"Live to Love"

DRUKPA PENANG ON 27 JAN 2008

We of Drukpa Penang know that we were suppose to kick off LIVE TO LOVE every 3rd Sunday of the month but some of us were not free so we could only start on 27th January 2008, we thought it would be better late than not at all! Initially we were not sure how to begin and what to do so were actually flipping through daily newspaper to see whether there are any cases reported where we could approach to help. Then we thought of a friend who is a member of Tzu-Chi Buddhist Merit Society of Penang. We asked if we could help in any of their charity mission or relief work. We were then referred to the case of Mr. K.Harinam, aged 64 who is in desperation for help to meet his basic means. Without much hesitation, we informed all the members of Drukpa Penang that we will kick off Live To Love on Sunday 27th Jan. On that day, nine of us gathered at the centre and made our way to the address given by Tzu-Chi. Upon finding the house, all of us were kind of surprise that it was quite a nice house he was staying in and hence couldn’t stop wondering whether we got the right house. A young girl who led us to see Mr. K. Harinam greeted us.


Paul explaining to Mr. K. Harinam on Live to Love

We introduced Drukpa Penang and the concept of Live To Love to him. Then we asked if we could know more of his problems and how we could assist him. Basically he is unable to earn a living due to chronic illnesses and only receiving a government workers’ compensation of RM350 per month. Currently he is staying with his mother (83yo) and daughter (13yo) in a spare room of his brother’s house. Unfortunately his brother is unable to continue providing for their needs, and they were asked to leave soon.


Prolonged insertion of dialysis tubes which caused the vein to swollen

About his medical condition, he is suffering from diabetic, kidney failure, high blood pressure and heart problem. Apart from having his right foot’s digits amputated (which he showed us) he is also on the verge of losing one of his eyesight. He goes to the hospital 3 times a week for dialysis (sponsored jointly by Tzu-Chi and the Adventist Hospital) and occasionally to the Government’s hospital for dressing and check-up on his heart. It is very taxing on him mentally as well as physically to go through these routine treatments.


Julie, Linsey and Arthur bought some lunch and food stuff for his family

He and his mother usually forgo their meals so that his daughter can have food, just like the very day itself. We felt bad for them not having lunch at such hour so a few of us volunteered to go buy meal for them and at the same time also get them some food stuff for their later use.

Through our conversation with him, we found out that he used to hold a reasonably good position in the Human Resources department of a reputable company and also had been actively involved in cultural dance performances, which he learnt since the age of 5. He was even awarded PJK and PJM, which are honorary titles given by the State Governor in recognition of his contribution in the area of culture and tourism.


Mr. K. Harinam showing us photos of his Indian cultural dances performance during his younger days and the photo when he was awarded PJK by the Governor of Penang.

It is certainly not easy to come to term with what has become of him today, the unexpected and drastic change in life. Worst of all, friends and relatives are avoiding them for fear of being approached for financial help. Such alienation and constantly being treated as a burden was hurting him greatly as we could see him in tears when he was telling us how he constantly reminded his daughter not to demand anything from anyone but only accept what is given. His principle on this made us realized the extent of pain that can be inflicted on someone who is subject to humiliation or losing one’s dignity. Besides sharing his pain, we also feel the sadness in him and the tremendous stress and torment he has to go through worrying about his and his family’s basic needs.



Nevertheless he still holds very strong faith in God. He told us most of the time he was praying and praying to God for help. He was so glad that his prayers were answered as we came to his aid. Before we left, each of us offered him some monies so that he could at least meet his immediate needs. He said that he was really touched by our help and thanked us again and again. Just before we left he asked a small favour from us, that was to bring him a LIVE TO LOVE t-shirt the next time we drop by, which we will be more than happy to oblige!

Each of us has started something new that day and we were indeed grateful to have Holiness to guide us to this meaningful path. We are not sure we have done it all correctly, will surely welcome any comment or suggestion as to how we could improve in our next undertaking.


A group photo before we leave

Meanwhile we will follow-up with his progress and will work out with Tzu-Chi on the arrangement to rent a place for them to stay.