In pursuit of happiness

While a rickety auto ride back home is probably the only time you’d pay heed to the dilapidated conditions of namma roads, Amith Amarnath, a 23-year old city advocate, believes in being the change we all wish to see.

Two years since Youth for Parivarthan, his first social venture transpired, and there’s been no looking back for this enterprising city youngster and his team.

Having spot-fixed 80 areas in and around town, Amith is all set to kick-start with the 102nd campaign, The Happiness Messenger, which entails encouraging random acts of kindness and giving to orphanages in town. We get chatty with the young Samaritan...

“I’ve always believed that the joy of giving is immense. The concept was inspired out of the popular Sanskrit phrase, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the whole universe is one large family. There’s so much wastage around us. When one chooses to give and offer a helping hand to a stranger, the goodness spreads and will surely reach you from someone else. There’s also a special connect that forms, on giving, irrespective of whether the recipient is an acquaintance or a stranger,” reveals the alumnus of School of Law, Christ University.

“This monthly campaign opens doors for residents in town to drop clothes, toys, stationery and essentials at the Youth for Parivarthan office, with a special hand-written message. The package would reach an Orphanage, where the recipient of the package would send a special note to the stranger, expressing gratitude for the act,” he adds.

While the venture was founded by Amith, he enthuses how it was the unflinching support of young volunteers in town that kept him going. “I started Youth for Pavithran on June 3, 2014 and was backed by my friends Nishanth, Sanketh and Rakesh. They’re integral part of the venture and have always been an active part. That aside, I’m also grateful to all those techies, college-goers and good Bengalureans who’ve offered a helping hand for all our campaigns and spot fixing projects.” YFP has completed about 101 social events so far, aside of the main intent- spot fixing. The act of forgoing pub hopping on a weekend to clean up roads and garbage prone areas and structure benches and pots for Bengalureans to learn, appreciate and contribute towards its maintenance is the intent,” he shares.

Social service aside, the youngster with a ear for music, lets us in on his other interests. “ I love catching up on all that lost reading during my free time. I make it a point to practice music whenever I can,” signs off Amith.