Voluntary Action, a Service to Humanity

I am delighted to be here at this function that is honoring volunteers for their service to human kind. Volunteers play an important role in reaching out to people in need. They are an army of people instrumental in acts of compassion and service. Today’s lunch organised by the Yayasan is in appreciation of the many volunteers who have worked hard over the past 12 months in implementing social programmes at the grass-roots neighbourhood centers, community halls, youth camp sites, schools and places of worship.

Volunteers are partners in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families. You are a valuable agent of change amidst people with needs. YSS has organised 36 different type of programmes, undertaking over 551 activities reaching 70,302 individuals in forty neighbourhoods with the partnership of local community leaders and 32 Indian based social organizations. This is a systematic programme undertaken in an organised form. It is holistic in orientation and empowerment in focus. Programmes were undertaken between June 2001 and July 2002.

This is indeed a remarkable achievement in mobilizing local neighbourhoods and instilling the spirit of care and concern at the grass-roots. Furthermore the participation and co-operation of national and local Indian based social organisations is enlarging the space for civil society in action.

Volunteers are urgently needed in today’s society where there is so much human need all around us. Most people are busy with their careers and their own lives. Taking time off will bring a blessing not only to the person in need but it will also be therapeutic to us personally.

Volunteerism brings out the best in one human being reaching out in acts of compassion and justice to another. In a world filled with personal envy, greed and strife volunteers can and are making a difference for the betterment of humankind.

We must continue to cultivate the spirit of loving-kindness in reaching out to sections of our community who are poor and disadvantaged. Devoting a portion of time or tithing your time, let’s say two hours a week, will make a tremendous difference in uplifting a family or child in need of encouragement during which time leading a listening ear or support in voicing out their predicament to relevant authorities for appropriate action will go a long way in improving their plight.

These are expressions of our devotion to God, community and nation. I must congratulate the YSS for this grass-roots mobilization of people from the local neighbourhood with the support of over 32 Indian based organizations.

This is just the beginning. I want to encourage you to carry on in this good work and pray that many more will join hands to make this world a better world for all humankind especially for the poor and disadvantaged.The YSS officers have also worked hard in providing the direction and co-ordination needed to ensure effective implementation. Our appreciation is also due to the Ministry for National Unity and Social Development for their efforts in providing the support to the YSS team through the funding made available.

Effective transformation will take time but the seeds of change are being sown and it will bear fruit. Continue the good work you are all doing with dedication and determination. Your service to community and nation is appreciated and our prayer is that God will richly bless you in all that you seek to do for the betterment of humanity.

Dato Seri S.Samy Vellu, the YSS Founder/Patron was the chief-guest of honour at the YSS Lunch in appreciation of volunteers held on July 28, 2002 at Dewan Puspanita, KL

(Submitted on 31st Jul 2002)