We’ve clocked in 72 years of Independence. As much as it’s an honour for the world’s largest democracy to reminisce India’s struggle from the shackles of British rule; the day is no longer restricted to just that. Young citizens are trying to make a speck of a difference, by unleashing their altruistic side through charitable offerings. We take a deeper look...
It’s raining soulful renditions: Small acts of kindness can bring about a world of difference. And, vouching by the same is Bengaluru-based NGO, Little More Love. City youngster Nestin Vaz, founder, and his team has altruistic plan up their sleeves.
“We’re helping out in setting up a special gig at an old age home on Bannerghatta Road.
A file picture of a youngster at a previously held event.
The concert is by a choir of the senior citizens residing in Holy Spirit Home on Bannerghatta road started by Pervin Varma,” reveals Nestin. He further adds, “The theme this year focuses on freedom with respect to their areas the country, the home and singing (how singing frees them). The concert involves the residents singing and sharing personal experiences/ opinions on the theme.”
Community initiatives are also on the rise, this Independence, says Vidhushi, a young social worker. “Smileys and Namma Metro is conducting a full day inclusive event on Independence Day which is lead by Vishnu Soman. We are a group that believes in spreading awareness about inclusion so that more and more people can come and be a part of the world of disabled people and support them in their areas of need. We are a team comprised of Arjun, Shailesh, Shashi, Praveen and Vidushi who are organising the entire event.” she shares.
A file picture of a youngster at a previously held event.
While a gig alert makes way into the city, one can also expect to spot ample food drives/charitable food initiatives this Independence Day. Speaking of which, restaurateur Ali Asghar who runs, Magnolia, an eatery in town, shares, “Not too long ago, I was subjected to a harrowing sight of an old lady eating food thrown in the garbage. It did upset me and left me disappointed, wondering that when we waste so much food and spend money on excess why is it that we can’t do something for the needy. So, every year, since the past year, the focus has been to spread a message about a wave of independence freedom from hunger, to how many ever we could reach out to, within our limits. My team and I have identified some areas around my restaurant, like the slums in and around Madiwala and towards Kormangala-Ejipura. We will be distributing around 50 packets of food.”
Tilting towards a more civic-oriented Independence; Amith Amarnath, a 25-year-old lawyer and founder of the award winning NGO Youth for Parivarthan aims to give the residents of Bengaluru freedom from pothole mania. “Well, we recently got a request from a resident of RMV 2nd Stage stating that they’re facing a garbage dumping issue right in front of their house which has resulted in the entire locality stinking and also that it has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. She also stated that she has a four- year-old kid and that she was concerned about her health. So we decided that we should take it up at the earliest, not as a special chapter for Independence Day but to celebrate Independence Day meaningfully which is otherwise just another holiday for most of us. We are joining hands with the residents and the BBMP to achieve freedom from garbage! We are calling it ‘Swachhagraha,’ which is the need of the hour!”
