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Mahatma Gandhi has
said- “Be the change you want to see in the world”. All of us keep
complaining about the terrible state of the country. But why don't
we do something about it for a change? The youth today are focused
and ambitious. But as the 'future generation' of our country, we
need to realize that we have a certain responsibility towards our
nation. You don't need to go on fasts unto death or sacrifice our
lives and all our ambitions for our country. But while we are
working towards our goals, we can spend a little time to bring
about a positive change in the world around us. If we wish to live
in a better society, we need to create that society. Here are a
few ways in which you can make a difference, however small, while
you are still in college. You can definitely spare a few hours a
week or during the vacations to volunteer for causes that you
believe in. |
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If you like interacting with children,
you can volunteer for NGOs like Aseema, Akanksha, Sunbeam, etc
that work for the welfare and education of underprivileged
children. You can help them with their studies or you can use your
skills in music, dance or painting, to add some cheer to their
lives. You can also volunteer to help out on their field trips. It
is a joy to interact with these kids. They are so eager to learn
and shower you with affection calling you 'didi' or 'bhaiyya' or
'teacher'.
You can also share your knowledge with others by being a part of
adult literacy campaigns or rural education programmes. There are
a lot of organizations today that seek to spread knowledge of
basic English as well as computer skills in rural areas. You can
also start at home by teaching your 'bai' or maid.
You can also volunteer in homes for the aged and organizations
like the 'Dignity Foundation' and spread some sunshine in the
lives of the aged and lonely. It will make them feel wanted and
will also make you acquire more grandparents.
You can also volunteer in homes and schools for the visually
challenged, hearing impaired, mentally or physically challenged.
The National Association for the Blind (NAB), Missionaries of
Charity, Cheshire Home, Spastics' Society of India (SSI) can be
the starting points. You may find that these so called 'disabled'
people provide you with an entirely different perspective of life
and may inspire you by showing you how to surmount obstacles and
live meaningful and productive lives.
You can also volunteer in hospitals to spread cheer among the
inmates and provide general help.
If you love nature and animals, there are organizations like the
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and World Wildlife
Federation (WWF) which seek to spread awareness about the need for
conservation of our environment. People for Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA), Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
work specifically for the rights of animals. You can help to walk
dogs with the Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) foundation. If you would
like to do something different, you can work with Animal Angels
Foundation, which provides psychotherapy for humans with the help
of especially trained therapy animals. You can also be a part of
tree plantation drives and beach cleanup drives like the ones
organized by the International Ocean Conservancy.
Alternatively, you can become an 'activist' by standing up for the
issues that you believe in, be it reservations or for the
protection of mangroves or for justice . You can also participate
in peace rallies, fund collection drives, calamity relief drives,
the RTI campaign & so on.
Creating awareness amongst people is essential. You can write for
magazines or spread your views on the net and make your voice
heard. You can be a part of various organizations that seek to
create awareness about issues like AIDS or drug addiction or
global warming .
Why not do something for the youth? We find that career awareness
is somewhat lacking among today's youth and there are so many
other problems that they face and which perhaps only other
youngsters can understand. The Students' Independent Projects is a
group of students that have come together with the aim of striving
for all round development. You can join such groups. If the youth
pool their resources and knowledge and share them with each other,
it will create a revolution.All these activities aren't just for
the benefit of others. They benefit the doer more than anyone
else. We can learn new skills, interact with people from different
sections of the society. It broadens your perspective. Most
importantly, it makes you introspect and ultimately helps you to
grow as a person. |
