Kindness Unlimited is a network of ordinary citizens from school going age to retired persons. It includes, besides students, their teachers, doctors, lawyers, other professionals, young business persons, employees of businesses and institutions, etc. At present most members are below 30 years age.What is common to them all is their willingness to balance their vital self-interest with interests of the community, and most are eager to go beyond small acts of courtesy and kindness and help in larger service projects. They are not part of any formal organization, and do not pay fees.

They function around voluntary Nodal Coordinators who are in constant communication with the Chief Coordinator at the Hub. The purpose of the network is to show them opportunities for personal service and to put them in touch with each other and also with service clubs and charitable organizations who welcome voluntary assistance in their activities.

How did it all start?

One person had thought of using random acts of kindness to counter the increasing selfishness, crime and violence in society, and had approached several institutions to take up the idea and promote it. Getting rather impatient, he sent a small press release to the Times of India, who published just 45 words from it in their City edition on the 6th.June, 2002. The originator of the idea was flooded with phone calls and email, and the network started taking shape. The seed of kindness thus sown fell in fertile soil and sprouted instantly. It is heartening to know that we have many more kind people than purely selfish individuals who would do anything to get what they desire! The network is growing by itself and at the end of Jun 2002, in just 3 weeks had nearly a 70 members and 12 coordinators. People from other towns like Thane, Panjim (Goa) and Bangalore have also expressed a desire to join the network and set up nodes there. There is even an inquiry from Rome in Italy.

One school has already been implementing something akin to our Kindness program for school children, and three more are likely to do so from the 15^th August as a gift to the nation.

What will make Kindness Unlimited grow even faster and serve better?

Being a network with eager volunteers, it can now spread only through word of mouth. The growth will be slow and many people who may be eager to join will not even know about it. The huge potential of kind people eager to serve the community can be mobilized by more systematic promotion like printing and mailing, and occasional press announcements. This needs some funds but the network does not collect fees. Service clubs can sponsor promotion at a very nominal cost, and reap the benefit of availability of sincere volunteers for their projects.

Thoughts which will guide us

Caring for the self is natural and is based on the genetic instinct of survival. When carried too far it could jeopardize the survival or wellbeing of others, and become selfishness. Caring for others in our immediate vicinity and elsewhere in the world is also natural, because we cannot survive and thrive alone. The entire universe is an ecosystem with a dynamic balance. If this balance shifts considerably, some part of the universe, animate or inanimate, will suffer and may become extinct. The loss will be felt by all the survivors sooner or later.

If a proper balance between self-interest and common interest is not maintained, the destructive process is set in motion. The early signs are increasing dishonesty, crime, violence, riots, terrorism and even a bloody war. We can work towards re-establishing or maintaining the balance by a constant reminder that humanity thrives or vanishes as a whole. It is diminished by every single person killed or otherwise wronged. Socio-biological insights help a lot in working out a strategy to maintain the balance.

Organizational Structure:

KU is a network of volunteers in different localities, designated as "nodes" of the network. From among such volunteers, for every Node, one or two who are connected to the Internet will act as coordinators, and will be in frequent communication with the "Hub" (at present here at Vile Parle). Mr. Vasant Kalbag acts as the Chief Coordinator at the Hub of the network. The Nodes will be fully autonomous and may decide how they wish to function to fulfill the objectives of the network, and how they may raise money if required. We recommend that no membership fees be charged, but some voluntary work of the individual's choice be expected. To meet the expenses of reproducing promotional material for their locality they may either "pass on a hat" to members and sympathizers or get some local shop or business to sponsor these. Service Clubs like Rotary may also be glad sponsors posters and other promotional material. It is very desirable that members remain in touch with the Hub through their coordinators or directly, so that Kindness opportunities may be communicated to them.

What we can do:

Our immediate programme will be to promote courtesy and small random kindnesses to all, and promotion of the method of "Generosity Game" (like a kindness relay race). We shall not undertake major projects but we shall be in constant touch with other charitable organizations and service clubs so that our volunteers may have an opportunity to work on major service or Kindness projects. The direct activities will cover distress relief for the cancer patients and others who are sick and infirm, working with schools to introduce Random Acts of Kindness and make them aware of the need for mutual cooperation in society, cleaning and beautification of some small area or nook near the residence of a volunteer, composting of wet garbage, water and energy conservation. There are many other ideas for doing small and large acts of kindness at low or no cost, which give immense satisfaction to the doers. Regular newsletters and a website on the Internet will enable us all to share ideas. At present a Kindness Unlimited discussion group has been set up which any one can join.

None of the projects or programmes will be large, we believe in working at the micro level and involving the main beneficiaries. Suitable guidance will be given. Our volunteers get the bonus of inner happiness at doing something for others, gain new friends, and improved physical and mental health. All the Kindness Unlimited members will be tied together with bonds of genuine friendship and fellowship, and we may have some social gatherings once every year or more frequently if the members so desire. We shall not spend time in administration and accounts since we have no formal organization, and there will be no tussles for leadership.

How to join:

There is no application to make and no fees to pay. All you have to do is send us the following information: