Student
Story

I joined the National Social Service (NSS) club in my first year of university, initially just to meet people and do something meaningful. At orientation, seniors shared inspiring stories about health camps, cleanliness drives, and donation events. It all sounded interesting, but I didn’t realise how deeply it would impact me until my first event, the Drishti Eye Camp at a local school.
In a small classroom-turned-clinic, I watched children struggle with the vision chart. One little girl whispered to her teacher, “I can’t see the board in class.” Her soft words hit me hard. It made me realise how something as simple as clear vision could change a child’s life. Many of these kids had never had an eye check-up, and their education was suffering. Some were labelled as slow learners just because they couldn’t see properly.
At the Swachata Sewa event, I saw another harsh reality: piles of garbage, clogged drains, and children playing near hazardous waste. The lack of awareness about cleanliness was evident. During Daan Utsav, we collected old clothes and chocolates to distribute to the needy. Meeting families who couldn’t afford basic necessities made me question how much I had taken for granted. It wasn’t just about helping others; it was about understanding their struggles and doing my part, no matter how small.
Taking action wasn’t glamorous. At the eye camp, I spent hours registering patients, guiding them to doctors, and comforting nervous children. I recall a ten-year-old boy who was afraid of the eye-checkup machine. I knelt beside him, talked about his favourite cartoons, and promised him a chocolate if he cooperated. Slowly, he relaxed, and the checkup went smoothly. This small moment reminded me of the power of patience and kindness.
During Swachata Sewa, we picked up trash under the scorching sun. Cleaning a clogged drain was particularly tough; the unbearable smell made us hesitate. But then, we looked at each other, took a deep breath, and got to work. By the end of the day, the sight of clean streets made all the effort worthwhile. An elderly woman brought us water and thanked us, saying, “You’ve given us a cleaner place to live.” Her gratitude reinforced that our work mattered.

At Daan Utsav, sorting donated clothes was tedious, but seeing the smiles on the faces of those who received them made it all worthwhile. I remember wondering if our efforts were making a real difference. But when I saw locals join us in cleaning their streets, inspired by our work, I realised it wasn’t about the scale of our actions but the spirit behind them. Every small step counted.
The eye camp provided free check-ups to over a hundred children. The energy in the room was infectious, kids laughing, doctors working patiently, and volunteers coordinating everything. Looking around, I saw a collective effort: doctors giving their time, volunteers ensuring smooth operations, and families trusting us with their children’s health. It wasn’t about one dramatic moment; it was about consistent, small efforts making a difference.
During Swachata Sewa, we cleaned an entire neighbourhood. The locals appreciated our efforts, some even joining us. Seeing the community take ownership of keeping their surroundings clean was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about clean streets, it was about fostering a sense of responsibility.
At Daan Utsav, distributing clothes and chocolates reminded me how much we often take for granted. The joy on the children’s faces wasn’t just about receiving material things; it was about feeling seen and cared for.
This journey taught me that change begins with empathy. It’s not about being a hero; it’s about being human. Even the smallest actions can create ripples of hope. Helping a child see clearly, cleaning a street, or giving away a chocolate, every act matters. I also learned the power of teamwork and perseverance. At times, the work felt overwhelming, but the smiles we received made it all worth it.
To anyone reading this, you don’t need to wait for the perfect moment to make a difference. Start where you are, with what you have. Whether it’s donating old clothes, picking up trash, or lending a hand, every act of kindness counts. Ultimately, making the world a little brighter, one step at a time, is what truly matters.