Volunteers carry out their missions and make the biggest difference possible in others lives.

 

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”

 – Sherry Anderson

Hello All,

Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Mr. Sriram” sharing his experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  He is here to express himself on "What?... How?... Why?... and a few more questions on dedicating his time, volunteering with Lit the Light"…in his own words.

These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Mr. Sriram, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with various volunteering activities for the betterment of Lit the Light.

Lit the Light's Coordinator Mr. Sriram’s words on travel with us…

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hey everyone, I’m Sri Ram, an assistant manager at Chennai Metro Railway Limited. I enjoy reading, writing Tamil Poetry, and also engaging in speech and debate.

 

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

I heard about Lit the Light through a Facebook post and had attended an initiation and orientation program for volunteers conducted by LTL in Namapuram. Every now and then I would help out by volunteering but then one day Mr. Divakar offered me an opportunity to lead and coordinate the requirements of the visually impaired individuals in Porur and Poonamalli and I’ve been doing that ever since.

 

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?

I remember when I used to read to these two children in Poonamalle named Devinder and Nawaab. They had asked me to come back the week after to read to them again because they loved the way I read their subject books to them. They told me it felt like listening to a story rather than a school lesson. The fact that they believed I had something special gave me confidence, I even wondered if I should be a teacher! I have always been passionate about teaching. For instance, back when I was in college, my friends and I would go to the orphanage near our college to teach them basic English. We had set up a library there and the children always seemed to pick only the Tamil books, so one day I decided to read to them an English storybook and much to my surprise I realized that many of them didn’t even know the first letter of the English alphabet, this motivated me to teach them English two times a week. It made me realize how much I valued the feeling of helping those in need, which was what motivated me to continue to volunteer.

 

4.  What is your most memorable experience volunteering here?

There was a student studying in Presidency college who had a History exam the next day and still hadn’t found someone to read to him. So both of us sat on the stairs of the college and spent the whole day reading and learning the portions. A few days later, I got a call from him saying he got a 96 and I felt so happy that it almost felt like I was the one who wrote the exam and got an amazing grade!

 

5. Do you have any messages for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

Lit the Light is not borne out of just one person’s effort or initiative, every single volunteer’s contribution adds to its success. Every single one of you has the ability to make such a contribution and all it takes is to make that first step. Even during an unprecedented time like this, the student’s requirements are met through a courier system or through audio calls, so there is always a way for anyone to help. Don’t hesitate and come join us at LTL!

Lit the Light thanks Mr. Sriram and appreciates him for his time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way... Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Sriram is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Sriram, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

 

Article by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer 

Every person can make a difference...in their own way!

 

“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.” 

– Bernard Meltzer

Hello All,

Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Mr. Siva Sendhil” sharing his experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  He is here to express himself on "What?... How?... Why?... and a few more questions on dedicating his time, volunteering with Lit the Light"…in his own words.

These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Mr. Siva Sendhil, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with various volunteering activities for the betterment of Lit the Light.

Lit the Light's Coordinator Mr. Siva’s words on travel with us…

 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hey, I’m Siva Sendhil and I’m currently working as a network engineer. I did my engineering course in SRM Valliammai and got placed in Tata Consultancy Services in 2016. I absolutely love playing cricket and immersing myself in a good book!

 

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

I heard about Lit the Light through a friend who sent me a post about LTL on Facebook. My first volunteer work was to scribe for college students and I immediately felt the joy of helping others. Then, I gradually started attending team meetings, coordinating fests organized by LTL, and eventually became an Events coordinator.

  

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most? 

My favorite part about volunteering here is scribing for visually impaired students. Volunteering is a very humbling experience because not once have I seen any child look unhappy or pity themselves, I only saw courage and determination in their faces. Every interaction I’ve had with these individuals has broadened my outlook of life and I was able to gain a sense of fulfillment.

 

4.  What is your most memorable experience volunteering here?

I have many fond memories of volunteering at LTL. Off the top of my head, I’d say the glimmer of hope and determination in the eyes of the students I first scribed for is something I will never forget.

 

5. Do you have any messages for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

Without a doubt, anyone who has decided to volunteer at LTL will not go through this experience without remaining untouched. You will learn humility and gain a sense of self-satisfaction. Remember that there is no harm in giving this a shot, one good action always leads to more positive actions.

Lit the Light thanks Mr. Siva Sendhil and appreciates him for his time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way... Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Siva is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Siva, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

 

Article by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer 

Your Compassion is your Strength - Our Strength!

 

“Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch” 

 ~Judy Blume

Hello All,

Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Rithika” sharing her experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  She is here to express herself on "What?... How?... Why?... and a few more questions on dedicating her time, volunteering with Lit the Light"…in her own words.

These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Ms. Rithika, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with various volunteering activities for the betterment of Lit the Light.

Lit the Light's Coordinator Ms. Rithika’s words on travel with us…

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hey! I'm Rithika, a former student of Journalism and currently a UPSC aspirant. As brainy as it sounds, I like to have fun as much as I love to study. I love learning new languages. I know 4 languages so far - English, Malayalam, Tamil & French - and learning another one right now - Korean. Yes, I'm a K-fanatic. I spend my leisure time singing, dancing, or exploring new fields of interest. Again yes, picking up new hobbies is one of my favorite hobbies!

  

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

As I was looking for NGOs that could give me hours of community service, I ended up in LTL. But I did not join LTL just because I was in need of a certificate, it was more than that. LTL's motto of serving the visually impaired and their consistency in their service is what prompted me to join the organization. Anyone can start an NGO with just an idea, but carrying it forward for a long term without deviating from the main objective is definitely a big deal!

 

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?

The best part of being a volunteer at LTL is that I never felt like a volunteer. It felt like family. There was no such thing as a superior-volunteer relationship rather there was mutual respect. I wasn't compelled to do any task out of willingness. No arrogance, no drama! - LTL likes to keep it simple and subtle. Not only did I feel comfortable, but I also got an opportunity to meet good people and build my contacts. The organization helped me hone better networking and socializing skills. Most importantly, the satisfaction you get when you contribute to the betterment of the society you live in is something that is eternal and cannot be explained with words.

  

4.  What is your most memorable experience volunteering here?

I'd say I have many, especially when I go to collect testimonials. I once had to go meet Mr. Manoharan along with another volunteer, Nivetha, to have a short interview and get his testimonial. It was a long ride to his place, it was worth the exhaustion. Manoharan is one of the beneficiaries of LTL and a Para-Judo player. He has partial vision and teaches Judo for kids and adults. When we went there, we were treated with so much hospitality. He was a gentle, down-to-earth person and made sure we were comfortable. That made me feel warm inside. And as we were shooting questions, he was calm but confident in his answers. He was so inspiring and his words were encouraging. We were so grateful we had the opportunity to meet him. That was certainly the best experience for me.

 

5. Do you have any messages for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

The message that I wanna share is that LTL is a great place for altruistic people and people with shared beliefs. If there's one thing that makes humanity stand out, that would be helping fellow human beings when they are in need and LTL serves as a platform to channel your thoughts and helps you perform your duties in a better way. So if you're interested in giving something in return for what society has given you, then LTL would be the right choice to begin your journey with.

 

Lit the Light thanks Ms. Rithika and appreciates her for her time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way... Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Rithika is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Rithika, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

 

Article by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer 

Our Volunteers are our true inspiration to do better!

 

“The gift of Service leads to a life of Love” 

 ~Mary White

Hello All,

Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Kaviya Anbalagan” sharing her experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  She is here to express herself on "What?... How?... Why?... and a few more questions on dedicating her time, volunteering with Lit the Light"…in her own words.

These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Ms. Kaviya Anbalagan, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with various volunteering activities for the betterment of Lit the Light.

Lit the Light's Coordinator Ms. Kaviya Anbalagan’s words on travel with us…

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m kaviya anbalagan! I’m a voice-over actress and also worked as a Radio Jockey briefly. I am currently working as a product manager in an IT company and also run two apparel ventures. I enjoy writing poetry and learning Carnatic music. I do social work for home children and visually impaired students.

 
How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

When I was in my 11th standard I had gone for a competition and there I came across a young visually challenged girl named Preethi performing on stage. I befriended her and talked to her about anything and everything and got a glimpse into the fascinating world of the visually impaired. This interaction with Preethi is what ignited my passion to volunteer and help the visually impaired in every way that I can. Later, in my first year of college, my friends had forwarded a post from Lit the Light and I had contacted Barath. He connected me with Meenakshi ma’am, another LTL coordinator, and we were in charge of coordinating the branch in Coimbatore. We would help with connecting the student to scribes, help with exam requirements, and have conducted Spoken English training too. Now, we are working towards helping and training graduate students to find employment through skill development training programs. In 2018, I was part of the team from the Seersei Charitable trust that came up with an application software called ‘Yesabled’ which helps connect visually impaired individuals with the public and help them navigate the world around them. In 2020, I was awarded the ‘Women Achiever’ award by Avinashilingam University for developing the application.

 
What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?

I have always enjoyed volunteering and believe in the importance of spending my time meaningfully. Volunteering makes me feel very fulfilled and makes me feel like I have spent my time fruitfully. Volunteering is more than just a way to give back to society, it allows you to connect with your community and brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

 
 What is your most memorable experience volunteering here?

I have many wonderful memories with Lit the Light.  Lit the Light was a turning point in my social work journey. They had made me realize my vision to be a part of a mission to better the lives of the visually challenged and guided me to organize and structurized my vision. I have immense respect for Barath and see him as my mentor.

 
 Do you have any messages for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

Forming a connection with the visually impaired individuals is crucial when it comes to volunteering. You need to realise that their world is different and try to understand it even a little bit. Whether you are recording an audiobook or scribing for them, try to be cognizant of their needs and what they’re comfortable with and you will really be making a difference in their lives.

Lit the Light thanks Ms. Kaviya Anbalagan and appreciates her for her time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way... Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Kaviya is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Kaviya, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

 

Article by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer 

 

Self-confidence paves way for self sufficiency

The best and the most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.                                                                         - by Helen Keller

We are delighted to share the inspiring story of the couple with visual impairment, Mr. Krishnamoorthy and Ms. Maniyammal. They hail from the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. Mr. Krishnamoorthy has completed BA, B.Ed. and Ms. Maniyammal has completed a Diploma in Music and BA in English. Both lost their jobs during Covid.

The couple had initially received support from the Lit the Light team during Covid in the form of grocery supplies. When they heard about the start-up support program, they approached the founder, Mr. Barath, with the help of the coordinators in Dharmapuri. Within a week, their shop was set up and inaugurated by Mr. J. Sukumar, Special Tahsildar-Election, Dharmapuri.

We take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and coordinators for their incessant love, support, and commitment to the noble cause of uplifting the lives of the visually challenged community. We further seek the assistance of benevolent supporters to be able to reach out to many more deserving and talented people who are in need of some light in their dark lives.

As part of Lit the Light's Start-up Support, we have been providing financial support to the deserving people with visual impairment to set up their own bunk shop and to procure the supplies for the same. We are proud to have facilitated the setting up of a bunk shop for Mrs. and Mr. Krishnamoorthy, near their home in Guttampatti village in Dharmapuri. They are the second beneficiaries of the Start-up support Program in the month of October 2021.

The couple dared to dream big in spite of the physical challenges posed on them, and have now taken the first step forward in achieving their dream. They are confident of growing into a much larger enterprise that would cater to the requirements of the customers in their village. The couple acknowledged by stating that all this has been made possible due to the support of the Lit the Light trust and the sponsors. 

Click the link below and Watch the inauguration of the Bunk shop. Please do comment with your valuable thoughts and share the video with your contacts. 

Bunk Shop Inauguration video link:  

https://youtu.be/EyyMQbl5Pgk

We hope to continue the support for these deserving visually impaired families and reach more beneficiaries and help them through their journey to success. This would not be possible without the constant support of our sponsors, volunteers, and well-wishers. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors, volunteers, and beneficiaries for all their time and effort. 

To know further about Lit the Light and our activities, to contribute to these noble causes,  please call us on 98949-49878 and /or 98942-12102. Please know us better...visit our

Website: www.litthelight.org
YouTube: LTL Visions
FaceBook: Lit the Light
LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter: Lit the Light
To contact us, email us at admin@litthelight.org

Reach your heights with Zest - Congratulations Ms. Beno Zephine, IFS

 “I might not have a vision, but I have the vision to be a hardworking Civil Servant”

-        Ms. Beno Zephine

 

If people can see a possibility, someone who is the same as them living their dream, they can get the hope and motivation to keep working at their dreams. As part of our motivational series, Lit the Light has been bringing in inspirational leaders and achievers who can spark up motivation and provide guidance to our aspiring visually challenged friends.

 

Ms. Beno Zephine, IFS
Ministry of External Affairs
New Delhi

We had the opportunity to bring in, Ms. N. L. Beno Zephine, an acclaimed visually challenged achiever. Beno Zephine is an IFS officer at the   Policy Planning and Research, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. She has achieved what was considered almost impossible.  Scaling all the obstacles and difficulties on her way, Ms. Beno Zephine achieved her dreams and became India’s first Visually challenged Foreign Service Officer. She has also received the ‘First Women’s Award” from the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind in 2018.

 

She had been the topper and secured first place in the secondary level examination at the state level among the visually challenged category.  During her Higher Secondary level, she attended ‘Global Young Leaders conference in the US in 2008.

 

She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature. She has a high level of proficiency in the French Language as well. She then started working as a probationary officer with the State Bank of India.

 

After securing 343 rd. rank in all India Civil Services Examination in 2014 she joined the ministry of external affairs. Her life story is a lesson to even the abled individuals because what she has achieved despite her challenges could not be achieved by several abled individuals. Thiru.V.Nandakumar IRS, Addl. Commissioner of Income Tax & Our Chief Mentor for UPSC Aspirants moderated the overall session.

Thiru. V. Nandakumar, IRS
Addl. Commissioner of Income Tax
LTL Chief Mentor for UPSC Aspirants

  

Click...Watch...to be Inspired by Ms. Beno Zephine, IFS, and please do share the video with other UPSC aspirants and of course we are looking forward to your valuable comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2S4d2cRF_Q

The feedback to the session has been unanimously positive. During the session, she shared her life experiences and guided the participants into developing confidence, and insisted on the need to have their own goals and vision. Participants felt the session to be a wonderful experience and the interactive conversation during the session to be both interesting and illuminating. The motivational series of online interactive sessions have truly proven to be of use as participants find it a great way to connect with similar achievers and get inspiring mentorship. We hope to continue the series and reach more beneficiaries and help them through their journey to success. This would not be possible without the constant support of our volunteers and well-wishers. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors, volunteers, and beneficiaries for all their time and effort. 

To know further about Lit the Light and our activities, please visit our
Website: www.litthelight.org
YouTube: LTL Visions
FaceBook: Lit the Light
LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter: Lit the Light
To contact us, email us at admin@litthelight.org

Content is written by: Ms. Theofilla Paul, LTL Volunteer

Social Media compliments volunteering too - Lit the Light on Twitter

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the
 heart.” 

 ~Elizabeth Andrew

Hello All,

Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Nivetha” sharing her experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  She is here to express herself on "What?... How?... Why?... and few more questions on dedicating her time, volunteering with Lit the Light"…in her own words.

These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Ms. Nivetha, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with social media promotions, like our Twitter account, and also in many other field activities as well.

Lit the Light's Coordinator Ms. Nivetha’s words on travel with us…

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m Nivetha and I’m a final year student pursuing Journalism. I enjoy traveling, photography, and spend a lot of my time reading books.

 

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

My college had asked for a scribe volunteer to help students at a school in Adyar, that is how I heard about Lit the Light. During the 2020 Read Fest, I helped with the promotion of the event through meme-creation and was also in charge of taking pictures of the event. Later, I was given the opportunity to handle the Lit the Light Twitter account and also lead the video testimonial series. I wanted to start volunteering here because I wanted to utilize my free time meaningfully, instead of just being on my phone. I also felt a great sense of personal satisfaction that I had never felt before and wanted to endure that feeling.

 

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?

Being able to watch people from different walks of life come together for a common cause is truly magical. Even during the Pandemic, I’ve seen volunteers working relentlessly and selflessly to aid the visually challenged. Despite the uncertain times that we live in today, it is comforting to be a part of a community that actively works towards making the world a better place.

 

4.  What is your most memorable experience volunteering here?

The first-ever event that I had attended that was conducted by LTL was the 2020 Readfest. I spent the whole day interacting and taking pictures of the visually challenged individuals and was in awe of their talents and vibrant energy. Also, listening to the inspiring stories of those I interview for the LTL Testimonial video series is something I will cherish forever.

 

5. Do you have any messages for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

LTL is a flexible organization and is very understanding of the volunteer's situation. They don't enforce anything upon you. So even if you feel you will not have the time to help, know that there is always something that you can do to be of service. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, now more than ever is the time to help those in need, so come join us at LTL and make a difference in someone's life!

Lit the Light thanks Nivetha and appreciates her for her time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way... Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Nivetha is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Nivetha, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.
 

Compiled by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer