Vidyasagar was one of the great leaders of Bengal in the last century. Although he was a man of affluence and influence, he dressed in the simplest of clothes, and often passed unrecognised.

One day, as he was going along the road, he saw a poor labourer, whose back was bent beneath a heavy load. The poor man trudged along with faltering steps.

Vidyasagar's heart went out to him, and he said, “Brother, may I carry this burden for you?” Not recognising his benefactor, the labourer gratefully relinquished his load.

Vidyasagar lifted the load on his own back and carried it right up to the destination. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a silver coin and presses into the palm of the mystified labourer, saying, Brother, bless me!

Vidyasagar showed what it was to serve silently. Silent servers are the world's great need. Today, alas there is so much of show and ostentation in our service. There is so much of lovelessness in our public. It is the shakti of silent service that we need today.