NO ONE LIGHTS A LAMP AND THEN HIDES IT UNDER A BASKET
Pic.: Nishtha Narryani
“You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a
lamp and put it under a basket,
but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to
all who are in the house.
"Let your light shine before men
in such a way
that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father who is in heaven.”
-
Jesus
Christ
Johnny Lever was born in a Telugu
Christian-family as John Rao. He grew up in Mumbai’s famous slums, Dharavi,
where he studied till seventh standard in a Telugu- medium school. His dad
worked as a laborer in Hindustan Lever factory; and, after dropping out of
school due to financial difficulties, John, too, joined as a laborer in Levers.
It was there, that he began to entertain his factory co-workers with his raw
talent of mimicry... And, it was there, that he was bestowed by his factory
colleagues his famous name – Johnny Lever...
The rest, as the saying
goes, is history!
Often, I talk about Johnny Lever in our
PD sessions, particularly when I encourage the young-ones to discover early
their God-given talents, believe in them... and, realize them. Invariably,
Jesus Christ’s famous words come up in the class: No one lights a lamp and then
hides it under a bushel. A lamp is supposed to be placed on a high post... It
is supposed to light the world... Through this analogy, Jesus has reminded all
of us that we all have God-given talents with in us... and, we are supposed to
discover them, realize them... and, through that, the world can see not only
our good work... but also God’s glory... “You are the light of the world!”...
This is not any casual statement!
Imagine John Rao going
about his entire life without knowing what talent God has placed in him and how
much light he could spread with it in this world!
Yes, it is important for
each and every John Rao in this world to discover the glory of Johnny Lever in
him... Else, the lamp, lit and placed in us by God, will lie hidden under the
bushel, and die out, soon, unnoticed...
The current heart-throb
of Comedy, Kapil Sharma, paid a rich tribute by inviting Johnny Lever on one of
his shows. Johnny Lever, being Johnny Lever, performed on this show a brilliant
act. This morning, Jyoti, one of my friends, had shared this YouTube video...
After watching the video, I thanked her for sharing it and promised her, that I
would be blogging on him...
And, here it is... for
Johnny Lever!
GERLAD D’CUNHA
Comments
-- Tushar Nair
------- Pravin Chug