The Art of Giving: How Young Minds Can Transform Lives?

The Art of Giving How Young Minds Can Transform Lives

There are moments in history when a single act of giving ripples outwards, touches countless lives. Swami Vivekananda wrote in his book Karma Yoga: "The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves!" It is this faith that empowers the youth to step forward—not as mere dreamers, but as givers who shape the world through compassion and action.

Philanthropy in Motion

Giving is often seen as the privilege of the wealthy. Yet, time and again, young minds have proven that philanthropy is not about wealth—it is about will. Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel laureate at 17 by fighting for girls' education, which started with a blog and gradually grew into the Malala Fund, impacting millions globally. Closer to home, Anshu Gupta, founder of Goonj, began his journey with a simple idea—turning urban discards into rural resources. His organization now channels over 3,000 tons of material annually, sanitizing lives across India. These examples show that the art of giving often begins with ordinary people who see extraordinary possibilities. Even during global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, young volunteers mobilized to provide oxygen, food, and medicines to those in need. For example – Khalsa Aid provided humanitarian relief during emergencies, showing contributions of collective youth efforts in rewriting stories of despair into hope.

Grassroots Movements

History is shaped not just by leaders but by the silent efforts of unsung heroes. Consider the Robin Hood Army, a volunteer group led by youth, which redistributes excess food from restaurants to the hungry. With over 150 cities covered globally, their work reminds us that giving doesn’t always require wealth—it requires intent. Similarly, Akshaya Patra, one of the world’s largest school meal programs, started with the vision of feeding 1,500 children and now nourishes over 2 million children daily. These efforts resemble Swami Vivekananda’s belief: "They alone live who live for others" (Raja Yoga). Youth-led initiatives like Project Smile, which focuses on mental health awareness, and Slam Out Loud, an art-based education initiative, have shown that grassroots movements often create sustainable solutions for deeper societal issues. The courage to start small paves the way for revolutions.

Enlightening Minds and Heart

Education is the most enduring gift, and many young changemakers have embraced this truth. Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of OYO Rooms, built scholarship programs for aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to take bold steps in life. Meanwhile, initiatives like Teach for India bring talented young graduates into classrooms, ensuring that the privilege of education is not limited to a few. These acts of giving reflect a deeper philosophy—that knowledge, when shared, becomes light in the lives of others. Even during natural disasters, youth have stepped in to provide informal schooling in refugee camps, ensuring that learning doesn’t stop. For example, Schools Without Borders creates mobile classrooms for displaced communities, proving that education is an act of giving that transcends walls.

Healing Hands

Giving is not always measured in material terms. Sometimes, it is a smile, a helping hand, or simply listening. Consider Dr. Sanduk Ruit, an ophthalmologist from Nepal, who restored sight to over 130,000 people through low-cost cataract surgeries. His work reflects the spirit of giving as envisioned by Vivekananda: "The moment I have realized God is sitting inside me, and in every human body, the moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in them—that moment I am free." (Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 4)

Young minds, too, are embracing this philosophy. Programs like Youth for Seva mobilize volunteers to work in hospitals, orphanages, and old-age homes, turning empathy into action. Moreover, movements like Doctors Without Borders rely heavily on young volunteers who provide medical assistance in war zones and disaster-hit areas. Compassion, when paired with skill, can transform lives.

Innovation Meets Compassion

In a digital age, philanthropy has also gone online. Young innovators are building platforms to tackle pressing issues. Kailash Satyarthi, a tireless advocate for child rights, leveraged technology to rescue over 80,000 children from exploitation through his Bachpan Bachao Andolan. Similarly, the Give India Foundation, started by young techies, has enabled millions to donate with a click, bridging the gap between intent and action. These examples prove that technology is not just a tool for profit—it is also a medium for purpose. Crowdfunding platforms like Ketto and Milaap are enabling grassroots efforts to raise funds for causes ranging from medical emergencies to education, making it easier than ever for young minds to give back.

Giving Time and Building Connections

Philanthropy is not just about donating money; it’s about giving time, effort, and attention. Inspired by this idea, my research focuses on the 'Time Bank' concept—a platform where informal time is exchanged as currency, when deposited at a young age, helps make senescence easier. By investing skills and experiences, this model offers dignity and purpose at a later stage. This idea grew during my college years and NSS (National Service Scheme) days, where I saw firsthand how meaningful connections could transform lives. Whether it was organizing literacy camps or simply spending time with senior citizens, these acts of giving reinforced the idea that the greatest gifts are often intangible.

Challenges and Triumphs

Giving isn’t always easy. It demands persistence, courage, and humility. My own experiences in community service taught me that setbacks often pave the way for deeper learning. Whether it was overcoming logistical hurdles during fundraisers or motivating volunteers, every challenge shaped me into a more empathetic leader. Most of the millennials today value purpose over paychecks, proving that the mindset of giving is becoming mainstream. This reflects our rich legacy of culture, which can be proved by Vivekananda’s lines from Bhakti Yoga: "In helping the world, we truly help ourselves."

Privilege of Giving

In the words of Swami Vivekananda (Jnana Yoga): "It is our privilege to be allowed to be charitable, for only so can we grow." Today’s youth are living embodiments of this philosophy. From classrooms to clinics, from technology hubs to refugee camps, they are giving their time, talent, and resources to rewrite destinies. Their efforts remind us that the art of giving is not just about charity—it is about creating opportunities, spreading hope, and transforming lives. My own research on the 'Time Bank' model, is inspired by the belief that even the smallest acts of giving can ripple outwards. To every young mind, I want to say step forward, extend your hand, and remember: the world changes not through possessions, but through the power of giving.

The article "The Art of Giving: How Young Minds Can Transform Lives?" 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.