The volunteers of United Way of Baroda were inspired by the ‘Joy of Giving Week’, an initiative by Give India, and wanted to give back to society. This gave birth to ‘Shram-daan’ i.e. donation of some time and energy for the benefit of someone else.

The venue was ‘Jeevan Vikas Kendra’, an organization situated in Narikot. The place serves as a home for a large number of tribal girls. With an aim to encourage education among the tribal girls, they have a boarding school where these girls are provided accommodation, food and education at a very minimal cost.
The faces of each volunteer and every staff member reflected the excitement at getting this golden opportunity. The day started with a hot breakfast followed by ‘Shram-daan’.

The place had a very large kitchen-garden where farming of various vegetables and fruits was done. This was chosen as the place for doing the ‘Shram-daan’. Full of enthusiasm, everyone chose their areas for cleaning, took their tools and began working. Many were first-timers in performing such jobs and using brooms, sickles and spades. The experience taught everyone the power of working together for a cause as well as the importance of the same. After completion of the work, no fatigue showed, rather there was a smile on every face and blissful peace within.

The volunteers got together to share their experiences. They discussed the level of satisfaction and happiness they felt, which they had never experienced in the past. They also talked about the learnings that they got and promised to continue doing such work in future.

The post-lunch session consisted of debates and discussions amongst the volunteers about youth power and the need for changing the society. Everyone presented their views as to how change can be brought about in the society. This was followed by interaction with the little girls staying at the organization. The girls were very excited and enjoyed speaking to the group.

The volunteers donated the collected clothes, stationary, grocery etc. to express their love for them.
At the end of the day, many expressed that it had been ages since they had played with mud and ventured in fields and they were glad that they did it.