In a world where thousands are losing their jobs and thousands more are starving on the streets, people need love and kindness more than anything, especially during this global pandemic.
Many people and organisations around the world have been donating and contributing to the cause and we’ve seen the hungry fed and the homeless provided shelters. Billionaires have also donated millions of dollars to the cause with Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Twitter, topping them all by donating one billion dollars to various Covid-19 funds.
But what is one billion dollars to a billionaire?
A 70-year-old woman contributed more than any billionaire has ever contributed when she gave up her monthly pension to a charity organisation that distributes food to the poor.
A viral post that has garnered about 54,000 shares on Facebook tells the story of how Kamalamma gave out of her own lack which has touched the hearts of all those who’ve read about it.
On 12 May, members of the organisation, Rotary Heritage of Mysuru, India were busy with their Annadana (giving of food, supporting and maintaining) preparations when a seemingly poor elderly woman walked into their premise.
They expected her to ask for some food and extended some food packets to her, but she refused to take them. Slowly, she mustered up the courage and took out some money hidden behind her clothes and handed it over to them.
“I have been watching you guys supplying food to my area for over 30 days now, so I just felt I should give you Rs 500 from the Rs 600 monthly pension I receive. It is a small amount but please accept it,” Kamalamma said.
Shocked by her actions and embarrassed that they had offered her food, the members of the organisation were taken aback by Kamalamma’s gesture of parting with Rs 500 (RM29) from the Rs 600 (RM34) pension she receives, especially in such difficult times.
“In spite of our several requests to keep the money, she insisted that we accept it, which we did out of sheer respect for her,” they said.
“Friends, at that moment we felt she is no less than the Tatas, Ambanis, Azim Premji, Narayan Murthy etc as she was parting with 90% of her earnings.”
“We could witness the magnanimity of a mother’s heart, however poor she might be.”
Along with the Facebook post was a drawing that illustrated Kamalamma’s generosity where she is seen placed among various other billionaires who have also contributed to the cause.
This illustration speaks volumes about what Kamalamma did and her generosity towards others despite the situation she might be facing.
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” -John Mark
Also read: Single Dad Brings 3yo Son Along While He Delivers Food To Earn A Living
