A legacy of Kindness and Compassion

My mother (baa) was like an ocean of emotions, and she poured her heart into our family, passing down our heritage, values, and traditions. She was a real hard worker, managing our home and helping my father on the farm with so much dedication.

I remember how she used to wake up at 3:00 a.m. every day. She would take care of the animals, make food from scratch, and handle all the household chores. From looking after us kids to tending to the fields and animals, she did it all. 

It's amazing how her love extended to every living creature. She saw the value in everything around her. This kind of reminds me of humanitarian values, where we care about others and show kindness. The way she ground wheat and took care of the animals showed me how everything in nature is connected. It's a bit like what humanitarians do to protect the Earth and its resources. 

Even with all her responsibilities, baa managed everything with such a big heart. She was like a superhero, managing the farm and family without ever complaining. This kindness and helping others is exactly what humanitarians believe in too.

In the memory of her passing away on April 10th, 2002, I, along with my family, took the decision to establish a Humanitarian Award in her name. This decision was driven by our desire to immortalize her legacy of love and compassion. 

Named as the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award, this accolade seeks to honor individuals who, like her, display an extraordinary spirit and transformative leadership. These are individuals who have left a positive and lasting impact on society, embodying strong values that inspire not only me but also the younger generation. This award is a celebration of selflessness and serves as a guiding light for others to pursue a similar path of service. 

It's truly heartening to witness the growing recognition of this esteemed award, not only in India but across the world.  

My baa’s life story beautifully aligns with the ideals of humanitarianism. Her love, dedication, and mindful approach to life serve as a guiding light, urging me to embrace the same principles and make a positive impact in the world around me. Through her actions, she not only cared for her family and farm but also exemplified the essence of what it means to be a humanitarian—touching lives with kindness and leaving a trail of compassion in her wake. 

“To feel someone else’s pain as your own, is the greatest gift you can give that person.”