Believe In India - Service

There are many ways in which we can serve others and make a difference to society. Oakridge International School has taken this opportunity to initiate regular community service activities. On January 31^st 2011, we, the students of class XI CBSE, took the children of Khajaguda government school to the Birla Planetarium and Museum so that they could experience a truly educational phenomenon.

It was a wonderful experience! The bus ride was filled with the voices of the kids and we got a chance to get to know each child as we exchanged conversations about our favourite movies and film stars, best friends, games. The teachers of the Khajaguda school confessed that they had never seen the children so free and spirited.

The kids evinced great interest in the show and couldn’t stop talking about all they had learnt about the sun, moon, satellites and astronauts.

After the space show, we took a trip to the science museum, wherein the children experimented with the assorted displays and equipment.

This experience was a true eye-opener and we realized how little it takes to make these kids happy. I feel that the school should continue to have many more service activities like this  and we should work with schools throughout the city. This has definitely helped us to become more aware of people around us and to think of ways in which we can further contribute to society.

A quote by Confucius reads “He who wished to secure the good of others has already secured his own.”  I believe there is much substance to this quote as this experience has made us realize the meaning of true happiness which lies  in giving to others. It has given Oakridgers the opportunity to instil values other than those taught in class pertaining to empathy and selflessness.

There are times when we think of what we have gained in life and what we had dreamt of achieving. Sometimes what we think may not turn into reality. But such dreams can often lead to a detour. We can still do what we love and help those around us. Community service does not let any talents go in vain and that is one of the best parts of participating in it.

By: Divya Gutala,

XI CBSE