The times pass and the world changes. Much of what doesn’t is sacred. We are in 2012, and it is now 64 long years since the passing of the Mahatma. We seem to be part of the most valueless generation that has yet graced our planet.

Does this fact really matter?

Most certainly, but still, in the midst of this cataclysmic freefall of our love for the neighbour, we have men and women who set a precedent to those around them, that there will continue to be those that stand up for others despite the degenerating state of the country and the world.

Tukaram Omble was an assistant sub-inspector with the Mumbai police. During the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, he was instrumental in nabbing Ajmal Kasab. Armed with only a baton, he heroically held on to the muzzle of Kasab’s AK-47 even as the latter pumped over twenty bullets into his abdomen. Help eventually arrived and the other cops were able to apprehend the only terrorist caught alive in the deadly episode. Tukaram made the ultimate sacrifice.

Jeremy, a student doing his M.A. in English Literature at a reputed college, one day, absent mindedly forgot to bring to class the text prescribed for a particular subject. He was flustered as this had never happened to him before. Also, the teacher was known to be ruthless in the treatment he meted out to those who attended his lectures without the required texts. The panic within Jeremy was reaching a crescendo, especially because he was the only one without a copy of the text!

His friend Anush, sensing the extent to which Jeremy was suffering within as a result of his self-made small mistake, gave him his copy of the text.

Tukaram made a big sacrifice, and Anush made a smaller sacrifice. The spirit in which they made their respective sacrifices is one and the same. In the victim’s perception, the rescuer is, at least for a moment, the very image of God.

In the midst of the general despondency, let us not forget to appreciate and encourage the occasional good deeds that happen around us, no matter how small each one of them seems. Every act of self-sacrifice is precious and worthy of being treasured for an eternity. God bless you, and Happy New Year!