Dhruv Nagwani - Katni, Madhya Pradesh

 

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."

  -Leo Tolstoy

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

My journey with Let's Make A Difference (LMAD) started in 2019 when the organization organized its first ever Regional Youth Conference in Katni, Madhya Pradesh. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it due to prior commitments. I wouldn't have imagined that this organization would be a huge part of my life in the years to come.

And then came 2021, the year that turned the world upside down. The pandemic of COVID-19 did not just affect physical health but also had a very bad impact on mental health. I also went through a terrible time during those days. Each and every passing moment was spent in fear and uncertainty. I lost close friends and relatives, and it was a big loss to my heart, and I was stuck in negativity and couldn't think clearly. During that time, one day I spoke to my sister, who had been associated with LMAD for many years. She suggested that I should attend the Let's Make A Difference Virtual Youth Conference from June 1st to June 8th, 2021. I did not know that this step would be the turning point of my life.

The Eight Days That Changed My Life

The Virtual Youth Conference began daily at 6:30 AM sharp. At first, it was similar to any conference, but over time, I started experiencing something different. I felt something within me on the second day —my growing anxiety and negativity inside me began decreasing, and a strange calm and positivity spread all over my heart.

One of the greatest things that I realized from the conference was the importance of Quiet Time. I never quite knew what it was like to sit quietly and hear my inner self before. But as I sat during Quiet Time, I discovered a world that was within me—a world of thoughts, reflections, and realities I had been ignoring for so long.

I realized that I had been preaching to others what they should do, but I was not doing it myself. I spoke more and listened less. This conference made me realize that I had to change, to practice the values I believed in. The most eye-opening session was on the four absolute values—Purity, Honesty, Unselfishness, and Love. It was like looking into a mirror and finally seeing the true me. I had always considered myself an honest person, but the session made me confront certain aspects of myself that needed to change.

A Shift in Perspective: The Power of Truth and Honesty

Coming from a family and relations involved in politics, I had been exposed to different ideologies from a young age. At just 14, I had taken a keen interest in political affairs. However, politics is often marred by dishonesty and corruption. Over time, I had unknowingly absorbed the belief that success often required deception. The conference shattered this illusion.

On June 3rd, I experienced a moment of clarity that changed my outlook on life. I realized that honesty isn’t just a moral ideal—it’s a powerful force that can reshape the world. From that day forward, I vowed to live by the truth, no matter how difficult the path might be. I understood that speaking one truth could set many things right, whereas countless lies only lead to chaos. My mother had always advised me to follow the path of truth, but it was only after this conference that I truly grasped the depth of  her words.

Diary Writing: My Best Friend

Before June 3rd, I had never written down my thoughts or feelings in a diary. For me, a diary was just a tool for keeping track of accounts, never a space to pour out my heart. But that evening, as I sat down and started writing, I felt an unusual sense of relief—like I was finally letting go of everything bottled up inside me. Since that day, writing in my diary has become more than just a habit; it has become a necessity. My diary listens to me without judgment, without interruption, and keeps all my secrets safe. Whenever I flip through its pages and look back at my past, I can see how much I have changed and grown. It’s like a silent witness to my journey, capturing every high and low, every realization, and every lesson. My diary is so loyal that it will never leave my side, and it has become one of my greatest treasures—reminding me of every moment I have lived. It is no longer just a notebook; it is an inseparable part of my life.

A New Sense of Purpose

Another powerful lesson from the conference was understanding the importance of time. In the lockdown period, I had wasted countless hours on social media, unnecessary arguments, and trivial distractions. But during the sessions, I realized how precious time truly is. Time is the only resource that, once lost, can never be regained. Instead of scrolling through social media, I decided to invest my time in reading books, acquiring new skills, and understanding nature.

The DLST exercise opened my eyes to how I had been mismanaging my time. I promised myself that I would focus on things that truly matter—my growth, my goals, my vision and my responsibilities.

The Significance of Family and Relationship 

The most emotional moment of the conference was when I realized the real significance of family. We tend to take our loved ones for granted in our hectic lives. The session on family relationships enlightened me to how I had distanced myself from my cousins due to misunderstandings. I made a conscious effort to repair those severed relationships and rejuvenate my relationships. Friends also play an important role in our life. They are our second family, and I realized their importance more than ever in my life.

Taking the Leap: Volunteering and Leadership

After my 12th board exams, I consciously looked for opportunities to be a part of LMAD. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Regional Youth Conference in Jalandhar. It was my first time attending an in-person LMAD conference, and it was even more  influential than the online one.

Being a participant and volunteer at the same time was an exciting experience. I facilitated group discussions, heard participants  talk about their challenges, and comforted myself with the fact that we all have the same challenges. In the concentration exercise, I gauged my capacity to concentrate and knew where I had been wasting my time. I learned the value of discipline and organization, qualities that have benefited me greatly ever since.

Jalandhar & Tamar regional youth conferences: A Journey of Growth

Self-awareness through group discussions and the concentration exercise in Jalandhar taught me the importance of being aware of distractions and being disciplined. Being a volunteer  participant increased my organizational and leadership capabilities. Tamar taught me the culture of strong respect and dedication, and it encouraged me to develop a greater work ethic. Jamshedpur's Tata legacy strengthened the role of vision and determination. The Jar Exercise compelled me to overcome indolence, making self-control paramount. Viral Sir's push helped reinforce my determination to work selflessly. These experiences shaped me, imparting  values that still guide me in life.

Becoming a Better Version of Myself

Now, looking back, I have a totally new person standing before me. No longer am I burdened with  self-doubt, dishonesty, or wasted time. My Quiet Time Diary is the proof of my transformation. Every time I read what I wrote before, I notice how far I have grown  and how much farther I still have to go. I have gained the importance of unconditional love, self-control, honesty, and purpose. LMAD has not only transformed my life but has also provided me with the ability to make a positive difference in others' lives. My peers, friends, and family have observed the changes in me, and that, for me, is the biggest reward.

A Lifetime Commitment to Change

I am deeply thankful to Viral Sir and LMAD for showing me the way. The efforts put in by LMAD  for the last 30 years are just life-transforming. Millions have been changed, and I wish that billions more would feel the potency of this movement. My Vision is clear—I desire to give my life to my nation, work with integrity, and keep improving to become the best version of myself. LMAD has given me a direction, and I am determined to take its message forward to as many individuals as I can.

Thank you so much, LMAD and Viral Sir, for making a difference in my life.