CHENNAI, INDIA: People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. Most of them think that happiness means a lot of money. A tea seller however differed and claimed herself ‘happy’ earning around 5800 rupee per month.
Twenty four-year-old Sangita Mahalingam is doing her business in a roadside of Taramani area of Chennai. She along with her husband jointly works there.
They just earn a little amount of money for living. There is no sign of agony in their faces, which reveal that they are very happy with their life.
In reply to query about their expectations, she said, “I don’t want to earn more money. Because, I am happy with my husband and three children. Nothing is needed to me.”
Her answer may shock most of the people who thought that there is a correlation between increased income and increased happiness.
The female tea seller’s husband also completed a diploma in catering which can bring him very good job to earn good amount of money. But he does not feel any greed for money. Because, they both understand that happiness depends on cultivating inner peace, not on earning lot of money.
Sangita studied till 8th grade and did not able to continue her study because of poverty. So, she wants to give their children the opportunity to study and for this they are saving some money.
When asked what they will do if more money is required to pay for their children's education, she replied “Then we will search another source of money. But as we are saving money from now, it will be enough for our children’s study.”
“The government has also spread helping hand giving stipend or other facilities for the education so that all people can enjoy their rights of education”, she added.
Sangita’s shop is in the government land. They are doing business here for 10 years, as the government gives them chance to stay here. Though it is not their property, they did not face any problem.
Sometime police come here, eat some foods and them go away. They do not harass the traders.
Among the traders, there is an unwritten contract that they are doing business peacefully. There is no social problem; even they help each other with their businesses.
Sangita needs not run after money ignoring family. Even higher earners are not as happy as she is. Happiness depends on cultivating inner peace, not on earning much money.
BDST: 1336 HRS, July 24, 2015
BD/RS
