Why non-economic work matters

Non-economic activities may not involve money, but the value they create matters greatly in our lives. In a family, they build respect, happiness and trust: when your mother is tired, helping her is worth more than any payment.

Sevā means selfless service. We see sevā in temples, gurdwaras, mosques and churches. For example, langars (community kitchens) at gurdwaras serve food to every visitor, free, and temples hold bhandaras and give out prasād. The book pictures the langar at the Golden Temple. Note the word every: a langar does not ask who you are before it feeds you.

Such practices build a sense of satisfaction and gratitude for what we have, and they are a way of contributing to society without expecting anything in return.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) depends on the collective efforts of all citizens to keep our surroundings clean. Each of us keeps our home and surroundings clean, and people also come together to clean streets, roads, parks and other public places. Together, these efforts lead to a clean home, neighbourhood, society and nation.

Another example of the community working together is Van Mahotsav, the festival of forests, celebrated in India to spread awareness about the value of trees and saving forests. It brings people together for tree-planting drives; many schools ask each child to bring a sapling from home and plant them together.

The chapter ends: non-economic activities contribute to social welfare and personal well-being, and improve the overall quality of life. No rupee figure can be put on a langar, and that does not make it worth less.