Good deeds are the seeds of happiness....

Thimmakka is a native of Karnataka, a state in the southwestern region of India. She received no formal education and worked as a casual laborer in a nearby quarry. She was married, but unfortunately she and her husband could have no children. It is said that Thimmakka started to plant banyan trees in lieu of children. Every year they planted 15 to 20 new trees until finally they had covered the whole of the 2.5 miles. In total, they planted 284 trees. They were in love with their "children." Her husband quit working for a wage to keep a vigil on his young trees and to water them. He patrolled the stretch, shooed off cattle, and watered the trees. Thimmakka worked for a wage to keep the pot boiling.

"It was a dry, hot road. Our villagers had to walk frequently on this road. So we thought it would be nice if trees came up and shaded the way," she says.

Thimmakka's work was recognized by the government. She won a lot of awards. She planted the trees and had enormous results. There is even a U.S. environmental organization, Thimmakka's Resources for Environmental Education, named after her.

Plant the seeds of happiness without expectation. One day you will receive unexpected recognition.

People today desperately need the help that we can give them. Marriages are being shattered. Children are being hurt. Individuals are living without purpose or future.

Look around. You have the opportunity to help. You will find happiness in helping people in need.