Introduction
True social service is a noble endeavor, requiring selflessness, empathy, and genuine concern for society at large, including the underprivileged. It is often equated with serving a higher purpose, as the saying goes, “Serving hands are better than praying lips.”
However, the rise of activism driven by the desire for instant fame and recognition poses a significant challenge to the authenticity of social efforts.
Key Differences
Motivation: Genuine Social Service: Driven by altruism and compassion for those in need.
Activism for Recognition: Motivated by personal gain, fame, or societal acknowledgment. Prioritizes self-promotion over meaningful impact. Often results in superficial efforts with limited impact.
Intent :
Genuine Social Service: Focuses on addressing community needs and creating sustainable change. Leads to long-term, transformative change in society.
Challenges
Distinguishing Genuine Efforts:
Identifying whether an individual’s or organization’s actions are genuinely altruistic or self-serving can be difficult.
Role of Social Media:
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify self-serving activism, making it appear more prevalent than authentic service.
Conclusion
True social service requires a genuine heart, empathy, and dedication to helping others without expecting recognition or reward. While activism for recognition may garner attention, it lacks the depth needed to address systemic issues effectively. Supporting genuine efforts and being cautious of superficial activism is crucial for fostering meaningful societal change.
Putting this in context for Kodagu – the need of the hour is quiet, self-effacing leadership – of the kind that set in motion the gears for the Kodavaame Balo Nadp. The octogenarian occupiers of Chairs in perpetuity should give way to nurturing the youth, who are the future.
Similarly, various organisations should coalesce and create a common platform based on collective and inclusive wisdom. One Man Bands, need to be dispensed with and teams of selfless service resources are the need of the hour.
Jammada Ganesh Ayanna
Treasurer, JABHOOMI CHARITABLE TRUST
Chief Advisor, Mysore Kodava Samaja
