Gratitude

 Gratitude is a virtue that holds immense importance in our lives. It is a theme very close to my heart

In the film “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke,” there is a poignant scene where Juhi Chawla's character advises the children to express thanks and appreciate their "Mama" (Amir) whenever he brings gifts. Despite their high expectations, the children often failed to show gratitude. Conversely, they expected appreciation for the smallest things they did for their "Didi" (Juhi). The message is loud and clear: gratitude should be reciprocal and heartfelt. This notion is timeless and can be seen in ancient epics like the Mahabharata. Consider the story of Karna, who despite being wronged multiple times, remained loyal and grateful to Duryodhana. Karna's unwavering gratitude towards Duryodhana, who accepted him when others shunned him, exemplifies the depth and strength of true gratitude. Yesterday, a heartwarming incident reminded me of the significance of gratitude. A seven-year-old boy from our society approached me and said, "Thank you, uncle, for getting our swings repaired." Such a simple yet genuine expression of gratitude from a young child was incredibly touching. Similarly, last week, when we returned from Europe, we ordered a few provisions from Blinkit. The delivery was swift, and within minutes, the delivery boy rang our bell again to express his thanks for the online tip we had given him. What a pleasant gesture! These incidents make me reflect on how many of us in the corporate sector exhibit such beautiful traits. Often, we forget the good deeds someone has done for us once they step down, not realizing that ingratitude could come back to us. It's disheartening to see that many times we refuse to acknowledge the person or even take their call, let alone express gratitude. Arrogance and selfishness overshadow our ability to appreciate others. In the Mahabharata, another powerful example of gratitude is seen in the relationship between Krishna and Draupadi. When Draupadi was humiliated in the Kaurava court, it was Krishna who came to her aid, ensuring her dignity was protected. This act of divine intervention was a reciprocation of Draupadi's earlier gesture of tying a strip of her saree on Krishna’s bleeding finger. Krishna’s gratitude towards Draupadi's selfless act highlights the importance of acknowledging and repaying kindness. In families, too, uncles (Chacha-Mama) often play significant roles in the upbringing of children. However, how many of us remember their contributions when we achieve power or wealth? Expression of gratitude brings inner happiness and fosters positive relationships, whether it's towards your staff, servants, clients, vendors, or even nature. Remember the movie “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” where the protagonist, played by Sanjay Dutt, hugs the hospital cleaner and tells him he is the most important person because he helps in the quick recovery of patients. What a wonderful gesture!