Interview of Alekhya - the girl behind Saaral






Anu: “A person may rightfully be happy if in this life he could do a great favor for widows and orphans, could assist support than, and facilitate fate of people.”-Islom Karimov

In this irrational world where everyone thinks about his/her own needs Alekhya comes forward as an inspiration. It is difficult to find words to describe a person who has the heart and will to help people in real crisis.

SaaRaL ~:~ HeLp tHe OrPhAnS the community made by Alekhya with over 4000 member speaks volumes about Alekhya herself and the community…


We are lucky that Alekhya is among us today
A very warm Welcome to Alekhya Orkut’s Hall of Fame
Its a pleasure having you here

Alekhya: hai anu……..good evening….thank you for the honor…its my pleasure being here too…

Anu: Its wonderful to have you here Alekhya. So please tell us something about yourself?

Alekhya: well….am an engineer basically………fun loving……enjoying life as it comes
n these days I am actively involved in social work along with my friends…….

Anu: well that’s great…
so can you tell me a little about your family background and the place you are from?

Alekhya: am from Chennai…….
my dad a doctor n mom a homemaker……that’s all bout ma family….v r jus 3 of us…sweet lil family!!


Anu: Engineering and Social work… two different fields… how do you manage your time? What’s your daily routine like?

Alekhya: week days goes on with work n stuff…….I allot weekends for social work…..my dad used 2 take me to orphanages regularly n that inspired me to help the needy…….it really gives a good feel n immense pleasure to spend time with them!

Anu: So how did Saaral mould into shape?

Alekhya: when we were introduced to orkut many of my friends started communities for fun…n i i tried my hand in creating one for the well-being of the orphans….it clicked………..though there were only 5 active members to start with……but then slowly it picked up….we organize visits to orphanages once in two months(that’s because of various factors like work, studies, etc) spend time with kids n v help them in cash n kind……..now there r 50 active members of which 95% of them r acquainted through orkut……..n Saaral is 1 n a half yrs old

Anu: From 5 to above 4000 that’s quite good…
So what according to you is the state of children/orphans in India and what can/should be done for them?

Alekhya: the state of the orphans is really pathetic……they don even have the basic needs…not even a shelter nor food!!
though there r many helping hands…….its difficult to bring about a change totally in each n every orphans life!!
hence the government should take necessary steps to help them provide at least the basic needs!
I’ve heard people saying there r many orphanages whose owners nourish themselves with the donations n it has turned out to be a new business!!
so I personally feel that govt. should allot some funds for them & c to that it reaches the right persons……..
n as citizens all we can do is to help the needy with whatever we can do !!

Anu: Rightly said Alekhya
so….What are the projects Saaral has undertaken in tackling this problem?

Alekhya: right now we don have any major plans as ours is jus a small team! but we see to that v satisfy the basic needs required by the orphanages we have visited so far…..
we have repaired the roof of a dilapidated orphanage n now we r in the process of finding a shelter to another group……..

Anu: Thats really good
now before I wind up for today my last question to you
In today’s world the youth is more attached to materialistic things and almost detached from their social responsibilities. Do you think the youth can work towards the task of uplifting the poor and helpless?

Alekhya: yes anu……that’s true!!
frankly speaking…..there were some friends of mine who loved partying n felt social work is a mere waste of time! but then I forced them to come to the orphanage once n they were truly shaken 2 c their plight……the orphans’ situation really moved them n they joined with me henceforth!
so i feel when the youth of 2day r exposed 2 such situations will really come forward to help n i strongly feel that the youth of today r definitely socially responsible as our team consists of only youngsters……

Anu: What according to you are the basic needs of orphans?

Alekhya: well…they r the mandatory stuff like food, clothing, shelter, education n above all immense care n affection!!

Anu: How has Saaral been instrumental in fulfilling these needs?

Alekhya: as mentioned earlier v c to that we satisfy at least their basic needs if not totally at least 85% n it has been almost accomplished in all the 7 orphanages we’ve visited so far….we spend a lot of time with the kids…….v listen 2 what they have 2 say…..they share their happiness, dreams n sorrows with us……they r really in need emotional support n that’s what we concentrate on….we conduct a lot of events n distribute awards etc……we also teach them at times……on the whole their happiness is more important than anything else!

Anu: Given a chance to work for any other NGO which organization would you like to work for and why?

Alekhya: we r already working with 2 NGO’s namely Bhumi n Jeevan Sahitiya…..the reason is all of us r like-minded people working for the same cause…….we feel very comfortable with each other as we don’t impose conditions on one another….they join us on our visits n we do support them likewise.

Anu: alright Alekhya
Do you want to give any message to the youth/political groups/individuals regarding social work? If yes please elaborate.

Alekhya: yeah sure…..i would definitely want to…….
helping the needy really gives u an inner satisfaction, the amount u donate doesn’t matter but the heart does!! u may help in the betterment of an orphans’ life with your donation even without your knowledge…….we do need to take care of our own lives but then please allot your time for the needy too…….you’ll feel contented that you’ve brought happiness in ones’ life………if you haven’t done anything of this sort till date….please try doing it once n am sure you’ll never let go the pleasure u get in helping them!!

Anu: Right you are
So
What’s your goal in life and how will you accomplish it?

Alekhya: my goal is to do really well in my job which will lay a strong foundation for my social work……
I would want 2 provide free education to the kids, develop a secure environment for the aged n adopt a child depending on how far i am financially strong!

Anu: Oh thats amazing Alekhya

It was a pleasure talking to you…
I am immensely impressed with the social responsibility you have taken upon yourself when most of us don’t even think about the poor and needy
I would like to end this wonderful interview with you with the question:

Your message to the readers of orkutheroes.com?


Alekhya: oh thanks anu….nice speaking with u too…..I would like to thank orkutheroes.com for their wonderful job n efforts taken…great going yaar!!
I would b very happy if this interview of mine inspires at least a few 2 come forward 2 lend a helping hand……….
Stop Existing & Start Living…………..

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