Morning Muse 13- The Hand That Gives: A Lesson from J. R. D. Tata

Within every one of us lie two opposing forces — one that compels us to take, and one that inspires us to give. The direction in which we allow these forces to grow determines not just the kind of individuals we become, but the kind of society we shape. And this journey begins in childhood. What values are we nurturing in our children today? If a child hesitates to ask or take for themselves, it’s a sign of a good upbringing. But if a child hesitates to share, to help, or to give freely, then that’s where we, as adults, need to pause and reflect.

A sattvic child — one brought up in purity and compassion — naturally finds joy in giving. A rajasic child — driven by want and comparison — leans toward acquiring, collecting, and often hoarding. Our task is to help them find balance — to teach them the quiet power of generosity.

Let me share a story — a simple one, yet deeply profound. Once, J. R. D. Tata was on a flight when he noticed a young man struggling with his luggage. Without hesitation, the elderly Tata stepped forward and offered help. The young man, unaware of who he was speaking to, thanked him casually. Later, when someone whispered in his ear, “Do you know who that gentleman was? That was J. R. D. Tata himself,” the young man was stunned.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. JRD’s life was full of such quiet acts of giving — from treating employees like family to ensuring safety nets for factory workers long before it became law. He didn't believe in giving with fanfare. He gave because it was the right thing to do. After all, he was raised with the belief that having more should simply mean giving more. Now imagine if we nurtured that same instinct in our children, not just to take pride in what they have, but to feel a sense of duty and joy in sharing it. There’s a beautiful sign of maturity when one feels hesitation in stretching out a hand to ask, but no hesitation in extending that hand to give.

Sadly, today we often witness the reverse — people with plenty still asking for more, while turning away when it comes to giving. And worse still, some even pounce, grab, and seize — an instinct that reflects the lowest rung of human consciousness. But this should not make us bitter or judgmental. People are shaped by their experiences. Our role is not to blame, but to become a gentle mirror, showing a better way. So let’s not make others feel guilty for what they haven’t yet learned. Let us instead be the example — living with generosity, encouraging our children to give, and creating a world where the hand that gives is the one most revered. Because in the end, what we give — in kindness, in empathy, in help—is what truly makes us human.