COOPERATION CAN MAGICALLY MAKE LIFE EASY

A few days ago, I was looking for an auto outside a shopping mall. Auto drivers were charging double the fare due to the festive season. Suddenly, I spotted Mr Saini, a resident of our block. He was also bargaining with an auto driver. I proposed to Mr Saini that we take a shared auto. We reached to our destination and each of us saved ₹10.

I realised that it wasn’t just about saving a tiny amount. With this action, we together cut down the number of autos running on the road by one. We thus helped bring down the level of pollution and traffic congestion of the Capital to some extent, if only for about 20 minutes. This is a very small example, but it made me think of so many other ways to cooperate with others. Cooperation is a universal human spirit. We must realise the power of cooperation in all spheres of life.

It is the responsibility of teachers and parents to encourage children to cooperate from a young age. Cooperation also enables us to wipe out hatred and spread the message of peace and love. Cooperation has always been a part of India’s culture and traditions. Even the Vedas encourage cooperation.

‘San gacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manamsi janatam/deva bhagam yatha purve sanjanana upasate’, says the Rigveda. The message is that when we come together, speak together, when there is unity of thoughts, when our minds work together, we create a harmony akin to gods.