Youngistaan Foundation’s Volunteer Diaries give you a glimpse into the minds of our volunteers – the real heroes and changemakers – in their own words!
Let’s hear from Praveen Raj, our volunteer since 2012:
Let’s hear from Praveen Raj, our volunteer since 2012:
“Having been a part of Youngistaan Foundation for almost ten years now, I can proudly say that it has changed my life in the best way possible. When I was a teenager, I used to spend most of my time with my friends, having fun, and being carefree and untroubled. But in the 9 years that I have worked with Youngistaan Foundation, I have learned that there is more to life than just fun. I have realized that real happiness lies in spreading it, in making someone else’s life better. I have gained a new perspective, and my priorities in life have changed.
Since the day I started volunteering, I have come to learn about so many touching stories of people whom I otherwise would never have known. I remember asking a woman why, despite having sons and daughters, she was living on the streets. She answered by telling me that her children now see her as a burden, and think she is better off living by herself with no home to come back to.
I also remember a father who lived on the streets because his son wanted all of his property and assets. The man shared that after handing his assets over to him, his son left him on the streets nonetheless.
These stories touched me immensely, and had a tremendous impact on me. Knowing about the lives that some people have to lead and the suffering they go through motivate me to keep working to make their lives better in even the smallest possible ways.
I believe that volunteering, helping people, and making little changes in the world give us a purpose for living. Instead of wasting our lives, we should do something to make someone else’s life better. That is what I would call living a full life.”
Praveen Raj has been a part of Youngistaan Foundation since 2012. Praveen was awarded the ‘ivolunteer Award’ and we recognised him as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ with an award in 2018.
For your undeterred spirit and efforts, we salute you Praveen!
If you are inspired and would like to explore how YOU can volunteer to make your neighborhood a better place, click the button below and we will get in touch with you!
For your undeterred spirit and efforts, we salute you Praveen!
If you are inspired and would like to explore how YOU can volunteer to make your neighborhood a better place, click the button below and we will get in touch with you!
