Self-Actualization through Volunteering In India.
Volunteering enables ordinary people to contribute to the transformation of the world. You can change the world’s trajectory by contributing your precious time or skills. The entire process requires a lot of courage and desire for human development.
India has had a precious and an enriching history of volunteerism. It has a traditional philosophy referred to as “Shramdaan” which was inspired by their great leader Mahatma Gandhi.
The core of this philosophy is his belief and teaching that if, you intend to find a tree; self, then you have to lose yourself and invest your time by serving humanity both in the long and short term.
The following are some information that you may want to understand about volunteering in India.
Challenges of Inequality and Uneven Human Development.
The country has great disparities in development, especially among those living in rural and urban areas.
This disparity is what is leading to uneven development in India. Some areas are better off in terms of all forms of development, while others continue to decline.
This also affects the citizens. Therefore, when you volunteer in this country, you can contribute to bring a balance in these unfair balances.
You must not only go into the country as an individual who offers your services, but you can also come in to empower people with education and the right information for the improvement of their well being.
There are some parts of the country which have also been underdeveloped because of government negligence.
Volunteering in these areas can also generate sufficient and justifiable reasons that can formulate supportive policies and frameworks that can reverse these scenarios hence improve lives.
Volunteers Work Among India’s Forgotten Communities.
When you help those who have nothing to give back to you, remember that you will get returns thousand folds. Sometimes your efforts may look meager. However, your focus should not be on the possible returns.
These forgotten communities are frustrated and most times have little patience with people.
Remember that when you are out and ready to help someone, your focus must never be on the individual’s attitude or opinions that may look discouraging.
When you work with these underprivileged and historically alienated members of the Indian society, they develop a sense of acceptance.
Self-Development Lessons Learnt By Volunteering.
When you do volunteer work and travel in India, the entire action is because of self-will. Lessons learnt in the process lead to intrinsic enlightenment and career progress.
As you handle people’s problems, you also learn about your personal strengths, weakness and points to emphasize on if you are to improve. You will nurture and develop qualities of empathy, compassion and great love for humanity.
As you serve the less privileged or humanity in need, you shape your character into a global balanced citizen.
This quality cannot be learnt in class or in the comfort of your sitting room. It may look a less important character, but in the long term, it is fundamental for developing your leadership and development agenda for humanity.
Top traits of an effective volunteer, especially in the Indian context;
- You must be motivated to serve humanity out of free will and give your best
- You must have an intrinsic sense of caring and sharing even if you have fewer resources
- Develop alliances and cooperation especially in areas where you are enlightened
- Be committed to the goal of volunteers despite the underlying technical issues
- Listen to people and fellow volunteers and make just considerations
Any volunteer must remember that the connection between self and the community is at the centre of the success of his operations.
Working for others without expecting recognition or payment for the rendered services is fulfilling and enables you to actualize human interconnections.
When most members of the society learn this, especially through volunteerism, then human beings are made better especially through self-awakening lessons. It would lead to stronger human bonds and fairness in all aspects of life.