Community service bridges gaps & fosters inclusion

Kindness, empathy, fairness, truth, peace, respect for others, and being a caring citizen is what human values means. These values are the core of any human society and need to be inculcated in every person from a child’s academic years – it can be school/college days. In fact, Apeejay Education Society every year announces the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. The prestigious award is given to students – school and or college – who exhibit a deep sense of human values and a high level of integrity in his/her behaviour and conduct.

An intimate campus-community engagement is advocated by all committees and commissions on education. “What the community needs is available with the campus and what campus needs is available with the community. Students are the focused group of any great campus wherein the goal is to develop the students as, not just great engineer or corporate leader or banker but as great human being,” Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at Apeejay Stya University-School of Education, said, who has been awarded by Microsoft Inc, Intel Inc and Sri Aurobindo Society, Delhi for Innovative Pedagogy.

“Students learn several social skills and values critical to succeed in the 21st century during community service. They meet strangers and learn how to communicate which is an important skill for students. It helps in personality development. Students interact with less privileged people and while understanding their challenges, empathically start thinking. In the process, they develop problem-solving skills. These skills help a learner in innovation and developing new technology,” Dr Kumar explained.

Stress on community service at ASU

Apeejay Stya University (ASU) since its inception has made it compulsory for the students to do specific hours of community service for getting a degree. Recently, even the Union Grants Commission and regulatory bodies like All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have also made it compulsory for students to do two credits of community service.

“We take viva at the end of semester for community services and ask questions about students’ experience and learning. All of them say that it completely changed their attitude towards life,” Dr Kumar said.

“Community service completely changed my attitude towards life. Earlier, I used to complain to my parents. But after I met the underprivileged people, interacted with them and came to know about their issues and challenges, I realised how priviledged I am. Today, I thank my parents for everything they have done for me,” a student at ASU said. 

Another student said, “I was shy and could not talk to anyone, particularly strangers. While doing community services, I had to interact with a lot of people. This helped me develop communication skills.”     

What can students do?

As a human being, we take everything from nature, from our society and from our family, our parents. “Whenever a student is in a position to do something good for someone, he/she should do it. Goodness does not always require spending money. Sharing your valuable time, knowledge, experience and wisdom with someone needy is important. Scale of community service does not matter. For example, helping an aged or a differently abled person crossing a busy road is an important service to the community. A lot of community services can be done online and for government initiatives like Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” Dr Kumar advised.

Students can join the various clubs, according to their interest and aptitude. “They should participate in all the activities that are organised from time to time. Joining these clubs help students in getting opportunities to develop personality and channelise their energy in the proper direction,” Dr Kumar said.

Students learn several social skills and values critical to succeed in the 21st century during community service. They meet strangers and learn how to communicate which is an important skill for students. It helps in personality development

–Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at Apeejay Stya University-School of Education

More key reasons highlighting importance of community service

Social responsibility: It cultivates a sense of social responsibility among students and helps them understand the needs and challenges faced by different sections of society and encourages them to contribute towards the betterment of their communities.

Cultural Awareness: We are a diverse nation. Engaging in community service exposes students to different communities and their unique customs, fostering cultural awareness, tolerance, and respect for diversity.

Networking and collaboration: Collaborative efforts with other volunteers, organisations, and community members can lead to long-lasting partnerships and opportunities for future endeavors.

Career advancement: Engaging in community service activities can enhance students’ resumes and college applications. It showcases a student’s commitment to social causes, leadership skills, and their ability to contribute positively to society.

Creating positive change: By participating in community service, students become agents of change. This empowers them to take an active role in addressing social issues and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

Remember, giving back to the community is an ongoing process. You can make a significant impact by consistently engaging in activities that align with your values and passions. Start small, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and gradually expand your efforts to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.