“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

To set a stage in inspiring young minds to come forward to volunteer and also let them know that even a single act of kindness will never go unnoticed, Shrradha takes immense pride in introducing one of the Trustee of Shrradha; Ms. Jayasri Shanmugasiva. Let’s see what Ms. Jayasri Shanmugasiva has got to tell the world. who have set an example in doing their bit for empowering the society in their own ways and been the backbone of Shrradha Charitable Trust through their selfless actions.

A conversation with the Trustee:

In the auditorium of the KRM School for Special Children located in Perambur, we get to see an unassuming lady looking confident and calm communicating in her own way with her students who were rehearsing to throw up a fashion show as a part of the school’s annual day function.  There was firmness in her hold and politeness in her approach making the special children comfortable and proud in their own ways. Minutes later, the calm and composed teacher turns to a versatile actor making the people around have a good laugh by her effortless acting and satirical dialogues staged as therukoothu (Tamil Folk-art) as part of the annual day rehearsals. She wears different hats and we steal few minutes of her time to know about her volunteering journey in shrradha.

Q. Nice to witness your performance Ms.Jayasri. It was brimming with energy. We would like to know your facet as a volunteer and before getting into that let us know about your occupation.

A. I’m glad that you enjoyed. Well, I worked as a teacher in KRM School for Special Children, Perambur for the past three years. Now iam working as a freelancer for fashion designing.

Q. How did your volunteering journey start?

A. I was like any other kid, childish and naughty. As a teen, I was like the usual happy-go-lucky types. I led a comfortable life under the shelter of my parents and nothing bothered me. My journey as a volunteer started with the constant motivation of my Dance Guru, Smt. Sivanarulchelvi A.G.Nartana Karthikeyan, who kept encouraging me to indulge in service oriented activities and taught to live a selfless life. My Guru taught me to lend hands for the needy and taught me to see God in other living beings by leading a life of inspiration and being a role model to me.

Q. How did you get associated with Shrradha Charitable Trust and what are few memorable moments that you would like to share with us?

A. Shrradha Trust was founded by my Dance Guru, Smt. Sivanarulchelvi A.G.Nartana Karthikeyan, and through her motivations I started rendering volunteering services through various activities held as part of Shrradha. Some of the memorable moments in my volunteering journey years would be:

• In the year 2015, we gave a dance performance as part of a charity show, raising funds for HIV affected children.
• In the year 2016, we adopted one student each funding their education for one academic year.
• In 2016, Along with my team rescue operations were rendered during Vardah cyclone happened in chennai. we provided the relief materials to the people who was suffered on that time.

• In 2017, we rendered service for the visually challenged friends for 3 days who stayed at KRM special school as part of workshop on upgrading their computer skills.
• On 1^st May 2018, as part of Labours Day celebration, we recognised the hard workers of everyday life who generally go unnoticed; like street vendors, women toiling day in and out on roads selling garlands, physically challenged people working their way out for dignified lifestyle and so on. A little token of appreciation and a hygienic and nourished full meal which they generally don’t get, made them feel high and motivated. It also helped us realise our blessings and urged to give back more to the society and the needy.

• In 2019, we again rendered service for the visually challenged friends for 5 days who stayed at KRM special school as part of workshop on upgrading their computer skills.
• She volunteered for the workshop conducted by shrradha for Underpriviledged children .

Q. What’s your vision as a volunteer?

A. As a volunteer I envision to make myself more sustainable physically, mentally and financially too, to give back more to the society. Right now, as a Shrradha volunteer, I’m focussing on pets that spread just love to the society. We are treating infected animals, vaccinating them, providing shelter and care and helping them with a better life.

Q. What’s your take away as a volunteer and what would you like to say the youngsters out there?

A. I personally understood that the essence of life is in giving and living a selfless life. It is all about letting other live and also see the divine in fellow beings which can happen only through selfless service. I’m happy that Shrradha happened to me and changed my lifestyle and helped me evolve as a better human being. Well, my word to the youngsters would be to make themselves more capable to give back to the society. Let earning be for giving and a wholesome living. And everyone must give volunteering a chance and I bet, once someone has volunteered and felt the bliss of servicing to the needy, they will never ever look back. A volunteering journey sets its pace right away.