Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, who had no formal education and yet became an able lawyer, has given us one of the greatest examples of gratitude ever.

It is told that one day Widow Armstrong came to Lincoln in great trouble. Her son was accused of murder, and she pleaded with Abe (Abraham) to save the boy . Lincoln gladly went before the jury and made one of the most forceful and touching speeches of his career. He finally saved the boy from the gallows.

In return, the widowed mother offered to turn over to Lincoln forty acres of land - all she had in the world. ?Aunt Hannah?, he said , ?you took me in years ago when I was poor and homeless, and you fed me and mended my clothes, and I shan?t charge you a cent now.?

The Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, Dr Albert Einstein, wrote that he was grateful to others without whose invaluable help and kindness he would have been nothing. He added that he kept reminding himself a hundred times everyday that his inner and outer life depended on the labours of other men, living or dead; that he must exert himself to give in the same measure as he had received and was still receiving.

Gratitude is a noble feeling, thanksgiving to God and people who have done good to you. God is our Creator. We must be grateful to Him for our lives, for all that is given to us for free ? the world of endless wonder and possibilities. In our misfortune, we often complain to Him.

But remember things could be worse. You later discover that the so-called misfortune has been a blessing, one of the greatest lessons of life to you. And your faith in Him becomes stronger than ever for putting you to the test, unfolding the mystery that surrounds you and makes of you what you are today. Shakespeare rightly puts it ?Sweet are the uses of adversity?.

You must glorify and be ever thankful to your father, mother and other relatives. They have largely contributed to your progress, success and well-being. You are enjoying many benefits today thanks to their hard work and sacrifices. You must always be grateful to your parents for giving you the opportunity of making your dreams come true.

No matter what your obligations are in a complex social organisation like ours, as children, spend some time with your parents. At least, spend some minutes in a day as an acknowledgement, an awareness called gratitude.

Teachers, in addition to the instruction they provide you with in various subjects, have the power and privilege of influencing you, inspiring you and often being your role models. They direct you to your choice of career and goal in life. As students, you must honour them always out of gratitude whatever position you hold.

Gratitude as an appreciation of good done to you is among the undying values. It is a binding duty, a noble virtue in men and women who look upon their donors and providers with devotion, love and respect.With gratitude, you feel energised and rejuvenated.

Gratitude is indeed the key to health, happiness and success. Dr Albert Schweitzer, one of the greatest benefactors and teachers, advises us to train ourselves never to put off the word or action to express gratitude.

<B>Kaviraj SOHUR</B>