By Lay Sim Lee
Edited by Yu-Chen Pan
In the heart of Bodh Gaya, India, retired nurse Kim Yan Lim from Singapore has embarked on a mission of love and wisdom, changing lives for the better. Since May 2023, she has been dedicated to helping underprivileged villagers overcome alcoholism, successfully aiding 105 villagers to quit by the end of 2024.
A Beacon of Change
In India's caste system, impoverished and marginalized villagers often face limited job opportunities and poverty. Many families rely on brewing and selling homemade alcohol, with a bottle costing as little as 50 rupees (approximately 0.60 USD). This cheap alcohol became an escape for villagers, leading to severe social problems. During health check-ups in various villages, Lim discovered that many villagers suffered from liver dysfunction due to excessive drinking. This realization prompted her to launch an alcohol cessation counseling program.
The first successful case was Surendra from Silaunja village. His transformation was very encouraging as he became a positive example for other villagers. Using creativity and empathy, Lim tailored her counseling approach to different family situations. Sometimes focusing on health, other times emphasizing family responsibilities, children's education, or economic impacts, finding ways to help villagers understand the importance of quitting alcohol.
"Spending 50 rupees on alcohol every day amounts to 365,000 rupees in 20 years—enough to build a house!" Such straightforward math helped villagers grasp the economic toll of drinking. To ensure continued support, Lim made monthly visits to each case, substituting masala tea for alcoholic beverages.
Celebrating Success Together
At the end of 2024, Kim Yan Lim prepared a special surprise for those who successfully quit alcohol. She skillfully folded warm shawls into adorable teddy bears as reward gifts. This thoughtful and practical gesture not only embodied environmental principles but also conveyed heartfelt care.
During the upcoming year-end blessing event, 69 men and 31 women who successfully quit alcohol will share their journeys on stage. They will collectively shout in Hindi, "Daaru nahin peena! Mai kar sakata hoon! Aao bhre kar sakate ho!" (Don't drink! I can do it! You can do it too!)
Sharing with Master Cheng Yen, Lim says, "It has all been worth it, Master. I am willing!" Over the past year and a half, she has proven that with compassion and patience, it is possible to help more people overcome adversity and contribute to Bodh Gaya's vision of a pure land.
