The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

TZU CHI 126 31 Fulfilling her late husband’s wish Pakiam was woken up by the 5 a.m. drizzle on August 16, 2020. Putting her palms together, she prayed. It was Tzu Chi’s recycling day and the rain had made outdoor recycling work harder for her. However, she recalled Master Cheng Yen’s saying of “nothing is impossible to a willing heart” and decided to report for duty on time. “Pakiam, over here…” Just as she was leaving, Sheela a/p Aruanmugam caught her in time to inform her of the change in the location of the recycling point due to the rain. As it was still raining at 8 a.m., Pakiam and Sheela did their recycling work under the stairs while chatting about their families and the activities at Tzu Chi. Sheela broke into tears when she recalled the state of the recycling point seven years ago. “There were many participants initially, but the numbers declined gradually, including my husband as he is no longer here anymore…” Pakiam comforted her, “It’s all in the past, be strong. Don’t forget that you still have us!” Living in the same area does not mean everyone knows each other, but Tzu Chi helped turn strangers into Sheela’s greatest source of support when she was going through the grief of losing her husband. Sheela’s husband, Shasgaran a/l Mariyappan became a volunteer since the recycling point was started. Despite his busy schedule, he always allocated time to help on recycling day and joined other Tzu Chi activities. In 2018, Shasgaran suffered a stroke and was paralysed and bedridden. Sheela was panic- stricken as he was the sole breadwinner of the family. Luckily, Tzu Chi volunteers alleviated Sheela’s burden by providing financial aid as well as bringing Shasgaran to the clinic. Sadly, he eventually succumbed to his illness and passed away. “I was devastated after he passed away and became guarded towards others. Luckily, the volunteers never gave up on me. I opened up gradually and came out of my grief. As my husband liked doing Tzu Chi’s work, I participated more actively so I could transfer the merits to him.” Sheela was emotionally overwhelmed when she recalled the past. Recycling was Shasgaran’s favourite activity, so Sheela was very involved in it. She said, “Since the recycling point was initiated, the amount of garbage has reduced. My biggest hope is for all residents to join in the recycling movement to create a better living environment.” Letchumy is Pakiam’s daughter. She became interested in the recycling work too after seeing her mother become healthier and happier after getting involved in recycling. Pakiam fully supported her daughter’s wish. Letchumy felt the warmth of the volunteers who treated everyone like family, taking care of and encouraging each other. She said frankly, “I’ve not joined the recycling work for long but I know it helps others. Tzu Chi subsidized my children’s education before, so if I can repay the kindness and protect the Earth too, why not?” The start of the recycling movement at PPR Padang Jawa in 2013 raised awareness among residents, for the need to improve the environment. It also attracted several residents to be part of the Tzu Chi family. Meanwhile, the Indian volunteers gained knowledge in recycling, but more importantly, they realized their blessings that despite being in poverty, they were able to give. Tzu Chi’s Three Decades of Recycling