- Chieh Huang
Whether it's respect, love, money, or benefits, as often as not, giving equals receiving.
I've always believed the universe has its way of rewarding and penalizing. Religious beliefs aside, destiny has its own way of dealing with matters. Now, is it all predetermined or depends on all our actions and how we act, I don't have the answer. Yet, I believe it's a mix of both, and both go hand in hand.
For myself, I can say that giving has never harmed me in any way. It has only benefitted my mental health; knowing that I could lend a hand to someone. Whether it be a favor, helping someone with a task, or lending/donating to those who need it more than me.
Even when I was dead broke, I've helped people with whatever I had. Simply because at that time, I was doing much better than they were; because they needed it more than me. At that moment what goes on in my mind is that if I am alive and well, then I'll take care of myself and my financials in any way possible, sooner or later.
And for every selfless deed, I believe I was repaid with something better in exchange.
Bangladesh has been going through quite an abrupt streak of complications. First, the student protests led to the toppling of an autocratic government; which even just a month ago many thought was impossible. It was a momentous day and month for those who've lived through this.
Just after a traumatizing month of July, there are now these extreme floods in countless parts of the country. Millions are stranded, countless dead, and the people in the affected areas have lost all hope of living and having a future. Floods have always been an issue for our country, even in the capital city of Dhaka. I've seen and experienced it myself, and not much has changed for as long as I've lived and been here. And if it's this bad in the capital city, then you can guess how bad things are in the rural parts of the country.
Now, after all these disasters, one after the other, moments of grief, loss, and bereavement, the most positive thing I see is the people's belief in unity, and standing up for a cause that instills hope and supports the truth.
I have never seen such levels of empathy and union in this country and its people's actions. And it and made us realize, that the country was always loved, that people have always loved and supported each other. But, it wasn't as widely spread and broadcasted before; nor was it promoted as heavily. There's also this belief that people hold, to never let all blood that has been spilled go in vain. The martyrs are remembered daily and shown respect, by people of young age to old.
From recent reports, I've learned that the amount of money alone that has been donated has exceeded hundreds of thousands of dollars, in just a matter of a few days. And that's just money, there's also food, clothes, transportation, and people themselves volunteering to go and assist and rescue those in need of help.
Of course, there was always help available for those who needed it, but not on this scale, and surely not as heartfelt. It's a sight we're not used to seeing, especially the younger generation. I hope we hold onto this concept and belief, which is that we are strong when we are united, and only the truth will set us free. To always side with the truth, even if it requires great sacrifice.
The loss of thousands of lives has made people realize that there are still people out there who are brave enough to fight greater powers and tyrants and that no tyrant shall rule and oppress forever.
Sooner or later, a brave bunch of people will show up, and do what's needed to be done; for the good of the people, for the good of their country.
