“In Sahasra Deepika, we believe that change comes from within. And also, a little change can create a big difference. And a little step forward can result in a big step towards success. Also, with a little change, you can inspire other people to create something new, to help other people. ”
In a speech from 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Today, on Martin Luther King Day, it is necessary to look back and ask oneself, where do I stand right now? This question is ultimately what led us and a group of students at our high school to turn to Sahasra Deepika to make a difference).
We realized how fortunate we were to be living in the comfort of our homes. We realized how lucky we were to have parents, to have an education, and more than anything to have a future to hope for. But most importantly, we realized that there was no point to these experiences if we did not challenge ourselves to help people who do not have the chance to have the same. In an effort to make a small contribution to the large problem of disadvantaged children in India, we decided to have a bake sale to benefit Sahasra Deepika in front of our local Giant grocery store.
L-R: Abby Sachar, Gabriel, Anoushka Sharma, and Mia Hazra.
Being outside on the shivery and windy day was refreshing. It was an invigorating experience in contrast to the convenience of sitting at home all day to work for just ourselves. Instead, we learned to speak with strangers. While some people were too cold to stop and make a donation, every person who did stop sparked a light in us that made us realize the importance of service and how much of a difference just a few high school student voices can make.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a single voice, made a huge difference in the world through his lifetime of service. As we honor him on this special day, it is important to realize what just one voice with a passion can do.
