A 110-Kilometer weekend journey: Bridging distances to empower and reshape young lives

Soha Moitra

NewsBits.in

NEW DELHI: For 28-year-old Shoa Khan, a product manager with a multinational corporation in Gurugram, life is a balancing act between her demanding professional role and a heartfelt commitment to a greater cause.

Every Thursday, Shoa embarks on a challenging journey from her home in Greater Noida to Gurugram, juggling a hectic schedule and long commutes. She stays overnight at her cousin’s place in South Delhi until Saturday evening, carving out time to fulfil her responsibilities as a volunteer with Child Rights and You –CRY.

On Saturdays, she commutes to RK Puram, Delhi, to dedicate her energy and passion to volunteering. Her three-day-long weekend journey is far from easy, involving a mix of metro rides, cabs, autos, and occasionally driving her car.

After hours of volunteering, she makes the exhausting trip back to Greater Noida, covering nearly 110 kilometres.

Instead of spending the hard-earned weekly off after hectic work schedules at office, Shoa chooses this long travel every weekend, as spending a few hours with the children brings her a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that nothing else can match.

Her journey with CRY began in 2019, and since then, she has become a constant presence in the lives of the children she works with – teaching them, encouraging their creativity through art and craft, and simply being a pillar of emotional support. “No matter how exhausted I am, the energy and love these children give me make every sacrifice worth it,” Shoa says with a smile.

Pandemic of Vulnerability

Shoa’s connection with these children became stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The lockdowns disrupted children’s lives, forcing many families to consider migrating back to their home states. Shoa recalls one particularly heart-wrenching moment when a 12-year-old girl confided in her, tears welling in her eyes, that her family might leave Delhi.

“She told me she would miss me the most,” Shoa says, her voice trembling with emotion. “I didn’t realize until that moment how much my presence meant to her. It broke my heart.”

Fortunately, the family decided to stay, and that little girl remains part of Shoa’s sessions today. “That experience changed me. It made me realize the emotional impact we volunteers can have. Since then, I’ve promised myself never to leave these children—they deserve stability and care, no matter what.”

Empathy from the Beginning

Shoa’s compassion towards children isn’t new. Her mother recalls an incident from Shoa’s childhood that perfectly captures her nature. When Shoa was barely 10 years old, she noticed her specially-able cousin being left out during family games. Unable to bear the thought of him feeling excluded, she requested all her cousins to play such games which her cousin can also take part in.

“She has always been like this,” her mother says, her voice filled with pride. “Even as a little girl, she couldn’t stand to see someone left behind.” Shoa’s eyes glisten with tears as she reflects on that day. “That moment shaped me in ways I didn’t understand at the time. It taught me the importance of inclusivity and how small gestures can make a big difference.”

Finding Purpose through Volunteering

Shoa’s formal journey as a volunteer began at the age of 16, while she was living in Oman. During a summer break, she and her best friend began working with children at a local rehabilitation center for the specially-able. “That summer changed me,” she says. “I realized how fulfilling it is to give your time and energy to someone else’s happiness.”

In 2019, after returning to India, Shoa joined CRY as a volunteer. Although she had to stop her work to pursue her master’s degree in the UK, the pandemic brought her back to India and to CRY. Picking up from where she had left, Shoa continued her work with the children, even finding ways to connect with them virtually during the lockdown.

Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow

Today, Shoa’s journey with CRY has given her life a renewed sense of purpose. Her time with the children has inspired her to dream bigger. She now envisions starting her own NGO to support women who suffer from domestic violence.

“I want to create a space where women can heal, rebuild their lives and find the strength to move forward,” Shoa shares. “CRY has shown me how powerful community support can be. I want to carry that forward and make abigger impact.”

A Legacy of Love

Shoa’s story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and dedication. It highlights how volunteerism is not merely about extending help—it’s about building connections, fostering empathy, and creating a ripple effect of positive change in society.

Volunteering enriches lives on both sides. For those in need, it provides support, stability, and hope. For those who give their time and energy, it offers a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of shared humanity. It reminds us that the greatest impacts often come from the simplest acts of care—sharing knowledge, offering a listening ear, or standing beside someone during challenging times.

As we reflect on stories like these, it becomes clear that volunteerism is a cornerstone of a compassionate and inclusive society. It inspires us to look beyond our individual lives and find ways to contribute to the greater good. By dedicating our time and effort to others, we not only help bridge gaps in communities but also pave the way for a brighter, more empathetic future for all.

[The author is Regional Director, Child Rights and You]