I begin with a confession that I was not aware of the existence of this noble and great man, Kalyanasundaram honoured by US Govt.
Mr.Kalayanasundaram worked as a Librarian for 30 years. Every month in his 30 year experience(service), he donated his entire salary to help the needy. He worked as a server in a hotel to meet his needs. He donated even his pension amount of about ten lakh rupees to the needy.He is the first person in the world to spend the entire earnings for a social cause. In recognition to his service, the American government honoured him with the ‘Man of the Millennium’ award. He received a sum of Rs 30 crores as part of this award which he distributed entirely for the needy as usual....
It is then that I feel abashed that the India Govt. has conferred 'Bharat Ratna' on Sachin Tendulkar, who seeks and gets exemption of customs duty on a 'Ferrari' which he got free, and who reportedly earns(or earned... dunno !! ) crores of rupees every year. Please duly note that I do have all the respect for the man Sachin is and what he has achieved on the field but just that I am clear where the balance is heavier.
Contrast this with a thought-provoking observation: India's own cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar received the 'Bharat Ratna,' our nation's highest civilian award. Yet, let's reflect on the fact that while Sachin seeks and enjoys privileges like exemption of customs duty on a 'Ferrari' which he got free; Kalyanasundaram quietly sacrificed every bit of his income for the betterment of others. This isn't to diminish Sachin's accomplishments, but to highlight the weight of such selfless contributions.
....Moved by his passion to help others (....and to add a little fun element, perhaps), Super Star Rajinikanth adopted him as his father. He still stays as a bachelor and dedicated his entire life for serving the society.
All our Politicians, Film stars, Business magnates, Cricketers, Press and we all Indians should be PROUD knowing that the American Government has honoured him although many Indians still don't know that such a personality exist amongst us.
Atleast, India if not the whole world must know about this Great Good Samaritan.
Hat's off Kalayanasundaram... We Indians are extremely proud of you!
Sources:
1. Man of the Millennium
2. 73-year-old Tamil Nadu librarian donated Rs 30 crore to the uneducated poor
3. Simple living, high thinking ~ The Hindu
