WORTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BIRTH
Introduction: Coined in a simple language, it straightaway conveys the message that mere birth of a person amounts to nothing and that in what way he served the society, either by a good deed or by rendering any service to mankind.
Explanation: God has created numerous species, including man. Some animals like cows, goats, dogs and cats and, similarly parrots and pigeons serve the man in different ways. This way, they are worthy of their birth, aren’t they?
When the animals and birds with only five senses make worthy of their birth, why not man who is superior by birth than these? Before one asks this question to others, one should ask oneself whether he/she had done anything useful.
It is not only the scientists alone. A great writer leaves behind an indelible high moral values; an engineer lays road and construct building in which we live, and medical practitioners invent new medicines which enable us to fight any illness and extend our lifeline. Even an uneducated donor is doing a useful thing.
The Indian population had crossed over 1.2 billion. But how many of them are worthwhile to others? If only Mahatma Gandhi had remained as an ordinary citizen and not a freedom fighter, we wouldn’t be enjoying the Independence now, would we?
Famous writer Goethe had said, “Nothing is worth more than this day.” What he meant to say was that, even if one didn’t do any good to the society so far, it does not matter. One can do anything at least today. It is to stress, “Better late than ever.”
M B Nirmal had started the Exnora as to how to keep one’s house and the environment clean. Dr. Swaminathan’s (father of Green Revolution) relentless work had helped India attain self-sufficiency in food processing. Hence rice and wheat and other agricultural crops and foods, though a bit costlier now, are available in the open market.
Well known Dr. Shantha’s (founder of cancer institute in Adyar, Chennai, India) initiative and efforts had saved many cancer affected patients from the jaws of death. By doing some kind of noble service to the society these stalwarts stand out tall like a lighthouse to the seamen. In other words, they have proved their worth.
To cite one more instant, take Mother Teresa. Her incomparable service and concern to the uncared, rejected and dejected, old and young had reduced numerous gruesome deaths. Man can invent anything but cannot produce a life. But by doing this noble service to the deserved, Mother Teresa made her birth worthy of it.
About this unique proverb, our ancient writer Seneca had rightly said, “As is a tale, so is life; not how long it is, but how good it is, what matters.”
Conclusion: shall we swear to do something good to the society, even if not as school children now at least later? If we think, we can, can’t we?