Shraddha Agarwal - Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

 

I started my journey with Let's Make A Difference in 2003. At the time, I was simply curious. Rajiv; then my boyfriend, now my husband; would often talk about his friends from Panchgani and the MRA Centre with a sparkle in his eyes. I wanted to experience for myself what made that place and those people so special. So, I joined a Youth Conference in Panchgani as a regular participant.

What I received in return was far beyond my expectations, my own set of friends, my own set of perspectives, and memories that continue to stay alive in my heart. They say first times are always special, and mine truly was.

Listening to Viral Bhai speak about values, about one's inner journey and personal truth, made me pause and reflect. Neha Ben, with her quiet grace and tireless dedication, took care of every detail, from food to stay to even the smallest requests, with a sense of selfless love and service that left a lasting impression on me. The simple routines, wash-ups, group discussions, extended quiet time, seemed small then, but now I realize how profoundly they shaped me.

Over time, I was fortunate to attend the December workshops and regional conferences like the one in Nagpur. There was something magical about the camaraderie between people who had only just met but felt like family. Rajiv and I often joke that no matter which city we go to in India, we’ll always have a friend there, thanks to LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

That first visit in 2003 sparked a ritual, a personal pilgrimage almost. Every year since then, I have returned. With each visit, I understood the value of disciplined quiet time, of checking in with myself honestly. As someone who has always been more of an introvert, I thought I knew what “quiet” meant. But LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE taught me that quiet isn’t just silence. It’s reflection. It’s choosing to stop, listen, and course correct.

After Rajiv and I got married in 2007, our commitment to LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE deepened. We became closely involved with the Jamshedpur Youth Conference (JYC), one of the longest-running regional youth conferences in India. For many young people in Jamshedpur, traveling to Panchgani is neither easy nor affordable. That’s when we decided, if young hearts cannot go to Panchgani, we will bring the spirit of Panchgani to them.

Since 2011, we've been organizing JYC every year with love, faith, and the support of the national volunteer team. The bonds formed during those few days, through shared quiet time, open conversations, moments of vulnerability, have been some of the strongest we’ve ever known. We've seen each other grow as individuals and as a team.

Today, as a part of the Trustee Team of Let’s Make A Difference, it feels like the circle has come full. What started as a curious peek into Rajiv’s world has become one of the most meaningful parts of my own. It’s not just a movement. It’s a way of life.

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE has gifted me friendships that span cities and decades, an inner compass that helps me recalibrate when I’m lost, and a belief that real change begins within. And I know, deep in my heart, that LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE will always remain my most important and integral societal commitment.