I was working for this NGO during my MBA and this its been a great experience that i have illustrated below. Do read.
When I joined Raskha, I never thought it would become so close to me that I would write this note to it. There was a time when I use to think NGOs are just another substitute for alms. Many NGOs run on charity out of which 60% is used into so called administration and other expenses and rest for the real cause for which the charity is actually demanded. Now I wonder why people want to start an NGO. Jokes apart, so having this perception in my mind still I filled the membership form for Raksha, a youth based NGO for cruelty on animals. I was perplexed about the whole idea of being a part of this youth team. But I can say after 17 months with Raksha, I have had a wonderful time, not only while on field but also during our long sessions and meeting. I have noted people have a tendency to discuss a lot rather than actually implementing it.
My first meeting of Raksha was at the office at Green Park. I was with my dear friend Shikha. There I met Raksha’s President, Rohit Gangwal, in his casual clothes (I hope all the members got it) greeted us at door. I was little apprehensive about what am I doing but was adamant to do something for a social cause so I composed myself and had my seat. There I met Anoop Poonia(Head of Rajasthan, IYCN) and it was a pleasure. All the meetings that we had in past, all the brainstorming we did, all the hard work we put in has paid of and now Raksha is a well known NGO in Jaipur. I learnt a lot during this journey and I want to thank all the members who have been sweet and patient. Reminiscing those graceful moments make me smile and think of the wonderful events that I was part of. The birding fairs, Makar Sakrant, rescues, etc.
I remember the first time I saw snake, a red sand boa, in Jhalana forest area was an awesome experience and holding it in bare hands was enthralling. How can I forget cobra rescue? Pramod, Kamal, Smita, Bhawna, Aanchal and I were gone to this snake rescue. Pramod, a rescue expert, was the only one among us who had a real experience of handling the cobra. I can even express my feelings of excitement, fear and ecstasy. It would be an understatement if I said I was scared, I sensed a pulsating sense of danger when the cobra was actually in sight from under the pile of bricks and that was the moment all of us froze. But only for a moment not long, then we got into action dragged ourselves to a safe distance. Pramod came into a swift moment and bravely held the snake and safely put into the snake bag with help of Kamal. It was an experience of lifetime when the snake hissed and showed us his hood. He was an agile snake I must say, wasn’t ready to give up. Then as always is done the snake was released in Jhalana that day itself.
There are many moments like these, I could write a whole book on that. People who have a will to help animals should join Raksha because after volunteering for a social cause I feel proud of myself that I had done something better with my life by helping the speechless creatures and also in return have learnt a lot from this organization. Hope raksha grows to other cities as well and keep up the good work. It’s not a farewell note because with raksha there is no goodbye. I will always be in touch with it.
LOVE
ZIVPREET
