They use their pocket money to help people

Law and medical students start NGO to reach out to the needy

Even as most students save their pocket money on expensive clothes and accessories, here is a group who use the same to help the needy. Savera, an initiative by the law and medical students of Bharati Vidyapeeth, is an NGO that caters to the poor.

The entire programme was started at a college fest, when a bunch of individuals came up with the idea during a casual conversation. "It was in February 2008, when we met and discussed about starting this particular organisation which would reach out to those needing help," said Ali Furniturewala, a homeopathy doctor and alumni of the college. He said: "It's not only the needy but also those who cannot fight their own battle. We visit different villages and conduct camps and educate people regarding health problems. As a doctor I make sure that we have free medical check-ups along with proper health investigation. We educate the villagers about the diseases. For example, we conducted a swine flu awareness camp."u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

Law students Shailendra Singh and Ranjan Roy take care of legal formalities such as registering with Societies Registration Act and other official procedures.

"It was difficult to start the NGO but we got a lot of support. As law students we go to villages and inform villagers about their rights. The first camp that we organised was 'Rights to Information' at Katraj. We also educate them on various subjects like small- scale industries with which they can employ more people in their villages," said Shailendra Singh.

Every year, during admissions, the group also organises an anti-ragging camp. Their focus is on the slums, villages and hilly regions.

Furniturewala said that another reason for starting the anti-ragging initiative was to deal with the problem of North Indians students being targetted by some in the city.u00a0u00a0

The group has been putting money for all these activities from their pocket money.u00a0 They also get contributions from people. These students have no problem straddling studies and these activities.

"I am working hard and getting fruitful results. This encourages me to work even harder." said Furniturewala who manages his job alongside his work. "When I think about the work our NGO is doing, I get a peace of mind and feel satisfied. Money is not important for me. I think I am doing justice to my parents' values and teachings."