In every society there are destitutes, under- privileged and the less fortunate, but the problem is obviously more pronounced in poor and developing countries where governments are struggling to cope with socio-economic development and a scarcity or very limited resources.
Of course there are many factors which contribute to societies having destitute and less fortunate persons and these include natural disasters, wars, criminality, poor social safety nets and not least the inequalities in the distribution of wealth.
Therefore, there are growing armies of destitute, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Consequently, there is an increasing need for charitable and humanitarian work throughout the world.
And indeed there are many organisations across the globe, which are engaged in laudable humanitarian work. Many individuals too have dedicated themselves towards humanitarian work and, on this note, the late iconic Mother Theresa stands out, perhaps, as the greatest humanitarian worker of all times.
Two of her famous quotes demonstrate her passion and devotion to the cause of the needy:
“I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn’t touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God.”
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
In our country there have also been many organisations and individuals involved in humanitarian work and their dedicated and selfless service should be recognised and appreciated by everyone, as such work cannot be measured or quantified in any material way. They are simply immeasurable.
In recent years, New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission (NJASHM), headed by Pandit Suresh Sugrim, has been doing a phenomenal job with respect to humanitarian work across Guyana.
A few days ago, the government granted a lease to NJASHM for the construction of a benevolent home at Babu John in Port Mourant, Berbice to cater to the needs of the vulnerable in society.
This is a project which Pandit Sugrim and his organisation have been pursuing enthusiastically and passionately. However, it was delayed because of the “red tape” inherent in our system.
Nevertheless, the granting of the lease demonstrates the willingness of the government to work in partnership with the humanitarian community to bring relief to the vulnerable within our society.
But Pandit Sugrim made a poignant observation: “We no longer believe in handouts, because these are only temporary; the only way that we can break this vicious cycle is through education; and for those individuals who are ready to be educated, the organisation stands ready to help them.”
He also expressed the hope for stronger collaboration between the organisation and government, as he believes that, collectively, much more can be accomplished as it relates to serving the less fortunate.
Pandit Sugrim is perfectly right when he exhorted that humanitarian work should not be just about handouts, but rather about empowering the less fortunate which is in accordance with the ancient Chinese adage: “Do not give a man fish, teach him how to catch it.”
It is hoped that this laudable project would successfully fructify and bring tremendous help to the needy, especially in Region Six.