Glimpses 2009-2010.pdf - LV Prasad Eye Institute

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Volunteering: a difference to self and society
My association with L V Prasad’s rehab department started a few years
back as a volunteer. I recall with a slight embarrassment, my subtle
feelings of superiority in the initial days of starting my work, because
I thought I was ‘giving’ to the children. It did not take me too long to
realize that in reality I was ‘receiving’ rather than ‘giving’. The whole
experience has humbled me and changed my perspective about life.
Seeing the ‘never give up’ attitude of the visually challenged children
and their parents, I stopped complaining about my own life. I learned
not to be bogged down by the ‘not so perfect’ areas of my life.
I have noticed another strange thing! When I tell people about a piece of jewelry or something else
that I have bought, I notice jealousy in their eyes. But when I tell them about the work I do here, I
see an unmistakable respect and interest in their faces. They ask me more and express an interest to
participate.
Instead of living room discussions and sympathy, we should actually get down to action and do whatever
little we can to improve the quality of lives of people who need our support.
Bharathi Ramineni is a homemaker
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other. It was a wonderful learning experience for me.
I was fortunate to get the opportunity to volunteer with LVPEI
at their integrated summer camp for children. Initially i was
apprehensive, since I had never worked with children before.
The staff made it easy and fun for us to work with them. It was
a completely unique experience. I helped the participants in the
camp with yoga, dance, and other activities. The camp lasted three
weeks, and at its conclusion, we shared our experiences with each
After the camp, my association with LVPEI has continued, and I
help out with data entry as needed. Earlier, I could go to the LVPEI
campus to assist in the digitizing of texbooks. However, now that
my grade 10 board exams are approaching, I am only able to edit
the documents from home.
Regardless of the medium, my work with LVPEI is, and will continue to be an enriching experience,
since it gives volunteers like us a chance to contribute and really make a difference.
Nitish Kulkarni (left) has just completed his 10 th grade and is entering junior college.
His mother Varsha is also a volunteer at LVPEI.
At the Low Vision Awareness program, conducted by LVPEI, delegates learn kitchen management skills and familiarize themselves with assistive devices
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