One of the most fulfilling volunteering experiences I had was working with a local organization– the Lotus Petal Foundation NGO in Gurugram that provided educational support to underprivileged children. My role involved teaching the children about different art forms. I taught them about art theory and history. It also included practical work to make the learning experience enjoyable for them. The first session I had with them was culture themed. As the session took place on the 23rd of August and Janmashtami was coming up, the students decorated traditional Indian pots (matkas) and made themed bookmarks for the same. Learning about their experiences on festivals gave me valuable insights into their cultural traditions. During the second session, I taught them about Origami theory and taught them different types of folds, which they were eager to learn. It was heartwarming to see the children’s enthusiasm and progress, knowing that my efforts were helping to build their confidence and skills. Over the span of a month, I went to the foundation for two more sessions wherein I served food to all the kids, sharing smiles over a meal reinforced the importance of community bonding and the joy of giving back. During these sessions, I had an opportunity to interact with the Founder of Lotus Petal Foundation, Mr. Kaushal Raj Chakravorty. It was an enlightening conversation, which was quite eye-opening and inspiring. They shared stories about the organization’s journey, the challenges they faced, and the lives they’ve touched along the way. It helped me better appreciate the value of grassroots initiatives and the transformative power of one person’s vision. Their insights motivated me to think about how I could contribute more effectively and inspired me to approach volunteering with greater purpose and responsibility. Overall, this experience taught me the value of community and the impact that small meaningful actions can have. It showcases how organisations even at the local level can effect significant change by attending to particular needs, whether through cultural engagement, social support or education. I learned how crucial it is to approach social issues with a long-term, sustainable perspective, as well as the value of empathy, teamwork, and flexibility in volunteer work.
On 5th December 2025, I was honoured to receive the Volunteer Excellence Award from the Lotus Petal Foundation on the occasion of International Volunteers Day. I am truly humbled and grateful for this recognition. This honour inspires me to continue contributing to community service and creating meaningful social impact.
