It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa.
It was by accident that I became aware of Operation Smile India. A friend casually mentioned how he was helping in bringing smiles to innocent faces. We saw the good work they were doing and I and two of my friends decided to lend our support. Anupam informed me about plans for the Kolkata mission and also informed me that they were short of sponsors for 60 children out of 100 surgeries that were planned. I spoke to my friends and we decided to sponsor 60 children for the Kolkata mission.
I decided to go a step further and volunteered for the Kolkata mission. And I am glad that I did. I was involved in the medical records and screening process. It was such a joy to see the faces of expectant parents as they walked in with their children. And the elation when they were informed that their child was selected.
And their exhilaration as they beheld their child after the surgery. It is difficult for us to imagine the transformation this simple surgery brings to their lives. For us it is only a visual thing but in their case it is a life changing event.
I have been highly impressed by what I saw. The dedication of all the persons involved and the way the whole mission was organized has been exemplary. We will continue supporting Operation Smile India. And, YES, I will volunteer again. As Gandhiji said:“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”