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Even as he continues to distribute notebooks and writing instruments to the needy, Basheer of Palliyalil House, Karinjappady, Vattalloor, Malappuram often hears the rustling of paper used for packing sugar at shops.  He had offered Rs.50 to a student, who for lack of resource to pay the nominal fee of Government Schools, had dropped out to work as a arecanut-pealer.  No sooner had he received the money, the boy shot off like an arrow and came back soon with a lemon and a packet of sugar to offer lemon juice to Basheer.  As he poured the sugar into a small bottle, he took care not to waste even one tiny bit by rubbing the packing paper against itself very gently.

Sound of paper is something that Basheer hears often, even otherwise.  Based on a suggestion by social worker Hamsa Thayyil, he had started collecting used text books and distributing them to the needy.  Once, a potential donor advised him to distribute notebooks pens and pencils instead.  That started his small effort to provide notebooks to the needy.

Starting with 13 beneficiaries in 2000, the effort has now progressed to about 300 persons in the districts of Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode last year.  Among them are students from 2^nd standard to Plus 2. 

Based on the requests for help, he visits the houses of potential beneficiaries to assess the situation.  Later he visits them after the notebooks etc have been given.  It was during one such visit that he heard the rustling of the ‘sugar-coated’ paper.

His effort has not gone waste.  A student from Mankada, who was a beneficiary in the first batch of 2000, later gained employment in the Gulf.  He sponsored 2 students last year and 5 this year.  Similarly, 2 anonymous doctors and a merchant have been liberal in their support.  Not to be discounted is the support of his parents, wife and children. 

Courtesy: K.Jayaprakash Babu, Sree, Malayala Manorama, May 27, 2007
Contributed by: Administrator

"Of a small spark, a great fire."