By Roli S
I wish to combine my holidays with a bit of volunteer work to teach in village schools and train school teachers – I had been harbouring this thought for decades. So, when I brought this wish to the surface amidst my immediate circle of family and friends, the responses that I received were quite kneaded to the point of being valueless. Going out of the comfort zone, using time and skills and doing something for the community without being paid for it in return is literally unheard of in some of the circles of people I interact with. I am sure many of my acquaintances thought that I was thinking on those lines just to satisfy my ego or some underlying issue that I wanted to deal with, or to just feel good about myself. But then, I turned back to gather support inwards and I realised that I had always been someone who wanted to go outside the comfort zone and do something different, something for the community. I have enjoyed every little attempt I have made in my personal capacity to bring some amount of change in the lives of people. Volunteering is a noble act of selflessness and compassion by which individuals dedicate their time, skills and efforts to serve others and the community without any expectation of reward, praise, or personal gain. Volunteering is so much different from donating. Donating money or resources if one has in excess is practiced by people that I know. However, volunteering despite the vast potential to bring in change in the lives of those not so fortunate, I have noticed is met with a certain hesitation due to cultural factors that inhibit a large number of educated, skilled and somewhat financially secure upper middle class people from actively participating, especially in India. To serve the needy and underprivileged of the country is mostly considered a job for the overseas volunteers and organisations who consider it an act of charity to uplift the condition of the underdeveloped and poorer sections of humanity, or it is part of corporate social responsibility. But what about normal and reasonably skilled and assured people like me, who think differently? Should we not think about contributing to society as we are citizens who are capable and endowed to volunteer?
Then the other question that comes to mind is – Is volunteering a cultural thing? Volunteering to my mind, in essence, is a reflection of a society’s culture of empathy, compassion and social responsibility. In India, the concept of volunteerism has deep-rooted cultural foundations. Historically, acts of selfless service, known as “seva” or “karma yoga”, have been a fundamental part of Indian culture and spirituality. However, with the changing times, the practice of volunteering has evolved, and a broader section of society needs to understand it and get inspired to volunteer by following positive role models, who selflessly serve the community, going outside their comfort zones. My miniscule volunteering work has brought me into the company of people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose. It has promoted in me understanding and empathy, bridging the gaps between different sections of society. I read a quote somewhere by Audrey Hepburn, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Since I have grown older, I have reestablished that my volunteerism will not only help others but also help me. There have been several studies from respected institutions that say volunteering can be good for health. That’s right, being a volunteer is good for my mental and physical health. Volunteers are as healthy as five year younger non-volunteers. Volunteering activities strengthen your body, improve your mood and lessen stress. Moreover, I think that volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. One votes in an election once in a few years, but when one volunteers, one votes every day for the kind of community that one wants to live in. A brilliant way to get motivated to bring in the change that one wants in society!
Volunteering, I have experienced in my few undertakings, is a potent force for positive change, transforming lives and shaping communities for the better. While some challenges and hesitations exist, the potential for creating a compassionate and empathetic society is immense. Encouraging citizens of a country, especially those capable and endowed, to engage in volunteering and community service is essential for nurturing a brighter and more inclusive future for all. As individuals come forward to serve, united by a shared vision of a better world, the spirit of volunteerism will flourish, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, love, and empowerment for generations to come. The full potential of volunteerism can be unleashed when we see it as a vital and powerful component of the social capital of our nation. Even as our nation registers strong economic growth, deep-rooted complexities still prevail, and it is volunteerism which can fan the winds of transformation, propelling the creation of indomitable, compassionate societies. With the belief that every person can make a difference irrespective of age, gender, social standing, people should volunteer, as it is at the very core of being human. Humanity progresses because of attempts to serve. And the more one serves others by being there in the arena, the more one is serving his or her own self. No one has made it through life without someone’s help. I hope my personal journey of volunteering in the field of education will continue despite all the challenges, doubts and questions.
(Roli S is an Educator, Teacher Trainer, Author and School Reviewer based in Thane)
