My endeavor to make this world a better place

Community service has always been an integral part of my life, influencing my perspective on the world and my role within. From a young age, I was taught the importance of empathy and giving back to those in need. This journey began when I visited an orphanage supported by my mom and her college alumni. These early experiences instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards my community and a deep understanding of the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on others.

During my primary schooling years in Chennai, I became actively involved with Blue Cross, an organization dedicated to animal welfare. Volunteering there almost every Saturday, I learned firsthand the importance of compassion and care for all living beings. I took it upon myself to rescue injured birds and animals in my neighborhood, providing them with the necessary care. When their needs exceeded my abilities, I ensured they received a proper treatment at Blue Cross. These experiences taught me about dedication, the value of life and the profound difference even an individual can make if they decide to devote some time for the betterment of ‘life’ in general on our planet.

One evening in Chennai, a severe storm hit the city causing a lot of damage and bringing down many trees. In the society that we lived, I noticed a kite lying at the corner of a park, completely soaked and clearly hurt with very little movement, it was so weak that it couldn’t even attempt to fly. With my mom’s help, we carefully brought the bird home. We dried it off using a hair dryer and tried offering it some food, it didn’t seem interested in eating; perhaps out of fear. We watched over it throughout the night, making sure it was warm and safe. The next morning, we gently placed him in our balcony, it took some time for it to gather its strength resting overnight, eventually it spread its wings a few times stretching itself and then after a while flew off into the open sky, fully recovered.

The Bay of Bengal coastline is one of the major nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, especially between December and February. During this time, I used to join my dad and many other dedicated volunteers on turtle walks along the Besant Nagar shore. These walks were a part of a conservation effort to protect the vulnerable turtle population. We would carefully search the beach for turtle nests and would gently move the eggs into hatcheries that were built by volunteers along the coast. These hatcheries provided a safe environment protecting the eggs from predators and environmental threats until they were ready to hatch. Once the hatchlings were strong enough and had reached a certain age, we would release them into the sea, giving them the best possible start to their journey in the ocean. This experience not only taught me the importance of wildlife conservation but also taught me to respect the delicate balance of living beings in nature.

Throughout my school years at DPSI, Gurgaon  and Oakridge International, Hyderabad, I actively participated in various community and social service projects conducted by our school. These experiences further deepened my commitment to making a positive impact and expanded my understanding of the different ways in which I could contribute to our society. Whether be it organizing drives, engaging in awareness campaigns or hands-on volunteering, these projects taught me the importance of collaboration, leadership and the continuous need for community support.

One late evening, as we were returning from the Kajaguda hills after testing my NOAA satellite data capture project, something caught my eye. I noticed a small creature moving erratically under a bush. Curious, we approached it and realized it was a wild whistling duck. It seemed injured and had somehow separated from its flock. Concerned for its well-being, I carefully picked up the duck and brought it home, kept it near a tub filled with water and made sure it was comfortable for the night. The following day, we contacted a wildlife reservation officer and handed it to him who assured us that the duck would be taken care of and eventually released back into the right environment where it could rejoin other ducks. This experience not only highlighted the fragility of wildlife but also reinforced my commitment to ensuring that animals in distress receive the care they need.

There was a time when I used to be know as the 'rescuer kid' in the society that we lived in. Our fellow residents in the society would call my dad/mom asking for me when they happen to spot a bird or animal in distress within our campus.

My pet Pfizer protecting a Rescued Pigeon that i had brought home

My commitment to community service evolved, reflecting my growth and changing environment. I now volunteer at a special needs school, working closely with children with autism and teaching them digital literacy. This role has been incredibly rewarding, offering me new insights into the challenges faced by these children and their families. It has also reinforced my belief in the importance of patience, understanding and the powerful impact of inclusive education.

Community service for me is not just about fulfilling a duty but about fostering connections, understanding diverse experiences and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether it’s caring for animals, supporting underprivileged children or working with special needs students, these experiences have profoundly shaped who I am today and continue to inspire my actions as I look forward to contributing to a better world..!