Anupam Mehta

AID is an organization where I realized how the commitment of an individual helps in raising the standard of living for the people back in India. The organization was introduced to me when I joined Johns Hopkins University. The words devotion, charity and helping people were always in my thoughts but I never had a chance to instantiate them. AID provided me an opportunity to utilize time and energy to the work that lacked much of the general public's interest. Working for a short while as of now I participated in various activities that were involved in the JHU- chapter. I coordinated and organized a "Game-Day Event” in Nov 2012 which consisted of various games and events with an intention to raise funds. I also initiated a "$2 Weekly Potluck” concept to raise funds for AID on weekly basis. The people below the income of $1.25/ day are below the poverty line defined by the UN. So the JHU-Chapter will meet weekly to discuss the progress of the current projects and brainstorm ideas for the future projects to be incorporated. It will then be concluded with the dinner where the individuals who prepare and join for the meeting would require giving a fee of $2 and those who want to join us without having any preparations individually would have to pay a fee of $5. "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work" - Vince Lombardi.

Siddharth Shah

It felt weird to leave India when I came to the US. The sense of giving back to your country was overwhelming, even more so when I was going to be 7000 miles away. But when I learnt about AID, I found a way to give back, to do something for the country. I think Gandhiji's quote explains it best - 'what you do may seem insignificant, but it's most important that you do it.' Being associated with an organization that is helping make a difference has been very fulfilling for me. At the very least, it helps alleviate the sense of loss of being away from India with all volunteers coming together and discussing passionately about India and our problems, celebrating our festivals and all this, with a goal to improve our country. It is an inexplicably wonderful feeling to hear stories of change occurring because of your efforts. And I hope to continue to enjoy this feeling for as long as possible. Jai Hind.

Nishikant Deshmukh

I was a mere facebook/email activist before joining AID. Earlier I used to try and incorporate things into my own life, by practicing what I preach. I used to plant trees on my trips in India, collect waste in a plastic bag and not throw it on the streets, help blind cross the roads. My grandfathers from both sides who were farmers brought a sense of philanthropy in my mind. They donated family temples to girl schools and employed lower caste people when no one used to give them jobs. I am from Amravati which is essentially central India, it is a small town but mostly has educational institutions. Being central part of India also made all the problems in India sort of equidistant from this place. I got involved with AID when I came to US for my PhD at Johns Hopkins University. First time I felt that I can really put my energy to good use by collaborating with like minded individuals. Everyone has the common goal of doing something good for India, even if it is a small contribution. It is a pleasure to interact with other AID volunteers and you know you have got friends everywhere in US. Being with AID is an honor. I get to hear stories from India which I normally don't get to hear from the mainstream media. At AID JHU we have been concentrated on campaigns, environmental, health care and educational projects. We did fundraising for Chetana Vikas, Surodi science center, Zero Waste Management, KNUC, Bhopal campaign, Paivihir Eco Village, RTI on Wheels etc. I would like to thank whole AID team and AID JHU members for their continued efforts in doing the good work.