“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
These timeless words encapsulate the spirit of volunteerism: a transformative act that, in addition to impacting the life of other people, also shapes our own perspective and character. For the youth, the process of giving is both responsibility and opportunity—a window to align energy, intention, and values in the service towards a greater good. Volunteerism is not merely about addressing the immediate needs; it evolves into sowing the seeds of change that grow in a garden of collective progress.
A few years back, I happened to volunteer at a blind school in my town. What started as a modest effort to spend my weekends productively grew into a life-changing experience. I was tasked with reading books to visually impaired people, mostly children. I met other volunteers as well, whose role consisted of other duties like teaching them braille, helping them navigate, and assisting them during visits to external locations like doctor’s appointments and recreational activities. One particular moment is indelibly marked in my memory.
In the course of the session, a young boy was struggling to understand a braille concept. A volunteer kept explaining it repeatedly with care and patience until he finally understood. His entire face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed, “I can read on my own now!” That moment redefined everything, not only for him but for me as well. It dawned on me that true service lies not in grand gestures but in being present, sharing what we have, extending our blessings, and believing in the potential of others.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of volunteerism is its power to create a ripple effect. Not long after I started volunteering, my stories from blind school sparked inspiration and interest in a young boy from my neighbourhood. He decided to join me one weekend. And since then, he has been volunteering at the blind school. Soon after, his friends also tagged along.
The volunteers' Initiative did not stop there. They rallied others in our community neighbours, shopkeepers and even the people from other towns—to join in. In today’s time, it has turned into a big community project, with people from every walk of life pitching in. Witnessing the joy and newfound independence of the students and other blind people residing there was a powerful reminder of how an idea, fuelled by collective support, can bring about significant change.
The ripple effect of giving echoes profoundly in an incident from Swami Vivekananda’s life. During his travels across India, he came across a village ravaged by famine. Rather than merely sympathizing, he actively spearheaded relief activities, pooling together resources from neighbouring areas and motivating others to offer their support.
Vivekananda did not stop at addressing the crisis at hand. He also encouraged the villagers to incorporate sustainable farming practices. His contributions are profound examples of the transformative power of service, illustrating that the essence of leadership truly lies in empowering others to be self-sufficient.
The parallels between this story and those of the volunteers from the blind school are striking. Just as Vivekananda's actions helped the villagers rise above their dire circumstances, the volunteers’ initiative mobilized people to come together for a greater purpose. These examples shed light on the significance of aligning values with action, exemplifying that service grounded in compassion and purpose can spark collective progress.
Volunteerism is more than simply an act of charity; it reflects one’s values. Meaningful service is rooted in the foundation of kindness, empathy, and responsibility. These values not only inspire action but also shape our perspective and our interactions with the world.
“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” This statement of Vivekananda highlights the thought that values are cultivated mainly through experiences. Volunteering provides a pathway for people to grow, to develop their moral compass, and to comprehend the interconnectedness of humanity, the collective nature of our existence.
The sheer energy and idealism of youth position them as ideal leaders for transformative initiatives. However, this capacity can only be realized when it is directed by values and guided by the spirit of compassion. Volunteerism allows one to move beyond the limits of individualism and realise the need and potential of collective action. It teaches them collaboration, patience, and the ability to adapt to different situations—skills that are essential in every aspect of life.
For example, the initiative at the blind school turned into a much bigger effort involving a community. It is a shining example of how youth-led volunteerism can motivate people from diverse backgrounds and across generations to contribute their time, skills, and resources.
Despite the potential for transformation it holds, Volunteerism is not without Challenges. Many youth face financial restraints, lack of time, or limited access to volunteering opportunities and the initial inertia of getting others to join in. Today’s fast-paced digital age, with its increased focus on instant gratification, can also impede persistent endeavours.
However, these hurdles can be surmounted with creativity and shared efforts. Schools and Universities are capable of playing a major role by including volunteerism in their curriculum, creating organized avenues for service. Technology can play a key role in facilitating connections between volunteers with causes that align with their skills and interests. Each small victory reaffirms the commitment and fuels the momentum.
Swami Vivekananda’s vision of a compassionate and vibrant society led by empowered young minds with agency is equally relevant in today’s era as it was decades ago. The power of youth, values, and volunteerism is undeniable. When they step forward with an aim and passion, they alter lives, build communities, and inspire generations.
For youth, Swami Vivekananda’s principles can be an inspiration for the spirit of giving and generosity. Whether it is teaching kids, organizing a fundraiser, or simply extending a helping hand, each act of service counts. If we come together, we can create a world where no one has to feel left behind, where society is strong, and where the beliefs and values of kindness and generosity shine brightly.
Let's step up and heed the call to serve, for giving does not only change the world, but it changes us as well. We hold the future in our hands, and this power of volunteerism holds the key to a brighter future. The journey begins with a single step—a decision to care, to act, and to give. Life is not found in the pursuit of material wealth or personal gain but in the service of others and contributing to the greater good. As Swami Vivekananda once said,
“They alone live who for others, the rest are more dead than alive.”
The article "Youth, Values and Volunteerism" has been chosen among the top ten articles in The Trailblazers 2025, a national-level article writing competition organised by Youthisthan Foundation to celebrate National Youth Day on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
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