The world of Tzu Chi December 2023 (Vol.148)

22 2023 • 12 years of assistance. She also brought a bamboo bank filled with coins, and while pouring them into the receiving urn, she whispered, “(These are saved) bit by bit. Though not much, I hope they could help others in need.” Born with polio and suffering from severe stomach ulcers, Rajaswari cannot stand or sit for extended periods, making it challenging to secure steady employment. After the demise of her adoptive father, who was a doctor, she found herself living in loneliness. In 2009, during a visit to Rajaswari’s neighbour, Tzu Chi volunteers serendipitously discovered her need for assistance. Since then, she and Tzu Chi have shared a bond, with Tzu Chi feeling like her home and the volunteers her family. Once, she even declined an offer from a government official to help her apply for government housing in another area, tearfully stating, “Only Tzu Chi has helped me, transporting me to and from the hospital. I am deeply grateful to Tzu Chi, and I do not want to leave them.” Despite the presence of those willing to help, Rajaswari keenly understood the persistent challenges of poverty. Hence, she learned to make murukku and ventured into selling them. Coupled with government subsidies, she voluntarily requested Tzu Chi to cease assistance, choosing to be self-reliant. Nevertheless, volunteers continue to take her for her monthly hospital visits. On this very day of Deepavali distribution, Rajaswari tightly grasped the hands of volunteers who have cared for her, and warmly embraced them. Tears welled up in her eyes; words could not adequately convey her gratitude to the volunteers. When the unfortunate cannot find help, those who are blessed can step in to alleviate their suffering and bring forth joy. Let us all embody the spirit of generosity and be ever ready to light up a lamp for those in darkness, illuminating both their lives and ours. A mindset change turns life around As Karrnanithi listened to the life stories of another two care recipients – one who lost his sight due to diabetes, and the other who grappled with the loss of her husband and child – he observed that they shared a common outcome: discovering hope through Tzu Chi and undergoing transformative journeys, all thanks to the love from the volunteers. Manimagalai expressed emotionally, “Tzu Chi volunteers are the greatest force behind us, and it is this force that has enabled us to stand up. Now, we no longer worry, feel anxious or lonely.” Karrnanithi nodded in agreement. He wished he could also be a motivating force to others in need. He believed that helping others not only brings happiness but also enriches one’s inner self. Care recipient Ganesan a/l Ratha Krishnan was also moved by those life stories. From others’ hardships, he learned to count his blessings and discovered inner strength. At 46 years old, he has been living alone since his wife’s demise. A road accident in last August left him with a leg injury, requiring him to use crutches and depend on Tzu Chi’s assistance to get by temporarily. He said, “There are many others in more challenging situations. We just need to be grateful for what we have. Also, do not stay put when we fall. Instead, try to get up promptly, especially when there are helping hands reaching out ahead.” As he lit a lamp, Ganesan prayed for an end to wars; he was unable to bear seeing the loss of so many children’s lives. He expressed a heartfelt wish that, in the future, he could proudly don the Tzu Chi volunteer uniform and selflessly contribute to helping others. A gesture of gratitude A 70-year-old Rajaswari a/p Pitchai arrived in a wheelchair. She brought a canister of murukku that she made as a gesture of gratitude to volunteer Ho Wing Hong for his