Jing-Jun Lin, Hsiu-Lian Chu | India
A Journey of Love and Shoes
On September 14, a team of 25 volunteers embarked on a mission from Bodh Gaya to Rajapur Middle School, where students often walk barefoot or in worn-out sandals. As the rain drizzled, they carefully unloaded supplies and set up for the shoe distribution event. Despite the school lacking walls and only having three classrooms for grades two through eight, the children’s excitement was palpable. One hundred and twelve pairs of shoes, measured precisely by Tzu Chi volunteers during an earlier visit, would soon find their rightful owners.
Bringing Care to the Classroom
As the preparations began, Deepa Singh, a dedicated humanities teacher, gently reminded the children sitting outside to maintain good hygiene and wash their hands, though the absence of clean water and pumps made this challenging. Without a doubt, these children, raised in harsh conditions, face daily struggles to adopt healthy habits. Despite the limited facilities and incessant rain, the team quickly adapted, shifting the distribution ceremony to the school’s narrow corridor.
At 9 a.m., the volunteers, including international Tzu Chi members, local volunteers, and Tzu Ching youth volunteers, had hung a banner reading, “Love and Care for Bodh Gaya,” and the event was ready to begin.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Rozi Parween, another humanities teacher, led four senior students in reciting prayers and the national anthem before introducing Tzu Chi’s history to the students. She spoke of the humble beginnings when thirty housewives gathered to launch the “Bamboo Bank Era,” demonstrating how small donations can create great waves of compassion worldwide.
LEFT: Tzu Ching youth volunteers, local volunteers, and international volunteers performed a skit to share about Tzu Chi’s history. Having performed a few times previously, their acting has become more refined, and their teamwork has improved. | Photo courtesy of Prince | India | 2024/09/14 CENTER: Children raise their new shoes in the air, cheering, "Thank you, Tzu Chi! Thank you, Master Cheng Yen!" | Photo courtesy of Mun Fei Yong | India | 2024/09/14 RIGHT: The skit concluded with the Indian version of the "Bamboo Bank" song featuring the lyrics, “Even 50 cents is enough. Even 50 cents is enough. The Bamboo Bank Era is great! Tzu Chi is great!” The children watched attentively and responded with enthusiastic applause. | Photo courtesy of Prince | India | 2024/09/14
Tzu Chi volunteers performed a heartwarming skit to illustrate the power of small contributions. Deepa Singh emphasized to the children not to underestimate the impact of even a single rupee, as their collective generosity can help build a better world. The skit, accompanied by the joyful “Bamboo Bank” song with lyrics like, “Even 50 cents is enough. Even 50 cents is enough.” concluded to enthusiastic applause from the students, who were captivated by the message of love and charity.
Gratitude and Hope
LEFT: Tzu Ching member Shubham Kumar checks the attendance list in the classroom to confirm the final number of shoes to be distributed. | Photo courtesy of Prince | India | 2024/09/14 RIGHT: Humanistic teacher Deepa Singh, concerned for a few children sitting outside the classroom, reminds them to maintain personal hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly. She expressed her pride in being part of Tzu Chi and her aspiration to walk alongside the volunteers and contribute to society. | Photo courtesy of Prince | India | 2024/09/14
Santosh Kumar, the school principal, expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “Tzu Chi Foundation has done a wonderful job, giving every child new shoes when most aren’t even able to afford decent sandals.” He acknowledged the volunteers' continuous support and pledged to collaborate for future events. The shoes, gifted with respect and humility, were received with heartfelt thanks, and the children responded with disciplined appreciation, marching off in line, holding their new shoes with pride.
Malaysian entrepreneur Yoong Kheong Chin, who had traveled to Bodh Gaya to witness the event, shared his hopes for the children. “Master Cheng Yen cares deeply about education, and we hope these shoes will not only help you attend school but inspire you to study hard and build a better future for yourselves.”
Empowering the Next Generation
LEFT: At Rajapur Middle School, some students are barefoot, while others wear slippers. Only a few of the older girls have black school shoes. | Photo courtesy of Mun Fei Yong | India | 2024/09/14 RIGHT: Sonali Kumari, an 8th-grade student (center), has always been focused and attentive when learning Jing Si Aphorisms in class. She was thrilled to receive the new shoes and expressed her wish to be like the volunteers, working together to do good deeds. | Photo courtesy of Mun Fei Yong | India | 2024/09/14
One student, Sonali Kumari, an eighth grader, was particularly touched. Coming from a small village with muddy roads, she explained how her bare feet often got dirty, especially on rainy days. “Now that I have shoes, I don’t have to worry about the mud anymore. I feel so happy,” she said with a bright smile. Inspired by Tzu Chi's teachings, she expressed her wish to one day become a volunteer, saying, “If everyone thinks like Master Cheng Yen, our country will progress, and people would help each other.”
Building Bridges of Compassion
Deepa Singh, who began teaching sign language to children in April and quickly became a Tzu Chi volunteer, shared how her involvement has deeply transformed her life. The joy of contributing to the community through Tzu Chi’s missions has brought her growth, and she looks forward to walking the path of compassion alongside the volunteers, helping those in need.
LEFT: Volunteers and students from Rajapur Middle School joyfully sing the song "One Family" together. | Photo courtesy of Mun Fei Yong | India | 2024/09/14 RIGHT: Malaysian entrepreneur Kar Peng Yeo (front row, left) participated in the distribution for the first time in Bodh Gaya. She is deeply concerned by the harsh living and learning conditions of the local children and hopes to invite more entrepreneurs from Malaysia and India to do more for Bodh Gaya. | Photo courtesy of Prince | India | 2024/09/14
Entrepreneur Kar Peng Yeo, also from Malaysia and witnessing the poverty-stricken environment for the first time, expressed her deep concern for the children. “The conditions here are even worse than those faced by the stateless people in East Malaysia,” she said, concerned by the sight of children without shoes or basic necessities. Upon returning to Malaysia, she plans to invite more entrepreneurs to support Tzu Chi’s efforts in India and improve the lives of rural villagers.
A Call to Compassion
India remains a land of extreme contrasts—where the wealthiest families throw lavish, multi-million-dollar weddings, yet the poorest struggle to earn even a hundred rupees (about USD 1.20) a day. With over 229 million people living below the poverty line, India holds the unfortunate title of having the world’s highest number of impoverished children. The call for compassionate entrepreneurs to step forward has never been more urgent. India desperately needs more acts of kindness, and it is only through united efforts that the lives of these children can be transformed for the better.
