How do we explain Mahatma Gandhi on Gandhi Jayanthi to children in a playschool? He is honoured most importantly for his practice of non- violent resistance, which finds a resonance even today, in struggles that people have against unjust governments the world over.

But for the 3 and 4 year old's for whom even yesterday can be a long time ago, these events are hard to comprehend. We try to tell the kids about his humility , his service to the marginalised and his ability to GIVE!

Well, that’s the new buzz word- givitism. Activism with an emphasis on gifting -as when we celebrate October 2 to 8 as the Joy of Giving week in India; as in the experiment in generosity by Karma Kitchen or Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen,where there are no prices on the menu card; or the 'sospesso' ( suspended coffee) where a cup of coffee is paid for in advance, as an anonymous act of charity; or as seen in this cartoon by Ruth Krauss & Maurice Sendak, where you are surprised by, not the dream catcher, but the dream giver!

So we tell the little ones in kindergarten to give away a smile, a hug, love, cause it comes right back to you. We’re celebrating the Mahatma and his life by giving- to show compassion and empathy, to get people to support and encourage one another and  to remind you – life is beautiful.