Rex
Ideas For Action Conclive: A Galaxy Of Extraordinary Change Makers
This
blog cannot capture the extraordinary contributions being made by
so-called ordinary people spread far, wide and deep in Indian
society. They are the unsung heroes who are holding this nation
together. It is their silent contribution that is providing harmony
to a nation torn between various discordant forces. It was a
privilege that I participated in the conclive and rubbed shoulders
with what I call doyens of the `Contribution Industry`. That I got an
opportunity to share space and stage with such purpose-driven people
was reward itself. Though a huge personal moment, but in the overall
contribution space of humanity, my receiving an award in recogntion
of my work in the field of Reiki was the least important one in the
conclive.
The
mind and heart are still coming to terms with the extraordinary
experience of having attended the Rex Ideas For Action Conclive,
organsied in New Delhi from February 26-28, 2014 by iCONGO
(International Confederation Of NGOs). Every moment spent at the
conclive listening to extraordinary speeches is worth cherishing for
a lifetime, though you know that what you witnessed was just the tip
of the iceberg in terms of the kind of humane work that is taking
place all aorund the world.
The
speeches were not extraordinary because they were great examples of
public speaking. They were extraordinary because the people who
delivered it were doing far more than what they were saying. Over
fifiy speeches spanning varied age groups simply created an energy
and aura which comes only from the strongest of intent to do good to
people. The audience did not evaluate the speaker, they simply
watched dumbstruck at the contents of their work.
Just
sample this. A gentleman by the name Mr Ravi Kalra shared how one day
he was moved by seeing a dog and a human eating from the same garbage
and decided to do something about it. And something he does! He picks
up abandoned people from the streets in Delhi and nurses them at his
The Earth Saviours Foundation home. He lets them die in his arms and
provides them with dignity in death.
There
was another speaker Deepa Malik, who is an Arjuna awardee and a
swimmer. But that is not the whole story. She is a swimmer,
biker and athlete despite being a paraplegic. She is paralyzed from
waist down. Listening to her speak at the conclive was awe inspiring.
Then
there was also Amala Akkineni, a celebrity film actress, who carried
herself as just another volunteer. Her passion – to give dignity to
animal rights.
There
was another another speaker Mr Sunil Jain, a successful chartered
accountant tied to a wheel chair due to polio affliction early in
life. He spoke about how we cannot rid of our problems, and therefore
the best way was to embrace a problem and dedicate our life for a
cause. Surely, we found people who had dedicated their lives to a
problem: rural development, senior citizens' welfare, women
empowerment, etc, etc, etc.
This
blog cannot capture the extraordinary contributions being made by
so-called ordinary people spread far, wide and deep in Indian
society. They are the unsung heroes who are holding this nation
together. It is their silent contribution that is providing harmony
to a nation torn between various discordant forces. It was a
privilege that I participated in the conclive and rubbed shoulders
with what I call doyens of the `Contribution Industry`. That I got an
opportunity to share space and stage with such purpose-driven people
was reward itself. Though a huge personal moment, but in the overall
contribution space of humanity, my receiving an award in recogntion
of my work in the field of Reiki was the least important one in the
conclive.
I
returned from the conclive humbler, more committed and empowered to
continue to do the good work. For sure, a lifetime won't be enough to
accomplish the humungous change that our fellow humans and fellow
creatures deserve.
