International Volunteer Day at India Habitat Centre, Delhi
5th December, 2017
The International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated every year on 5th December. This year an event was organized by the United Nation Volunteer (UNV) at India Habitat Centre, Delhi. 42 students of First Year along with two Faculty Co-ordinator Mrs. Pooja Jain and Mr. Dharamvir of NSS Wing, Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon had attended International Volunteer Day at India Habitat Centre.
The objective of the event was to make the students aware about the contributions of volunteers at the local, national and international level, together with communities, civil society organizations, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, government authorities and the private sector the world over.
The program was organized in four sessions and was attended by dignitaries from Ministry of Youth and Sports, UNDP Resident representatives, sports persons and actors from the film industry.
IVD seeks to “India’s true power lies in the hands of its youth. Believe in yourself. You have the power to change the entire country,” said Suresh Raina, member of the Indian Cricket team, while addressing a gathering of over 800 young boys and girls at the National Conference on International Volunteer Day (IVD), 2017.
“Volunteering is a part of Indian culture. The Government of India has always relied on these volunteers, and they have been important partners in all kinds of nation-building activities” said Ajit Singh, Joint Secretary (Youth Affairs), Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of India. "We are committed to extending all possible support to the volunteers in their quest," he promised.IVD theme for the year was Volunteers Act First, highlights the crucial role played by volunteers in times of crisis all over the world.
“Out of the global number of 7,000 official UN Volunteers, 100 are based out of India alone,” said Yuri Afanasiev, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, while highlighting the multifaceted roles volunteers play in times conflict and peace.
Kamal Kishore, member of the National Disaster Management Authority of India congratulated students and volunteers on IVD 2017. "In India and across the world, disasters have been successfully managed not because of the work of government bodies and scientific institutions, but because of the dedication and commitment of volunteers," he said.
It was a great learning experience for the students as they learnt the versatile roles volunteers in times of crisis all over the world. Government of India therefore provided a unique platform for wider dissemination of awareness among students to take their responsibilities.