Baggy dreams: This Bengalurean donates goodies to the needy

Quite like most of us, Sreeja Sreedharan, a 31-year-old Bengalurean, could have turned a blind eye towards the measly conditions of the needy in the city.  But this proactive  communications professional decided to rise about the ranting – her recent initiative, ‘Do your bit’ bag is a thoughtful act of kindness that enables aiding the homeless on the streets by gifting bags comprising of essentials.  Speaking about how she plans to change the face of ‘hero-ism’ in namma city, the enterprising individual shares the inside track with us...

“In all honesty, I’ve never believed in taking the shortcuts to charity. Hence, I always made it a point to never absent mindedely pay the beggars on the roads - unless they’re very aged.  But again, when I saw so many forums and people talking about helping those in need, I wondered why not come up with an idea that works for the giver and the one in need? That’s when I pitched this idea to a bunch of buddies, who felt that contributing a bag of essentials could actually make a world of difference that just a bowl with change,” shares the banking professional, who started with the project about two weeks ago.  

When quizzed about what the bag entails, pat  comes the response. “Something very basic but indispensable. For now, it’s usually about two pairs of clothes (track pants and t-shirts for men, salwar kameez for women, a pair of rubber slippers, an umbrella, a sweater, a sleeping mat, a washing or bathing soap, a lice comb and few biscuits. All this neatly packed into a backpack,” she reveals smilingly.

Having distributed over 10 bags within the first fortnight, Sreeja reiterates how the importance of giving rises above the odds. “Sometimes, with a family and a full-time job, it may seem a little impossible. In fact, people don’t even thank you profusely when they received the bag. But  it’s the feeling of having made a difference that matters at the end of the day. The highlight is how just a meager amount can change one’s life. It really is easy to dump a few essentials, and lugging a bag around wherever you go,” she adds.  

On days, when she isn’t at her desk or on the streets handing over bags, the zesty youngster loves to indulge in her other interests. “I’m a true travel buff! So whenever I can afford to score a few days off, I’m exploring new destinations. Other than that, I love penning down my thoughts, reading up on literally everything that’s viraling and spending quality time with my dogs,” she reveals smilingly.