A rose bush in our front garden endured the summer heat and continued to flower uninterrupted ! Most flowers by the third day appeared burnt in the heat of the day. The buds continued to bloom to give new flowers.
Its character is to flower to share its fragrance, nectar and colourful presence!
Its missional presence is what intrigued me!
A candidate who was elected with a large majority from a constituency during the recent legislative election in the state of Kerala was found electioneering by going from street to street with a small group of friends on a bicycle! He avoided large meetings, display boards, or publicity campaigns. He resorted to reduce expenditure and save money to contribute towards building houses for people who are homeless. I understand that his expenditure was less than the quarter of the permitted expenditure for electioneering.
He was a lone candidate among about seven hundred who contested elections in the state with such an approach of reducing the campaign expenditure. He had the strength of his conduct and humane manners to draw people to himself! His father was a former chief minister of the state who was known to be self giving and altruistic in behaviour.
I watched his electioneering process spread over three weeks with interest just because he was naturally different from others! His approach stood out as a noble gesture of mindfulness towards those who needed houses to live.
The rose flowers get burnt in the heat of the day. And yet they blossom as that is its habit!
It has a resonance within !
It is about the vocation of living!
The contrast is obvious! The candidate who moved around in a cycle had the strength of his conduct and character to support him! He did not require publicity or persuasion! His way of living and relating was his strength! He lives mindfully and soulfully!
That is an inspiration!
Who we are is what matters ! When that is authentic, there is no need to create an image or project a profile! When the wellness of others guide a person's conduct, then that leads to the formation of a collaborative community!
This exceptional example during an election process sends a message that when others live in our orbit, people are moved and affirmed by that approach !
This candidate drew attention to the needs of others who are marginalised by voluntarily reducing expenditure on publicity to attend to their needs!
His example was like of that a star in the dark sky!
M.C.Mathew, (text and photo)
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