A True Philanthropist at Heart who will Live in Thousand Hearts Forever

This short article is shared by Dr. Nidhi Mishra in the honour of his late uncle Mr. Arun Kumar Mishra, a philanthropist who recently passed away on 3rd Jan, 2018. She has shared some of his great deeds in this article which she feels can inspire many people to do good deeds and help in the development of the society.

Ever since my childhood, the most popular phrase which I have been hearing is “Do good and forget about it”, I hardly came across anyone practising it except my dear uncle, Late Mr. Arun Kumar Mishra who was a true philanthropist at heart and who spread a message of love and empathy by taking care of needy people, hungry and ill dogs and cows, and by planting trees so that others can breathe fresh air. He was a middle class salaried man who along with taking good care of his family also spent some part of his salary in doing welfare work.

The moment I got news of his sudden demise I was in complete shock as he was highly active and social person, who couldn’t see anyone in pain may it be a human, animal or plant. His passing away is not only a personal loss but a great loss for the society as he was actively contributing in the development of the society through his good deeds. I didn’t want to shed all his memories in my mind in the form of tears so sharing some of his memories here so that it can inspire others who wish to do something for the welfare of the society.

I remember in the morning first thing he use to do after his morning tea was to feed the hungry and ill stray dogs and cows. Whenever he saw any destitute person in need of food and clothes he would never ever hesitate to help him/her in whatever way possible. Almost every month he used to donate clothes and refreshments to needy people in village area. He also sponsored the study of some needy students.

He was a highly empathetic and caring person who would never ever miss an opportunity to make a moaning heart and saddened soul happy. He was a happy person at heart who wanted to spread happiness around through his activities. Like most of us he was concerned about his future but above all he believed in living life in present. He always believed in leading an active life and I never saw him sitting idle at any place.

He was my favourite Chacha (paternal uncle) who was always ready to cheer me up with his infectious smile, pamper me on my birthdays and feel proud of my achievements. He was also my daughter’s favourite Nana (maternal grandfather) who inspired her to do social work at the age of two by feeding street dogs. She loves to do it.

Last year when he was telling me about his favourite song “Accha chalta hoon duaaon mein yaad rakhna mere zikr ka zubaan pe swaad rakhna” (Movie- Ae dil hai mushkil) I didn’t knew that listening to this song will be so difficult this year. Ever since he passed away he is being badly missed by all those humans and animals that were taken care by him. For me he was a true philanthropist at heart who will live in thousand hearts forever.