It takes a lot of effort to selflessly dedicate ourselves into doing well for others. Not everyone in this world is altruistic in nature, but those who are, do a very good job in being so.
Such noble people generally start up something called as an NGO. A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a nonprofit organization that is independent of governments and international governmental organizations. They are usually funded by donations but some avoid formal funding altogether and are run primarily by volunteers. NGOs are highly diverse groups of organizations engaged in a wide range of activities, and take different forms in different parts of the world. Some may have charitable status, while others may be registered for tax exemption based on recognition of social purposes. Others may be fronts for political, religious, or other interests.
One such NGO is “BHUMI” where the name can mean: Bhumi, Hindu goddess of the earth, since earth is a classical element in Hindu tradition. And, Bhumi in Buddhism, is the name for the ten stages a Bodhisattva advances through in the path to become a Buddha. From the name itself one can derive a deeper meaning of this wonderful NGO. It’s meant to nurture, just like mother earth and is as selfless as a Buddhist.
It is a national level, service and participation based NGO. It is one of India’s largest non-profit organizations, run completely by its volunteers.

Bhumi was founded on August 15, 2006 by a small group of friends in the city of Chennai, who shared a common passion to do something for the nation. This bunch of young people got together to volunteer to teach children at an orphanage in Chennai. The experience was an eye-opener about the status of the education system in the country. This motivated the co-founders to start Bhumi.
This organization grew very big since then and now provides a lot of youngsters a platform to serve the society and bridges the gap between the educated and the uneducated.
The volunteers educate and mentor children from orphanages, slum and village community centres across the country. The learning experience is always mutual, while volunteers gain perspective and the experience to mould themselves into tomorrow’s leaders, the kids walk towards a better future for themselves and the country as well.


Bhumi has two core areas of work – Education and Civic Projects.
Their vision is to help build a more influential, equal and socially conscious society.
Their mission is to drive social change by fostering an environment where young adults & children learn, lead and thrive.
Ignite: Transformational Education
Ignite is Bhumi’s supplementary education program for under-privileged children. The program is delivered during the weekends by trained volunteers of Bhumi. Over 10,000 children are benefiting from the program across 12 Indian cities. The program consists of English, Mathematics, Science, computers, mentoring, arts, sports and life skills support
Catalyse: Transforming Citizenry
Catalyse consists of Bhumi’s civic projects that engage volunteers in causes like animal welfare, community welfare, helping the disabled, saving the environment, etc. The programs engage over 5,000 on and off and regular volunteers each year in over 15 cities across India.

Bhumi supports the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of companies like Cognizant Technological Solutions, Dassault Systems, etc.
I have recently joined this organization as a part time volunteer and felt the positive vibes that doing such extra-curricular work gives. And it gives me immense pleasure to share my knowledge about this NGO with you.
I’d like to conclude by saying that there are many such organizations one can join and make a difference to the society along with finding some joy and peace within. The growth is always mutual and beneficial.

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