Kolkata is seeing an upsurge in young volunteers, who are willing to give back to the society

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n this fast paced world of competition it is quite normal for the youths to completely focus on their career and studies seeking the highest marks and the next big promotion.

However, what is not normal, are these youths taking time out of their daily lives, sacrificing their leisure time that they could have spend with their friends and volunteering instead at various NGOs, trying to make life momentarily beautiful for the lesser privileged people of the society.

Fortunately, Kolkata is one such city, where many college goers and office goers have started lending a helping hand through various platforms.

Let’s take the example of Lalit Mundra. Unable to decide which stream to take after class 9, Mundra chose commerce to become a chartered accountant after someone had advised him against taking science, although he wanted to become a doctor and treat children. Medical is not a profession for Marwaris, they said.

The decision drilled him through a lot of struggle and he regretted his decision. Finally, he found a stage to fulfill his will of helping children when he started volunteering for Child Rights and You (CRY), which has more significantly developed him as a person.

“Coming from a middle class family I have struggled a lot in everything during my childhood. I never got that guidance I always wanted and had to face huge struggles in making a career. I realized that a child who has ambition and determination will always need the support and guidance from someone experienced because society will always discourage and deviate one from their goal,” said Mundra, 22 years old.

Though the volunteering concept is relatively new in India, it has increased significantly over the years with many youngsters coming forward to give something back to the society. In Kolkata too,

Like Mundra, there are many others who have taken to volunteering to help others. Debdoot Bose, 20, is a second year B. Tech student of Institute of Engineering and Management (IEM). He is volunteering for Make A Wish Foundation Kolkata chapter, for over a year now.

“My work involves chatting with children affected with life- threatening diseases, identifying their desires and fulfills them if possible. A smile on the little kid’s face is what I volunteer for,” said Bose.

Rotaract Club has been a popular soapbox for youngsters in the city to come and work for the social development. From 350 volunteers that was five years back; it has now touched the mark of 1200.

Manali Sarkar, 23, is a final year post graduate student in English, a volunteer of Rotaract Club Midtown, said, “From spending Childrens Day with children of Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital to organizing programs for underprivileged children, the experience has been phenomenal and going on.”