Running Head: SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning
Topic: Reflective report on the visit to Asaktha
Poshaka Sabha








From,
Soumya R R
1324450
3MPHR
Christ University
SERVICE LEARNING
Experiences are varied that help induce learning and knowledge. Practical experiences
teach more than the bookish theoretical knowledge. This was proved with the visit to Asaktha
Poshaka Sabha.
The experience at Asaktha Poshaka Sabha (APS) was tremendous. I have been to
various orphanages and have interacted with the kids there, but this was the first time that I
have visited an old age home cum orphanage. The interactions with the elderly were more
memorable. They greeted us with a smile and made us very comfortable from the very
beginning. They shared their personal life events, problems, likes and dislikes. In a way we
acted as counsellors to keep up their spirits. Some elderly people also shared their work
experiences, their views on politics and advised us that we as youngsters should take up
responsibility and act as responsible citizens of the country. They saw us both as their friends
and their grandchildren. The more we interacted, the more we understood the emotions they
were experiencing every day. Though they were surrounded by so many people of their age,
yet at times they felt lonely. Some missed their families and some said we looked like their
granddaughters. Personally I noticed that men took their residence at APS more sportively
than women. Women perceived it more emotionally. Some inmates were residents from 20
years but yet, memories haunted them. We had organized events like antakshari and
pranayam for which we got a great response. They all love music, and thus, antakshari
brought us all even more closer. It proved that music can heal pain and build relationships.
Unlike for others, language never became a barrier to me. Most of the inmates knew Kannada
or Telugu because of which I had more of a special bonding. It was heart trending to listen to
some of their stories but nevertheless, it did not de-motivate us. Instead, it encouraged us to
take care of the elderly and respect our elders. This was one of the major events that brought
about a transition in me. I pondered over a few days about how life can change and will
change and how unpredictable it is. I have decided to spend and interact more with my
grandparents than before.
Another important learning was to keep ourselves occupied. I observed that people
who spent their time either reading or tailoring, were mentally more stronger than people who
were only involved in conversations. At old age, it is important to keep ourselves occupied to
keep the brain stimulated.
We could meet the kids in the APS orphanage only after 2 weeks as they had gone for
their vacation. This gave us a chance to interact more with the elders initially because of
SERVICE LEARNING
which we had time to learn a lot more new things. We learnt how to spread a smile and
express love to the people around us. Thus, we approached the kids with more of a positive
attitude and the response we got was unforgettable. They became very close to us and
awaited our visit. Even we felt light when we were around them. Many games and movies
were arranged for them. The positive vibes around, made us go back there every week. From
the interaction with kids, I learnt that, it is good to bring out the kid in us every now and then
as it gives us more flare to learn better and learn new things. It is good to be away from the
realities of life sometimes when life is too stressful. A break will give us a better chance to
enhance our learning. The cultural show on our last visit made a remarkable impact. When
we had asked them what they would like to see, they told us that they would want to watch
some dance and hear some nice music! They do not get a chance to see all this as they are not
exposed to it. Organizing the cultural event made us think more into psychology of the old
and the children. It had to match the tastes of both the old and the children and luckily we had
a group that excelled in music, dance and art. Organizing the event gave us a better
understanding of the tastes and preferences of two different age groups.
The implications of these activities will have a positive impact in organizations. Thus,
every company should make an effort to organise these type of activities. It improves the
brand image of the company and benefits the company in winning the confidence of the
community. A company makes use of the resources available in the community and thus, it is
their sheer responsibility to return it back. To attach the holistic note, the advantaged should
help the disadvantaged to strike a balance in nature. Charity and making a difference in others
life can give a lot of happiness than any other thing in life. Thus, it is not enough if
companies are scientifically and technologically oriented only, they sometimes need to be
holistic as well. If the employees are involved in these activities, employees get to understand
the flip side of the society.
When companies arrange for these types of activities, they should focus more on the
interactions instead of giving them lectures on awareness etc. They should be involved in the
activities. All that they need is the social interaction that can support them emotionally and
recreational activities.
This NGO visit was an emotionally challenging one but nevertheless we understood
the realities of life.