Giving as a Culture

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead

If you walked in someone else’s shoes and feel what they felt, Would you treat them differently?

Humans are an inherently social species. We have thrived because we take care of one another. The only way we survive is by forming collaborative groups, by sharing what we have with others.

Most of us will agree that all human beings must have the same opportunity to succeed in life, irrespective of the circumstances they were born into. The truth, however, is that we don’t think of it often. We believe that a giving culture can change this.

But, what exactly is culture – It is a ‘way of life’, the way groups do things, the ideas, and social behaviour of a particular society. When a particular behaviour becomes our culture, it is passed on to the next generation by learning. And through generations it becomes our nature.

But, why should you be part of a giving culture?

Well, here are a few reasons that we at GiveIndia believe that giving should be a way of life:

Alleviates poverty

This is the most direct benefit of giving. It helps in alleviating poverty. One of the biggest reasons for poverty is the lack of access to a stable and upwardly mobile livelihood, affordable education, healthcare and credit facilities. Giving to the underprivileged through whatever cause that is closest to your heart helps them inch a little towards breaking the shackles of poverty.

When giving becomes a ‘way of life’ for everyone in the community, the resources that become available to the lesser fortunate in the community are manifold, giving them the opportunity they need to fight out of poverty.

Creates impact for generations

When giving becomes a habit, it is something beyond a one-time activity, it becomes a ‘way of life’. Each person puts in motion a sequence of events that influence the nation’s future. People who give to others are not just showing them that they matter. They are showing that action matters; that taking a stance matters. Doing what you can matters.

For example, you give regularly to a child’s education, you will not be educating that one child but you have set in motion the importance of education into that family. From that child onwards, all future generations of that family will be educated. And educated children are the nation’s future.

Evolve into a more aware nation

With busy lives and the constant white noise all around, we become isolated and oblivious to the world. We lose touch with the realities of people who are less fortunate than us. When giving becomes a way of life, it keeps us connected to the world around us. Once we start to give to the less fortunate, we have greater emotional awareness and this helps us to become emotionally intelligent people.

Strengthens the sense of communities

Giving encourages conversations between people from different sectors and communities. They learn in ways that people would not ordinarily have experienced. When people give they unite in the name of a common cause. This helps with strengthening communities and nation-building.

Giving makes you happy

Yes, giving is proven to make you experience an increase in your levels of wellbeing. Givers experience a boost in morale, increased feelings of happiness, greater purpose in life and naturally lower stress levels. Giving has benefits for both the giver and the recipient.

India is population rich, Indians are spread across the globe and have the willingness to create a better world. Our people are our resources and if each one of us commits to giving regularly, we will be strong enough to solve our problems. We could even be audacious enough to say that we as a community may not need any aid if we make giving a way of life.