KPIT Cummins Blog

Barbara Bohley, a vehicle body electronics Subject Matter Expert (SME) in KPIT Cummins’ Automotive and Engineering unit, joined the company in January 2012. She visited the Navkshitij NGO during her induction, and gained an unexpected but positive insight into voluntary work.

The new recruits at KPIT Cummins were initiated with a two-day induction, which comprised of introductory sessions about the company, its values and policies, all of which seemed a bit arid and tedious. During the sessions, each of us was acquainted with our flanking fellow recruits through the silent chit-chats and doubtful smiles, along with occasional queries raised to our moderators and seniors. It’s an important but monotonous process that can sometimes make you feel like being back at school.

On the second day, a NGO visit, supported by KPIT Cummins, was arranged. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about this project. Not knowing what to expect, I immediately decided to join the excursion.

Navkshitij is located a few kilometers away from the KPIT Cummins Campus. Our group, which comprised of approximately 50 people, entered through a wide open gate and followed the way till we reached a wide open space, where we all gathered around. As we passed the many trees, beautiful flowers and little houses -an oasis in the suburbs of Pune - I was touched with a sense of tranquility.

We met in front of the main building, where the President of Navkshitij welcomed and invited us to the workshop. She introduced “Navkshitij” as an initiative that runs homes for adults who are mentally challenged. She referred to them as ‘special friends’, and explained how hard it is for families to take care of their ‘special’ family members, especially when parents get older. She further went on to explain the benefits of finding a place like Navkshitij, where they can live freely and securely.

The inhabitants are always kept involved with a wide variety of activities, including work, sports, creative activities, and adventure activities. They also go outside on a regular basis in order to interact with the so called ‘normal people’.

Right after the presentation, a performance by our ‘special friends’ was announced. It was a skit put on by a group of six who played ‘teachers and pupils’. Every time a ‘teacher’ asked a serious question a ‘pupil’ would give an amusing answer. There was laughter and clapping all around, unfortunately for me I couldn’t enjoy any of it as they spoke in Marathi, a language I do not know.

After the performance was over, there was a role reversal of sorts. We, the visitors, became the performers while our ‘special friends’, the hosts, formed the audience. We were split into four groups; each group was given a topic on which we had to perform and a few minutes for preparation. Our group was given the topic ‘water’. We presented a futuristic story of when water becomes a rare and expensive resource, with the protagonists being a thirsty bunch of beggars. Initially, the beggars find it difficult to purchase a bottle of water with the money they have and are chased away by the shopkeeper. Soon after, a group of spoilt rich girls enters the same shop and buys a bottle of water priced at Rs 100. After they each take a sip, the bottle is carelessly thrown away much to the surprise and joy of the beggars. With regard to some extremely good acting by our ‘beggars’ and ‘spoilt brats’, we earned applause and praise for our performance.

The role-reversal and role-play helped all of us in breaking the ice and we were soon bonding and conversing with our hosts. We were also given the honor of presenting awards to our special friends, which they had recently won in different competitions. We were rewarded back with joyous and gracious smiles. We also purchased a few hand-made presents, colorful candles, lanterns, gift bags and sweets from their gift shops and stalls. The proceeds from these shops contribute directly to the work of Navkshitij.

Soon it was time for us to leave. After a group photo session in the yard, we said our goodbyes and on our way out we received greeting cards, chocolates and many other gifts.

We walked out with smiles on our faces, all the while reflecting upon how touched we were by the warm welcome and the joyous experience. This just goes to show that voluntary work is not a sacrifice, but a potent human experience that is worth considering.

Thanks to the KPIT Cummins CSR Team for this great experience.