The world of Tzu Chi March 2021 (Vol.132)

TZU CHI 132 45 blessings from Tzu Chi and kind people across the world. Volunteers also read out Master Cheng Yen’s letter in English and Marathi, the local language, so that everyone could understand it. The ABM members were deeply moved by the Master’s blessings. “I am honoured to translate the letter of Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi’s founder, into the local language. I have read each word more than a hundred times. They reflect what every person in the world should awaken to.” ABM founder, Sitaram Gaikwad, said he was born into a low Hindu caste. Sixty-four years ago, he and his mother were begging in a village when someone suddenly said to his mother, “You are not a Dalit, you are a Buddhist now. Don’t beg anymore.” After converting to Buddhism, Gaikwad learned to be self-reliant and adopted a renewed outlook on life. No longer viewing himself as a Dalit, he strived to break the shackles of the caste system and became a reputable figure. In 1984, he founded ABM, whose members uphold and spread the philosophy of Dr. Ambedkar. With the slogan that one can do a good deed even by donating 5 rupees (no more than 30 sen in Malaysian ringgit), little by little, they accumulate the kindness of society and use it to carry out charity work in the areas of culture and education to help women, children and disadvantaged groups. “Tzu Chi has brought us even greater improvements, transforming those who used to beg into people who can reach out to thousands of needy families.” Gaikwad’s insight illustrates a journey from “being saved by others” to “saving oneself”, and finally, to “saving others”. In Bodh Gaya and Varanasi in Northern India, 3,500 poor, migrant and disadvantaged families converged at a Buddhist temple to receive material assistance supplied by Tzu Chi.