Humans of Bhumi – Arya V

 “I believe the road to education equality and sustainable transformation is a long journey. One we cannot tread alone. Fundraising is our window through which many more capable individuals and communities  join us – make it a lot easier to reach the destination.“

Embracing the spirit of change: The journey of Arya V with Bhumi

In the world of social impact, it is the passion and dedication of individuals like Arya V that fuel the engine of transformation. As a member of the Fundraising team at Bhumi, Arya’s journey highlights the power of aligning personal values with an organization’s mission.

Born and raised in Kochi, Kerala, Arya’s path towards a career in the social sector was ignited during her undergraduate days. It was then that she embarked on a year-long journey as a volunteer teacher with one of Bhumi’s partner organizations.

Working with a young student named Sham, Arya witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by underprivileged children in accessing quality education. Shyam, despite being in the sixth grade, struggled to read and write his name – a stark reality that became Arya’s driving force.

That is when she got to know that there exists a world like in the social space where you can do so much more, Arya recalls. This realization led her to pursue a master’s degree in social work, setting the stage for her eventual association with Bhumi.

Arya’s journey with Bhumi began in January 2022, just after completing her postgraduate studies. Initially joining the Scholarships team, she had the opportunity to directly interact with the children and families impacted by Bhumi’s programs. “It gives me so much joy,” Arya expresses, recounting how scholars treated her like a family member, seeking her well-wishes on special occasions.

Today, as part of the fundraising team, Arya plays a pivotal role in securing partnerships and resources that enable Bhumi’s mission. She finds immense satisfaction in knowing that her efforts contribute to creating a tangible impact in the lives of children and their families. “I believe the road to education equality and sustainable transformation is a long journey. One we cannot tread alone. Fundraising is our window through which many more capable individuals and communities  join us – make it a lot easier to reach the destination.”, she explains, highlighting the tangible nature of her work.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Arya finds solace and inspiration in the stories of Bhumi’s scholars who have overcome adversity to pursue their dreams. Their resilience and determination to pay it forward by volunteering with Bhumi’s programs serve as a constant source of motivation for Arya.

When asked about her personal support system, Arya fondly acknowledges the unwavering encouragement from her family, who have always championed her choices, even when they diverged from societal norms. Professionally, she finds camaraderie and mentorship from colleagues like Shriram, with whom she has navigated challenges and celebrated successes.

As Arya reflects on her journey with Bhumi, she sees the organization as a safe space where young adults can take leadership roles and learn from experienced professionals. She hopes that the spirit of volunteerism and community service instilled in the children and families they serve will ripple outward, creating a wave of positive change.

“This is a platform which was put together by a couple of youngsters,” Arya muses, referring to Bhumi’s founders. “They still tried to hold that space for so many of us, like young adults like me, to come in and learn from the experiences of seniors and build something for ourselves and the world.”

In Arya’s story, witness the power of aligning personal passions with organizational missions and the transformative impact that such synergy can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. #HumansOfBhumi