“People should not need a reason or a motive to volunteer, it’s a responsibility all of us share,” says Shalini Chandrashekhar, one of the proactive volunteers at Youngistaan Foundation who has been with us for the last 6 years.
Starting her journey as a volunteer in the Hunger Heroes program, she has grown into an amazing leader by leading the Gender Equality program and now the Animal Heroes Program while coordinating with volunteers in the We Volunteer Project.
“Over the years, I have worked closely with the team to distribute food, interact with homeless people, break taboos on periods for thousands of women, and helped to rescue, sterilize and vaccinate over 150 dogs along with my friends.
There have been moments that stand out in my memory. One is from the time we visited a slum and met with women who shared their predicament on difficulties with menstrual hygiene and sanitary products. We worked hard to talk to them about safety and hygiene and during our follow-up session, some of the women ran towards us to tell us how they had been saving money to buy sanitary pads. To them, safety was important. Thinking about the impact we made in their lives always makes me emotional.
What is really important in life? Through volunteering, I learned the answer to this question. Before becoming a volunteer, my answer would have been different. But now, helping others is one of the most important things for me. In these uncertain times, we don’t know how many years we have ahead of us, but the years behind us should be about changing lives. I see my life in two parts: before volunteering with Youngistaan Foundation and after volunteering. Helping both people and other living creatures is a responsibility that all of us must equally share. That, for me, is the whole purpose of being alive!“
Shalini has contributed immensely to bringing about changes in society. Her enthusiasm and spirit has made a number of projects successful. For your selfless dedication, we salute you Shalini!
Shalini has contributed immensely to bringing about changes in society. Her enthusiasm and spirit has made a number of projects successful. For your selfless dedication, we salute you Shalini!
