Learning lesson:*

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The other day, I was asked about THE KTM DRIVE event which was conducted recently. I replayed the day in my mind and it got me thinking on different incidents and learning that happened on the 39th event. Since we had been conducting events twice a month, the numbers were increasing and we were already on the 39th event in the first month of 2015.

While talking about the drive, we started the event pretty early. The idea was to give out warmers to the people in winter cold who needed it the most and not to the ones who were sitting on pile of clothes outside the temples. We had purchased a new set of shawls which was sponsored by one of our member’s grand mom. We wanted to distribute it to the elderly who were sleeping on the streets.

Each member had collected a bunch of winter clothes for men, women and children. We reached Swayambu as that was our first destination. We saw many people sitting outside the temple asking for help. These young men and women were physically fit so we left without giving them clothes. Our main agenda was to help the old and the ones who were differently able.

We gave jackets to the old men at Durbar Marq road and outside the stupa. Right after we headed to Bishnumati Bridge to give out sweaters to the children of families one of our members suggested. The next spot was Kamladi, and as soon as we reached the temple we saw a family distributing a new set of blankets to the poor which was an amazing gesture to see. As we saw how delighted they were to receive the blankets, it made us realize that there still exists kindness and the joy of giving among human race. Some wrapped it around themselves instantly and some put them aside. As we spoke to one of our experienced new member, we got to know that some needy ones sell the new blankets for money. He gave us some facts about professional beggars and artists who lived in flats and earned at a higher rate everyday!

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As it made no sense to give shawls to them, we headed near the Pashupati area, where we gave clothes to the street kids. As much as it got difficult to control these kids with their actions and language, it was a different side of a kid that each one of us saw. We treated them with a cup of tea and as we observed their activities, it got me thinking what would have happened if these kids would get an opportunity to study and if child labour was abolished?

10933158_10155060578145398_1328272106_nThe event ended on a good note as we decided on giving the shawls the next time as we could not find people who really needed it. We did not want to give it to an organization because they receive grants and donations. This event gave all of us a reality check and raised the same question in our minds. Who are the real needy if beggars are artists, where do we find people who are suffering from the cold? How do we make a better place for the street kids who are being raised in domestic violence? Why do beggars keep collecting piles of clothes if they do not wear it?

Finding out answers to these questions are necessary because the joy of giving doubles when it is on a right note. Just giving for the sake of giving does not better the place and that is never the idea of THE KTM DRIVE!! If you can think about a place or an area where around 20 shawls can be given to the ones sleeping on the street, post in.

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