Entrepreneur and philanthropist ASEEM KUMAR narrates true life stories which prove that service has no religion attached to it  

My mother-in-law, Chandrakala Prasad, recently passed away peacefully at home, in presence of the entire family. After the demise of my father-in-law, eight years ago, I had the privilege to be her most dependable partner and friend. She was a book, which I read patiently and repeatedly till her last day.

Every morning from 8.30 am to 9.30 am, we had special sessions on the breakfast table, where we discussed cookery, politics, films, fashion and relationships.

I will miss these beautiful conversations forever.

Aseem Kumar

During the course of nursing my mother-in-law and also my own mother, I have learnt some very valuable lessons in humanity and humility. I have learnt that service is devoid of religion.

When my mother, Ruby Prasad, was fighting cancer, we hired a full time trained nurse. Her name was Vinni Verghese. She was a Christian. She was an angel.

She would read the Bible and since I have studied in a school run by Christians, I would relive my childhood, listening to the stories.

My mother, an MA in English and a school principal, would contribute by her great commentary on the readings from the Bible.

What a divine and peaceful time we spent listening to the Bible and forgetting pain. I would like to express my gratitude to Vinni for being our lifeline for months and doing everything selflessly for my mother.

When my mother-in-law started becoming weak, we hired a full time nurse to take care of her. Her name is Nargis Banu and she is a Muslim.

The author’s mother Ruby Prasad, who was a school principal, at a prize-giving function

Words fail to describe the level of dedication, love and care this girl provided. In addition, the offering of namaz and chanting of special verses from the Holy Quran provided peace at our home.

My salute to Nargis Banu! May you prosper in life.

The havan, Maha Mritunjay jaap and recitations from the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita was a regular feature during the care of my mother and mother-in-law and I have never seen these two care givers not getting involved. They would relate to our way of worship and tell us the common factors in Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

At a religious ceremony: the author Aseem Kumar (right) with his mother, Ruby Prasad

I was awestruck to know how many good things their parents taught them about our religion.

I did lose elderly members of the family. But what I gained for a lifetime is a fact that this life is too short to waste on hating people based on religion.

The author’s mother-in-law Chandrakala Prasad with Aseem Kumar and daughter Tulika

There’s a lot we can learn from people who serve the sick. These caregivers prove that service to mankind is the biggest religion.

Featured Image: The author Aseem Kumar (Centre) with his mother-in-law, Chandrakala Prasad and wife Tulika

Aseem kumar,  an MBA, is an entrepreneur and philanthropist for the last 30 years. A fashion garment exporter, he is a globe trotter.