Inspiration
Distance has not deterred this good Samaritan from USA from helping Indian farmers
Besides balancing work, family and life, NRI volunteer Suresh Ediga spents 2-3 hours everyday towards social causes he is working for. A volunteer since 15 years, Suresh has been associated with various causes. He is currently working towards creating awareness about the backward areas of Chhatisga
Suresh Ediga is lifelong volunteer who stands by the marginalized. He spearheads I4Farmers, is a member of NRISamay, part of many volunteer organizations, an avid advocate of RTI and is involved in countless projects that concern community and welfare of citizen. He also happens to be a father of 2 beautiful children. Here is a peek into the mind of the man who has learnt the art of effortlessly balancing work, family and community.
On balancing work, family and community
Although I have a full time job, I consider myself to be a full time volunteer. By full time volunteer, I mean, I spend at least 2-3 hours every day on the social issues I am volunteering for. In fact, it is never a conscious effort to make time. For me volunteering is not any other job nor I do it out of charity, I do it because I feel it’s my responsibility. Similar to how I’m responsible to my kids, my wife, my parents – I’m also responsible towards my society.
What are your learnings from being a volunteer?
I don’t have a communication degree but I’ve done interviews, hosted debates. I don’t have an event management degree, but I’ve organized fund raisers, concerts with with the greats like Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan & Hari Prasad Chaurasia. I don’t have any political background nor money power, but I’ve engaged with the MLA’s, MP’s. Being a volunteer, gave me opportunities and the exposure, which otherwise I would never have gotten. It helped me grow as an individual and also instilled the confidence in me that whatever may be the scale of the problem, I can do something about it, not matter how small or big it is.
Why a volunteer?
Nothing dramatic had happened that made me look at myself in a different way. I always had the instinct to react to what I see around me in a positive and constructive way. The only way I knew to take this forward was by being a volunteer. In the process I met so many individuals and groups who have been working relentlessly and selflessly.
What are the causes that you are associated with?
Given that I have been an active volunteer since 15 years, the list of causes is very long. I was very fortunate to do what I did and continue to do so, with the help of many friends, individuals on the ground, groups and organizations. For a lack of a better way and for simplicity I will organize the activities into 4 broad categories
Campaigns & Awareness
Bhopal Gas Victims, Soni Sori, Land Acquisition, Walks, Call Campaigns to talk to MLA’s, MP’s, Call campaign for RTI, NRISamay.com (an internet radio) etc.
Short Term
Help build toilets for govt. Schools, building reverse osmosis plants, analyzing government documents, understanding the policies to help leverage them, build websites for small non-profit organizations, sponsor mid-day meal for govt. Schools, providing immediate short term relief for farmer suicide victims
Long Term
Pochampalli weavers project to help revive a small group of 28 weavers, Working with PalleSrujana (PalleSrujana.org) in helping with their mission to identify rural innovators, Sustainable farming projects, Making phone calls to resolve basic problems such as electricity, ration etc via CGNetSwara.org, sponsoring kids education etc.
For a complete list you can visit sureshe.wordpress.com
How to galvanise support for your cause?
In this day and age of technology, where a quick phone call can connect someone like me in New York to someone in a remote village in Bastar, Chattisgarh, is amazing. I use social media to the fullest. In fact I use social media to draw attention to the projects, social issues and over a period of time have gained the friendship and trust of many other like-minded people.
Current projects
Farming and Farmers are the most important profession and professionals in India. We all depend on them being successful. And yet they are the most neglected professionals. About 2 years ago, a group of friends, started an organization called i4Farmers.org, a non profit registered in the US, to take up projects in India. This is an ongoing commitment and have very exciting projects lined up for the rest of the year and beyond.
There is also an active campaign called #OneMillionPostCards to support Soni Sori, the tribal teacher from Bastar, Chattisgarh and also to support the tribal people in Bastar. The goal of the campaign is two fold
1. To raise awareness about the issues in Bastar
2. To send #OneMillionPostCards to the Chattisgarh CM demanding a supreme court judiciary and CBI enquiry instead of the local police investigations into the law and order affairs of Bastar.
You too can send an e-card and be a part of this campaign. Simply click here http://tinyurl.com/OneMillionPostCardForSoni.