JUGGLING A JOB AND NGO

– Madhushekhar, Mahira Saraf and Chahat Kanchan

Running an organization is a tough task, especially when you have to manage it with your career. On some days, it becomes hard for us to stay motivated for a cause. To know how to deal with this, here are some tips from Ms Prerna Jain, the head of SK Children Foundation (for the past 4 years) and a B.Tech graduate from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, GGSIPU. 

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How did you come to know about the organization? 

Raghav sir is my college friend. I knew he was up to something but could not make it out. Then he told me, “Prerna, I’m going to start an NGO. I will teach as many kids as I can”. However, due to my busy schedule, I was not able to meet the children for a long time. But then in February 2020, before the lockdown, I met the kids for the first time. To my ‘hello’ they replied with an enthusiastic “hello ma’am” and jumped over and hugged me. Frankly speaking, I was more nervous than the kids. 

They were very excited and curious even though they didn’t know me. We took some pictures and they drew me some cards on the first day itself. I was overwhelmed with the love that I received. There was a constant smile on my face throughout that day.

What inspired you to join the NGO?

There are two things- one is that you are joining for an addition to your CV and another is the natural motivation to give the wings of education to young children. Personally, my first inspiration was my friend who was doing something for a cause without expecting anything in return. And then when I met the children for the first time, everything changed. I felt that I was capable of spreading happiness. And I felt I could spread some positivity. Eventually, I came to think of those kids as my own. All of this inspired me to join the NGO. 

My mother is another source of inspiration for me. She always tries to help others as much as possible. I probably have inherited this quality of her’s.

Since you are a working woman, how do you manage to find the time for the organization?

In the beginning, I did not have a job. In the initial phase of the lockdown, I was at home relaxing. Instead of wasting my time, I thought I could utilise this time for a good cause. It was in August last year that I started with my job.

In the beginning, the workload was low so I was able to take out some time and devote it to the NGO. However, as things progressed it did become hectic. But with constant support from Raghav sir and Aditya sir, we managed to maintain everything efficiently. So, the credit goes to them. And I have learnt how to manage time and multitask. It’s tough, but it gives me immense satisfaction. 

There must be times when you feel overwhelmed. How do you overcome that? 

 Of course, there are times when everything takes a toll on me. Especially when there are family functions or recruitment drives for the NGO, it does get too much. But as I said before, I never feel alone in all of this because of the constant support I receive from Raghav sir and other SKCF members. And how can I not mention the boost I receive when I behold the smiles of our kids. Nothing matters after that.  

What is the one quote that inspires you the most?

I have one quote in my mind every time and that is “Make it a habit to overwhelm a person with your help.” When I first read it I felt like “this is me”. When I do something in my day which can help someone and help them to achieve happiness. It makes me feel very happy when people around me are happy. I find my happiness in other people’s happiness.

CONCLUSION

At the end of the day, we all need a superhero, to inspire us and motivate us, who tells us their story that pumps up our adrenaline. Learning from Prerna Ma’am’s experience has strengthened our confidence to stay dedicated to a cause, and after telling us about her hardships and how she overcame them, Prerna Ma’am has become that hero for many of us.

Thank You, Ma’am!

MUST-READ- https://skchildrenfoundation.org/what-does-it-take-to-run-an-ngo/