The Joy of Service: A gist of my journey as a volunteer in Deepam NGO
In our busy lives, finding real satisfaction can be tough. My time volunteering
at Punitha Joseph School in Nungambakkam with Deepam NGO has shown me
just how fulfilling and transformative helping others can be.
What started as a college requirement for the Youth Red Cross (YRC) quickly
became a passion. Every weekend, I traveled 80 kilometres from Thiruporur to
Nungambakkam. Despite the long drive and traffic, those two hours in the
classroom with the students were incredibly refreshing. The energy and joy I
felt were worth every mile.
One student, Antony, made a particularly strong impression. Despite his
limited English, he wrote me a heartfelt note in English, which I felt was
recognizing my efforts. This simple yet precious gesture is one of the most
rewarding aspects of my volunteer journey. I’ll be sharing a photo of this
special note here for you all.
This experience reinforced an important lesson: you don’t need money to
make a difference—just a positive mindset and a willingness to help. As the
saying goes, “Service does not require money, only a mindset.” Helen Keller’s
words also ring true: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Even small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
Volunteering with Deepam NGO offers a chance to create positive change and
find personal satisfaction. It’s about making a difference with whatever you
can give, not just material things. Each small act of service enriches lives and
brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.
In summary, my experience has shown that service is about mindset and heart.
It’s a path to personal growth and fulfilment. By embracing the opportunity to
help others, you might find a new sense of purpose and happiness.
Rethnakumar R G
SSN College of Engineering
Volunteer – Deepam NGO