Giving Never Tasted So Sweet

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” (Albert Schweitzer)

That is why National Sewa day is so important. Not only does it bring back into consciousness the importance of making a difference to other people’s lives – but also how giving adds joy to yours. After all it has been said the fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.

Integrating with the wider community has always been at the core of my values, so doing a project with other communities and social groups is so exciting. That’s precisely why I’m backing National Sewa Day (NSD). NSD, together with events organised by its interfaith partners, will provide the mechanism by which members of the community can donate time to help those who are less fortunate. Given the economic cycle that we’re in, there is an even greater need for local communities to come together (regardless of faith or creed) to take responsibility for overcoming current challenges. It’s also important, for the sake of longer term welfare issues, that different social groups engage with each other – NOW!

This brings me on to a project I am currently involved in. A local charity, Christ Church, Brighton Road, Purley, is making an appeal for funds for a new community centre (to be known as Community Transformations Project). One of the aims of the project is to attract disenfranchised youth to the centre – to give these young people an alternative to hanging around on the streets. In order to get the message out and to encourage people to participate in the project, the convenor was looking for volunteers to host coffee mornings. I thought this aligned itself seamlessly with the objectives of National Sewa Day. So I am hosting a coffee morning on November 20th at my home – and would love people to come if they would like to meet others and learn more about the centre.

Pinky Lilani (Member – NSD Advisory Board)

Pinky Lilani is a women’s champion, motivational speaker, philanthropist and Indian cookery diva! Pinky is the Founder/ Chair of “Asian Women of Achievement Awards” and is also a Founder of the “Women of the Future Awards 2010” to be held tonight, November 9, at the London Marriott.