My Experience as Coordinator - Services Improvement in NGO (Delhi Vishram Sadan)

The Delhi Vishram Sadan, run by Bhaora Deoras Seva Nyas, opened in 2018 as a much-needed sanctuary for families supporting their loved ones undergoing medical treatment at AIIMS hospital. The facility, with 296 beds in dormitory-style rooms, is typically at full capacity, providing a place to rest and a vital emotional and physical refuge for people going through incredibly trying times. When I first joined as a volunteer, I wasn’t entirely sure what my role would entail, but I was eager to contribute

Immediately, I felt overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. Seeing families from all walks of life huddled together, exhausted and anxious about their loved ones' health, brought an immediate sense of responsibility and compassion. At the same time, I questioned my ability to make a meaningful impact. After all, I was just a volunteer, an outsider who had never experienced these families' hardships.

I started by observing the services provided—a library, a TV lounge, a hall for community gatherings, and a few indoor games. These amenities were thoughtfully provided, but after speaking to several families, it became clear that many needs still went unmet while these resources were appreciated. People initially hesitated to talk to me, and I couldn’t blame them. Here I was, a stranger, asking questions about their deeply personal struggles. This was one of my early lessons in vulnerability: realizing that to help, I needed to earn their trust, not just observe from the sidelines

As I spent more time with the residents, I slowly gained their confidence. They began sharing their thoughts—some felt there weren’t enough activities for the children; others mentioned that the meals, while sufficient, could be more nutritious. These were minor complaints in the grand scheme of things, but they were essential to the well-being of the families. Collaborating with the project leader, I worked on introducing new initiatives to improve everyone's experience. For instance, we organized a tree-planting event to engage the children on World Environment Day, a simple activity that brought smiles to their faces and a sense of community to the space. This initiative wasn’t just about planting trees; it was a moment of reprieve for these families, a reminder that life and hope continued to grow despite their challenges

One of the key turning points in my journey came when I began focusing on the meals provided. On one of my visits, I observed the kitchen operations and realized that while the food was adequate, it lacked the nutritional balance that families required, especially during stressful times. I felt unsure about stepping into such a sensitive area—after all, I wasn’t a nutrition expert, and I didn’t want to come across as critical of the efforts already in place. However, after much internal debate, I consulted with a nutritionist and suggested ways to improve the meal plans without increasing costs. This experience taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone. Being vulnerable enough to voice concerns, even when uncertain, can lead to meaningful changes. In this case, the revised meal plans contributed to the residents’ physical well-being without disrupting the facility's budget, a small victory but one that I was proud of.

Over time, my role expanded. I identified that the children staying at Vishram Sadan needed more than just cardboard and a few games. Many of them were disconnected from their regular lives and school routines. This led to my next project—establishing an enrichment center for children. We gathered games from local households and created a space where children could play, learn, and interact with each other. One child, in particular, had a passion for art, and recognizing his talent, we framed and displayed his paintings in the lunch hall. It became a small gallery that brought him and the community pride. This experience taught me the importance of listening to and understanding people’s needs.

I had entered the Vishram Sadan feeling unsure about my place, but through active involvement, I found ways to contribute that genuinely enhanced the lives of the residents. More importantly, I learned that it was okay to start small. Every little step—whether organizing a tree-planting event or suggesting a nutritional meal plan—had a cumulative effect on the overall environment. Looking back, my journey at Delhi Vishram Sadan was as much about my personal growth as it was about helping others. Initially, I doubted myself and my ability to bring about real change, but as I spent more time there, I saw the power of small actions. Each conversation with a resident and each new initiative implemented taught me that vulnerability can be a source of strength. It pushes you to confront your limitations and allows you to connect with others on a deeper, more meaningful level. In my final visit, I proposed a mindfulness program to complement the yoga sessions already in place, adding a layer of emotional support for the families. This proposal, received with interest, culminated everything I had learned. By the end of my time at the Vishram Sadan, I had helped improve the services provided and grown into someone who wasn’t afraid to take initiative, even in the face of uncertainty.

To support initiatives at Delhi Vishram Sadan, I actively pursued Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions by reaching out to various companies and organizations and delivering targeted presentations. Through these efforts, I successfully secured CSR funds, which have been instrumental in implementing many significant improvements at the facility.