A mother's step into kindness

As a mother of young adults, I’ve always believed that values are not just taught—they are lived. Over the years, I realized that kindness is not just an action, but a way of life. I made a conscious decision to wear the kindness badge, not just for myself, but for my children to see, learn, and hopefully carry forward. 

At first, it was small things—choosing compassion over judgment, helping someone in need without expecting anything in return, or simply treating people with warmth and respect. I never asked my children to be kind—I just lived it. 

Then, something remarkable happened. They started doing it too. 

One day, my child quietly told me about an incident where they had stepped in to help a friend going through a tough time—just listening without judgment, offering a small act of support. Another time, I saw my other child take the initiative to help a stranger in need, without hesitation. These weren’t grand gestures, but they mattered. 

In a world where values like kindness can sometimes feel overlooked, seeing my children naturally embrace it reminded me of something powerful: when we lead by example, kindness doesn’t just stay with us—it grows, spreads, and takes root in others. 

They practiced small yet meaningful acts of kindness— 
Sharing food without hesitation. 
Running errands during COVID to help those in need. 
Greeting community helpers in our building with warmth. 
Sharing a good laugh with elders to brighten their day. 
Showing empathy towards street animals. 
Encouraging their friends with stories of kindness. 

They instinctively understood that kindness isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about small, consistent actions that make the world a little kinder. Watching them lead by example, I truly believe that when kindness is spread, it has the power to reshape the world. 

This journey isn’t just mine—it’s theirs too. And that, to me, is the most fulfilling part of wearing the kindness badge. 

This transformation—starting from a personal decision to be kinder, to seeing it reflected in my children—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Because at the end of the day, kindness isn’t just about what we do; it’s about who we become and the legacy we leave behind. 

Kindness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandfather was a true embodiment of generosity—he firmly believed in girl child education and took concrete steps to make a difference. He built schools in villages, funded education, and served on the board of trustees for children in our community and those from lesser-privileged backgrounds. Many of these children grew up to become doctors and engineers, carrying forward his legacy of empowerment. 

Philanthropy came naturally to him, and I saw my parents walk the same path. Growing up in such an environment, kindness was not something I had to learn—it was something I witnessed every day. So, when I came across Rushabh Turakhia and his Global Kindness Movement, I was drawn to it instantly. Here was one man, on a mission to spread smiles and kindness—not just through words, but with a tangible reminder: the blue kindness card, a symbol of spreading goodness from one person to another. 

Seeing kindness as an action, a movement, and a way of life, I knew this was where I belonged. 

Challenges are always there—especially when it comes to inspiring people to embrace kindness as a way of life. One of the biggest hurdles was people’s tendency to equate everything with a cost—be it time, effort, or money. Whenever I shared about the Global Kindness Movement and its initiatives, the response was often lukewarm. Maybe it was because everyone believed they were already doing their bit in their own way. But what many didn’t realize was that kindness doesn’t require a price tag—it’s free, effortless, and simply a matter of practice. 

All it took was something as simple as: 
Making someone smile 
Encouraging people on social media 
Writing a kind word 
Donating a small amount to a meaningful cause 

Yet, motivating people to actively participate and share kindness-related content remained a challenge. People readily post about parties, achievements, and everyday moments, but when it came to sharing acts of goodness, it often took a backseat. 

The medium of kindness found its way into the world through the Your Turn Now book—featuring 75 short, real-life examples of kindness, all inspired by people passing on the kindness card. Seeing its potential to spread the message further, I decided to be part of the effort to sell the book, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity. 

The book is simple yet powerful—its illustrations are easy to connect with, and the stories are deeply relatable. However, a major challenge arose post-COVID: reading habits, especially among children, declined. Parents, instead of encouraging reading, would often say, "Kids don’t like books, so there’s no point in buying one." 

Yet, at the very same exhibitions, I would see these same parents stopping by at lifestyle stalls, purchasing other wares without hesitation. The irony of life—books that could inspire children to be kinder were overlooked, while materialistic indulgences thrived. 

Despite this, I believe that persistence matters. Every book that reaches a child has the potential to shape a more compassionate future. So, the challenge remains—but so does the hope that more people will recognize the value of kindness over convenience. 

Every moment on this journey has been special. My eyes light up when I see friends coming together to make laddoos for cancer patients, when someone joins hands in distribution or contribution towards a good cause, or when a single book is sold—because I know that somewhere, someone will read it. 

What makes it even more special is imagining where the book might end up— 
As a coffee table book in a doctor’s or professional’s waiting room, sparking curiosity. 
In a grandparent’s lap, as they read aloud to their grandchildren. 

In the hands of a mother, school teacher, or motivator, who may pass on its message. 

As a young girl, I loved books, and that love has never faded. To know that this book could inspire kindness in someone’s life, in ways I may never witness, is what makes every moment in this journey truly special. 

My personal vision is simple: to do my part in spreading kindness. The larger vision, led by Rushabh Turakhia, is to build a world where kindness is not just a choice, but a culture. From schools to workplaces, our goal is to make kindness a natural part of how we interact with one another, seamlessly woven into everyday life. 

I hope to find more kind souls who believe in this mission and will spread the word, inspire others, and create a ripple effect of kindness. True change happens when one person nudges another, and together, we can make kindness a movement that reaches far and wide. 

I want to share the simple yet powerful idea of being compassionate – not as an obligation, but as a way of life. Kindness should come naturally, not because someone asks for it, but because it feels right. It's not about grand gestures; it's about making compassion a part of our everyday choices, a habit so deeply ingrained that it becomes second nature. 

The world changes when kindness becomes a lifestyle – one small act at a time. 

Kindness has not only shaped my journey but has also allowed me to witness the incredible impact of small, selfless acts. One of the most inspiring examples is Rushabh’’s latest initiative—100 musical shows for 100 NGOs. 

When I asked him what was so exquisite about it, he simply said, "Music heals. It takes the pain away. It makes one calm." And that, to me, is the essence of kindness—finding unique ways to bring comfort and joy to those who need it the most. 

Being part of this movement, seeing kindness in action, and watching it ripple outward makes me more than happy—it fills me with purpose. 

At the heart of everything I’ve shared lies one simple truth—kindness has the power to transform lives. And if there’s one movement that has been a beacon of this belief, it is Your Turn Now. 

None of this would have been possible without Rushabh Turakhia, whose vision and dedication to spreading kindness have inspired countless individuals, including me. Whether through a simple blue kindness card, a heartfelt story in the Your Turn Now books, or the 100 musical shows for 100 NGOs, his initiatives continue to touch lives in the most profound ways. 

Today, as we talk about kindness, it is only because of this movement and its founder that we are connected. And I hope that through these words, more people are inspired to embrace kindness—not just as an action, but as a way of life. Because the world truly becomes better when it’s Your Turn Now. 

By Liora Vale