Madhav & Friends : Bhagavad Geetā through everyday stories | Chapter 3 : Selfless Action

 Madhav & Friends : Bhagavad Geetā through everyday stories

Chapter 3

Selfless Action

Madhav was doing really well at his work. He was getting recognition and appreciation from his colleagues and seniors. Everybody was impressed with Madhav’s calm demeanour and clarity of thought.

So it was no surprise when Madhav was chosen to participate in a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative of the company, along with some other colleagues, for one weekend. Others in that group were excited as they would get to do ‘real’ service to the society. Madhav was however composed. Kunal, one of the colleagues of Madhav was excited about this opportunity and he told Madhav,

“I am so excited for this opportunity. Finally there is something I can actually do to contribute towards betterment of society.”

Sakshi, another colleague from the group, added, “Yes. This is such a wonderful opportunity. We can help the less fortunate.”

Madhav listened to them and nodded in agreement with them.

Madhav’s company, WeServe Technologies, used to support schools in rural areas by providing the kids with books, uniforms, School Kits which included school essentials like bag, notebooks, pencils, box, etc. This was a CSR initiative of the company and some employees were chosen every quarter to volunteer and distribute the items to school kids.

The activity was scheduled for a saturday and the school was about 80 KMs away from the city. All the chosen volunteers were to assemble at the office on saturday morning at around 8 am. Madhav reached office a few minutes before 8 am. He parked his bike in the parking lot and walked to the main entrance of the building. There were 2 Innova cars waiting there along with some executives from the Admin & CSR team of the company. Madhav started talking to them, asking about where the school was and how many kits are being given today etc.

After about 10 Minutes, Sakshi, Kunal, Swami & Priya too arrived. Sakshi was visibly flustered. Saturday being a weekend for their office, she was not used to getting up early and so she was a little late. But the excitement on all their faces was visible, ready to go and do something useful. 

At around 8.20am they started the drive towards the school. They were split into 2 cars. Madhav sat in the second car which also had more items. Sakshi and the admin executive were in the car with him along with the driver. In the first car the CSR executive, Kunal, Priya & Swami were seated.

After about an hour and half they reached the school. The school Principal and few teachers were present to welcome them. All the employees greeted the school staff and were welcomed by them with flower bouquets. the kids were made to sit in a small community hall of sorts. It was a small school with a small ground in the middle, surrounded by class rooms on either side of the ground and the office block in the middle, facing the entry gate. But the entire premise was clean and nicely maintained.

Looking at such a rural school, Sakshi, Kunal & Priya got excited and started clicking pictures of the school and taking selfies. Madhav started helping in getting the kits down from the car. Some school staff also helped and took the items in the community hall where the kids were seated.

All the employees of WeServe Technologies were escorted into the community hall. As soon as they entered, the kids welcomed them loudly by shouting “Welcome Sir & Madam!” The employees were excited and happy to get such a warm welcome. Sakshi was recording the video all the while and was too excited to have recorded such a warm welcome from the kids.

After the welcome address and speech, the employees were asked to handover the kits to the kids. Kids formed a queue and one by one each would walk up to the dais and collect their kit. Sakshi was busy in clicking videos and photos while giving the kits. Priya, Swami & Kunal too clicked few pictures while giving away the kits. Madhav was focussed on interacting with the kids, asking them their favourite subject and similar questions about their interest etc.

After this the employees were taken to the Principal’s office for some refreshments. The Principal thanked the employees for the gracious support to the school and handed them cards which were hand made by the kids of the school. Everyone was happy to receive such a wonderful gift from the kids. Madhav thanked the Principal and other school staff for such a wonderful gesture. Sakshi and others immediately clicked pictures of the cards.

While they were having the refreshments at the Principal’s office, Sakshi got busy posting the photos and videos on her social media. Priya, Kunal & Swami too started sharing the photos on Instagram, Whatsapp, etc. Madhav was reading all the cards and smiling, thinking about the potential these kids have. 

“If only they get the right opportunity and platform they can do wonders for the country”, he thought to himself.

After sometime, Swami asked Madhav, “Can you share the pics you clicked?”

Sakshi immediately joined in and said, “Yes yes, please share with all of us. It would be nice to upload on our social media. Such a unique and nice experience we got today.”

Madhav smiled and replied, “I did not click any pictures.”

Hearing this all were surprised and looked at Madhav in amazement. 

Swami asked in surprised tone, “You did not click ANY pictures?”

Madhva just shook his head in ‘No’.

Sakshi shrugged her shoulders in surprise, while Priya and Kunal looked at Madhav with surprise. 

Kunal asked, “What have you been doing then?”

Madhav replied, “I was interacting with the kids. Asking them their favourite subjects, their hobbies, etc.”

Priya was a bit embarrassed but happy to hear Madhav’s response. She said, “Wow you truly came here for the CSR.”

Sakshi asked, “But don’t you want to upload this update on your social media?”

Madhav replied, “I came here for a selfless action. How can I propagate about that?”

All the other 4 were stunned to hear this.

“Selfless action? What is that?” Kunal asked.

“Didn’t you give the kits?” Priya enquired.

Madhav smiled and said, “Yes, of course I handed out kits to kids.”

“Then what do you mean by selfless action?” Swami asked.

Madhav replied, “Selfless action is one where you do not claim ownership for the good deeds you do.”

Sakshi was surprised to hear this. She immediately asked, “But why would you not take ownership?”

Madhav corrected her, “Don’t claim it. Not don’t take it.”

Sakshi, rolled her eyes saying, “What is the difference anyways?”

Madhav smiled at Sakshi’s gesture and turned towards Swami who was looking at him with confusion as if asking for clarification.

Madhav looked at Swami and said, “The kits are provided by our company, this arrangement is made by the company, we are just chosen to distribute them here.”

Kunal asked, “Yes but still we are representing the company.”

Madhav replied, “Of course we do. And even more the reason, I chose to not propagate about it.”

“But the ‘company’ will publish this in the CSR report which will be shared with the public.” said Priya

“Yes. And that is company’s responsibility and obligation not authority to share for praise and appreciation.” replied Madhav.

Sakshi frowned slightly.

Swami asked, “So if we share these photos on whatsapp and our social media are we seeking appreciation and praise, is that what you are saying?”

“That is for you to think. Not me.” replied Madhav.

Everyone was silent after this.

In the meanwhile the Principal and other teaching staff entered the room and the team of WeServe Technologies thanked them for the hospitality and prepared to leave. All the employees started to get into the cars. This time, Swami got into the cab with Madhav and Sakshi. He still had questions which needed answers from Madhav. The team left from the school and headed towards the office. 

Swami asked Madhav, “Do you think sharing our updates on social media is wrong?”

Madhav looked at Swami and replied, “No, not all. But one must be cautious about what and how much is being shared. And most importantly for what purpose.”

Swami asked, “How does it matter? I am just sharing with my friends.”

Madhav, “Yes. But why?”

“Because they will feel happy about my little contribution to society I made today.” replied Sakshi.

“So you participated in today’s CSR event because you wanted to make your friends happy?” asked Madhav.

Sakshi became silent, feeling a little embarrassed.

“So is it wrong to share social work and charity on social media? Every one seems to be putting photos of the community service they do.” asked Swami.

Madhav replied, “I cannot comment on what others say and do. But if you believe that you are doing a selfless service then who should your focus be? The ones for whom you are doing the service or the ones on your social media friends list?”

Both Swami and Sakshi became silent, feeling a bit embarrassed, thinking on Madhav’s response.

Madhav looked at them for a few seconds and realised they were confused. 

He then said, “Bhagawan Krishna in Bhagavad Geetā says, “Do your duty without any attachment to the action or the results”.”

Both Sakshi & Swami looked at Madhav with intrigue.

Madhav continued, “Whenever you perform any action, don’t think that it is ‘YOU’ who is doing the work. That is attachment to the action itself.”

“Nor should you perform the action for some benefit. Like, I will get this result or people will praise me, etc.” Madhav continued.

Sakshi & Swami were now listening attentively.

So Madhav continued, “Selfless action is when we do not attach ourselves with the action or with the results.”

Swami asked, “So does that mean we should not have any result in mind? How can we do any work without knowing what it will deliver?”

Madhav smiled and replied, “You cannot. But Krishna does not say don’t think about result. Bhagwan instead says, don’t get attached to the result.”

Sakshi asked, “What is the difference?”

Madhav replied, “Ok for example, today’s event. We all knew we have to hand over the kits to the school kids and that’s why all the kits were ordered, cabs booked, school arranged for the kids and other things at school, etc. So clearly the result was thought about.”

Sakshi & Swami both were looking at Madhav intently.

Madhav continued, “But if we get attached to the result, which means expecting everything will go exactly as per our plan. It will be timely and done in this particular way only, etc. that will disappoint us if anything goes slightly other way.”

Sakshi & Swami were thinking over what Madhav just said.

Madhav continued, “Now as for us, if we constantly keep thinking that we will be welcomed in school in a grand way, the kids will praise us, the school staff will praise us, etc. then that is attachment with the activity for us. Our duty was to come here as representatives of the company and handover the kits and leave happy and warm memories for the kids and the staff. Not expect anything in return.”

Sakshi asked, “Yes, but how is posting on social media affecting any of this?”

“It is not directly. But it also shows your intent for participating in this activity.” replied Madhav.

Swami asked confused, “How?”

Madhav replied, “Exactly! How you share shows your intent. If you are posting these pics expecting to get lot of likes and praise, then that is your intent. But if you are sharing it more as information, then your focus would not be on your photos but about the activity and the school and sharing some stories about the school and the challenges that the kids and staff face in a village.”

Both Sakshi & Swami now understood what Madhav was indicating.

Sakshi again got busy with her phone while Swami asked, “Madhav, how do you have so much clarity? At work too, I have noticed you are always calm. You hardly ever seem to get flustered by tough situations. How do you manage this?”

Madhav smiled and replied, “I have been reading the Bhagavad Geetā since my teenage days and it has been a great guide for me in life. Everytime I am faced by any tough situation I turn to the sacred Geetā and Sri Krishna guides me out of the situation.”

Sakshi & Swami were listening with intent.

Madhav continued, “Over many years now, I have lived my life as guided by Bhagavad Geetā. And while problems are not gone, but I have learnt to deal with them with the guidance of Sri Krishna.”

Both Sakshi & Swami looked at Madhav with slight admiration for the clarity he displayed.

Soon the cabs reached office of WeServe Technologies and all the employees got down from the cab. They shared pleasantries with each other recalling their day’s experience. As Madhav started walking towards his bike after bidding farewell to all, he heard Priya asking Sakshi, “Why did you delete your story?”

Madhav smiled knowing that he had once more made a change in someone’s life. Not as the doer, but just as an instrument.