An Eye-Opening Session at Auxilium Skill Academy

On the morning of 28 February 2025, the atmosphere at Auxilium Skill Academy was filled with anticipation. Twenty students, all above eighteen years of age, gathered for a thought-provoking session on World NGO Day. This was not just another academic discussion—it was a chance to reflect on the power of compassion, community service, and the indispensable role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in shaping a better world.

The session was conducted in the presence of Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar from YUVA India, alongside two dedicated teachers from Auxilium Skill Academy. Their experiences and insights brought depth to the conversation, making it not just informative but deeply inspiring.

As educators, our mission was not only to share knowledge but to ignite a sense of purpose and responsibility—to show students that every small act of kindness has the potential to create lasting change.

A Thought-Provoking Beginning

The session opened with a simple yet meaningful question:

“When you hear the term NGO, what comes to your mind?”

Some students mentioned words like charity, social work, and volunteering, while others remained quiet, uncertain of how to respond.

One of the teachers smiled and asked, “But why do we celebrate World NGO Day? What makes these organisations so important?”

This silence was different. It was the kind that signalled curiosity—the first step towards understanding.

Why Do We Celebrate World NGO Day?

Observed every year on 27 February, World NGO Day is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable contributions of NGOs in building a more just and compassionate society.

“Imagine a world without NGOs,” Ms Vanita Salunke said, her voice steady and reflective. “A world where children from poor backgrounds never get an education, where women suffering from injustice have no support, where the sick have no medical aid, and disaster victims are left to fend for themselves. That is a world without NGOs.”

She explained that NGOs step in where governments, policies, and systems fall short. They work at the grassroots level, ensuring that basic human rights, dignity, and opportunities reach those who are otherwise forgotten.

World NGO Day is not just about celebrating these organisations but also about inspiring action—a reminder that each of us has a role to play in shaping a kinder world.

Why Does Society Need NGOs?

At this point, Mr Vijay Powar stepped forward, looking at the students with an expression of warmth and seriousness.

“Have you ever walked past a hungry child on the street?” he asked. “Did you feel helpless, wishing you could do something?”

Several students nodded. Some lowered their gaze, recalling moments when they had witnessed suffering but did not know how to help.

“That feeling,” he continued, “is empathy. And empathy is what drives NGOs.”

He explained that NGOs exist because inequality exists. While some people have access to education, healthcare, and employment, others are born into poverty, struggling for even the most basic necessities.

The Role of NGOs in Society

NGOs play a vital role in

• Providing Education – NGOs ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds receive an education, breaking the cycle of poverty.
• Healthcare Initiatives – Many organisations offer free medical camps, distribute medicines, and spread awareness about diseases.
• Women’s Empowerment – NGOs support women in learning new skills, becoming financially independent, and gaining legal aid.
• Disaster Relief Efforts – NGOs respond to floods, earthquakes, and other crises, providing immediate assistance and rehabilitation.
• Environmental Protection – Many organisations focus on climate change action, afforestation, and conservation of natural resources.

“NGOs are not just organisations,” one of the teachers added. “They are movements. They represent hope, resilience, and change.”

She shared the story of a young girl rescued by an NGO after being abandoned as a baby. Given the chance to study, she grew into a confident, independent woman who now helps educate underprivileged children.

“One act of kindness changed her life forever,” she said. “That is the power of an NGO.”

The Students React: From Awareness to Action

By now, the mood in the room had shifted. The students were no longer just listeners—they were thinkers, feelers, and perhaps even future changemakers.

One student raised a hand and asked, “How can we, as young people, contribute?”

The answer was simple yet profound “Start small, but start today.”

• Volunteer Your Time – NGOs always need people to assist in their projects.
• Use Your Voice – Spread awareness through social media and conversations.
• Contribute in Any Way Possible – Even small donations can make a difference.
• Be Kind in Everyday Life – Helping one person at a time creates a ripple effect.

A Call to Action: Be the Difference

As the session drew to a close, one of the teachers left the students with a thought-provoking message

“You do not have to be part of an NGO to make a difference. You just have to care.”

There was a moment of silence—one of understanding, reflection, and realisation. Some students exchanged glances, as if seeing the world in a different light.

Perhaps, for the first time, they understood that change does not come only from large organisations—it comes from individuals who choose to act.

Final Reflections

The World NGO Day 2025 session at Auxilium Skill Academy was not just an event—it was a movement of the heart.

Through the words of Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar, the guidance of Auxilium’s teachers, and the willingness of the students to learn, this session was a step towards a future where more people choose to care, to act, and to make a difference.

And perhaps, within that classroom, future changemakers had just been inspired.

“Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to change the world. Be the reason someone smiles today. Be the difference.”