Dhaka, Aug. 29 -- 'Thank you' is a response that does not easily slide-off the tongues of most children.

They say it with their head, with their eyes, their smile, and most probably with their heart, but not with their tongue. So the beautiful melodic heart-warming sound of 'thank you' that's cherished the world over in every language, is seldom heard.

For over two decades I've visited many schools and villages throughout Bangladesh and handed out countless prizes to children on school sports days and other special events.

In the majority of cases, the recipients shook my hand, blessed me with a smile, but the rainbow resonance of 'thank you' was missing from the airwaves.

Sure, 'thanks' was expressed by some, but that was rare... so ...