大象传媒

Good Morning. Today is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day we
observe due to the diligent work of Father Joseph Wresinsk. In October 1987, he
enthused over a hundred thousand people to gather at the Trocad茅ro in Paris, the very
place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed, to honour the victims of
extreme poverty, violence and hunger. They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human
rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected.

Some years later the UN General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, as a call to action to end poverty everywhere. I鈥檓 reminded
of the campaign launched in this country, with support from politicians and religious leaders
at the highest level, to Make Poverty History.

Well, poverty is history. It has existed throughout history - without interruption, like a
constant hum in the background of civilisation. Dynasties, empires, and cultures of all
shades have thrived and gloried while poverty tilled its field, and cultivated its crop of
misery.

The Make Poverty History campaign is also history, but ironically in the sense that the
campaign envisioned for poverty itself. It was a well motivated and inspired attempt to stem
the tide of greed which was perceived to fuel our society - our need to possess, to succeed
alone, to beat others, and to selfishly enjoy. The ideal to eradicate poverty is laudable, a
pious hope, and maybe a forlorn hope. The term 鈥榝orlorn hope鈥� comes from ancient battle
where a special treasure was awarded to the first over the battlements. Few ever survived
to receive their prize, but the attempt was valorous.

I appreciate Gandhi鈥檚 comment that, 鈥渢here is enough in the world for every man's need but
not enough for one man鈥檚 greed鈥�. Dear Lord, I thank Fr Wresinsk for inspiring me to think
about my role in eradicating poverty, my responsibility to eradicate my greed. Hare Krishna