-Sivaguru, SandhiyaBala, Saranya, Sanjay, Sribhavani, Arunkumar,Kugan, Rajesh, Pratap
Due to the “Fengal” storm in our region, we have faced many issues, such as electricity, transportation and mobile signal. Also, many trees and plants were broken, damaging roads and vehicles. We collectively involved to clean up the debris by supporting each other during this difficult time.
Sanjay’s reflection:
Because of the rains, the soil underneath the entrance path had whittled away making it impossible for bikes within campus to go out. I experienced this difficulty on Sunday as I ventured out to grab some food. As I was returning from breakfast on Monday, I saw Sudhir Pradhan at work filling up the pathway with broken bricks. I immediately joined him and the crew in bringing in the bricks, breaking them into little pieces with the hammer, and filling up the entrance with those. After that, I also assisted Mr. Rajan in hauling all the broken/sawed-off timber into one pile.
None of us was used to manual labor, so we were all panting and pausing for frequent breaks. I keep physically active, somewhat, but this is different from going for a run or lifting weights, outdoor calisthenics playing badminton/tennis or even doing Yogasanas. My body was not used to it and my legs were also shaking from the effort. In addition, I also got blisters on my palms. However, after a bath, I felt invigorated and I could feel better blood circulation as well as a feeling of physical well-being that I had not felt in a while. I also had a very stilling Vipassana sit after. It brought back memories of very stilling sits in Vipassana centers that I used to experience after cleaning toilets, cleaning the pathways, washing fabrics, and helping out in the kitchen. I remember that after this experience, I always used to look for manual labor whenever possible.
From my perspective, Manual labor as a volunteer helping others has an advantage over going to the Gym or playing a sport because apart from the undoubted benefits for physical health, it also feels more meaningful (psychic health) and my Vipassana sits are always very stilling (Mental health) after that effort. There is also the connection one feels towards the community when involved in that effort. I get to know the person volunteering along with me a little better. It’s like being brothers in labor. The last three are something I do not experience after calisthenics, gym routines, sports are even Yogasanas.
I resolved that once my responsibilities with Aura are discharged around the end of January, I will look for more ways to volunteer that involve manual labor, perhaps such as matrimandir cleaning twice a week and also involvement in Campus clean-up at C3SLD/Isai/Udavi. The rains reminded me of this, which I had forgotten. An opportunity beckons, and it is up to me to take it and make full use of it, benefit myself, and benefit others.
Sivaguruprasath’s reflection:
My name is Sivaguruprasath and I stand for courage, full-potential and equanimity for myself and for others. On cleaning the campus, I learned that I have to supporting others to build resilience in tough situations. I noticed that I feel responsible and care towards others and as well as the environment. I appreciate everyone for this team effort and being grateful for achieving a common goal.
SandhiyaBala’s Reflection:
My name is Sandhiya Bala and I stand for courage, care, and happiness for myself and others. I have learned many things while cleaning our campus as teamwork, everyone involved in cleaning our campus saw the responsibility of each one who was participating. I notice the quality of care and responsibility and I use it in my life.
Pratap’s reflection:
After the Fengal cyclone, our office campus was left in disarray. Despite limited participation, a small group took the initiative to clean up, collecting fallen stems and dry leaves. It was disheartening that not everyone joined, but the efforts of the few made a visible difference. This experience highlighted the value of taking action, even when support is minimal. It reinforced the power of teamwork and the satisfaction of contributing to our shared space. I hope this inspires others to join such efforts in the future, showing that every small contribution matters.
SriBhavani’s reflection:
My name is Sri Bhavani, and I stand for love and equality for myself and others. I felt accomplished in supporting our team in cleaning the campus. I learned that no work is easier or less significant than another, every task holds its own value. On that day, the Ammas who usually clean our campus took the initiative to prepare food for us, and some of our team members supported them as well. I am able to see the alignment of care and cooperation among everyone. I acknowledge everyone involved in the cleaning activity (Shram Daan) for their commitment and responsibility toward the well-being of our surroundings.
Ajay’s reflection:
My name is Ajay, and I stand for happiness and self-awareness for myself and others. My reflection from cleaning our campus after the Fengal cyclone shows the teamwork by everyone and the care shown toward the organization and its surroundings by me and others. It was difficult and hard for me to clean the entire place in one day, but somehow, with the help of our team as a whole, we managed to do it.
Kugan’s reflection:
My name is Kugan I stand for equality for myself and other. When everyone is responsible for their own work, it makes the team stronger. Teamwork then becomes about working together to do even better, not just covering for someone else’s part.
ArunKumar’s reflection:
Cleaning the office with my colleagues and inspired college students, I felt happy and motivated seeing the younger generation care for our environment. It was a great teamwork experience, and it also reminded me to take care of my physical health, as I felt tired easily.
Rajesh’s reflection:
After the devastating Fengal cyclone, our area experienced heavy rainfall, fallen trees, and a complete lack of electricity and internet. In response, a plan was initiated to clean and restore our workplace and school. Participating in this effort provided me with a unique opportunity to clean and organize the place where I work and teach, instilling in me a profound sense of ownership.
This experience made me realize that the environment around me is an extension of my home, and when the need arises, it is my responsibility to care for it. It highlighted the care and gratitude I feel for my office and its surroundings—a place I cherish daily.
Moreover, it broadened my perspective on the importance of nurturing the world, not just during times of disaster but as a consistent practice. It reminded me that taking care of people and the planet is an ongoing responsibility, fostering habits of care and compassion in every aspect of life. This experience was a powerful lesson in stewardship and the interconnectedness of my actions with the well-being of our environment and community.
Saranya’s Reflection:
Observation: After the Fungal Cyclone, my colleagues and I worked together to clean the campus. We all helped make the area safe and clean again. Some of us picked up fallen branches and trash. It was a team effort, and everyone worked hard. We were able to talk to each other, which helped improve our relationships. By the end of the day, the campus looked much better, and we felt proud of what we had done together.
Reflection: I have learned to stay calm and focused in any situation. I realize that I can make a positive impact by staying dedicated and offering my support. This experience helped me appreciate my role and the value of working together for a common goal. I feel proud of how I contributed and the difference it made.