by Raghavendra Paturi

The other day, I was reading an article about people willing to help others and their personal sense of accomplishment.  Volunteerism brings out the kindness in your heart, opens the door to the world of learning, and polishes your interpersonal skills.  Volunteerism makes helping others so habitual that it becomes almost irresistible.  It can be in any form, such as time, or dime.  However, my aim is not to write an anthology on the merits of volunteerism. I would like to share my feelings about the pleasure of giving and how easy it is for others to emulate.

Back in 1989, I used to observe Dr. Chitturi with a folder full of papers and heart full of kindness, attending the parties and ethnic functions.  He used to be relentless in his appeal and talked to people about the importance of basic education in India and its impact on the society. To my amazement, he used to go on explaining how he wants to help the merited, but poor students of India.  Though the idea seemed appealing at the time, I never paid any further attention to it, as I was immersed in my struggle to get adjusted to graduate school after a gap of ten years away from the academic environment.

After a lapse of two years or so, I met him again and learned that the Foundation started activities and is helping students in India through scholarships.  Initially, I felt hesitant to approach my colleagues for contributions towards scholarships in India.  Why in India?  In India, $150 can let a student pursue his or her educational career for one full year, whereas the same amount cannot even fetch a single semester hour in the US.  I personally feel that by helping a young person fulfill his or her primary goal of education, I am sowing the seeds of care, kindness, and hope into another budding generation.  A small amount makes a big impact in India.

Without education, I would not have been in this country.  So I fully realize the importance of education and how it can change the life of a human being.  I've started appealing to my friends and colleagues.  Any donor would be happy to see that his or her contribution goes in total for the cause, rather than contributing towards the administrative expenses of the organization.  Initially, I began to spend about a week in a year for the walk-a-thon pledges and collections.  Now I am actively volunteering for the cause and cherishing the pleasure of it. A word of caution, please check and make sure that your enthusiasm and pleasure should not be a pain to your dear ones. I deeply appreciate the volunteerism of the people at the Foundation for their indomitable spirit and perusal of the cause.