Lalit Suthar

 On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Smile Foundation conducted a Cyclothon. This cyclothon was an initiative of Swabhiman the girl child and women empowerment program of Smile Foundation, and was conducted in order to make people aware that girls and women in the country are still not being given their rights. The event saw participation of around 200 bicyclers. Marketing for this event was a very crucial aspect as the goal was to spread as much awareness as possible for child rights and safety. 

 I had been working with an NGO called HelpAge India for 2 years. When I think about the journey so far, it's been nothing less than a blessing. When I started volunteering I was pretty young and had just started college, so everything was pretty new to me. I was talking and working with people from different spheres and ages. Each person taught me something valuable.
I met some wonderful people who inspired me to push my limits. They taught me to think about society first and myself later. I took part in organizing and crash courses given by them, after an 8-week Bootcamp training on sales fundamentals. There were times when success got into my head and I became a little demanding, but I later understood that things don't work out unless you are cool-headed and humble. In a way, volunteering has not only taught me about the various challenges in society but it is also helping me improve myself as a person every single day. I find a lot of happiness in doing my bit for society. The joy that I get when I meet young kids or old people in orphanages or old age homes is soul-touching. I've understood that relationships are not always made through blood. I'm indeed lucky to have chosen to volunteer. Had I not been with this NGO, I don't think I would have been the person that I am today.