5 Questions for Idealists with Ganga Ram Bhandari
Ganga Ram Bhandari
Idealist from Gross National Happiness Kingdom, Bhutan, in the Asian Himalayas
Member of the Idealists of the World Facebook group since September 2018
When did you realize that you were an idealist?
I have been an idealist since childhood. It’s the nature of my character. I choose being human, not just human being. We are from the same human family and I don’t feel any difference between you and me or anyone else. I help rural kids in my village and around the poor villages [of Bhutan]. I am not rich by wealth, but I am very rich by mind and heart; that’s how I find it in me to keep helping kids and old citizens of the villages. In 2013, I began a project [called The Village Children in Bhutan] but due to financial problems, I haven’t been able to get it going yet. Check out my website www.tvcib.org.
What is one simple thing anyone can do to have an impact in the world?
A simple thing that everyone can do around the world is to stop plastic waste. They can also plant at least one tree in their life. We belong to the Earth and we need to care for her. Global warming is a current threat to us all over the world, and our responsibility today is to be aware of it and find ways to control it.
What keeps you optimistic, hopeful, and motivated?
Folks doing the right thing is the most important part. I save animals and discourage killings. I am personally motivated by my religious perspective. I believe that there is one god for all human beings that exists within each of us, and that our duty is to do good things. To do no harm to others is my religion.
What do Idealist Days mean to you?
1/1, 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, 6/6, 7/7, 8/8, 9/9, 10/10, 11/11, and 12/12 are good dates for me to join with the rest of the idealists of the world to do something helpful for all of us on Earth. For me, Idealist Days are every day, but having these dates set aside is good for all of us.
What’s one thing you’ve done — big or small — that you are most proud of?
I am discouraging the killing of domestic animals, and converting hotels into vegan restaurants in our community. I am also pushing the use of mountain bikes rather than cars. I love planting trees and carpet grass. Planting agarwood helps rural folks generate income and protects against global warming. My website www.tvcib.org will show some of my work.
Originally published at https://www.idealist.org on September 6, 2019.
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Learn more about The Village Children in Bhutan.
