To realise our traditional spirit of volunteerism YI BHOPAl became the part of Nationwide a weeklong event National Volunteering week from January 12 to January 18. A total of 23 volunteering activities have been done in this week by Yi Bhopal chapter only.
“Daanam” (as mentioned in the Upanishads) or the spirit of volunteerism is very much part of the Indian civilization, culture and history. Concepts of volunteerism such as “Nishkam Karma” (self-less or desire less action) among Hindus, “Kar Seva” (voluntary labour for the common good) among Sikhs, and “Zakat” (alms-giving) among Muslims, are examples of volunteering practiced in different religions in India.
Yi Bhopal Chairperson Bhavana Banerjee said, “India@75 is a vision that was given to us by CK Prahalad. Young Indians (Yi), an integral part of CII took up National Volunteering Week (NVW) from January 12 - 18. We started on January 12 and also celebrated it as a National Youth Day on Swami Vivekanand’s Birthday. It has been most amazing 7 days where we have touched so many lives in such a positive manner.”
Even though volunteerism plays such an important role in a nation’s progress, due importance and recognition to the volunteers is still lacking, while millions of volunteers who are engaged with the voluntary sector to provide their valuable support need more encouragement. Despite very large number of Indians doing selfless service, many more need to join hands.
India too needs her own National Volunteering Week – a week where millions of Indians can celebrate the virtue of selfless service and share their common purpose to make India a developed, inclusive and progressive nation, that has much to offer to the world. This week will unite the nation in its spirits, its intentions and most importantly in its commitment to engage Indians from all walks of life in celebrating, initiating and expanding the act of service for the common good.