Of all the paintings that art enthusiast K Girija owns, a Madhubani painting of Lord Ganesha that she recently bought at the Seva Mela in VMRDA Children’s Arena is special she says. It was made by a kid from Icha Foundation, an NGO that works for the orphan and destitute children. Icha Foundation was a part of the day-long Seva Mela that was organised recently in the city by a volunteer-led non-profit organisation, United Ways.
“It is not just about making a donation, it is also about the impact this purchase will have on the child. I hope this encourages them to turn to art and take it up as a profession. You never know what talent is hidden among the kids,” Girija said. She also purchased a pack of sanitary napkins that the foundation produces in order to empower rural women.
United Ways hosted the Seva Mela for the ‘Joy of Giving’ week. The motto of the initiative was to bring people together and make them aware of the NGOs working near them. Over 45 NGOs from the city and surrounding districts participated in the event.
For a better tomorrow
The NGOs sensitised people about myriad issues and introduced them to the welfare work they did. There were NGOs that ran mobile libraries, worked towards eradicating child beggary, provided shelter to the homeless, educated children from economically underprivileged families and raised awareness about sexual harassment and personal hygiene. Many NGOs also displayed handicrafts and artworks done by their NGOs.
“The aim is to create a platform where the NGOs and people can interact. Through this initiative we are also trying to encourage people to donate and make contributions to good causes,” said Sruthi Tetali, senior manager of the event.
Building a responsible society
G Sreelaxmi, a school teacher who came to the event with her 13-year-old daughter. Sreelaxmi said she wantedher daughter to know about empowering those who were underprivileged. “Such events should be held frequently so that people are aware of the work these NGOs do and realise that as a society we are responsible towards the needy. Also, the event will provide the NGOs with a bigger platform to reach out to the masses and garner support for their cause,” she said.
P Sobha Rani, office manager of Manasu Girl Care Centre was participating in the exhibition for the first time. Sobha along with her colleagues was selling cloth bags and artwork made by the girls of the NGO. Sharing her experience, Sobha said, “Unfortunately, many of the residents are not aware of the welfare activities that are held in the city. With more such events NGOs will get visibility which will lead to strengthen their network and eventually increase our reach.”
