Jayashree returns to her homeland in India, where she encounters a young girl selling handmade toys and bangles.
The encounter reminds Jayashree of her childhood and a simple life lesson ... the smallest expression of kindness can take the biggest space in a person's heart.
A young, innocent village girl stood outside on the street selling handmade toys and bangles on a movable cart. The sun beat down on her head and back. She sweated heavily and appeared exhausted. She must have been standing outside for many hours on that hot summer day. I watched as one person after another passed the girl. A wave of a hand or a shake of the head. The answer always “no.” Her eyes told me she was desperate to sell even a single item.
I had travelled to India from the USA to visit my parents in Chennai. En route from Trichy I stopped by one of Tamilnadu’s famous coffee shops: “Kumbakonum Coffee.” As I watched the girl from the shop, my mind wandered to my childhood memories.
Many times, I came across underprivileged children who were forced to beg on the street for money or sell handmade items to support their family due to poverty. Whether it be on my way to school on the rickshaw, or while going to the market with my parents, these children who should have been free to study, were pressured to sell. I am grateful that my father, Krishnan, and my mother, Dhanalakshmi, taught me the importance of education and I had the privilege of being able to attend school. At the same time, my parents taught me to be loving and compassionate and to find ways to serve others in need.
A wave of a hand or a shake of the head. The answer always “no.” Her eyes told me she was desperate to sell even a single item.”
I walked over to take a closer look at the items the girl was selling. There amongst her wares was a handmade bullock cart. As an educator and art and craft teacher, I host craft and baking workshops to raise money for the underprivileged, orphaned, and special needs children in my motherland. I was moved by the innocent details incorporated into the design.
“The bullock cart is very good.” I said to her with a smile. “I’ll buy it. I’ll show the children back in the USA and your bullock cart will inspire one of our craft classes.”
I handed the girl the money. The look on her face of true happiness was priceless. I could clearly see her eyes glowing, and she wore a wide smile - a feeling of satisfaction for me, and a feeling of great joy for the young girl. She said “Akka, Mikka Nandri” (which means “Sister, thank you very much” in Tamil - a language in Tamil Nadu).
This experience taught me a very simple but important lesson: sometimes the smallest expression of kindness can take the biggest space in someone else's heart.
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
This simple yet beautiful quote from Mother Teresa has served as a major source of inspiration for my perspective of life, and has guided me through many different acts of kindness.
May it guide you too.
The bullock cart that inspired an art class.
Meet the Author ...
Jayashree Krishnan
Jayashree Krishnan is an Indian-American educator based in the US. She has completed her Master’s Degree in Education at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas.
Using her wealth of knowledge, she has gained over the past decade, she incorporates creative art into education by designing educative materials to strike the imagination of young children. She is passionate about teaching multicultural arts and crafts.
She is the founder of “Arts by Jaya,” a home-based art studio where children learn a variety of creative arts and crafts. She has also conducted many origami workshops for young children in camps, schools, and community centers.
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The story of Jayashree Krishnan, inspire me to be more kind no matter in what situation I’m in. There’s still people need more kindness than me. I should not look on myself only but reach out as a light to lit other’s hope.
Kindness always gives hope to the human heart.The only thing that cannot be forgotten to those who received it.Thanks for sharing your story.
Kindness always gives hope to the human heart.The only thing that cannot be forgotten to those who received it.
This was such a beautiful inspiring story to read!!! ❤️😁. You are such a kind hearted person. Thank you for sharing jayashree.
It’s simple yet impactful gesture – kindness. Thanks for sharing your story Jayashree! I’m sure that girl, and many other people’s whose life you have touched, will never forget you, and what you did for them. And it’s likely that they will pass it on to others. The kindness that started with you has already multiplied. Let us all bring about a positive impact to the people around us! Cheers!
It is a nice gesture on ur part.Your story can make people think of helping the poor & downtrodden. We get immense pleasure & satisfaction in life when we help the poor. Your initiative is appreciated well Jaya.
She’s so talented! What a heartwarming story.
This is beautiful! I can totally relate to her experiences I also have had when visiting India. A simple act of kindness can indeed make such a huge impact
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. Kindness is truly the gift that keeps on giving and you never know how even the smallest act of kindness can drastically change someone’s life. I’ll bet this child will NEVER forget you – your kindness, encouragement and interest. Cheers!
What a beautiful and touching story. I especially enjoyed seeing how simple kindness can have such impact and be so dear to a child. Jayashree tells her story in a way where I felt I was there, too. Her descriptive style made me want to buy a handmade toy or bangle from this girl and offer her an encouraging word as well. Isn’t that the essence of a well-told story? To feel inspired? To want to spread kindness? To want to make a difference? Yes!
Thank you, Ms. Lee for your kind words.
This was such an amazing story! I love how you contributed in a positive way towards a child in need by purchasing their bullock cart, and we’re also able to inspire many other children by showcasing the bullock cart in your art classes. After reading this article, it makes me want to go out in the world, and help another person in need 🙂