Strong commitment towards the change one aspires to make or work towards, beyond oneself, is the key to effective volunteering. The process not just leads to external transformation but also changes and sensitises the volunteer towards larger realities. Here, the volunteer becomes an enabler of change, by bridging the gap between the subalterns and power holders /influencers. Such voluntary commitments continue to be demonstrated through ancient times, when the rishis renounced worldly comforts, and stayed in forests; gave counsel to the king on matters of their subjects. Later, under the British regime, many Christian missionaries undertook various activities like medical relief and running schools in India. Subsequently, Swami Vivekananda gave birth to the Ramakrishna Mission, which continues with its valuable services across education, health, relief in natural disasters till present day. During the independence era, Mahatma Gandhi emphasised the spirit of voluntary or selfless service in nation building while leading the freedom struggle.
Right motivation as the key to volunteering, and this is rooted in the historical, social and religious traditions of India. In religious contexts, Daanam – giving/ sharing, the equivalent of philanthropy was promulgated by the Upanishads. Concepts of volunteerism such as Gupt Dan (anonymous charity) among Hindus, Kar Seva (voluntary labour for the common good) among Sikhs, Zakat among Muslims, and Tithes among Christians are examples in which different religions encouraged voluntary giving. With time, these traditions guided the social movements that challenged social evils, such as Atmiya Sabha in 1815 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and others. People’s movements continue to be galvanised around specific social justice issues in present day India. Many I/NGOs now engage volunteers towards sustainable development and changes in the society.
Many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for long-term attitude and behaviour changes, and the UN recognises the indispensable role the Volunteers in realising the SDGs. The Youth Policy of India 2014 draws attention to youth volunteering for promoting youth development. The National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), are both volunteer-based programmes since the 7th Five Year Plan. The State of Youth Volunteering in India 2017 – Report by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India (GoI), recognises the need for formulating guidelines for volunteer protection as well. The Digital India Volunteer Programme (DigiSevak) is one latest initiative of the Government of India to promote volunteering.
Caritas India recognises potential of volunteering as a powerful and practical way to reach out to the most marginalised. At its core, volunteering is a powerful expression of a people-centred approach to social change and development. Among many, some initiatives include:
Realising the role of volunteers as invaluable knowledge and human resource, the outcomes of the National Assembly on Resource Development: Building Alliances, in 2016 resulted in institutionalising volunteering as a strategic focus into the upcoming Carita India Strategic Plan 2018-22.
Established in 1962, Caritas India works with the most vulnerable and marginalized sections in sectors of emergency and disaster risk reduction, climate adaptive agriculture and sustainable livelihood, community health, women and child development, and anti-human trafficking and safe migration. With pan-India presence through network partners, as a member of the global Caritas confederation existing in 165 countries, serving 200 countries and territories, Caritas India shares and draws its learnings from the good practices of member organisations.
The main theme for the conference is All India Conference on Volunteering– Connect, Learn, Transform
The conference will be attended by a diverse group of participants from different states of India, comprising youth, older children, Government, UN and EU agencies; INGOs, NGOs, Volunteer/people’s Movements and representatives from Caritas India networks.
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