A couple of nights ago I was watching a program on BBC; it was about IDEI an Indian not-for-profit organization and the innovations they provide at the grass root level. ……KB drip (a drip irrigation solution) was being discussed as I turned on the television set and how it has revolutionised the farmer’s life, as now it allowed him a crop three times a year , hence 3 times the income ….
The farmer being interviewed was beaming with happiness as he had managed to pull himself out of debt and looked forward to a brighter future…. The chemistry between the interviewer and the farmer was evident as they both had met a few seasons ago when the farmer was deep in debt with no hope.
What was interesting was the response the farmer had for the question ….. So now you are happy with an income that’s 3 times?
The farmer responded – I am not so bothered about the income, it’s the peace of mind (“Mann Ko Shanti”) that I have, that’s a blessing.
His content look made me jealous; as I doubt if my income were to triple overnight I would be able to give the same response.
The power to be content is an art that was mastered by MKG.
I had a very interesting visitor last Friday, an old associate… he now works with one of the largest hanger manufacturing companies in the world… revenues in the millions of dollars …. Manufacturing factories in 3 continents and it all started with a small European firm in Italy that an Indian living in Africa saw potential and made a strategic investment!!!!
I enquired what else do you manufacture … the response.. Just hangers!!! Then it dawned … “Just Hangers” it’s simple it’s needed by most, its disposable … the cycle goes on … it’s such a simple product that you don’t pay attention to it.
Nothing succeeds like simplicity as Simple ideas are effective ideas….. MKG proved it over and over again … remember Salt.
It’s time we all looked through the clutter and MOVED FORWARD INTO SIMPLICITY.
The single largest annual congregation in the 21st century that was inspired by MKG is in Brazil, South America. I don’t know much about this group but am intrigued that they have stood the test of time … 6 decades and still counting
The pictures speak for themselves as they participate in the annual carnival in Bahia.
A trip to the "Sons of Gandhy" is required to attain first hand knowledge!!!!!, I have never been to Brazil and cannot think of a better reason to travel down there.
Googled a bit and have pasted a few lines from the mile wide inch thick landscape
Filhos de Gandhy (Sons of Gandhi) was formed in 1949 in Brazil, South America to promote peace and harmony. It was formed on a street Rua do Julião that runs through the poorest of neighbourhoods in Salvador. The poorest of the community were forming a Carnival group and the name “Filhos de Gandhy “was suggested by one Durval Marques da Silva as it represented the man who fought against poverty and social injustice using “Peace” as a weapon.
During the carnival in Bahia, The passing of the “Sons of Gandhi” has become a symbol of peace and dignity.
http://www.filhosdegandhy.com.br/
Joseph Deiss, President of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly, holds up a limited edition copy of “MKG – Mahatma Gandhi – Imaging Peace, Truth & Ahisma” at an event commemorating the International Day of Non-Violence. The day is observed 2 October for the birthday of non-violence pioneer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi). Pictured with Mr. Deiss are Hardeep Singh Puri (left), Permanent Representative of India to the UN, and Birad Rajaram Yajnik, the book's author.
01 October 2010 United Nations, New York
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