Visakhapatnam: Their presence makes a difference

Visakhapatnam: Volunteers are essaying a significant role in the society and their presence is making a whole lot of difference for many.

In Visakhapatnam, an army of volunteers from diverse age groups and professional backgrounds chip in to make a difference.

Ahead of the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, some of them share their experiences with The Hans India and what it means to them being a volunteer.

From reaching out to 1.5 lakh destitute through food parcels to supplying food, medicines, water and other essentials to 80,000 migrants during the lockdown period and distributing immunity boosters, Vizag Volunteers, an association formed with diverse professionals and students, served denizens on several occasions. "During the styrene monomer leak at LG Polymers in the month of May, many of our volunteers assisted the victims to get admitted to the hospital. Earlier, the team also created awareness on Covid-19 and the need to follow safety protocols," says Karnatakapu Satish, founder of Vizag Volunteers.

What started off with a team of 150 members, the city-based NGO has 550 volunteers now.

Making city child begging-free: Generation Yuvaa is another NGO that primarily focuses on making the city free of child begging. As a part of its endeavour, the 13-year-old registered organisation has brought change in the lives of 2,000 children so far. With four shelter homes being operated at MVP Colony, Gajuwaka, Muralinagar and Marripalem and another one getting readied at Sabbavaram, the NGO provides accommodation, food and education to the street children. "We take care of them until they reach 23 years and are independent enough. Today, all of them attend school. They have goals to achieve as well," says B Naresh Kumar, founder of the organisation. For him, restoring lost childhood is top priority than pursuing higher studies.

After completing his B Tech in Biotechnology, Naresh along with K Rakesh Reddy and P Rajasekhar gave wings to their dreams by setting aside part of their income and with the support of friends and representatives of a few companies through their CSR activities.

Students chip in: Those associated with Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi carry out various service-oriented programmes. Distribution of free ration, books, stationery and saris, serving food to the poor and offering 'seva' to the needy, the volunteers of the samithi actively take part in a number of activities. Apart from the samithi members, students volunteer to extend service to the needy.

Be it a natural calamity or bringing orderliness in crowded areas, volunteers join hands to offer assistance and restore normalcy.