Center of Light

In late 2019, the tragic news of the murders of three mothers and their six children shook the world. It was a chilling reminder of the darkness that sometimes overshadows humanity. This heartbreaking event also reminded me to reach out to an old friend, Preston Tucker, and a few others who had once been part of my journey.

https://bit.ly/Tragedy2019

When I reached out to Preston, I had no idea of the incredible progress he had made in his life. We had met years ago at a seminar, both of us seeking growth and understanding. Though we eventually left that course at different times—he, earlier than I did—our friendship endured. We shared common values, particularly our commitment to humanity and the pursuit of human excellence.

What I discovered about Preston’s life and the community he had built through sheer hard work, common sense, and love for his family, was nothing short of inspiring. It still is. Among my dear friends who support my projects, Preston is among the first and most steadfast.

Preston had been inviting me to visit his home in Mexico for years, and for one reason or another, I always postponed. Finally, this year, I made the journey. My visit has deeply reinforced two truths that I’ve always known:

1. True Faith conquers fear.

2. Perfect Love casts out fear.

These truths became even more evident as I observed the way of life led by Preston and his friends and family. Their story is one of resilience, hard work, and unshakable faith.

Preston’s ancestors, along with others, came to Mexico from the United States generations ago. They established their lives by purchasing land and working tirelessly. They took on any job they could find, often engaging in hard physical labor in the U.S., and always included the local native Mexicans in their initiatives. They made the land fertile, not just for themselves but for those around them as well, creating opportunities and fostering a spirit of community.

Despite facing violence and hardship, they fought back peacefully, standing firm in their convictions. Their youth are raised to be hands-on from a young age—working hard on the land, caring for their siblings, and building a strong work ethic. Preston welcomed me into a summer camp with their youth, offering me a deeper insight into their values and way of life.

As a “thank you note” to Preston and his family and friends—nearly 5,000 people strong—we are organizing a special screening of the recently completed pilot film Enga Ooru Kaattilae - In the Jungle of Our Village on August 9th, 2021, at 6 pm local time. Seventy percent of the contributions will go to support the youth of this remarkable community.

Utilizing the wealth of informal work I’ve done alongside my corporate career, I have emerged as:

1. Psychologist, Coach, and Speaker who respects and honors both traditional and modern bodies of work.

2. Filmmaker and Actor in films that uplift humanity, human excellence, and dignity, supported by immersive storytelling and technical excellence.

3. Writer, producing works that align with these same values.

4. Organizational Development Advisor and Mentor, dedicated to promoting humanity and human excellence within institutions.

On August 9th, I will be conducting a two-day workshop titled “This & That,” with 70% of the proceeds going to Preston’s community in recognition of the beautiful, humane experience they have provided me.

To my heart's content, I have authored a book, "Wonderchild Within Us,'. I am officially releasing it through Preston Tucker and Elsie Liddiard—great pillars of the community.

Dear Preston, Friends, and Family,

Thank you for being a center of light in a world that often feels dark. Your example of faith, love, and resilience is a beacon for all who seek a better, more humane world.

With gratitude,

Citizen KK

#CitizenKK

#Kamaraj

#LeBaron

#PrestonTucker

#RedRockConstruction

Remembering Vivek!

April 17th, 2021

A beautiful soul left this earth early this morning.

Real heroes often hide beneath the many roles they play, and Vivek was one such hero. For most of my life, I knew him as a comedian through his films. But in reality, he did so much more. One example is the 3.33 million saplings he planted since 2011 through a movement he engineered, 'Green Kalaam.' He also used his film-comedy to challenge societal norms and promote critical thinking.

Now, we are left with a question: What stance should we take regarding the COVID vaccine he took just a day before his untimely passing?

It’s easy to blame the vaccine entirely for his death. This perspective is often held by those who are emotionally opposed to both COVID and the vaccine or to the vaccine itself.

On the other hand, it’s just as easy to defend the vaccine, insisting that it should be administered indiscriminately and that it had no impact on his health. This view is often held by those who have already taken the vaccine and want to reassure themselves that their decision was right, or by those who plan to take it out of fear.

Both of these emotional positions, however, push aside the critical reasoning that Vivek advocated for.

The truth is, the vaccine works by reducing the severity of COVID, not by completely preventing it. It has side effects, especially for those with allergies or certain medical conditions, so it is prudent to evaluate and administer it carefully. This seems to be a rational conclusion based on information from trustworthy medical professionals and from people who have received the vaccine.

But this conclusion could change, as any observation or conclusion about anything can change.

What if, instead of resorting to blame, we as a society made reasoning and love the foundation of our trust in one another and in the things we create?

And could we apply the same principles—love and reasoning—in administering justice to those who violate trust and commit crimes against humanity?

Bringing such a shift in our psychology would be a fitting and grateful remembrance of the majestic and loving soul that Vivek was, today and for generations to come.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj

#ActorVivek

#Covid19

Humanity's Shame!

I recently overheard the audio from a video someone was watching next to me. On the surface, it seemed innocuous—an American man interviewing fellow citizens, asking them general knowledge questions about cities, countries, and even simple units of measurement, like how many hours are on a clock.

Most of the answers were wrong, or perhaps the interviewer chose to highlight the incorrect ones for entertainment. One of the questions was, "Which country is Venice, Italy in?" Unfortunately, the person answering gave a wrong answer.

For the interviewer and an unquestioning, innocent audience, this was fun.

But when you really think about what’s happening, your heart might cringe, and your gut might wrench.

Have you ever experienced being mocked in school? Or perhaps even now, in some avenue of life, someone mocks you?

What does this do to love? What does it do to innocence?

What does it do to how Americans are perceived by others around the world?

And really, what’s the big deal about knowing some trivia? Suppose a person develops into a true citizen, both of their country and of the world, with values of honesty, integrity, kindness, courage, and love. Wouldn’t that be far more valuable than becoming an arrogant individual who prizes intellect and information above the deeper aspects of humanity?

Such videos may be intended for fun, but the damage they cause is far-reaching.

I wish the gentleman who made that video—and others like him—would realize what they are doing to their humanity and what kind of accidental betrayal they are committing against their brothers and sisters.

Mockery, especially of those who don’t know the answers to trivia, chips away at the very essence of compassion and understanding. Instead of lifting people up, it diminishes them, and in doing so, diminishes us all.

Let’s strive to be better. Let’s value kindness over cleverness, and love over laughter at another’s expense. In doing so, we not only elevate others but also uplift ourselves.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj

#TheUnitedStates #America