“Chase down your passion like it’s the last bus of the night.” - Terri Guillemets
Meet the Change Makers is a new section on our blog, focusing on the amazing U&I volunteers who spend time at our various centres across India. We will interview one special change maker every week. The interviews are conducted by our social media updaters, who teach at the centres and bring us these amazing stories. So without further ado, let’s introduce you to this week’s Change Maker, Kushal.
"Kushal is like an ocean of calmness. He is a diamond formed from the pressures of life. He is a volcano that will never erupt. In the world of the Boy’s Home where he volunteers, Kushal is the Arctic circle” -Abdul Wahab Shaikh,co-leader of the group that calls themselves the ‘Mafia’ at the Special Needs Home for Boys.
Q 1. When did you start volunteering at the Boys Home? What motivated you to do so?
Kushal: I joined in 2014 and it was love at first sight. The opportunity to do something for the kids, who are no less than me, was a motivating factor to come back every Sunday. It is true that I have had a couple of ups and downs while trying to keep up with my commitment but it has been an absolute blessing to have a place to come back to. Working with volunteers who are far more skilled than I am is a truly blissful experience.
Q 2. What makes The Boys Home tick?
Kushal: This is a place for self-driven individuals. The atmosphere is very challenging but the support from the leaders and co-volunteers helps you step up to the challenges. We are a close knit family and that encourages me to wake up every Sunday, eagerly waiting to meet the kids. Their smiles make you feel so welcomed and warm.
Q 3. From the start till now, have you noticed any change in yourself? If yes, what changes and how?
Kushal: Volunteering here has helped me grow as an individual. It has taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities. I have learnt to become more patient. Most importantly, it has taught me how to love what I am gifted with and to count each one of those as a blessing and an opportunity.
Q 4. Who acts as your inspiration at the home?
Kushal: The volunteers and leaders are my inspiration. Their selfless nature and 100% dedication never fails to inspire me. Each one of them, new and old, have played their own role in shaping me into a better person and I would like to thank each one of them for it.
Q 5. What is your special Boys Home moment?
Kushal: It is difficult for me to pick one special moment. Every minute spent there is special because it gives me an opportunity to learn. I get back more than what I give. I feel it would be unfair on my part to pick one special moment for myself since every kid at the home has taught me something different. The fact that I have an opportunity to be a part of this beautiful family is special for me.
Stacey T Hunt once said “To be inspired is great, but to inspire is an honor.” Kushal, we, the Boys Home family, are lucky to have the opportunity to learn from you every Sunday. You have taught us that there is no such thing as the right way do things and you never fail to give us a platform to think out-of-the-box. You smile at the sign of trouble and find magic in little things. Your witty nature always brightens the world around you. Your optimistic attitude, heart full of love and humour inspires change, knowingly and unknowingly. We hope you continue changing the world around you and be the hero we know you can be.
