A Spoonful of Sugar

advances, particularly in the fields of education and industry, thus adding to the wealth of the country. In a situation where there were so many ‘taker’ groups, they achieved, by dint of consistent striving, the status of a ‘giver’ group. They knew the secret of the good life. In this world, it is the giver who prospers. Those who ‘sweeten’ the ‘milk’ of others find positions of honour for themselves. On the contrary, those who have only bitterness for others, will receive bitterness from them in return. If you want to receive something, enter the world with a “gift card.” If you enter with a “demand card,” you will find nothing here. On August 24, 1988, I met Mr. P.D. Malhotra, who was born in 1935. He has served as the Publications Manager at the Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi for about 30 years. He recalled that one day he was late leaving the office. When he finally stepped outside, it was already midnight. As he was riding his scooter, he reached a street where a police officer stopped him and asked to see his driver’s license. Mr. Malhotra reached into his pocket, and alongside his driving license, he pulled out another card. Holding both cards, the police officer asked what the second card was. It was, in fact, an Eye Donor Card. This card bore the individual’s signature along with a statement declaring, “I have gifted my eyes to the nation. Kindly inform the nearest Eye Bank immediately on my demise and help them to fulfil my desire. Thanks.”