the afternoon. Charity begins at home and the students from Aurora’s Business School volunteered for a range of activities. While someone was busy stacking the donations, the other was glued to his laptop recording each item donated. As one encouraged others to donate blood, the other was donating his blood. Serving and sharing joy across every square inch of the club.

The evening session lit up the mood of the people and the cool weather added to it. The cultural programme saw students from Sri Vidya school and Aim for Seva performing on stage and received a thunderous applause and appreciation from the audience. Another tiny tot, Khushi left the audience in awe with her scintillating dance. There were others too, who came up to entertain (which includes me and my friends from Aurora’s Business School) but we were left high and dry as it was nothing compared to the energy and enthusiasm exhibited by those tiny tots who proved to the world –  “Hum kisi se kam nahi” . The cultural programme ended at 8 pm and we left with a smile on our faces.

So for those who do not know what the Karamayog Sevamela is and for those who missed it today, wear your boots and come along with your family tomorrow and yes of course, if you can donate something, please bring it along. That was day one of the sevamela. What awaits tomorrow is another day filled with excitement and the spirit and joy of giving.