gimme some of that skippy!

Each of the 10^th grade boys at the table was demanding a piece of Prem’s chapatti. He tore it apart and gave them half of his dinner without stopping for a second to consider the altruism of this act. Incredulous, I watched the transaction.

It was Wednesday evening, and I was sitting with the sophomores for dinner. Earlier in the day, 15-year-old Prem had been injured while playing basketball; an older boy had hit him in the jaw with his elbow, causing Prem to bite down very hard on his tongue, which then bled. Because his tongue was so wounded, he was unable to eat the spicy Shanti Bhavan food, and was given a special dinner instead: two chapattis (flat, circular bread, very similar to tortillas) smeared with peanut butter. A rare treat.

In spite of his markedly painful condition, Prem was in good spirits. He went as far to inform the perpetrator of his injury that he had done Prem “a favor,” because he received special food. Moreover, he didn’t hesitate to share his small meal with the other students, who were each diligently finishing up their own large plates of rice. For children who are seldom allowed luxuries such as peanut butter for dinner, it’s amazing how willing they are to share their good fortunes.

Prem’s behavior is not an exception at Shanti Bhavan – it’s the rule. Whenever the students receive something that they are able to share with even a few others, they most certainly will. Perhaps it has been ingrained in them from a young age that they must be giving, as they don’t physically own very much; they share everything from clothes and makeup to books and bicycles. In terms of material goods, they possess nearly nothing. That which they have, they share.

On a daily basis, these children are inspiring. I frequently recall myself as a teenager; I cannot even begin to imagine overcoming their struggles at home, and then persevering in school with such poise – all the while retaining their compassion for others. Their kindness and humility are evident in the small things they do. I learn something new from my students every day. Did you know that one chapatti with peanut butter can be split five ways?