By KK Jain
The current unprecedented times have all of us reflecting on our lives. Similarly, I’ve had some time to go back and reflect on my life as a social worker and how I started.
I moved to Sector 34, Noida from Delhi in April 1995. Noida in those initial years was in its developmental stage. Our sector and even our apartment complex had many transitional issues: no proper drainage system, no market complexes around, no proper supply of electricity, etc. It was tough to easily access the basic facilities and we had to run different departments everyday.
Finally in February 1996, we formed Dhawalgiri (B 5) RWA and I was elected to be the secretary in the committee. My motivation to serve came from wanting to solve the everyday problems of the residents of the society.
In 1997, I was elected President of the RWA for the first time. From the beginning we had to fight for access to facilities that make up for a self sufficient sector. We began talks with Mother Dairy, Delhi Transport Authority, Noida Authority, the Electricity department, the Post office department etc.
Our campaign to bring these facilities to sector 34 was successful with the support of the residents. This success and the satisfaction derived from it, drove me to do more and serve the people I represented as the President.
My stint as the President lasted until 2007 and I served six terms for RWA, Sector 34.
In 2008, I joined FONRWA as an executive member. Ever since, I have held a number of positions in FONRWA first as the Legal Secretary, followed by three terms as the Senior Vice President and today, I serve as a Secretary General.
In January 2014, I took voluntary retirement from my organisation, all along participating in social work and representing the people of Sector 34 and later, Noida.
In this long course of time, people often ask me why I’m so motivated to participate in social work and serve my people. Like many other people, I also believe that there’s no greater satisfaction than helping people. Social work requires a close understanding of the needs of people and trying one’s best to meet them or represent them to people who can make it happen. The joy of success from the many campaigns I’ve undertaken until now is shared with the people who enjoy the benefits of this success.
To many more such successful campaigns. Onwards and upwards!
