Some people believe that voluntarily contributing a few hours’ work every day for one’s society is much more satisfying than exploiting those hours in terms of some paid overtime or part-time job.

• What makes some people think so?
• Do you think such an attitude to society is of some value today?

Being able to serve others selflessly is a sublime thing in human life. This attitude makes some people forgo paid part-time or overtime job and go serving voluntarily. This mindset is of greater value in today’s material-driven life than it was ever.

There are a handful of people in any given society who are ready to forfeit paid work and embrace selfless service at least for a while. The most compelling force behind this attitude is nothing but the belief that serving the society where one is part of is a moral obligation. For example, all successful, employed or earning members of any society owe their bread and wealth to the society they live in. Unfortunately, the material-minded majority like to ignore this act of giving back. Looking around, I hardly find any other force behind this.

Undoubtedly, the world today needs great number of selfless people who can spare at least an hour everyday for their society. In these times comforts and luxuries, the world forgets the fact that the majority are deprived of many things. Though small, individual regular contribution in terms of social service can make huge differences in the lives of millions. Let me cite a small example. If the entire educated population of India are able to spare an hour for the not-so-educated, there won’t be any illiteracy and its ills at all.

In short, humans have an obligation to their surroundings. It has been there for ages, but, of late, this feeling seems dwindling. However, the most comforting thing is that there are a few who keep that fire in them. They are relevant today, I would say.

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Ajaypeesdoc. 2.10.011