Chennai: Charity begins from the neighbourhood. It is this statement, that probably drives the locality’s youngsters who volunteer for a non-profit organisation called ‘Youth for Seva’, that provides a platform for youth to actively participate in community development.
Since April 2007, the members have conducted numerous workshops, social welfare events and campaigns, apart from organising a cultural fest and a reading session for the visually-challenged at Pachaiyappa’s College and a sports meet for differently-abled students at Nehru Park, Egmore.
Speaking to News Today, one of the organisation’s coordinator, Pulithevan Srinivasan, recalls how he got associated with the NGO.
“In 2014, I worked at a firm in Guindy and would volunteer for small programmes during the weekends,” says Pulithevan. “In December 2018, I became one of the coordinators for this NGO. Our mission is to change volunteering as a movement and bring socially responsible youth in the forefront,” he adds.
Currently, he and other volunteers train the under-privileged in making paper bags and teach them to make a living out of it.
They also help them to sell their products to street vendors. “We all have a vision, which is to contribute something for the society,” says Jagadeesh, a working professional who took part in ‘Turtle walk’, held by the organisation, to safeguard eggs laid by turtles.
“Such opportunities give us a platform to make an impact,” he states. Another volunteer, Divakar Balasubramanian says, “It is not only about volunteering, but also about having fun.”
An engineer by profession, Divakar adds, “I had tears in my eyes during the cultural event. A visually-challenged singer, Kokila came onto the stage and sang Myna Ve Myna, which overwhelmed me.”
For details, contact Pulithevan Srinivasan at 95976 16691, or visit www.youthforseva.org
Article by Sureka Rajasekar