Written by Hsiu-Lien Chu, Ching-Chun Lin | India
On a rainy September day in India, 23 dedicated volunteers from Tzu Chi Foundation embarked on a mission of love. Despite the drizzle, they gathered at Chhanch Middle School, located in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya region, to bring a simple yet powerful gift: shoes for students who had long gone without them. This heartfelt initiative, which touched the lives of hundreds of children, is part of Tzu Chi’s global mission to spread love, compassion, and practical support to those in need.
Barefoot No More
Chhanch Middle School educates children from grades one to eight, and today’s focus was on students from fourth to eighth grade. A total of 364 pairs of shoes were carefully prepared for distribution. As the volunteers arrived at the school just after 9 a.m., they found that many children were still on their way. What stood out the most was the state of their footwear—or rather, the lack of it. Most children arrived barefoot, while some wore worn-out flip-flops or tattered plastic shoes.
Despite the steady rain, the school grounds buzzed with anticipation. The volunteers quickly got to work, setting up the distribution area beneath a large banyan tree that provided natural shelter from the drizzle. Krishna Das, the school’s principal, guided the students to line up in an orderly fashion, eager to receive their new shoes.
A Community Effort
Before the distribution began, the volunteers and students gathered to offer a prayer, wishing for a world free of suffering and filled with love and care. The schoolchildren’s pure voices filled the air as they sang the national anthem, followed by another prayer led by the volunteers. The event then continued with a short introduction to Tzu Chi’s mission and a skit performed by the students, highlighting the foundation’s Bamboo Bank Era—a story about how small acts of giving can create powerful change. Krishna Das expressed his gratitude towards Tzu Chi, reminding the students of the great care behind the gift they were about to receive.
When the time finally came for the distribution, the excitement was palpable. In groups of ten, the children stepped forward to receive their shoes from Tzu Chi volunteers, school staff, and local supporters. For many of these children, it was the first time they would wear shoes that properly protected their feet. Some smiled shyly, while others beamed with joy, but every child left with a heart full of gratitude.
As each child was handed their shoes, the volunteers gave 90-degree bows—a sign of the deep respect and sincere gratitude Tzu Chi fosters with the people they serve. The students then returned to their places, clutching their new shoes with pride.
The Power of Gratitude
Among the children, Mohammad Altamash, an eighth grader, was particularly thrilled. Before the shoes were even distributed, he excitedly ran up to his teacher, Deepa Singh, and said, “I’m so happy today because I will finally have shoes!” After receiving his pair, he couldn’t contain his gratitude and returned to thank her once again. “I used to have so many problems because I didn’t have shoes. A thorn once pierced my foot, and it hurt so much. Now, with these shoes, I won’t have to worry anymore. I want to thank Master Cheng Yen and everyone who made this possible.”
Another young student, Punam Kumari, a fifth grader with dreams of becoming a doctor, wore a constant smile throughout the ceremony. “I’m so happy to have shoes now,” she said. “Before, I used to hurt my feet walking to school. Now I can come to school safely every day.”
Mohammad Anas Alam, a thoughtful eighth grader, shared his own hopes for the future. He expressed his sincere thanks to Master Cheng Yen and the Tzu Chi volunteers for their kindness, recalling that they had previously provided school bags for the students. “I’m so grateful,” he said. “I want to become a mechanic when I grow up, and if I succeed, I hope I can help others, just like the Tzu Chi volunteers. I want to give back to Tzu Chi in the future.”
Planting Seeds of Compassion
The event also underscored the strong relationship between the school and Tzu Chi. Krishna Das spoke fondly of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide not just material aid, but also moral and spiritual guidance. He pointed out the powerful lessons behind Tzu Chi’s teaching of Jing Si Aphorisms, which encourage students to lead lives filled with kindness and gratitude.
During the event, a special skit about the “Bamboo Bank Era” captivated the audience. The principal recorded the entire performance, using it as a teaching moment. “Through this story,” he told the students, “We see how small acts of kindness can accumulate into a powerful force to help those in need. We should all contribute, even if it’s just one or five rupees, to make a difference in someone’s life.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the children lifted their new shoes in the air, cheering with joy. They shouted in unison, “Thank you, Tzu Chi! Thank you, Master Cheng Yen!” Their bright faces reflected the hope and happiness that this simple, yet impactful act of kindness had brought into their lives.
Education as the Key to a Brighter Future
Above the event’s banner, a quote from Mahatma Gandhi stood out on the school wall: “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” Another powerful reminder written on the wall read, “Education is the milk of the lioness; whoever drinks it will roar.” This metaphor was a powerful message to the students, encouraging them to embrace their education so they can grow strong, brave, and capable—just like a lion that roars after being nourished.
As Master Cheng Yen once said, “Education is the hope for society.” Through efforts like this shoe distribution, Tzu Chi is not only providing material support, but also nurturing the seeds of kindness, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility in the next generation. These children, who now walk to school with shoes on their feet and hope in their hearts, are the future pillars of their society, ready to pass on the love and care they have received.
