Thiruvananthapuram: Every
day, you might smile happily at least once for some cause. But, have you ever
thought of spreading that smile to the faces of those who are finding it tough
in life? Even if you had wished for it, your hectic schedules might have pulled
you back, urging you to spent time at home with friends or family.
However, a group of young people, who met during the 'Yes +' course organised by the Art of Living Foundation in 2011, thought in the opposite way, which led to the formation of SARSAS (Save A Rupee Spread A Smile), a charitable Trust, here.
At the onset, the only condition put forward by the team members was that whatever be the initiative, it must be a sustainable one. As a first step, a few of them teamed up and started visiting old-age homes and orphanages. Even though not many volunteers were available during that time, planned and sustained efforts helped to draw attention of others. What began as a small social activity flourished into a charitable trust within no time, thanks to the hard working and generous minds behind it.
" We began this on a Deewali day in 2011 October, by providing breakfast to the inmates of Ananthasai Orphanage here. We were contented on seeing their happiness. Most of our volunteers were youngsters, especially students," says Deepa, Vice-President of SARSAS.
"We believe that service is not something we want to do, but what we have to do. Within theses two years, our monthly visits to old-age homes and orphanages have grown and we have expanded to five domains - community services, education, old-age help, health and hygiene and food and nutrition. Besides these, we are currently planning to start animal care to take care of stray animals," Deepa adds.
For Deepa and others who support this venture, service has become a part of their lives. They devote their time and energy for spreading smiles. Be it a birthday or any other auspicious occasion, they celebrate it with the less fortunate ones.
"We have no celebrations without them. We understand their requirements and provide things accordingly," says Jijo, a volunteer of SARSAS.
The organisation also provides community services.
Recently they helped the natives of Poonthura. As part of educational help, they provide academic help in week days to students in some selected orphanages and conduct photography and craft workshops and soft skill classes.
Under the project "Arivu", SARSAS set up a library for students in orphanages. "When you hear orphanage, don't think that all kids are without parents. You could see children whose parents are too poor to raise them. These kids are not exposed to reading; in fact, nobody cares. We started the library to fill this gap. We started it by giving them newspapers. The response was good. They are looking forward to our care, nothing else mattes here," Jijo adds.
SARSAS also provide medical aides such as blood donation and financial support to the needy. They also serve food to inmates of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. As part of Onam celebrations, SARSAS gave away 'Onakodi,' or new clothes, to inmates.
The trust takes great care while selecting orphanages or old-age homes. "We never provide help without cross checking. We had come across certain orphanages that target only money. Once, when we approached an orphanage in Thiruvananthapuram, they said 'you give us the money we will do everything'. We dropped that orphanage, because it was obvious that they were targeting only profit," says Sanju, a Psychology graduate and a volunteer of SARSAS since its inception.
"We are not taking money directly from anyone, everything is done through SARSAS' bank account to ensure maximum credibility."
During the initial years, the projects were supported by the Art of Living Foundation. But, now the organisation is trying to stand on its feet through various initiatives such as campaigns and art exhibitions.
The SARSAS team has great ideas that are waiting to be executed. They are planning to sponsor children and expand services, including the new one - animal care.
Currently, SARSAS conducts blood donation camps once in three months, awareness programmes, campaigns, camps and classes. Last May, they conducted a summer camp for students.
SARSAS exhorts everyone to be a part of a movement that intends to spend time with quality. "We are not expecting money. We want you to learn the value of service through us. In our case, we have no permanent volunteers. Anybody can come and participate, or if you want to do something for others, you could seek our help," says Jijo.
“Age is not a barrier here. What matters is your attitude towards life. You could spend your time in a pizza hut with your friends or indulge in a service like this. The choice is yours,” reminds Jijo.
However, a group of young people, who met during the 'Yes +' course organised by the Art of Living Foundation in 2011, thought in the opposite way, which led to the formation of SARSAS (Save A Rupee Spread A Smile), a charitable Trust, here.
At the onset, the only condition put forward by the team members was that whatever be the initiative, it must be a sustainable one. As a first step, a few of them teamed up and started visiting old-age homes and orphanages. Even though not many volunteers were available during that time, planned and sustained efforts helped to draw attention of others. What began as a small social activity flourished into a charitable trust within no time, thanks to the hard working and generous minds behind it.
" We began this on a Deewali day in 2011 October, by providing breakfast to the inmates of Ananthasai Orphanage here. We were contented on seeing their happiness. Most of our volunteers were youngsters, especially students," says Deepa, Vice-President of SARSAS.
"We believe that service is not something we want to do, but what we have to do. Within theses two years, our monthly visits to old-age homes and orphanages have grown and we have expanded to five domains - community services, education, old-age help, health and hygiene and food and nutrition. Besides these, we are currently planning to start animal care to take care of stray animals," Deepa adds.
For Deepa and others who support this venture, service has become a part of their lives. They devote their time and energy for spreading smiles. Be it a birthday or any other auspicious occasion, they celebrate it with the less fortunate ones.
"We have no celebrations without them. We understand their requirements and provide things accordingly," says Jijo, a volunteer of SARSAS.
The organisation also provides community services.
Recently they helped the natives of Poonthura. As part of educational help, they provide academic help in week days to students in some selected orphanages and conduct photography and craft workshops and soft skill classes.
Under the project "Arivu", SARSAS set up a library for students in orphanages. "When you hear orphanage, don't think that all kids are without parents. You could see children whose parents are too poor to raise them. These kids are not exposed to reading; in fact, nobody cares. We started the library to fill this gap. We started it by giving them newspapers. The response was good. They are looking forward to our care, nothing else mattes here," Jijo adds.
SARSAS also provide medical aides such as blood donation and financial support to the needy. They also serve food to inmates of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. As part of Onam celebrations, SARSAS gave away 'Onakodi,' or new clothes, to inmates.
The trust takes great care while selecting orphanages or old-age homes. "We never provide help without cross checking. We had come across certain orphanages that target only money. Once, when we approached an orphanage in Thiruvananthapuram, they said 'you give us the money we will do everything'. We dropped that orphanage, because it was obvious that they were targeting only profit," says Sanju, a Psychology graduate and a volunteer of SARSAS since its inception.
"We are not taking money directly from anyone, everything is done through SARSAS' bank account to ensure maximum credibility."
During the initial years, the projects were supported by the Art of Living Foundation. But, now the organisation is trying to stand on its feet through various initiatives such as campaigns and art exhibitions.
The SARSAS team has great ideas that are waiting to be executed. They are planning to sponsor children and expand services, including the new one - animal care.
Currently, SARSAS conducts blood donation camps once in three months, awareness programmes, campaigns, camps and classes. Last May, they conducted a summer camp for students.
SARSAS exhorts everyone to be a part of a movement that intends to spend time with quality. "We are not expecting money. We want you to learn the value of service through us. In our case, we have no permanent volunteers. Anybody can come and participate, or if you want to do something for others, you could seek our help," says Jijo.
“Age is not a barrier here. What matters is your attitude towards life. You could spend your time in a pizza hut with your friends or indulge in a service like this. The choice is yours,” reminds Jijo.
അഭിപ്രായങ്ങളൊന്നുമില്ല:
ഒരു അഭിപ്രായം പോസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്യൂ