Young Samaritans

AT meets a new breed of youngsters in Gujarat who are devoting their leisure hours to doing social service. College life in Gujarat is no longer synonymous with only fun and frolic. A new breed of students seem to be taking their social responsibility rather seriously. They are no longer content with spending their leisure time hanging out with friends at happening chill-out zones and choose to do social work after college hours instead.
Some even go to the extent of spending a part of their own pocket money for charity. Imran Doodhwala , a student of development communication , for instance, has bought "basic study material for slum children" near his home with his pocket money and even "teaches them in my spare time."
At a time when many of their peers lead a materialistic life, what prompts these youngsters to work for the upliftment of have-nots ? "I think youngsters should try to change someone's life for the better," quips Rajnikant, former head and member of NSS, HLCC. Rushabh Gandhi , a second year B Com student , is part of a student group that visits slums to provide vocational training to children: "Our training enables our target group to look forward to better employment opportunities. We help them learn spoken and written English."
Sometimes when charity begins at home it inspires the young. Allan Bell, a third year arts student was inspired by his dad who happens to be actively involved in social work. "I teach slum children in the Lambha area of Ahmedabad ."
To inculcate a sense of social responsibility, every college has its own NSS (National Social Service) wing. "According to the curriculum , students have to choose from NSS, NCC (National Cadet Corps) and PT (Physical Training). But the number of students joining NSS in colleges is lesser than those opting for NCC and PT," says Dr KI Patel, professor-in-charge of NSS wing of a city college.
A city management institute includes a compulsory social project in its curriculum . One such project which is active since last four years, imparts education to street children. A group of youngsters from this institute have been making efforts to get street children into mainstream schools.
Avani Tanya, a Class XII student, also seems to be doing her bit. She says, "I help some NGOs in Ahmedabad. I organise educational film festivals for them and work with slum children on specific programmes."
At a popular cafe on CG Road, Ahmedabad, youngsters from privileged families volunteer to cook, serve and wash dishes. "In a country where 70 per cent of the population is below 30, it is important for the youth to do something worthwhile ," says Raju Thakur, a volunteer. Proceeds from the sale made at the café go to charities.
Another city-based NGO has youngsters working towards the upliftment of underprivileged children as well as women empowerment . Project leader of the group, Bunty Biswas says, "We have youngsters who teach slum children for at least two hours a week."
Educating street children or slum children, acting as facilitators (readers or writers ) for the physically challenged are some social activities where the young seem to be contributing their services to.
"College students should continue doing social work as long as they get the required support and inspiration ," feels Stalin K, director , Drishti Media Collective .
(with inputs by Darshana Chaturvedi)