I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. – Edward Hale
A brief autobiographical account about service to society…
Leading a truly balanced life means engaging with its many facets – education, sports, culture, art, music, and hobbies. From childhood through student life, adolescence, and into professional adulthood, when guided by morality, humility, and compassion, we begin to transform – from learners into mentors. Eventually, we pass on our experiences to the next generation. While most strive for personal success, my guiding impulse has always been: “What good did you do, or give back, to the society that gave you so much?”
Born into a family of doctors and nurtured by the values of a convent school education where social service was held in high regard, I began my journey by setting up a first-aid post for children and injured birds. I also assisted blind students in preparing for and writing their examinations – small steps that sparked a lifelong commitment to service.
That sense of purpose matured into a philosophy: to serve my country, community, and fellow beings with dedication and courage. I drew early inspiration from the words of Helen Keller — “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Over the years, I volunteered for the Delhi Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts, the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and the National Cadet Corps. I trained in first aid, rescue, fire-fighting, weapons, and wireless communication — skills that proved invaluable in critical moments. When others froze, I acted — saving lives in house fires, vehicular accidents, and emergencies, including rescuing a woman and her infant when her clothes caught fire in a crowded market.
For these valiant efforts, I was awarded the Commissioner of Delhi Police’s Commendation Roll, their highest civilian honor, and was appointed an Honorary Special Police Officer at just 19 years old – granted the powers, privileges, and immunities of a police officer. I was soon part of a special task force to organize drug de-addiction camps for both convicted and arrested drug users. Over the years, I earned over two dozen certificates, commendations, and press features for my work in policing and maintaining public order. In fact, my photograph was published by the Delhi Police in major newspapers to encourage youth to embrace community service without expectations of material reward.
In 1991, during the Gulf War, I was called to serve on a national scale. With all communications to Iraq cut off, I was deployed by the Indian Red Cross to establish wireless humanitarian contact with Indian missions in Baghdad and Kuwait. Operating under crisis conditions, I helped reconnect stranded Indian citizens with their government and families – a moment of service I will always hold dear.
Years later, in 2004, I was elected General Secretary of an NGO dedicated to non-formal education for underprivileged and differently-abled children from slums and the streets. From securing statutory approvals to expanding programs, I’ve worked tirelessly to shape this initiative into a nurturing space where over 200 children now receive training in music, art, dramatics, computer skills, health, wellness, and sports. I organize educational trips to museums and science centers to spark curiosity and cultivate scientific temper. National festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated with pride, sowing the seeds of patriotism. It is my humble endeavor to turn marginalized, at-risk children into educated, responsible, and compassionate citizens.
In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, I was once again called to serve. I became guardian to 15 orphaned children – 9 boys and 6 girls from Katchal Island in the Nicobar region – arranging for their admission into a residential school in Sikkim and ensuring all help in the coming years. It was a new kind of parenting and a deeply fulfilling chapter in my life.
My passion for shooting sports also became a channel for service. Inspired by Einstein’s words, “You have to learn the rules of the game, and then you have to play better than anyone else,” I rose to the ranks of a Renowned National Shooter, mentoring my son along the way to the same distinction. I later founded a Shooting Club, at the NGO, with a vision to train underprivileged youth and open career pathways for them in the armed forces and law enforcement. This led to my election as President of a District Rifle Association, and later, as the Hony. Secretary of the Delhi State Rifle Association, where I’ve worked to expand coaching programs and organize competitions to promote the sport.
