By Rita Thapa
During heightened civil war in Nepal, I went to visit an abandoned village burned to ashes by the Maoists (for the government had armed local civilians to retaliate with the Maoists). The lurking smell of death was strong enough to keep neighbours at bay even on the 13th day I arrived there. The remaining grief stricken and fearful villagers ate early and went off to sleep with nearby communities in fear of another attack. We arrived at dusk and needed to eat and sleep for the night. A family preparing to leave that evening chose to stay back and cook for us. They fed us with great hospitality and gave us shelter. Today how many of us can overcome personal trauma and grief, and risk our own lives to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of strangers who knock on our doors? I have witnessed and seen more philanthropic acts closer to the grounds than those, which are thus labeled.
Today I find the merging of the “word” with the “act” difficult. What is conceptually understood and learnt as “philanthropy“ today is studied, analyzed, and talked to death. It stands cold and blue. An act such as above, of spontaneous gifting (cash or kind) and nurturing does not weigh or calculate. When a need is perceived or felt it is for those who can, to meet that need – an act where both are fulfilled and replenished.
Today rarely do I feel that philanthropy has its ear on the ground. I yearn for seeing eyes, the listening ear, and that palpable heart that can feel and meet all true needs. Never then would the world be crying for justice and peace – may be!
Rita was the founder and director (until 2009) of Nagarik Aawaz, an initiative for conflict transformation and peace building in Nepal, where she previously founded and led Tewa – Nepal Women’s Fund.