A Satisfying Experience

by Kriti Agrawal

Since the age of ten, I have been involved in planning and implementation 

of several philanthropic activities with my family. At the age of 15, I became 

the president of Global Pragathi Youth Council.

During my summer vacation in 2015, I decided to volunteer at Gandhi Hos-
pital, my parents' alma mater. There was need for two ventilators in the pediatric intensive care unit, trolleys and wheelchairs in the emergency room, and reagents for hemoglobin electrophoresis at Gandhi Hospital. I raised funds from 1983 batch of physicians, my mother’s classmates, for this project. I inspired two other volunteers and did the following:

• Every morning, we worked at the help desk 

• We prepared signs for the entire eight floors of the inpatient block 

• Every afternoon, we organized play time for kids in the pediatrics ward. We also collected some toys and donated to the unit.

• Implemented the projects of 1983 GMC batch.

• Implemented the shelter home lunch program for indigent family members

• I am developing a volunteering program for other youth

The over crowded hospital, hot and humid weather and the language barri-
er presented us with challenges which taught us a lot. Overall, it was a 

great learning and satisfying experience. The local newspapers covered 

our activities. We received support and encouragement from the faculty, 

principal and the superintendent of the hospital.The Director of Medical Ed-
ucation truly appreciated our efforts. I look forward to a long-term involvement in volunteer activities at Gandhi Hospital.