Having been involved with development work and being opinionated the way I am, have made some erratic classification. A closer look however reveals it’s not so erratic (opinionated [sic]).
Note – This is a classification made by me with my bias and stereotypical mind intact. There are people (even personally I know many) who have defied the norms.
The High flyers – They visit a slum community for an hour on some random day. This hour is the best investment, in a lot of ways! The investment of 1 hour ensures fodder for chats stretching to 8 hours (800% return) cumulative in the week. Obviously the talks are accompanied by alchohol and filthy expensive food in an upscale pub in SoBo. They can be found in fundraising and charity dinners of expensive clubs and restaurants where the amount spend on food and drinks is much more than the charity money raised. They generally wear designer clothing that do not fit them.
The offshoots – (of the above types, many a times family) Took a step and committed themselves, maybe to a fellowship or a long term voluntary assignment. Get up everyday sulking that they have to do it again. Not realizing that they are doing more harm than good. But happy in the evening when they get to talk what they are doing (or supposed to do) to friends, dad’s business colleagues. Get tanned in the glory that they are changing the world. They can be either found with their high flyer type family members at expensive places or with friends with fake accent. Spotting them is easy as bags would have some trinket made by hand by some kid of an NGO not realizing that the kid had an exam next day when he was forced to make this for an art exhibition.
The CV builders – Great academics, great test scores still not getting admission to the desired MBA course in an Ivy League College! Baba Act I do good for others ke paas hai samadhan. Baba suggests, to add weight to your CV you have to do social work (for others?) and this also adds uniqueness to your application. Hence enroll to volunteer or work full-time as per what you think would be most suited to increase your admission chances. Can find them everywhere from year long fellowships to 1 day random acts of kindness session. On the internet if an intersection is formed of the members of the mailing groups: US MBA applicants and Indian youth doing social work, all of them would be there. Attire wise has a special affinity towards kurtas but only from fabindia.
The lost clean soul – The typical struggling chap who wants to make a difference, wants to do something good and feels strongly about it. Finally he takes the plunge and deep dives into doing something. Gives full effort. For him time is at premium because the pressure from home is high to do something more meaningful (ironical!). Can be found talking animatedly with friends about his work. Is found using the words “real calling in life”, “do what I enjoy doing”, “do meaningful work” and the likes. Would travel by trains and give a second glance to the half naked kid playing on the street corner. Would definitely have read a book or two on Gandhi, contemplated or done Vipassana, have motivational, inspiring movies in favourites list.
The real men – Took the plunge, defied norms and ready to stick to it. Left career, job, or made this work their life. Went against their families and faced peer pressure. Did amazing work right from the word go because of deep passion and conviction. Will continue doing it and continue inspiring and attracting. They are idols for the lost clean soul kinds. Working with the conviction that change is possible. Only purity of actions and thought is required to achieve everything. Can be found wherever good work is being done. Will be hard to notice as humility rightly is their last name. This country needs more people like them.
The Buddha’s – I would not be doing justice to them by writing. The one word description that I have chosen to describe them says enough about them. The world needs more people like these.
