This story revolves around 2 kids based out of Australia – Radhika and her sister Krishnapriya, aged 12 and 8 respectively.
During their summer vacation both were excited to pay visit to their grandparents in India, an annual ritual the girls looked for. In midst of their travel arrangements, horrendous news of Australian bushfires had rocked the newspapers. The magnitude of the fire was shocking. It had engulfed more than 18 Mn hectares of area, impacting close to 20,000 families. Firefighters had already locked horns and were at the forefront trying their best to jostle against the scrimmage.
Meanwhile, the 2 sisters came up with a rather unusual request to their parents. Both wanted to postpone their trip and instead stay back and help the firefighters and the affected families. Since their early childhood, they had a keen interest in cooking and had previously made immaculate dishes at home. However, the scale of the cataclysm at hand was towering, but that did not thwart them. During this entire episode they dished out more than 13,000 meals to the needy families.
By the time the bushfires were brought under control, COVID pandemic globally hit the roof. And then, they literally got back to the streets. Given their desire to help, every weekend starting Mar 2020 they cooked 25-30 meals for the homeless in their town of Toowoomba (120 kms from Brisbane) besides reaching out to those on the frontlines. Till this date, they have already served close to 9,000 families in Australia.
Their act of generosity did not stop there. When they became cognizant of the COVID’19 onslaught in its 2nd phase in India, they kicked off a campaign and targeted to raise USD 1 lakh for medical supplies. As soon as they managed to collect 25K USD, they transported oxygen concentrators to help India.
On Australia Day this year, January 26, the girl’s contribution was recognized as Young citizen of the year by Toowoomba. Their proud father says, “We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is our family. Surely, the girls are aware of their duties to others at the time of crisis and hats off to the parents who are happy to help them nurture their passion.
While the current pandemic has taught us many hard lessons of life, there were many such stories of magnanimity that have stood out. What makes this one even more commendable is the sense of responsibility at such an early age. In midst of all the darkness around, such narratives inspire us that humanity has many wings, it exists in all shapes, sizes and transcends beyond religion, region and age.
It also goes on to show how anyone, irrespective of one’s age and experience can bring about a colossal change. While organizations across celebrate workforce diversity, age inclusiveness is one aspect that should be given due weightage. After all Age is just a number, the willingness and the determination of an individual makes all the difference.
anshwrites 