A Journey from Ordinary to Extraordinary
I am an ordinary person from an ordinary family, living in an ordinary house. For much of my life, I felt no different than anyone else. But one day, I came across a quote that halted me in my tracks: “The difference between an ordinary person and an extraordinary person is just that little extra.” That simple phrase stirred something deep within me, and I found myself pondering, “What extra can I do to join the extraordinary club of humans?”

That moment marked the beginning of my journey. I quickly realized that the “extra” isn’t a small thing; it’s a significant gap that requires a great deal to cover, adopt, and absorb. It demands motivation, courage, wisdom, patience, and relentless pursuit to achieve a goal. But first, I needed a goal.

To find my motivation, I sought inspiration from history’s greats, from God’s blessed people, and from those who achieved extraordinary feats in their lives. I asked myself: how many people around me, in my family and community, had done that little extra to reach the extraordinary? I found many striving, but often without tangible success, as they lacked clear goals to achieve.

In 2016, my life took a profound turn when I lost my father, the late Mr. Samuel Bhatti. His passing left me devastated and feeling utterly alone, as though I stood under an open sky without any shelter. In my grief, I began to reflect deeply on my father’s life. Did he do anything extra that could make him extraordinary? Did he achieve success? Did he have a goal?

My father, Samuel Bhatti, was an active and vibrant member of our community. Observing him closely, especially as a child, I realized that his mission was to achieve ultimate happiness, inner satisfaction, and self-peace. He started with small acts of generosity, and these acts grew larger over time. His goal expanded with each act of kindness, driven by his desire to see happiness on others’ faces.

Every Christmas, our home became a haven of joy. Hundreds of people would gather at our house for dinner, welcomed with open doors and open hearts. These gatherings, which were more akin to grand celebrations typically reserved for weddings, included special prize draws where my father would give away motorbikes, household electronics, and other valuable items. He did not stop there. My father extended this generosity to Easter parties, again inviting everyone without exception.

His kindness didn’t end with parties and gifts. He provided cash support to poor families, single mothers, widows, orphans, and disabled individuals, as well as students in need. During these events, my father transformed into a person of boundless energy and joy. Despite the stress and workload, he radiated happiness, delivering smiles, hope, and peace to everyone he encountered. After these exhausting days, he would sleep like a baby, his face reflecting pure innocence and satisfaction.

After his death, I felt a profound emptiness, not just within myself but also within the community that had come to rely on him. The festive gatherings lost their joy, and many people lost their support. I longed to inherit his qualities and the peace he embodied. I prayed to God to grant me the same sense of fulfillment that my father had. The answer came from within: if you want it, do it yourself. Do more, plan it, and if you can’t do it alone, invite others to join. Break through religious, sectarian, and regional boundaries to reach the wider world.

Thus, Common Grounds Foundation was born. We carry forward the same passion, mission, and goals that my father cherished: peace, harmony, happiness, and smiles for everyone, everywhere. Our work spans different areas but always aims to uplift and empower communities, providing the tools and resources needed to thrive.

Today, Common Grounds Foundation has grown beyond what I initially envisioned. We’ve touched countless lives, offering hope and a path to a better future. My father’s legacy of kindness has blossomed into an organization that strives to make a meaningful impact every day.

My journey from ordinary to extraordinary is a testament to the power of small acts of kindness and the profound impact they can have when pursued with dedication and love. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has joined us on this journey. Together, we are transforming lives and building a world where hope knows no bounds.

Thank you for being a part of Common Grounds Foundation. With your support, we will continue to achieve extraordinary things.

Warm regards,

Sidra Samuel Bhatti
Founder and CEO, Common Grounds Foundation