Patna, Dec. 30: A far cry from the heady cocktails and razzmatazz, a handful of residents will ring in the New Year with a difference. Social service tops their agenda on the first day of the year.

After all, it’s the season of giving.

Abhay Kumar, a science teacher at Infant Jesus School in Patna City, said: “Like every year, I will go to the temple and then distribute money and fruits among the needy. I have been celebrating New Year like this for the past 15 years.”

He said as a part of his New Year celebration, he visits Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, an orphanage near his home. “I spend my day in the orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity. It gives me immense pleasure to spend time with the children. I also distribute necessary commodities. I usually take suggestions from the sister about things not available there. Last year, I took some milk packets and fruits for them,” added Kumar.

Vijay Yadav, a businessman, thinks differently though.

Yadav would not only be doing charity, he would also throw a bash at his home on December 31. “I will do some charity work on the first day of the year,” said Yadav.

He added: “I don’t do charity work to get God’s blessings. I get a sense of happiness and satisfaction out of it.”

“Last year, I took my childrens’ old clothes for the orphaned kids. I gave them blankets too. I also take chocolates for them on the occasion. It brings a big smile on their faces,” added Yadav.

He also said he takes his own children with him to the orphanage as well. “I want my children to develop the habit of coming to this orphanage. So, whenever I get time, I bring them with me. For the past two years, I have been visiting the orphanage with my two children on January 1,” he said.

Kumud Ranjan (30), a businessman, begins the New Year differently. Since the age of 15, Ranjan has been distributing commodities among the poor on January 1. “After morning puja, I distribute clothes, blankets and other items among the deprived. The best thing is that for the past two years, some of my friends have joined me in this. If I have been able to inspire some friends to do charity, it is an achievement for me,” said Ranjan.

When asked what inspires him to start the year this way, Kumud said: “I believe if you do some charity, it brings luck to you later. It is the best way to start the year,” added Ranjan.

New Year means different things for different people. For instance, Dipu Bagla, a businessman and owner of Kamal brand products, said he distributes his products among the needy. “I distribute sattu, suji, flour and others. I want the poor to have these ingredients so that they can cook something. The deprived don’t celebrate on the day but at least they can enjoy in their own little way,” said Bagla.