What John Allsopp Saw…{Thanks}

On my recent post on “What do you see?” John Allsopp gave a wonderful feedback. By no means I can less agree with this comments. Thank you so much John for those wonderful words. John,this post of near to my heart and now with your comments you have given it a new dimension. Hence I would like to share with the readers (though limited) of my blog.

John’s Comment:-

Shiraz,
a moving and confronting post -just as the image is moving and confronting.

It might sound self indulgent, or cliched, but when I see that child, I see my daughter. She has similar big beautiful eyes. So physically, she reminds me of my child. Bit more than that, I think any parent, especially those with similar aged children, will see at least something of their child in that image.

But the greater challenge is what to do in the face of that?

I think the tradition of "charity", as noble as it is, is merely a band-aid. It maintains the status quo, alleviating some of the worst of human suffering (but only some, and often only the photogenic) - but for whose benefits, those who need the help, or those of us who feel bad about the suffering.

But I'd say we need systemic change. Investment, like micro-financing, and the transfer of skills and expertise which are as much or more a part of privilege than wealth.

I also wonder whether the likes of Tata, with their much more affordable housing might bring about structural change in many indian (and elsewhere) cities?

There's no doubt china has lifted enormous numbers of people out of incredible poverty in the last 50 years. Many many remain there of course, hidden from view, as we see the "economic miracle" of the growth of urban China. The same transformation has taken place in many other parts of the world over the last several centuries, and decades. Afterall, much of western europe was a place of benighted serfdom 200 years ago, and in many cases much more recently. Urban Britain of the middle 19th Century would have seen sites like this child. So it is more than possible for these transformations to occur.

But how? I guess that will play out step by step. And quite possibly unlike in China, from the bottom up. I very much hope so at least.

This shows the power of “Us” and if we or us can join hands, of course not only to showcase to the world but actually to do something in our own ways, through our own means, through our own style…..to help others and make (maybe) a small difference in someone's life. It could be as easy as giving a smile to a kid on the road.

Of course I am waiting for my next big car, my next big jump, my next big something…..is that what I will remember on my dead bed. I am sure about it….a big NO. I will only remember a ride on a rickshaw with my love on a rainy day from a small streets of Vrindavan, I will remember of those people whom I just wanted to say Sorry, I will remember people who gave me hope & love, or even I may also remember a movie that I missed.:)

Just like most of people on their dead bed I will never think that could I have spent more time in office or making the next big bug, but I will think could I have spent more time with people I loved and wish to meet in the next life.

I am sure I might be sounding a little intuitive but I guess that could be an effect of leaving of the airports. But this is not what I think, this is what I believe.

“Help others to help yourself”……have and make a Happy Day!