Respected Principal, teachers and my dear young friends, good morning.
I am Aditya Pawar of Std X, and today I want to share with you the secret of true happiness.
Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam once said that the essence of a happy life and a peaceful society lies in one question: ‘What can I give?’
Think of the joy you feel when you receive a gift. It lasts a day or two. But remember the warm feeling when you shared your tiffin with a friend who had forgotten his, or helped a classmate understand a sum. That happiness stays in your heart. Dr Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji gave free education and food to thousands of children, and even at 102 he stood strong and alert; Dr Kalam said his giving was the source of his strength. On the other hand, the attitude of ‘What can I take?’ leads to greed, quarrels, corruption and the destruction of nature.
Giving does not need money. We can give our time, a smile, a kind word, our old books and toys, or help to an elderly neighbour. We can plant a tree and give back to nature.
So, friends, let us start today. Each day, ask yourself, ‘What can I give?’ You will find that the more you give, the happier you become.
Thank you.