Volunteering and spreading joy
Many of us just talk of doing something but this just remains in our mind. Some like Esha Sharma from Mumbai do something concrete. She shares her journey that is given below with Jamuna Rangachari
I have always enjoyed volunteering, but when I met Nipun Mehta, a lifelong volunteer and the founder of ServiceSpace, I was truly inspired by him. His ideas about giftivism and volunteering are not just theoretical but practical. Through ServiceSpace, I met countless volunteers taking initiative and running their projects. From clowning to running an old-age home, all volunteers believe in giving back to society through small acts of kindness. This motivated me to volunteer. I started small by volunteering for beach clean-ups once a month. Gradually, I started volunteering virtually and at other in-person events across Mumbai on weekends. Currently, I volunteer at six organisations along with a full-time job!
My parents have been my pillars of support and strength. I can volunteer because they take care of household chores. They have always encouraged me to step out and do what I enjoy. They have inspired me to value whatever I have and share my resources with others.
Challenges
My biggest challenge has been time management. I volunteer because I am passionate about it, but my work commitments are equally important. Prioritizing both is a task I continue to learn. There are times when two/three volunteering opportunities clash. Since I can't be present at two locations simultaneously, I must prioritize one over the other. To solve for this, I recently started a page on Instagram (volunteersphere), through which I share virtual and in-person volunteering opportunities. I hope that if I can't volunteer for an event, at least someone else does.
Special moments
When someone discovers a volunteering opportunity through my page or WhatsApp message and actually volunteers, it is the most rewarding moment.
Vision and hope
My vision is that every Indian, regardless of age, spends time volunteering each week for a cause they care about. India has the highest youth population in the world. If every weekend, every youth volunteers for just an hour, it would create major ripple effects across the country!
In India—especially among young people and marginalized communities—feelings of loneliness, stress, and depression are on the rise. With limited access to counseling and ongoing stigma, many struggle in silence. Volunteering—including simple acts like tutoring kids, planting trees, or helping neighbours—can boost mental well-being while helping others. It’s low-cost, inclusive, and great for both individual resilience and community strength.
It is something I look forward to every week. It keeps me going and has become my reason to wake up every morning:)
We wish her all the best and hope many follow her example.
By Jamuna Rangachari
