The Art of Human Kindness

Michael Daube

For today’s Good News Wednesday, I would like to share a wonderful story about an artist, a journey, and the incredible organization that came from them. I’m talking about Michael Daube and his amazing story, which I’ve shared before.

In the late 80s, New Jersey-based artist Michael Daube was backpacking around India. In Calcutta, two small children approached him on the street, begging for money. Michael began talking with them, and soon the children had invited him to accompany them to the place where they had lunch every day.

Michael and the children arrived at a Catholic charity where dozens of children were awaiting their lunch. Michael asked one of the sisters if he could volunteer or help in some way; the nun told him that he better talk to the sister in charge, and led him to another room to wait.

Into the room walked Mother Theresa – whom Michael had never even heard of at the time.

Flash-forward a few years: Michael is back in New Jersey working as an artist, and still thinking about those kids in India. One day he goes dumpster diving for sculpture materials, when he discovers amongst the trash a drawing by legendary British artist David Hockney. This was the watershed moment he had been waiting for. Michael sold the drawing, and in 1997, used the money — along with a lot of travel, determination, inspiration and hard work — to found Citta, an organization dedicated to boost the education, health care and economic prospects of some of the most economically disadvantaged people in the world. Citta currently operates hospitals, schools, orphanages and women’s centers in India, Nepal and Mexico.

Read the Tonic article here

Today, Michael and Citta have a great new venture to raise funds and awareness, and increase the work being done by Citta. Tonic, a website focused on the good that happens each day in neighborhoods all around the world, is hoping to spread Citta’s message of help and hope through a new partnership. Sūtra Scarves are hand-made, beautiful cashmere scarves that feature words of wisdom, strength and inspiration. Each piece includes embroidered Sanskrit translations of words chosen by creative powerhouses including Natalie Merchant, David Bowie, Queen Latifah and Scarlett Johansson  — making them as meaningful as they are luxurious.

The scarves are works of art unto themselves and are knit and embroidered by the artisans at the Women’s Center in Orissa, India, providing the means for locals to empower and help themselves. Exclusively on Tonic, a portion of the proceeds from each scarf goes to help make the next Citta dream a reality.The goal is to raise funds toward the $65,000 needed for Citta to build a girls’ school in Jaisalmir, India. Read the full article on Tonic here.

So, just in time for your holiday shopping – buy an amazing, one-of-a-kind cashmere scarf – and feel great about helping to empower women and children at the same time. Namaste!

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