|
Metro Plus
The unknown donor
SUDHA MURTHY
|
Money matters, but what matters more is a warm smile and a good heart.
|
THE CONCEPT of fund raising is extremely popular in the U.S. Often, there is a separate department in each University and in any charitable organisation for this. Of course, the modus operandi is different. They catch the right fish using different methods.
My friend Mythili works for an NGO. A fund-raiser, who is smart and talkative, she hails from a middle class family. One morning she called up asking me to accompany her to one of the most affluent person's house, well-known in the society.
Mythili was hoping to get some donation from her. The lady had finally agreed to meet Mythili at her farm house, about 40 kms away from the city. Mythili was a little hesitant to go alone and so she asked me to accompany her. We reached the palatial house that was built on a 25-acre land, surrounded by a beautiful garden. The mansion was built in a traditional hut style. The guard let us in only after talking to his boss, using the intercom. The interior of the house was gorgeous and most modern, the rustic look stopping with the façade. The walls were painted in pastel shades. There was a pond with a fountain, sprinkling scented water bringing in a sense of Nature into the hall. The wooden flooring and antiques added to the overall beauty. There was also a terrace garden.
The lady of the house was sitting on a swing that was hung by a shining chain. I did not know if it was brass or gold. She looked gorgeous in a chiffon sari and platinum jewellery. She waved to us from a distance to sit down. Though in her mid-fifties, she looked much younger. Two smart looking secretaries were standing beside her. Mythili and I felt very uncomfortable because the smile and warmth were missing.
I have always noticed that it is not the food, the jewellery nor the house but one's warmth and smile that put you at ease, open the gateway to friendship, irrespective of status, age, gender and language. Mythili spoke about her NGO, in superlatives. Normally, when people talk in superlatives, I anticipate some catch somewhere. The lady listened patiently, not reacting at all. When people do not display any reaction, the person on the other side of the table is tongue-tied. Shrewd people never allow anyone to read their minds while simple folks talk more and open up easily to others, which is exactly what Mythili did.
After the unbearable silence, the lady spoke. ``Leave your papers with my secretary. I will go through them and get back to you''. Our balloon of enthusiasm was pricked by that needle-like reply. She could have told that over phone. We drove back all the way, wasting half a day's work.
I met Mythili after a month at the inauguration of a school where this lady was the chief guest. I asked Mythili regarding the donation. She took me aside and told me in a hush-hush tone, ``It is very difficult to get money out of her. You know, she agreed to give Rs. 10,000 after much persuasion. But on the condition that we made her the Chief Guest, and publish a press release along with her photograph in the papers."
``You should not have boarded on her for such small amount''.
``Please remember that raising funds for an NGO is very difficult. Every rupee counts. Nobody gives money without expectations. There is always an exception. This is the lesson that I have learnt in fund raising''.
When I do not have experience in fund raising, I should accept what Mythili says.
I was on leave for a week and I dreaded to go back to office because of the amount of letters and mails that accumulate. I was busy sorting out letters, when my secretary gave me a small cover. There was surprise on her face.
``What is so surprising in that cover?" She showed me a small hand written note. ``I know that you do not know me. I read about your work through various papers. I read your articles as well. When a writer really experiences, only then can he or she write so well. Language is just a tool but never can good language alone make an article readable. It is the personal experience along with suitable language that persuades people to read. By reading about your experiences, I have realised what kind of work you do and how passionately you do it....''
I was in the middle of a meeting and I looked at my secretary and said, "This is one of those usual exaggerated appreciations. Just file it. You don't even need to show me these. Morning time is very precious in the office''.
I was a little irritated... ``Madam, can you read it completely? This is something different.'' I continued reading, ``I am old and cannot travel like you. I have saved some money. I would like to give it to you so that you can use it in your work. You may have much more but this is my contribution to your work. I will not ask to whom you plan to give it or how you will use. I have confidence in you.''
A draft of Rs. 4 lakhs was attached to the note.
Now I was much more amazed than my secretary. In my public life, I have received lakhs of applications asking for money, thousands telling me that the money I have donated is insufficient, etc. But here was a person who was offering me money for my work. As I held the draft against the Sun, it looked like a shining star in the dark blue sky. There was not a single demand.
I asked my secretary whether she knew the person. She did not. The donor never had written anything about himself nor had he given any contact details. Going by the postal seal, we learnt that it was from Chennai.
I bow to the unknown donor from Chennai, with great respect in my mind. I remembered Abu Ben Adam's poem and prayed,
``May his tribe increase''.
Without my knowledge, my mind went back to that rich lady whom Mythili had approached.
SUDHA MURTHY
(The author is Chairperson, Infosys Foundation, which is working for the welfare of the community. This is the first of a five-part series.)
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
|
