Helping Others: The Key to True Happiness in Life

 Helping the Deprived: A Path to Divine Fulfilment and Inner Happiness

 

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

-Albert Einstein

This profound truth resonates deeply in the story of Abhimanyu Das, a 50-year-old book-binder from Cuttack, Odisha, whose extraordinary journey of compassion and resilience inspires us to rethink the way we perceive service and humanity. Abhimanyu Das, a living example of selflessness and dedication, serving as a guardian angel for the underprivileged and cancer patients at Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre and SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, finds his Happiness in alleviating the suffering of others.

His story captured national attention in 2020 when cricket legend VVS Laxman lauded his relentless efforts through a heartfelt tweet, bringing his quiet yet powerful work into the limelight. Behind this recognition lies a tale of immense personal loss, transformation, and a decision to turn adversity into a purpose.

 

In 2002, Das met with a life-altering accident that left him bedridden for eight months. During this difficult time, he experienced the kindness of strangers who donated blood to save his life. Tragically, the same period saw him lose his mother to cancer. These events marked a turning point in his life, planting the seeds for a mission that would define his future. In 2006, Abhimanyu began dedicating his life to serving cancer patients. Whether it was providing financial assistance, emotional support, or ensuring dignified cremations for the unclaimed deceased, he made it his life's mission to give where there was need. To date, he has conducted over 2,000 cremations and extended care to countless patients, embodying a level of humanity that is truly rare.

 

Abhimanyu Das’s journey teaches us a valuable lesson: when we change our thinking, we have the power to Change the world. His story reminds us that even in the face of immense personal loss and struggle, there is always an opportunity to make a difference. One small step, fuelled by empathy and a sense of purpose, can touch countless lives and inspire others to follow suit.

In a world often defined by self-interest, Abhimanyu Das stands tall as a beacon of hope, proving that true happiness lies in service to others. Let his story remind us that each of us has the potential to create ripples of change, no matter how small or unassuming our beginnings might be. In a world often preoccupied with materialistic pursuits and lofty goals, the act of helping others can seem like an afterthought, something to do when you’ve “got enough” to spare. Yet, for those who have experienced a deeper sense of fulfilment, the act of giving is not just a duty or a Choice but a divine form of worship. Helping the deprived and uplifting those who suffer from poverty, hardship, or neglect is not only a way of improving the world around us but also a means of finding inner peace and spiritual enrichment. It is an endeavor that goes beyond financial transactions—it requires passion, empathy, and a sense of interconnectedness with all of humanity.

 

The True Essence of Helping the Deprived

 

At the core of Helping others lies the understanding that service to humanity is equivalent to worshipping the divine. Many religious and philosophical traditions emphasize that serving others is a form of devotion to God or the universe. Whether through charity, social work, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need, the act of giving is seen as an expression of love and compassion. And we can’t deny that helping others is the key to true happiness in life

  

In this context, helping the deprived is not just about donating money or resources; it’s about acknowledging the sanctity of human life and the interconnectedness that binds all people. When we extend our hand to help someone in need, we are not simply offering charity—we are expressing our gratitude for the blessings we have and seeking to create a more compassionate world. This is where the act of helping becomes worship—a form of reverence that transcends the material and reaches into the spiritual realm.

 

Passion Over Money: The Heart of True Charity

 

While financial contributions are undoubtedly Important, they are not the sole or even most essential means of helping others. In fact, the act of helping requires far more than just money; it demands passion, dedication, and a willingness to invest time and energy into making a difference. Passion fuels genuine acts of kindness and empathy, transforming a simple gesture of help into a life-changing experience for both the giver and the receiver. Money can alleviate immediate hardships, but it cannot address the deeper needs of human connection, emotional support, or the sense of dignity that comes with being treated with respect. It is passion—the willingness to listen, to understand, to be present—that truly enriches the lives of those who are suffering.

Charity Begins at Home

The old adage “charity begins at home” speaks to the idea that before we can effectively help others, we must first care for the needs within our own families, communities, and inner circles. It is easy to look outward, to identify the suffering of people in far-off places, and to feel the urge to make a difference. However, true charity starts with recognizing the needs of those closest to us—our family members, friends, neighbors, and even ourselves.

 By cultivating a spirit of generosity within our homes, we establish a foundation of love, support, and care that can then extend outward into the wider community. Helping those closest to us fosters a culture of kindness that becomes ingrained in our way of being. It is through these smaller, intimate acts of giving that we learn the importance of selflessness and compassion.

Moreover, charity that begins at home is not limited to financial assistance; it includes offering emotional support, helping with chores, providing mentorship, and even listening with an open heart.

Personal Struggles and a Shift in Perspective

Sometimes, it is not until we experience a painful or life-altering incident in our life that we are able to truly empathize with the suffering of others. A loss, a hardship, or a time of personal crisis often serves as a wake-up call, a moment of awakening that shifts our perspective on the world. It is through our own struggles that we come to understand the deep emotional and psychological needs of those who suffer, especially the deprived.

Such painful experiences can help us break down the barriers of judgment and apathy. They teach us that suffering is not a sign of weakness or a result of bad choices but rather an inevitable part of the human life. When we experience suffering ourselves, we are better able to offer compassion and understanding to others who are going through similar struggles. Our personal pain, while difficult to bear, becomes a source of understanding, allowing us to reach out and help others in ways that would not be possible without it.

The Transformative Power of Helping Others

Helping others is the key to true happiness in life, it’s not just an act of generosity—it’s a source of profound personal transformation. One of life’s Beautiful paradoxes is that the more we give, the more we receive. By extending a helping hand to those in need, we awaken a reservoir of positive energy that nourishes us forever.

This energy is not just uplifting; it’s magnetic. The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in someone’s life ignites an intrinsic desire to do more. When we give, we grow. Through service, we don’t just improve the lives of others—we elevate our own, finding a deeper connection to life’s meaning and to the divine essence of compassion.

 

How to Achieve Inner Happiness in Unhappy World

In a world often overwhelmed by negativity, conflict, and despair, the pursuit of inner happiness can seem like an elusive goal. However, true happiness is not found in wealth, fame, or external achievements—it is found in the quiet, meaningful moments when we help others and connect with the deeper aspects of Life. The simple act of offering a hand to someone in need can bring a profound sense of joy and fulfilment that no material possession can provide.

 

This attitude of selflessness, of giving without expectation of return, is the key to inner happiness. It is the one thing that transcends the temporary satisfaction of worldly pleasures and provides lasting contentment. In helping the deprived, we shift our focus away from our own desires and concerns and connect with something greater—something that is rooted in compassion, love, and shared humanity.

 

Dear Readers, to conclude, I would say helping the deprived is not merely a social obligation or a moral choice; it is a spiritual calling, an act of worship that connects us to the divine and to the very essence of humanity. It requires more than just money—it demands passion, empathy, and a willingness to give of ourselves. When we help others, we create a ripple effect of compassion that spreads throughout the world. In doing so, we not only lift others out of their suffering but also find within ourselves a deep well of joy and fulfilment. This is the true source of inner happiness in an often unhappy world—a happiness that comes from the simple, powerful act of giving.