Project Khwaish V participants recognised for community service in Punjab

In December 2005, a group of 15 YSA members took off to Punjab to set up a Singapore-style library with a collection of English books in an orphanage-cum-school in the city of Patiala, Punjab. Through the members’ hard work and persistence, two weeks were all it took to turn YSA’s vision of a Singapore style library into a reality.

To recognise the efforts of Project Khwaish V participants, YSA organised a certificate presentation ceremony on 24 March 2006. Held at Maharajah Restaurant, the event was graced by Mr Inderjit Singh, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC and YSA Advisor, family members and friends of the participants.

In his address, Mr Inderjit stated that such community service efforts help to enhance harmony, understanding and mutual respect. He urged the participants to continue on their journey of community service, which will help them discover themselves and enable them to be active and responsible corporate citizens of Singapore and the world.

Two representatives, Vanitha Gunasekaran and Lakhveer Singh, then shared their personal perspectives on their time in India. Vanitha said, “The expedition made me realise that the world out there is very big. They are many people who do not have what I have and that has made me appreciate what I have and grateful to the people who have made me who I am.” Sharing a similar view, Lakhveer stated: “Two weeks in Punjab were both fun and meaningful. Seeing people live without much materialistic stuff and yet seeing smiles on their faces showed that there can be “more with less” – more emotional and spiritual satisfaction without much of the materialistic stuff that we ourselves have grown so used to.”

Following the speeches, the guests were given a glimpse of the expedition through a video presentation. Everyone was then treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner.

In its effort to further promote community service spirit among young Singaporeans, YSA plans to send the sixth expedition to Punjab in December 2006