Measure of Love
by Anjana Bora
Can we measure love? Yes, we can measure love. Sentiments and words can mean very little when it comes to expressing love. The only language love truly speaks is actions. It is” love packed with action” that can be measured and hence treasured by the one who receives it. Or else love is but an empty word. Love and compassion bind us in common humanity, crossing boundaries and barriers, relentless of language, race, religion and color.
Love is not a noun. Feeling, thinking, crying, or laughing cannot express love. Action alone can express love. Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me? Then he said, ‘Feed my sheep’. Do is the key word here. Do is action. And love is sacrifice. Without pain or sacrifice, there is absolutely no love in action And all the above connotations run true in the lives of Uttam Terron and Dhaujee Kelly, two extraordinary individuals, from two extreme corners of the world brought together as if by some divine intervention, intertwined in the common thread of love, sacrifice, and compassion for underprivileged children in a remote village called Pamohi in the North east state of Assam, India.Like many upcoming young men, Uttam Terron grew up in humble beginnings, but had great dreams, not for himself, but for the betterment of his community. He dreamt of building a school for the underprivileged children of his village, bringing education into their lives, giving them structure , create discipline and bring some normalcy in their otherwise vacant lives.With land donated by his loving father, and with great perseverance and focus, Uttam Terron ‘s dream materialized in the birth of Parijat Academy, an institution that has risen as a symbol of hope, a solid foundation upon which precious little lives are thriving in the glory of knowledge, love , freedom and joy.
Today, this institution of love and light has immensely brightened the lives of dozens of less fortunate children across the little village. This little miracle of an institution has touched the lives of many people from India and abroad who heard about it and had the opportunity to visit it, only to come back humbled, touched and impressed. One such person is Dhaujee Kelly from Baltimore, Maryland USA, a 19 year old student studying psychology and sociology at Bowdoin college in Brunswick, Maine. She believes in giving back to those in need and the best way to do so she says is to take part in their lives and to understand the struggles they go through. While searching the Web for a place to volunteer during the summer of 2009 she came across the web page of Parijat Academy. Located in a remote village in India, where at times there is no running water or electricity, where villagers have to walk
up to twenty miles to reach the nearest health care facility, she decided to visit this place so unknown to her yet her immense desire to serve its people and try to bring some change for their betterment and upliftment. Nothing prepared Kelly for the challenges that lay before her, the culture shock, the language barrier, to name a few, but once she encountered them, she went head on and embraced them, living like one of them for two entire months ,with no complaints, bearing the scorching summer heat, the mosquitoes bites and a less comfortable life then she was used to in America. She coined her own humorous terms for bleaker times like what she termed as “bucket mornings” on the days when there was no running water and she had to use bucket water from a well to wash herself. Or the nights when there was no electricity and she would sing American songs to liven up the dark evenings and bring great joy to the little children gathered around her . When the children got to know that Kelly worked as a hairdresser in a salon in America since she was 14 years old, they were amazed. They all wanted a haircut and was ecstatic when Kelly worked on each of their long beautiful hair.Kelly taught the children Math and English from 1st grade to 9th grade, gave them computer lessons and helped in bringing out their creative self. She taught them to make paper flowers, face masks and various other art works. She brought an element of fun and joy in all her teachings and the children learned and thoroughly enjoyed being in her company.The concept of first aid for children is not known in such schools, and Kelly donated her first aid kit to the school. She played nurse and attended to some injured children, who hurt themselves while playing or fighting
among themselves. She enlightened the rest of the teachers the importance of first aid for school kids and how to promptly take care of them in certain situations.
Kelly also visited an NGO which promotes economic rehabilitation to disabled people. It was assuring for her to see people who are deaf, dumb, blind or mentally retarded earning their own living through such work like packaging and marketing of tea bags. Kelly had her lighter moments as a tourist when she visited the neighboring picturesque state of Meghalaya and the bordering state of Bhutan with Indian friends. The breathtaking scenery, the mountains , the lakes and the tea gardens enchanted and soothed her spirit. She enjoyed the local food, attend village weddings, and felt touched by the warmth and love showered on her by the local people.
Many people she encountered during her stay there have left a lasting impression in her mind. A visitor to Parijat Academy made her feel at ease by telling her not to worry about the language barrier, that though the children speak little English, but they understand the language of the heart, and that she has nothing to worry about. She felt that he truly understood the purpose of her visit.
Kelly Dhaugee went to do volunteer work for the underprivileged children in a distant unknown land in India. She returned two months later to her homeland in America, as if leaving another home behind, feeling privileged and enriched by an experience unique and unforgettable. She recalls meeting a disabled 15 year old boy who had an animated conversation with her, and in spite of his physical disability expressed his desire to be a doctor and his dream of coming to America to receive his college degree. She found an elder brother in Uttam Terron, the founder of Parijat Academy, many friends, little brothers and sisters in the bright and cheerful students, a whole village of loving people. She left the Academy and the little village of Pamohi in tears, sad to be separated from the loving ties she formed, but with promises to return.
The language of love and sacrifice made a triumphant win, and an American girl through her selfless acts of love and inspiration won the hearts of dozens of little children, making a difference in their lives which they otherwise would have never known.
“Knowledge is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give”—Winston Churchill.
About Author
Anjana Bora born and brought up in Shillong , did her Masters in English from North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya. Besides being a wonderful mother to her two lovely daughters Anvi and Riddhi , she has an innate knack for writing and loves to read and collect books. Anjana has contributed significantly to “Friends” editing and preparing the articles. She lives with her family in Dallas, Texas, USA
Click to play video