Volunteering Works
Nature is the ultimate provider of our needs and wants. Our take-it-for-granted approach towards nature is having disastrous effect on us. I believe that our environment needs to be conserved and protected not for the sake of its sustanence but for the sustanenance of human species on this planet. The flood that struck chennai, which moved it to its darkest hours, is in many ways a man made disaster which was forseen before it had happened. Environmentalists Foundation of India identified this problem and worked on chennai's currently surviving endangered lakes to mitigate a far worse effect due to floods. It is now required that we conserve and maintain the water bodies of the city to ensure our safety. More than that who doesnt enjoy the view of a water filled lake with its bio-diversity and migrant birds. I am happy to have played a very small part in this huge effort that could potentially save thousands of people in future.
Flood Relief
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Chennai, the metropolitan city of India was devastated by the floods caused by the monsoon rains of December. Along with the melee and chaos that was left by the flood there were many young helping hands providing food and basic necessities to those stranded. I am grateful that I could join with such motivated people to contribute my part to those in need of help. We provided relief at the four most affected areas of chennai - Mudichur, Anagaputhur, Choolapallam and Saidapet. The tears and sorrows of the devastated people moved our hearts but instilled the inspiration to help them more. With things getting back to near normal I would like to acknowledge the efforts of those who worked with me in serving humanity.
Lake & Beach Cleanups
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Lakes are the source of fresh water to the residents in Chennai. The numbers of lakes have diminished in recent times and the current ones are very badly maintained. Understanding the importance of lakes and the benefits in conserving them, EFI have been cleaning and scientifically restoring lakes since 2011. I am happy to contribute my part in the lake cleanups and the occasional beach cleanups that they conduct every weekend. Meeting up with socially responsible and ambitious young leaders during the cleanups inspires me to continue working with them. It was happiness beyond words when I saw the Mudichur Seekan Lake that we restored scientifically hold water without a breach during heavy floods.
Fundraiser - CD Nayagam School
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Tamil Nadu is a culturally rich state of India whose traditions and practices are carried forward through centuries. Sadly, its cultural values and traditions have degraded in recent times and it would be only few years before most of its tradition would fade off. In an attempt to bring those values back to the society, the Rotaract Clubs of Akash, RKM Vivekananda College and Ethiraj College have taken a huge step by conducting a cultural event with all the traditional dances and music along with the traditional food and games. The event was also a fund-raiser to educate 10 students of the CD Nayagam School, who are from a very poor background and lack the monetary support to continue their education. Education and tradition were the focus of the event where 1000s of teenagers participated and made it a success. I sponsored the event through an organisation that I worked for and also through REAL. It gives me great pride when I look back at such an event which I funded become a grand success and at the same time have an impact in the society.
Waste dumping Awareness Campaign
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Sustainable Living and Alternative Practices (SLAP) conducted a photography competition to create wareness on waste dumps and environmental degradation. I organised the entire event along with another REALite. Some of the photos are shown above.
Air Pollution Awareness Campaign
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I organised a clean air campain while volunteering with Greenpeace. We spread the awareness on right to clean air and got petitions signed by the public. I brought together youngsters from across Chennai to conduct this event. Few of the volunteers are shown in the above pictures.