By Preetie Bindra
A quiet whisper echoes in the corners of my heart—a reminder of moments when I, too, felt lost and vulnerable. Today, I see those same fragile reflections in the eyes of countless children. If we dare to look closely, we all might. Their eyes mirror hardship but also extraordinary resilience. These stories kindle a slow-burning passion within me—a calling to make a difference.
I grew up in a home where giving back wasn’t just encouraged; it was a way of life. My mother, Resham Kaur, dedicated over three decades to empowering the underprivileged, particularly women, through the Indian Red Cross Society and ASHI Women’s Cell. Her unwavering commitment became my compass, guiding me to seek purpose in serving others.
Inspired by her legacy, I embarked on my own journey—one step at a time. This journey led me to Rukmani Trust, an organization devoted to empowering children. Founder Trustee of Rukmani Trust Gopalan Krishnan’s steadfast dedication to this cause deeply moved me, inspiring me to take action. Today, I’ve pledged a part of myself to this mission, and I urge you to join me.
One of my most fulfilling experiences has been working with the junior girls of Choma Eagles, using storytelling to nurture their inner strength and confidence. These interactions reminded me that the most precious gift we can offer is time—a treasure far more valuable than gold.
While money serves its purpose, it can never replicate the warmth of human connection. Imagine the joy of watching a child blossom under your guidance, their confidence growing with each shared laugh and every story told. These moments are priceless, leaving an indelible mark on both their lives and ours.
The world is not without its darkness. Yet, together, we can create safe havens where girls can learn, grow, and dream freely. We can shatter the chains of silence and stigma, replacing them with knowledge, respect, and empowerment.
Every small act of kindness creates ripples that extend far beyond our immediate reach. These gestures, though simple, hold the power to transform lives in ways we may never fully see.
Volunteering provides a unique window into this transformation. It allows us to witness the direct impact of our efforts, to see families thrive, and to watch young minds flourish. The joy it brings to our hearts is something no amount of money can buy.
I invite you to open your heart and offer your time. Be a mentor, share your skills, and volunteer with organizations like Rukmani Trust. Dedicate a few hours each week to supporting a girl’s education. Become her champion. Every act of giving, no matter how small, matters.
When I’ve faced my deepest challenges, my mother stood as my unwavering rock, wrapping me in her love and strength. Inspired by her, I turn to poetry to reflect on this calling. Here’s a small haiku I penned as a tribute to the everyday heroes like her:
Little hands reach out,
Seeking threads of hope and love,
Kindness, our true gift.
Let’s walk in. Let’s reach out. Let’s offer a thread of hope. Every inch we give counts—starting now.