"The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” — Dalai Lama

What makes a person great? There is no one answer to that, you might argue. Perhaps, you are right. But here is what, I believe, makes a person great. It is a person’s ability to derive his/her happiness from others. This article talks about one such person, Mala Sharma.

A fun-filled childhood

Mala Sharma was born into a modest family in Bangalore. It was a joint family, and naturally, she spent a lot of time with her siblings and cousins. Riding bicycles, inventing games that never existed, and turning construction sites into playgrounds. There was never a dull moment. When she was not playing, she immersed herself in learning Carnatic Music. This way, her childhood gradually progressed, filled with cackles and music.

Marriage & Motherhood 

After turning eighteen, Mala Sharma entered a new phase of her life. She got married and relocated to Chennai. Within a year of marriage, she welcomed her first son. Mala was quite young for all these. New place, new role as wife and mother, and on top of all, new household responsibilities. She took care of her kids, cooked food for the family, and still found time to run her boutique business that she started at her home.  It was overwhelming. However, Mala Sharma multitasked and managed everything with grace.

Meeting Ranjini 

Nearly after a decade, her second son was born, and around this time, she encountered Ranjani, who would go on to profoundly influence her life. Ranjani was a service-orientated person who distributed free meals to the poor and treated everyone with warmth and affection. Her selfless concern for the happiness of others moved Mala Sharma a lot. She learnt from Ranjani that the sense of fulfilment one gets by 'giving' to others was irreplaceable. From then on, Mala made it her mission to be the sunshine of her family and friends.  

Spreading warmth and happiness

Mala Sharma found numerous ways to keep her family and social circle smiling. One of the favourite methods that she adopted was cooking. Whenever she cooked, all she thought about was if it would make them happy. Once they eat her food, it should feel like a warm hug from her. If someone is visiting her house, he/she isn’t allowed to leave without a sumptuous meal and a huge smile across their face. Be it a postman or a delivery agent, she made sure that they felt welcome and cared for. Inviting them inside her house, she would share a cup of hot coffee over a warm conversation. During every festive occasion, she would draw on her carnatic music training she received in her younger phase and sing to people’s requests. 

An Affectionate Tutor 

After staying in Chennai for nearly 3 decades, she moved to Bangalore to her current residence. Here, she has found a new way to spread joy by tutoring kids in her apartment. She teaches the kids with kindness and care, making the students feel relaxed and happy. The parents have expressed gratitude to Mala Sharma, sharing that their kids can hardly contain their excitement to attend her class. She is currently tutoring 23 kids, and all of them come to her house, carrying a smile on their face. This is the true mark of an affectionate tutor! 

Humans are wired for joy and happiness 

Having raised both her sons into adulthood, Mala Sharma’s family responsibilities have finally eased. She now focuses on singing, teaching and doing activities that she enjoys the most.  When we reflect upon the life of Mala Sharma, we uncover a universal truth: as humans, we are inherently designed for connection. The joy of those in our vicinity enhances our own well-being. Mala Sharma carries this truth in her mind and action. Let’s all try and be a reason for someone’s smile!