he's a rich man with a rich family – so he can afford to give.
But then we'll remind you about the seed that grew this ?ne
upstanding tree. His mother was not rich, at least her
pockets were not full. Knowing what teachers earn –
especially Indian women whose son was born in 1946 –
we'd be safe in assuming that there were probably times in
Mr. Mia's life when not everything was available.
This is a philosophy born out of nothing, out of struggle –
but the poverty of the pocket, not the mind, not the heart,
not the soul. So, when a rich man who was not always rich
tells you that generosity is key to success, then even those
of us with holes in our shoes should probably sit up and pay
attention.
whom he had given a bursary gave him a CD - Elton John
Blessed - and he listened to it and wept tears of joy. His
money didn't buy him that Joy, no amount of money could do
that. But, his generosity of spirit and his commitment to the
lessons learned at his mother's knee put him in a place
where the universe could deliver that joy directly to do him.
“When you give away what you don't need that creates a
vacuum that nature then ?lls. Live life with an attitude of
abundance. Don't have a mind-set of scarcity. Generosity
creates the capacity for generosity.”
“The more you see the need around you, the more you have
to be grateful for and the more you see the opportunities to
do good. God never denied me anything. Desires and
expectations are met. Relationships, expectations of family.
I honestly believe that the desire to help and the willingness
to be give directly results in my own wealth on every level
and in every way.”
“I live my life in a state of constant gratitude.” Says Mr Mia.
“Gratitude that you can give not take. Gratitude makes you
feel greater and attracts greatness. It's easier to see the
good when you do good. And what you have to remember is
that true wealth is about every aspect of your life:
Relationship, physical health, family, everything. There is
the 'musicality of harmony' – you give money, providence
gives your health and it gives you Joy. But the key is to give.
But winners give, not trade. Expect no returns. It must come
from your heart.”
“Be bold enough to not worry about yourself. Generous
people DON'T go broke. Real strength comes from inner
strength. We cling onto money and we resist generosity out
of weakness and insecurity. But real strength shines
through.”
Sitting in an of?ce that could easily accommodate a pool
table, (Ed: or even a small pool!) this obviously rich,
obviously powerful, obviously successful man talked about
how he was reduced to tears by the gift of a CD. Someone to
He goes on to talk about how most people are task driven –
not people driven. He says people think they have to put on
the mask, they feel like they have to leave their humanity at
the door.
Photo: Pieter de Ras
Mr Sayed Mia (in front)
Zaakir Hoosein Mia (left)
Dr Mohamed Reza Mia (behind)
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CORPORATE SOCIAL REVIEW