God appeared before a crowd and announced that he would give Rs 720 a month to everyone. He then asked them to give at least Rs 5 for a good cause. The people were too happy to part with the paltry sum for a noble cause.

In reality, C N Paramasivan said after narrating the story to a large crowd, what god gives us is 720 hours every month. Out of those 720, he asked, can't we utilise five hours for a good cause? Paramasivan is not your typical 'social activist.' Selfless Movement Improving Life Everywhere or SMILE, the non-governmental organisation he has started, is also not your typical NGO. Like his story, Paramasivan works as a businessman for a living but ensures he takes time out to serve society. SMILE does not collect or donate money, and yet has more than 60,000 volunteers willing to utilise some of their time for society.

This unique way of doing social service attracted the attention of the Stanford University in the United States. Paramasivan was invited to deliver lectures on social service, and he has already delivered three lectures there.

Overwhelmed by the common man's response, SMILE has decided to celebrate a 'voluntary service week' in August to spread its message to more and more people.

Image: C N Paramasivan

Text: Shobha Warrier | Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj, and courtesy SMILE

Also read: The Daughters of Bihar

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