14 December 2007

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India. The International Center for Excellence in Youth Development [ICEYD], one of the divisions of RGNIYD, celebrated International Volunteer Day,  5 December on Saturday, 8 December. Over 150 volunteers from various institutions, including  international volunteers from Student Partnerships Worldwide [SPW], Vellore, were present.  
 
Kumari. Selja, Honourable Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, inaugurated the programme. Mr. C. Kesavan, Vice President, RGNIYD, delivered the Presidential Address. Kumari. Selja's Inaugural Address stressed on the importance of Volunteerism and the dramatic changes that it can bring about. Her brief but inspiring speech was followed by an interactive session during which Kumari. Selja narrated anecdotes from her political career which demonstrated the extent to which an indomitable spirit can contribute to social growth and development. The participants had several questions for the Minister and the session was greatly enlivening.  
 
Dr. Udaya Mahadev, Professor, Loyola College, delivered an impassioned speech on the spirit of Volunteerism. Citing examples from her own life and from those of her students, she motivated the participants to involve themselves with commitment and direction in voluntary work. Ms. Tania Proud, Fundraiser, The Banyan, presented on The Banyan as an organization- its mission, activities, and volunteering opportunities. Mr. M. Emayavarman, Programme Coordinator, SPW, outlined the various ground-level activities undertaken by SPW. The effectiveness of the bottom to top approach adopted by SPW could be seen in the achievements that the organization has made over the years. Mr. Emayavarman's presentation stressed on the importance of the individual as an agent of change and he noted that the horizons for volunteer work are immeasurable.

Certificates for all participants were issued. The enthusiasm and thirst for volunteering opportunities displayed by the participants in the International Volunteers' Day program organized by RGNIYD mirrored the true spirit of Volunteerism which values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity [taken from the UN Volunteers' Mission Statement].