How often have we thought about doing something good for the society and then just forgotten it. Happens many times. If only we could act on our thought and go out to extend a helping hand, will we realize how much it is needed.
Our course “Society for Business Management” gave me an opportunity to do this. The course started with making us “feel” the ground issues existing in society – an important shareholder for any business. The best thing about this course was that it didn’t stop here but gave us an opportunity to experience and contribute to the society through a 1 week stint at an NGO.
I got the opportunity to work at CHILDLINE, Allahabad.
CHILDLINE is a project of the Ministry for Women & Child Development, Government of India in partnership with State Governments, NGO’s, the Corporate Sector, UNICEF, Department of Telecommunication, street and community youth, academic institutions and Concerned Individuals.
Initially started in Mumbai in 1996, CHILDLINE is currently operational in 83 cities. CHILDLINE aims to reach out to the most marginalized children between the age group of 0-18 years, and provides interventions of shelter, medical, repatriation, rescue, death related, sponsorship and, emotional support and guidance.
It also has a free phone helpline for children in need of care and protection. The CHILDLINE number 1098 is a toll free number that is common in all cities of India.
My experience was a learning experience. I got to interact with children in slum areas, and it was delightful to see their smiles and the respect they had in their eyes for us. Addressing us as “Bhaiya” they asked innocent questions, recited poetry and alphabets, shared some jokes and bid us goodbye. I got to learn that a separate world exists out there, different from what we have seen, a world where basic education is denied for the least reasonable explanation possible.
I also got an opportunity to do the ground work for CHILDLINE along with their members. Its amazing how dedicated they are to this cause and contribute throughout the day just so that some children somewhere doesn’t suffers. Despite all their efforts they sometimes face resistance from general public.
Well, although the time was less, but the experience was great calling for more devotion whenever opportunity arises. When I came back to college, the feeling was there with many. Excited, emotional and sensitive to the social issue they had seen at their respective NGO’s.
At last, I can only say that if you can, do find sometime to extend a helping hand… believe me..there is never a word “enough” for this cause.
Deep from the soul 