It doesn’t matter how beautiful you look, what matters is ‘how beautiful is the cause!’

It doesn’t matter how beautiful you look, what matters is ‘how beautiful is the cause!’

This statement was made by my friend Rushi when I asked him – ‘Would short hair suit me or would I look less beautiful without my long hair?’

This conversation started because I have been thinking for some time to donate my hair for cancer patients. While I was unsure of parting with my long hair that I love, my mom’s comment that this is an absurd thought did not help either. Rushi’s reply seemed to solve my dilemma to a great extent. But, what was the reason of donating my prized possession to someone whom I don’t even know?

Was it that I just wanted to satisfy my ego of being the donor to someone? The feeling of being in a superior place of providing benefit to someone else who is deprived of what I own? Perhaps somewhere this may form a minute part of the whole act. But the ultimate objective of the act is different.

I was introduced to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses by my College Teacher Prof. Jivita Gujar. She mentored me in so many ways to face the struggles of life. Prof Gujar was instrumental in my career and was the one who introduced me to my PhD Guide Dr. Bharati Dole. She too has been a great role model for me. One day, Prof Gujar called me to share that she had cancer.  Those days, cancer was something which was quite uncommon to be heard of. My first thoughts were – ‘How is it possible? Aisa Kise ho sakta hai Ma’am ko?’ She tried to pacify me by telling that few sessions of chemotherapy would be required and maybe that will help. I was so oblivious those days that I could not understand what chemotherapy does to a human body. I could not even notice that when I met her after the news. She had a scarf on her head, saying that the treatment has resulted in hair-fall and hence the scarf for few days. Shortly thereafter, the large hearted lady left us for the heavenly abode. Yes, it was quite devastating state of mind with your loved ones leaving you. With time I learnt to ‘let go’ of people and things since everything has a limited time span in your life and this world.

This thought of donating my hair once again reiterated the learning of ‘LET GO’. Let go of your prized possession – something that is a part of your persona and life, something that is close to your heart and soul. Let someone who lost their hair in the chemotherapy process look beautiful with my tresses. Hopefully it brings a smile to that person in such a difficult phase. Let them become an ornament to someone who is going through a traumatic experience. Believe me, it will bring us some peace, satisfaction and happiness too.

Its more than 14 years now and I wish to this very moment that my teacher should have been alive and see me grow through all these years. I am grateful to the Almighty for everything that has been bestowed on me in the form of good health, love of my family, friends and students.

Let’s celebrate and cherish Life with all vigour and enthusiasm since Life is short for all happy moments. Let’s take inspiration from the countless people going through serious illnesses or other difficulties in life. Let’s be considerate to some who may not be as fortunate as others. Let’s make a small gesture to bring positivity in us and the world. There are so many different ways to contribute, share and help others. Let’s forgive and forget. LET GO of the negativity in us. Let’s look to the future in 2020.