How to Spoil Nero’s Party!

NB 1: I frequently update this page, so keep coming back!

NB 2: This writing is not a disguised attempt at preaching or self-praising. The sole aim is to evoke a couple of thoughts around helping the hapless.

How do I contribute towards a just and sustainable world?

Misc:

• Save your maid/watchman from the massive interest rates charged by the private money lenders by offering a zero % loan i.e. some advance.
• Donate blood regularly and organs, esp. eyes, after death. Organize blood/eye camps in your office and housing colony [NGOs like Sankalp & Prabha make your job short & easy].

Befriend the environment: Specifics

Curb corruption:

• No bribes taken or given – for passport, pension and all other walks [e.g., pay 200 Rs more to the traffic policeman, but take the receipt].
• Take receipts for all govt services too [bus tickets, for instance], even if it costs a tad extra, so that the money goes to the govt [which uses at least a part of its funds for development], NOT to corrupt losers.
• Pay your taxes honestly.

Rotation of money – Don’t make the rich richer:

• Buy from small/local vendors (including footpath-bound sellers) – rather than corporate chains/super markets – and route a much greater % of your spending to the poor. This encompasses the full gamut – from vegetables/groceries to cloths/furniture {Exception: The locally sold stuff that ain’t energy-efficient}.
• Shopping (say cloths) from a modest place may sound like a compromise in durability/quality. But, with no brand-name cost, the value for money is often higher. More crucially, you support someone’s means of survival.

Celebrations Redefined:

• A special occasion like marriage, anniversary or house-inauguration calls for a special contribution (time/money) towards a social cause.
• Keep a donation box/counter at social functions/gatherings and urge the invitees to chip in. You could also put NGO products on sale there.
• Mark/celebrate special days by getting trees planted in 500 Rs each.
• Distribute utilities – blankets, umbrellas, notebooks, fruits – in huts, govt hospitals or orphanages [Don't indulge them in nutrition-less things such as cakes & cold drinks, which they can't readily avail later on].

Support NGOs, with your time and money:

• Maintain a (virtual) charity account wherein you add a fixed amount monthly. Here’s a set of genuine groups I know. Donations via net-banking are feasible for most of them.
• Spare time every week(end) for teaching disadvantaged kids, spreading health awareness, assisting disabled/old people, preparing (creative) educational content [from home] for an NGO, etc. [An elaborate list]
• Volunteer with (or start) your company’s philanthropy/CSR wing. One of the many possible activities: Improve the infrastructure of govt schools.
• Buy and market the products of NGOs (like Ananya), made by orphans, AIDS patients, slum women & rural artisans, including cards, diyas, candles & cloths. Invite them to set up stalls in your office canteen/social functions (as a few friends did for their weddings/engagements).
• Donate to an NGO in your friend’s name and send the receipt as a gift for her/his b’day/anniversary/marriage. L1 & L2 are neat, reliable ways.

Take a stand - Fight wrongs around you:

• Suppress any child/woman abuse around you (by reporting to the police or an NGO).
• Don’t tolerate inhumane treatment of tea vendors, maids and watchmen by the so-called white collar chaps.

Spread the word:

• Get your family/friends/acquaintances to join you in doing these.

The best way:

• Serve as a politician/IAS officer with integrity & efficiency, or become a dedicated, (near) full-time change agent, engaging with the rural poor.

PS: Here are a few personal updates, some of which could give practical insights into (many of) the aforesaid points.