Inspiring Journey: Akhshitaa Gupta’s Heartwarming Volunteer Experience

For Akhshitaa, volunteering at Bhumi is not just an activity; it’s a way of life. She dreams of scaling greater heights within the organization, continuing to impact lives meaningfully.

Every journey begins with a spark of inspiration. For Akhshitaa Gupta, a dynamic and passionate young volunteer at Bhumi, that spark ignited through a simple Instagram message. In April 2023, during her school days, Akhshitaa stumbled upon Bhumi Kolkata’s page while searching for volunteering opportunities. What began as a heartfelt message to join the organization soon blossomed into a transformative journey of giving back to society.

The Beginning of Something Beautiful

Akhshitaa recalls her first steps with Bhumi fondly. “I texted them on Instagram, and they responded,” she shares with a smile. However, the road wasn’t entirely smooth. Living under the watchful eyes of her parents and juggling academic responsibilities, Akhshitaa had to wait patiently to attend her first orientation. But she was undeterred, determined to embrace the vision and mission of Bhumi. “When I saw the leaders and the impactful work they were doing, I realized I wanted to contribute to this movement in my own way,” she explains. Today, she proudly holds the title of Event Coordinator, steadily working toward her dream of making an even bigger impact.

Balancing Books, Passions, and Philanthropy

Akhshitaa’s days are packed with college schedules, internships, and volunteering. Despite her busy life, she finds joy in her passions—reading, binge-watching shows like Friends, and planning weekend events for Bhumi. She credits Friends for being her constant companion during tough times. “It’s not just a show; it’s been a friend to me,” she says warmly.

Beyond her favorite pastimes, Akhshitaa is also an avid traveler. Mountains hold a special place in her heart, and she dreams of retiring amidst their serene beauty. Having explored places like Kashmir, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh, she’s eager to add more adventures to her bucket list, including paragliding and bungee jumping.

Moments That Matter

While Akhshitaa cherishes every Bhumi project she has been part of, the Catalyse program stands out as a life-changing experience. Whether it was working on “Care for Souls” or “Feed the Hunger,” every project deepened her empathy and connection with the people she served. One particular moment etched in her memory involves a young girl at a shelter home. “We were simply playing together when she looked at me and said, ‘Tumi Mishti,’ which means ‘You are very sweet’ in Bengali. That small gesture filled my heart with immense joy,” Akhshitaa reminisces.

Her first volunteering event also remains close to her heart. “It was nerve-wracking but also exhilarating. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children made every effort worthwhile,” she says. These moments reaffirm her commitment to the cause, motivating her to dream bigger and do more.

Finding Strength in Support

Akhshitaa’s journey hasn’t been a solo endeavor. She attributes her growth and success to her parents, Bhumi’s Kolkata team, and her mentors, especially Tanesha Agarwal. “Initially, my parents were skeptical about letting me travel for events, but over time, they saw how Bhumi transformed me. I became more confident and independent,” she shares. Her team’s constant encouragement and the children’s innocent smiles serve as her pillars of strength. “The kids I meet at shelter homes are my biggest source of motivation. Their joy and resilience remind me why I started this journey,” she adds.

The Road Ahead

For Akhshitaa, volunteering at Bhumi is not just an activity; it’s a way of life. She dreams of scaling greater heights within the organization, continuing to impact lives meaningfully. “Bhumi has given me a purpose and a platform to grow. This is just the beginning of my journey,” she says confidently.

Through her story, Akhshitaa inspires us all to step out of our comfort zones and give back to the community. Her journey is an example of the transformative power of volunteering - a ripple effect that touches countless lives and changes them for the better. #HumansOfBhumi