Happiness versus sadness

“If you cannot be a pencil to write someone’s happiness, then try to be a nice eraser to remove their sadness. “

I loved the above quote, which I received, in one of my morning messages today. If you smile at someone, you are likely to get a smile back. If you frown at someone, you may receive a frown back. If we have a choice between being negative and positive in life, why do we need to choose to be negative.

If we cannot spread happiness, let us attempt, to at least ,reduce sadness. I would prefer to be positive and be a pencil to write someone’s happiness. But, if we sometimes do not have the opportunity to do so, we can at least be the eraser ,to remove someone else’s sadness.

During the Covid, one of my ex colleagues approached me and asked if I could volunteer for a noble cause. I readily accepted to be a volunteer, since we all were tied up inside our home ,for reasons beyond our control.

The cause she wanted me to volunteer, was to assist individuals and families ,adversely impacted by the dreaded pandemic and who have lost a near or dear one. The assignment was to write “letters of hope” to help families ,get over their loss.

I did not realise the impact I could make ,with these simple letters of love. The impacted individuals and families, also had an option to talk to us, if they so desired. It was an exercise, which made me realise ,how privileged we are ,in every day life.

Every letter I wrote made me cry. It made me realise ,how a loss of parent, sister, brother, spouse or children ,would impact a family. I had to infuse hope through my letters and this gave me satisfaction ,that I could do something ,to the impacted families.

Life presents us with opportunities every day ,to be positive and spread happiness. If sometimes, we are not able to do so, due to our own limitations or due to the environment around us, we could attempt to erase the sadness in others’ lives, which can make them feel better.

If you make someone happy, you become happy, If you spread hatred or sadness, you end up feeling sad. Why choose an option ,which is going to make you worse. Isn’t it better to spread happiness and feel better.

I have met people ,from both categories ,in my life. The people, who spread happiness may not be rich or well to do. But, they invariably have a big heart and are willing to invest their time. We need to realise, that wealth may not make us happy ,necessarily. But spreading happiness ,will invariably make us happy.

We can practise this simple thing, in our every day life. We can start within our families and then spread happiness ,in the organisations we work and the communities ,we live in. I used to share a positive news every morning to all the walkers in my community ,during the covid period. If we cannot do such things, we can visit a friend or relative in distress, be with them, listen to their plight and provide them moral support ,in the best ways we can.

Let us spread happiness and erase sadness, in other people’s lives ,from today.

S Ramesh Shankar

11th Aug 2025

Apathy ???

I have always wondered why individuals and organisations show an apathetic attitude. According to Oxford dictionary, “Apathy” is a noun meaning – “ an absence of emotion, interest or enthusiasm ,about things in general or a specific subject”.

I was recently having a chat, with one of the best young talents, I have worked with ,in my life. She works in a reputed organisation, I once worked in. I always had this habit of calling some of the young talents and have some rich conversations with them. This kept me updated of how things are going in the organisation and also helped me understand their expectations from the organisation ,for their own personal growth and development.

But, this time ,I was shocked ,to say the least. This young talent, who was on personal leave ,shocked me by her statements. She said, if you have the interest to talk to me, why do people within the organisation including my managers and senior managers, do not do the same. She was on a vacation when I called and told me, she was contemplating to leave the organisation ,after she returned.

I tried my best to persuade her ,to reconsider her view and consider looking at so many opportunities within the organisation ,if she wanted a change of role. She replied that she was aware ,that the organisation had multiple opportunities and if she requested she could get any of them. But, her decision ,was based on a much deeper hurt. She said, today – “nobody cares” and there is an apathetic attitude ,towards employees in the organisation.

I would give my right hand ,to retain such an invaluable talent. But what she said, made me reflect. Is this attitude not only restricted to organisations but all pervasive in the society today. We are not aware ,if someone in our neighbourhood ,has died. We drive past a tragic road accident ,when we could have stopped and saved a life, by shifting the injured to a nearby hospital.

I do agree that life has become hectic and we do not have time to breathe ,in a very competitive world around us. But, does this mean, that we lose our basic human values. I recently heard of someone, not being aware of a neighbour’s death, who worked with him and lived in the same street, a few houses away.

I have heard of families where the mother or father ,is suffering from cancer and is hospitalised and the well to do children, do not have the time to visit them since they are busy with their careers in India or abroad. They send money and do video calls ,to take care of their ailing parents, when the least they could do is to be with them ,during their hour of crisis.

I feel this apathetic attitude towards others ,will make us an animalistic society. The only difference between humans and other living being, is that ,we have emotions and can express them . If we fail to do this basic human act, can we call ourselves humans. We need to be around, listen to people and express our emotions in words and deeds.

Let us resolve to eliminate apathy ,from the places we can influence, from today.

S Ramesh Shankar

11th Aug 2025

Life & travel

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– Saint Augustine

This was a quote ,written on the walls of an airport and it is quite insightful. I fully endorse this view. One of the best ways of education for adults and children alike ,is travel around India and the world. The learning through these travels, are more valuable than any book can teach us.

I love travelling any way and like to drive or go by train, bus or a plane. Every travel both within my own beautiful country or outside, has taught me something. Every single time, I meet people from different cultures and observe different things around me ,and learn from it.

If you travel by road, you stop at unknown places for a coffee and meet interesting people from the local community. They can teach you important life lessons ,of service and hospitality. I remember a recent travel, when a lady told me, while sitting in a rickshaw ,that with love, you can get anything done in life.

It could be these simple interactions, which transform your life. This observation was based on a simple human act ,of the auto rickshaw driver to a passenger ,but it is etched in my mind forever. I will always remember that with love, you can get anything done in life.

I remember another travel to Kashmir ,long time back. It was the time when terrorists were on the rampage in the valley. A taxi driver, who was taking us around ,told us ,how most people are human and loveable but a few unkind terrorist spoil the social fabric. He further emphasised the value of unity in diversity.

Another interesting aspect of travelling, especially by train ,is that you end up meeting interesting people from different walks of life and they can share their knowledge and wisdom with you ,during the journey, through your conversations with them.

When you travel to countries outside India, you end up learning interesting aspects of different cultures and their behaviour. I recall my visit to Japan, where the common people -interactions teach you about how one can be courteous ,in every aspect of life.

My visit to many European countries have taught me, how to protect and preserve our heritage. They not only preserve them but are proud of retaining their beauty and sanctity. They make you realise how much history and heritage ,can teach us in life.

I was recently travelling to Delhi with a friend, to conduct a workshop and this friend shared this beautiful quote, written on the walls of an airport and it excited me to write about it.

If you have not yet travelled around India or the world, just try to visit a place you have never been to before, with an open mind. You will realise ,that you learn more than any other experience, you have had in life ,so far.

Life is a journey and travel is a book,which teaches you through the pages of this book.

S Ramesh Shankar

15th Aug 2025