The clinking of coins against ceramic jars and the rustling of rice pouring into large containers echoed through the Tzu Chi Bodh Gaya office on March 29. It was Charity Day, an event where fourteen families gathered to receive daily necessities and share their experiences of giving back. Here, the barriers of caste and class dissolved, replaced by a warm atmosphere of mutual support as villagers gathered around tables hosted by local volunteers.

The power of small savings

For many attending, saving even a single coin is a sacrifice. Shahnaz Khatun, a mother of two whose husband earns a meager income, consistently sets aside small change to help those in even greater need.

The bamboo bank is for saving money. Whenever I have one or two spare coins, or if I have two rupees left after shopping, I drop it in. I have been saving consistently for three months, accumulating a decent amount. Once we put it in, we don't intend to take it out, because it is meant for helping others. I also tell my children that the money inside shouldn't be touched, as it belongs to people who need assistance.
— Shahnaz Khatun, Care Recipient

Amit Kumar Singh, a local volunteer who hosted the event, was moved as he watched the community fill the donation jars. He guided the attendees to reflect on the transition from receiving to giving.

If we constantly hold our hands out to beg, we become overly dependent on others. But when we turn our palms downward to help others, we feel a deep sense of happiness and give hope to others.
— Amit Kumar Singh, Volunteer

Mobile stations of compassion

The spirit of giving has extended beyond the office walls and onto the bustling streets. Tuk-tuk driver Abhay Kumar was inspired by the volunteers he frequently transported and decided to turn his vehicle into a mobile charity station.

Tzu Chi volunteers frequently visit the villages to care for residents, teach everyone how to donate, and tell the story of the 'Bamboo Bank,' letting people know that these donations will be used for very meaningful purposes. Seeing all this, I felt I should also participate. I received a bamboo bank from the volunteers, and I was truly happy. I hang it on my tuk-tuk, and when I meet passengers, I introduce it: 'This is a bamboo bank; you can donate here, and the money is meant to help people.'
— Abhay Kumar, Tuk-Tuk Driver

Suraj Kumar, another tuk-tuk driver, quickly followed suit. By contributing a small amount each day, he feels a sense of purpose, knowing his daily actions bring relief to someone struggling.

The transition to helping others is not always easy. Tetari Kumari, once a care recipient, is now training to become a volunteer. Despite her shy nature, she challenges herself to collect donations in her community.

We go door-to-door to introduce the bamboo banks, but many people don't understand, which makes explaining it difficult. It's only when we try to share our own stories that they begin to understand a little. You have to explain very carefully; only after they understand are they willing to donate. I want to be a volunteer because I want to walk into every household, see who is struggling, and give a hand to those who are poor.
— Tetari Kumari, Volunteer

Dignity restored

The desire to give transcends physical and financial limitations. Saurav Kumar, a local volunteer, shared a recent encounter at the Mahabodhi Temple with Raju Kumar, a man who relies on begging due to severe mobility issues.

Even though Raju's mobility is extremely limited and his life depends entirely on the charity of others, after hearing the meaning of the 'Bamboo Bank,' he did not hesitate to drop his spare change in. The suffering in the world can be relieved through love and care. Every effort and every contribution brings inspiration. Even starting from a small step will bring immense joy. — Saurav Kumar, Volunteer

Amit reminded the attendees that daily giving is less about the monetary value and more about cultivating a compassionate mindset. By giving just one rupee a day, individuals awaken their kindness consistently, purifying their own minds while supporting others.

A ripple of generosity

During the event, Md Ansar Ali translated an animated story about compassion, which resonated deeply with the younger attendees. Anjali Kumari, whose family faced severe hardships after her father passed away, reflected on the message.

The story says that if we help others, they will also return the favor in some way in the future. Even though animals cannot speak, if someone can understand them and cannot bear to see them suffer and extends a helping hand, that is a good thing. Everyone should help each other.
— Anjali Kumari, Care Recipient

With improved living conditions and stable meals, Anjali's family can now face the future with more ease. This stability is shared by Gaina Manjhi, a former beggar who traveled to Taiwan to be certified as a volunteer at the end of 2025. Recalling his past brought tears to his eyes, but also a profound sense of gratitude.

When they truly decided to help me, my heart was deeply moved. At that time, I really had nothing, no food to eat, and not a decent piece of clothing to wear. Everything I am wearing today is because of the foundation's help. I can stand here and speak today entirely because the foundation and Master Cheng Yen gave me courage, otherwise I wouldn't have dared to stand out. When I met the Master in person, I was truly, very deeply moved. I made a vow to the Master in my heart right then, swearing that I would never go begging again in this life. — Gaina Manjhi, Volunteer

A lasting connection

As the Charity Day concluded with the song "One Family," families prepared to return home with their supplies. Mee Chwong Chin (陳美聰), a volunteer from Malaysia who has been stationed in Bodh Gaya since 2023, stood at the door to bid them farewell. A young child ran up to hug her legs, treating her with the familiarity of a grandmother.

Mee Chwong considers this connection a natural outcome of consistent care. Among the many people she has supported, she fondly remembers Mithun Kumar, a young boy who suffered severe burns to his head and legs caused by electrocution. After two years out of school, the foundation arranged successful skin graft surgeries for him. Today, he can walk, run, and smile freely—a stark contrast to the quiet, pain-stricken boy she first met.

As the crowds dispersed, the volunteers gathered to count the coins collected from the bamboo banks. In Bodh Gaya, each grain of rice and every single rupee represents a community lifting itself up, proving that the willingness to help others is a wealth accessible to all.

Written by Hui Lee Cheok (石慧麗), Pai-Chiu Tsai (蔡白球)