Stories of Volunteering: Rishi

How do you spend your PS Community Service Day?

I help people thrive by giving back to society and making a difference in someone's life. I have participated in a number of collection drives, a blood donation camp, and celebrated 10 seasons of kids’ day at PS India.

Why do you choose to volunteer?

I strongly believe that these things come from within and I'm blessed that I'm able to make a difference no matter how big or small it is.

What is one thing you’ve learned from your volunteer experience?

Through volunteering, I've learned that you do not need big things or lots of money. Even the smallest contribution, a smile or gesture is enough to make someone happy.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

When I volunteer, I feel a deep sense of comfort knowing that someone is getting to do what they love in their life, be it for a day, a few hours, and I'm able to contribute to bring that change in that individuals or in that group's life. I've become more empathetic and accepting towards life. I feel I'm more balanced now and learned how to manage situations with a big smile.

How did you get started volunteering?

The triggering point for me was when I joined publicist sapient in 2011, and my first experience was Bal Mela, where we invite between 200-250 students from different NGOs and underprivileged sections to this one-day, annual event. We give them food, fun, games, and all the project teams come together to create this great experience. It brings me so much happiness to see those smiles on the kids’ faces because those memories of this day will stay with them for years to come. It’s amazing to think of that they go back to their family, and talk about the gifts they got, the food they had, and the interactions they had with our people. We’ve been doing it for 10 years and it’s still going strong.

What does it mean to you to work for a company that supports volunteerism?

CSR is not just a checklist at PS. The leaders and volunteers are committed and we are a family. The best part is that we have the freedom to choose where we want to contribute and how we contribute. I guess it can happen only in PS and that goes with our core value of inclusive collaboration.