Gerald D'Cunha

  “We must adjust to changing times, and still hold steadfast to unchanging principles.” Jimmy Carter   P urpose in life keeps us productive, useful… Should I say ‘Youthful’, too? We just have to look at former American President Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy… He passed away, at 100, just two weeks ago. Barring a couple of years before that century-long life, he lived with a clear purpose through ‘Habitat for Humanity’, in which, he and his wife Rosalynn had involved immediately after his four-year-term was over as 39 th   President of America. Leading from the front, for close to forty-five years, since then, the Carters inspired countless volunteers to build thousands of affordable houses, both, inside and outside America… President Carter, through these years, survived brain cancer, a hip surgery, multiple stiches around his wounded eye and many other challenges. What has been endearing was the childlike enthusiasm and steadfast faith he and his wife exud...

  “You must not lean on a tree on Sabbath; if the tree might be dependent on you for support.” Ovadia Yosef I f Sunday is ‘Sabbath’ – the day of rest and prayers -   here in India and many other parts of the world, it’s Friday in many Arab counties… and, it’s not so in Israel, the land of Moses, where the concept of ‘Sabbath’ was first introduced… For the Jews, Sabbath starts at Friday sunset and ends at Saturday sundown… I think, whether Arabs and Jews are endlessly are at war with one another, and whether how a day of Sabbath - or the ‘Lord’s Day’ -   is observed is not at all important. To me, it has nothing to do with God. For, He will never ever ask whether or not we keep your tools down and rest on a Sunday or a Friday or any other day. What difference does it make to God… as long as we have rested, reflected, rejuvenated – sharpened the saw as Stephen Covey said? Yes, why fuss about - which day is ‘Sabbath’? W hen most of us rest, there are so many around...

  “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Shephen R. Covey   A 16-year-old girl has, many times, told me politely, but firmly, “Sir, I cannot connect online at 7.30 p.m.” Initially, being her ‘hallowed’ teacher, I remember asking her with irritation (call it arrogance of a teacher, if you like), “Why you can’t – May I know the reason, madam?” “That’s our dinner time at home, Sir,” the girl has made it very clear to me… Well, I have learnt to swallow my pride and respect that ‘space’, and explored other timings to connect with this young girl (My young teacher!)… F or last two weeks, I have been accompanying my wife to Hinduja Hospital for a root-canal procedure. Earlier, some of the private dental-professionals had suggested extraction. For that, her sugar had to be brought under control, else it would lead to complications. Considering this factor, we chose a reputed multi-facility hospital for this procedure. ...

“Man is a complex being: he makes deserts bloom - and lakes die.” Gil Scott-Heron   A small piece of agricultural land had come to me after our dad’s death. It was about 35 years ago. The land was used by my grandfather, later by my dad, to cultivate rice (paddy). A highway passed along its side, and the land did not seem profitable at all considering the deserted surroundings and low area which was prone to flooding. By then, I had migrated to Bombay (now Mumbai) in search of better prospects, assuming, that there was where gold grew, not paddy. So, when I needed some money to set up my small coaching centre, here in Bombay, I asked my widowed mom to dispose off my piece of land… Which, mom did, and sent to me the proceeds: Rs. 2,70,000! It was a ransom to one who badly needed it, at that time… Then, I simply forgot about what was once ‘my piece of land’… A simple man, a mechanic, was the new owner of that land, now. He erected a temporary tin-shed and ran his worksho...

  “If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have less, give of your heart.” Anonymous   O n the New-year day, I had called to wish one of my elderly relatives. This woman had struggled hard all her life and given her children quite a cushioned life… In the process, she hadn’t kept anything for her old age or medical issues. For past few years, her health has been waning and making her fully dependent – financially as well as physically – on her married children. During my conversation with this woman, she mentioned about one of her nieces, who is in her mid-sixties. “Gerry, she had called me yesterday and told me, that she had been very sick and nobody was     helping her. I feel bad… Her dad had helped me when I was young and struggling… I want to help her financially. But, you know my situation… I can’t take any decision on my own… I am completely dependent on my children… I am scared to ask them to do anything in this respect.” I heard out my elde...

  “Running a marathon with a backpack is tough and may hinder you from winning the race. Don’t let the baggage of your past   - heavy with fear, guilt and anger – slow you down.” Maddy Malhotra   T here is a couple I know. They are in their mid-seventies. Everyone who knows them says, that they never fight, never even argue… The husband, particularly. Well, because several people say that, including the grown-up children of this couple, I have to swallow my doubt about it. I am compelled to believe, that there is a sizable number of humans on this planet, who behave gently even when things don’t go right in their lives… I said, “When things don’t go right in their lives”… Didn’t I? When things go right – when we are not challenged – it’s easy for all of us to behave gently – speak gently and act gently… That’s easy. But, when our chips are down – when things don’t go the   way we want them to – yes, that’s when our character is tested… Remember the ...