Not All of Us Can Do Great Things. But We Can Do Small Things With Great Love

• 26 Feb 2025

If You cannot Do Great Things, Do Small Things in a Great Way 

— Napoleon Hill 

These words by Mother Teresa encapsulate a profound philosophy of life, one that values sincerity, compassion, and service over grand achievements. In a world obsessed with success, power, and recognition, this thought reminds us that even the simplest acts, if done with love and care, can have a lasting impact. 

The idea of greatness is often associated with monumental achievements, leading nations, revolutionizing industries, or discovering scientific breakthroughs. However, not everyone has the opportunity or resources to accomplish such feats. This does not mean their contributions to society are any less valuable. The true essence of making a difference lies not just in the magnitude of one's actions but in the depth of love and sincerity with which they are carried out. Small acts of kindness, performed with love and dedication, possess the power to transform lives. 

India, with its huge population thrives on the collective power of small but meaningful actions. The essence of kindness and service is ingrained in Indian culture – the Langar service at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where thousands of volunteers prepare and serve meals daily is not an extraordinary act by a single person but rather a culmination of small efforts infused with great love, ensuring that no one leaves the premises hungry. Similarly, individuals like Sindhutai Sapkal, known as the "Mother of Orphans," devoted her life to raising and sheltering abandoned children. Though she did not have vast resources, her unconditional love turned small gestures into life-changing experiences for thousands of children. Another example is Roti Bank, an initiative started by Dabbawalas in Mumbai, which collects excess food from restaurants and households to distribute among the needy, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. These acts, though seemingly small, have a profound impact on individuals and communities, reinforcing the idea that compassion and service can create lasting change. 

Dashrath Manjhi, a laborer from Bihar, exemplified this philosophy when he single-handedly carved a path through a mountain over 22 years using just a hammer and chisel. His goal was not fame but to ensure that his fellow villagers had access to medical facilities and essential services. Though his task seemed small in the grand scheme, it had an immeasurable impact on the lives of his community. 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s beloved "Missile Man" and former President, always emphasized the importance of small yet meaningful contributions. Though he was involved in great scientific advancements, what made him truly special was his dedication to mentoring students and inspiring youth across India. A simple word of encouragement from him, a heartfelt letter, or a moment spent with young minds changed countless lives. 

Indian women, from rural villages to urban spaces, have shown how small steps with love can lead to revolutionary changes. Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, who fought against gender discrimination in education, did not start with grand reforms. Instead, they began by educating one girl at a time, slowly dismantling the prejudices of society. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of small acts done with great love is their ability to create a ripple effect. When one person performs a selfless act, it inspires others, leading to a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. A remarkable example of this is Sonam Wangchuk, an education reformist from Ladakh. Concerned about the high dropout rates among Ladakhi students, he started the Student Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), which introduced innovative and practical learning methods. His approach not only transformed education in Ladakh but also inspired others to adopt sustainable and hands-on learning models across India. His work also encouraged initiatives like the Ice Stupa Project, which helps communities combat water scarcity through artificial glaciers. Wangchuk’s small yet impactful efforts have motivated thousands to work towards education reform and environmental sustainability, proving that a single act of dedication can spark widespread positive change. 

Another inspiring example of how small acts done with great love create a ripple effect is Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte. This husband-and-wife duo dedicated their lives to serving the Madia Gond tribal community in the remote forests of Maharashtra. In the 1970s, they noticed that the tribal people had no access to healthcare, education, or basic necessities. Instead of waiting for large-scale government intervention, they started treating patients under a tree, educating children, and offering help with daily needs. Their compassion led to the establishment of the Lok Biradari Prakalp, which today includes a fully functional hospital, a residential school for tribal children, and a wildlife orphanage for animals rescued from hunters. Their selfless efforts inspired many young doctors, teachers, and volunteers to dedicate their lives to rural service. Because of their initiative, thousands of tribal people now have access to medical care and education, proving that even small steps taken with great love can create lasting change for generations. 

At its core, the philosophy of doing small things with great love is about mindset and intention. It is not about the scale of the action but the sincerity behind it. Whether in personal life, workplaces, or communities, small gestures of kindness, patience, and commitment can foster meaningful relationships and positive change.When individuals cultivate this mindset, they contribute to a culture of empathy and service, reinforcing the idea that no effort is too small to make a difference. However, despite its simplicity, implementing this philosophy in daily life and governance comes with challenges. Many people believe that their small actions will not make a difference, leading to inaction. In a results-driven society, immediate measurable impact is often valued over consistent, long-term contributions. In governance, systemic inefficiencies sometimes hinder well-intentioned efforts. To integrate this philosophy into society and governance, a culture of compassion needs to be cultivated from the beginning; schools should emphasize value-based education, promoting kindness, ethics, and social responsibility. Besides, encouraging local initiatives, volunteerism, and citizen engagement can strengthen grassroots development. 

India's true strength lies not only in its technological advancements or economic growth but in its people, everyday individuals carrying out small yet meaningful acts that lead to extraordinary change. As we progress, it is essential to remember that making a difference does not require grand platforms or vast wealth.  

Be Faithful in Small Things Because It is in Them That Your Strength Lies 

— Mother Teresa