Today was a big milestone in our life.
My son, Chirag was featured in the local newspaper as a cover story. Jake Lynch, our local reporter wrote a beautiful story about Chirag’s contribution to the community. He did an amazing story on Chirag. I had tears in my eyes when I read this story.
We are so fortunate to have him in our life who remind us daily “Giving is path to help people realize their potential.”
He has become my new channel of giving. When he was 4yrs old, we wanted him to join sports and excel in it. He was not ready for sports then. I was really disappointed because he could not play sports. Then my close friend Linda explored his creativity and said he is a gifted artist. We took her advice and provided all the resources to help him become a great artist.
Ever since he has blossomed as a great artist and he also has the heart to give and support people and communities around him. In last 4 yrs, he has completed over 150 paintings. We sell his art for $30-200 and all the proceeds are donated to organizations that help kids. We have raised over $3000 to support Children’s Hospital because Chirag personally believes in supporting kids.
To promote this desire we have started a program called “Creative Children for Charity” that focuses on enabling children to be creative while nurturing a spirit of social consciousness, to realize that they can make a difference.
Here are some articles about him:
- His collection on Flickr
- Featured by Ann Flaherty
- Featured on Meylah
- Featured by Tellus Corporation
- Charity-Vault
- Sammi Nominations : Trevor Price
- Fostering community through creativity on Facebook (join him)
I wanted to share his story with all of you. Share your support by leaving your comments.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a beautiful story. You have inspired to explore my 5 year old’s creative options more than automatically thinking he needs to be be involved in soccer like every other little boy his age
Hi Carla
You made my day. I am so happy to read your comment. Great parents find greatness in their kids. You are amazing to recognize it so early. Congrats.
4 years ago, I read a book on 7 habits on happy kids (http://www.amazon.com/7-Habits-Happy-Kids/dp/1416957766/ref=dp_cp_ob_b_image_0) and really gave a complete new way to look at my children’s needs. Both my kids are happy because they do what they enjoy.
Since Chirag had challenges with sports, we personally had to expand our mindset to accomodate his creativity needs. Here is an article that my husband wrote on “how to nuture creativity : http://meylah.com/blog/184/5-Areas-to-Nurture-Creativity-in-Your-Children.
The 2 resources may help you find the right thing for your son to find something he enjoys and bring happiness.
I went to your website and blog postings and took some time to read through everything. I really liked what you said about giving. I showed to my girlfriend and told a few people about it as well.
Your philosphy is powerful and inspiring to me. I did what you reccomended – printed the check from the site. I also took some time to read the points in the book on how to live better. It was very inspiring and elightening. We also took a tour pf your Chirag’s paintings and loved them. The one that he gifted to you was perfect – I love that one.
Thanks Niko. You made my day.
Giving is a gift and give it with abundance.