I am sure most of you have watched Taare Zameen Par or even 3 Idiots. Apart from breaking stereotypes and encouraging more pragmatic views on education, these Bollywood movies bring our attention to something deeply human—kindness. Small, simple, random acts of kindness that might seem insignificant to us but land with enormous impact on someone who needs them at the right time.
History, too, is full of such stories. Take Oskar Schindler, the German Catholic whose extraordinary compassion saved thousands of Jews during World War II. Or the unlikely friendship between Luz Long and Jesse Owens, where Long, Owens’ rival in the long jump contest at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, offered technical advice that helped Owens win Gold, even as he himself secured Silver. These stories are legendary, but countless acts of kindness unfold around us every single day.
A Small Gesture at an Airport
Recently, while waiting for my flight in a crowded airport, I noticed an elderly woman standing at the front of a long coffee queue. A young mother with two restless children stood three places behind her. One child was crying, the other tugging endlessly at her sleeve. The old lady understood immediately. She called the mother forward and asked the vendor to serve her first so she could get back to managing her kids.
Wasn’t that an act of kindness? Simple, thoughtful, instinctive.
Why We Hesitate to Be Kind
We all need kindness, and we are all capable of offering it. Yet, we often hesitate because we believe kindness always comes at a cost. Monetary help, for instance, will it reach the right person, will it make any difference, is it feasible for us?
But is money the only way to be kind?
Pause for a moment. Are you happy at your workplace? Were you happy two hours ago? Happiness comes in many forms—some external, some internal—but the truth is this: an act of kindness, whether given or received, can spark happiness instantly.
Wouldn’t you feel good if someone helped you, complimented you, or simply acknowledged your effort? The possibilities are endless.
Science agrees.
Research shows that kindness triggers neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which lift our mood and enhance our sense of connection. Kindness literally rewires the brain toward well-being.
Kindness doesn’t need grandeur—sometimes a smile, a soft silence, or a few gentle words can change someone’s entire day.
Three Simple Ways to Be Kind—At No Cost To You
Leo F. Buscaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear…”
Let’s explore three simple, meaningful forms of kindness.
1. Kindness Through Words
This may be the easiest—and yet the most neglected—form of kindness. We often speak without realising how our words may land. But a small appreciation, encouragement, or apology can shift someone’s entire day.
A genuine compliment, an expression of gratitude, or a few words of reassurance all count as kindness. Words cost nothing, yet they carry tremendous power.
2. Kindness Through Silence
William Arthur Ward said, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”
Sometimes, not saying anything at all is kinder than saying the wrong thing. Silence accompanied by a compassionate smile can communicate, “You’re not alone. I understand.”
Non-verbal kindness is quieter—but just as profound.
3. Kindness Through Actions
Have you heard of the “leading lights” of kindness? These are individuals who embody kindness as a guiding principle.
One example is former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp, admired for leading with empathy, trust, and humility. Many leadership experts observe that his kindness creates strong, cohesive teams—and ultimately, success.
Closer to home, Dr. Devi Shetty is celebrated not only for his medical excellence but for his commitment to accessible healthcare for the underprivileged. His compassion has earned him the title “Henry Ford of Heart Surgery.”
But kindness doesn’t need to be extraordinary. Helping your partner at home, listening when someone needs to talk, sharing useful information—these small acts ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
Kindness can be spontaneous. It doesn’t always need planning.
How Kind Are We, Really?
The World Happiness Report 2025 reveals something heartening: people are far kinder than they believe themselves to be. Instances like returning lost wallets or helping strangers are more common than we imagine. According to CNN, 70% of people worldwide report doing at least one kind act a month.
Prosocial behaviours—helping, sharing, donating, volunteering—are deeply wired into us. Kindness is a major predictor of happiness, sometimes more so than income.
And this should reassure you: we’re doing better than we think.
We are far kinder than we believe ourselves to be; every small act creates ripples of happiness we may never fully see.
The Neuroscience of Kindness
Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world—regardless of how you look. Neuroscience tells us that kindness activates a network of empathy, gratitude, and connection within us. It heals, strengthens resilience, and helps us overcome our own struggles.
Best of all? Kindness is contagious. What you give has a way of returning to you—at the right place, at the right time, from the most unexpected person.
Spread kindness. It always finds its way back.
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