Helping others bring unparalleled joy and happiness, says a Covid warrior

Yash, who completed his integrated (BTech + MTech) course in Biotechnology from the School of Biosciences, (ASU), is working as Market Research Analyst with Apelo Consulting Pvt. Ltd.  He is a certified trainer in first aid and home care nursing and a lifetime member of Indian Red Cross Society and St John Ambulance Association, Delhi. In a candid chat, the 25-year-old talks about the relief work done by him during the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of helping others, career success tips for freshers, and more.

How did you get involved in community service?

I was inspired by my Nana ji (Dr. TC Gupta) who is the Deputy Commissioner of IRCS, Delhi. He has spent more than four decades providing relief to the poor. I have seen him providing all possible assistance, including financial and medical, to others in times of crisis. There are so many people who approach him for relief, but he has never turned anyone down. Also, during my school summer vacations, I used to volunteer for various social causes under the guidance of my Nana ji. That’s how I got interested in community service. I joined IRCS in 2016 and now I am a Lecturer. To become a Lecturer one has to clear a slew of written tests and interviews. Now, I am a certified trainer in first aid and home care nursing and frequently impart training to people from the corporate sector.

Tell us about the work done by you during the pandemic?

It was a testing period for all of us. We tried to reach as many people as possible. We distributed food packets, medicines, sanitisers and masks to needy people whose livelihood was hit hard by the lockdown. The beneficiaries of food kits were mostly those who depend on daily earnings for their living. We also started a plasma bank. I am also a lifetime member of the St John Ambulance Association which is an ambulance wing of IRCS. One of the foremost challenges during the pandemic was to transfer critically ill patients to nearby hospitals. Another big task was to perform the last rites of those who were abandoned by their family after succumbing to Covid-19. It was a gut-wrenching moment. I would also like to talk about migrant workers who were hit hardest by the pandemic. Abandoned by employers and with no access to health or food, many didn’t know what to do or where to go. We helped them in every way possible.

What is the importance of helping others?

Investing your time, money or energy to help others doesn’t just make the world better, it also makes you better. Volunteering enhances an individual’s overall sense of purpose and identity.  It’s also contagious and has a ripple effect, inspiring dozens of individuals to make a difference. If you are a working professional, like me, do take out some time for community service. It brings unparalleled joy and happiness. “Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.” – Marianne Williamson, is a quote to live by. 

Share with us some key learnings from your professional career.

Don’t be jealous of your peers. A healthy competition is fine, but an obsession with your peers can even sabotage your own performance and possibly your career. Instead of lamenting and being harsh on yourself, try channelling your thoughts into motivation. Find ways to improve yourself. Try and understand that there are certain things that are beyond your control. Importantly, don’t be impatient. If you are hard-working and dedicated, you will get your dues sooner or later.