Volunteer Stories
First person
The Vision Rehabilitation Centres are privileged to have a dedicated support group of over 40 volunteers of all ages, who assist the staff in making audio tapes, doing translations and editing, organizing and conducting camps and workshops for visually impaired children, etc. Bharathi Ramineni, Varsha Kulkarni, Neena Verghese and Siddharth Singh narrate what they have gained while working with the children of LVPEI.
My association with L V Prasad's rehab department started a few years back as a volunteer. I recall with slight embarrassment my subtle feelings of superiority, initially. The feeling of superiority was because I thought I was "giving" something to the children. It did not take me long to realize that in reality, it was the other way round. I was 'receiving' rather than 'giving'. The whole experience has humbled me and changed my perspective on life. It helped me calm down from inside. I became more grounded.
Seeing the "never give up" attitude of the visually challenged children and their parents, I stopped complaining about my life. I started appreciating all the good things I had and learnt not to be bogged down by the 'not so perfect' areas of my life.
I noticed another strange thing! When I tell people about a piece of jewellery or something else I have bought, there is jealousy in their eyes. But when I tell them about the work I do here, I see an unmistakable respect and interest in their faces. They ask me more and express an interest to participate. I understood the power of good work!
The patience, friendliness and positive attitude of Beula and her team is another aspect that impressed me. In all these years, I have not seen anyone snapping or being discourteous. There is always a smile on their faces. They appreciate us wholeheartedly for every little thing we do. I love all you guys!
Instead of living room discussions and loads of sympathy, we should actually get down to action and do whatever little we can to improve the quality of lives of the people who need our support. If we help somebody today when we can, someone else will come along to help us in our time of need. This way all of us can live happily.
- Bharathi Ramineni
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My experience as a volunteer has been extremely enjoyable. I like the fact that there is an entire department dedicated solely to the rehabilitation of the visually impaired, especially children. I work as a reader with students who need help in preparing for their examinations. LVPEI facilitates a good working environment and their staff is very helpful
The department uses special software to scan books as images and convert them into text. The translated text usually needs extensive editing and volunteers like me help edit these books. The content is later converted into speech, which is wonderful - it is just like someone reading out their books to the children!
The rehabilitation department also gathers a lot of data about institutions worldwide for the disabled. They need help from volunteers to categorize the vast amounts of data collected in a database, so it is easily accessible. Such tasks can be done from the home and I like that ?exibility. Working with LVPEI is a ful?lling experience, made special by the dedicated staff members.
-Varsha Kulkarni
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I was fortunate to have an opportunity to volunteer with LVPEI last summer, at their integrated summer camp for children. Initially I was apprehensive since I had never worked with children before. But the staff made it easy and fun for us.
It was a completely unique experience! I helped the participants in the camp with yoga, dance and other activities. The camp lasted three weeks, and at its conclusion, we shared our experiences with each other. It was a wonderful learning experience.
After the camp, my association with LVPEI continued, and I help out with data entry. Earlier, I used to go to the LVPEI campus to help digitize texbooks. However, with my board exams approaching, I edit documents from home.
My work with LVPEI is, and will continue to be, an enriching experience, since it gives volunteers like me an opportunity to contribute and really make a difference.
- Nitish Kulkarni
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L V Prasad Eye Institute is a centre of excellence in eye care. They are also involved in rehabilitating visually challenged children in many ways. Considering the volume of work and the limitation of friends and staff, they invite volunteers to offer their time and efforts to help fulfill the objectives and vision of the institute.
I am involved in recording textbooks for students preparing for examinations. We have made a master copy of class X textbooks for the state syllabus so that children with vision problems can hear them on audio tapes whenever required. I record books for undergraduate and postgraduate students and for students preparing for competitive examinations, including the IAS examination.
Volunteers like me help with the collection of clothes and used audiotapes from friends which we use to tape educational material and distribute to students who cannot afford to buy new tapes. We also help the staff to pack gifts for children when competitions are held. I have also tried my best to raise funds for some of the activities at the centre.
It has been a good opportunity for me to serve the underprivileged children. I am grateful to be part of a team that is doing a wonderful service for the visually challenged children of the twin cities.
- Mrs Neena Varghese
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A telecom engineer by profession, I began volunteering with LVPEI from 2005. I have been involved with audio book recordings, fund raising, and helping in the annual camp for the visually challenged children and their parents. It has been a rewarding experience. The staff at the VRC has been very supportive and encouraging, because of which I was able to direct my energy and efforts in the right direction.
- Siddharth Singh
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In the last two months that I have been associated with LVPEI, doing a bit of voluntary work at the Rehabilitation Centre, I am amazed by the dedication of all the people and the good work done here. I learnt about their wide range of services available for visually disabled people. What we do is just a drop in the ocean but it is immensely satisfying. The rehabilitation team is very inspiring indeed. The selfless service, research work, camps and workshops/seminars show their relentless efforts towards improving the conditions and facilities constantly.
I am glad that I am using my free time to do some useful work and it has been a learning experience. I am looking forward to the annual camp to interact with the patients and care-givers and volunteers.
Let LVPEI continue to be a beacon of hope for the visually disabled and a leading light for others to emulate.
- Phalguni Ravi
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