| | | | | | | | TagOn Talks | Issue 15 | March 2025 |
Monthly newsletter on student volunteering, community service & service learning.
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From heartfelt moments at a government school to turning volunteering into a party with purpose — this edition of *TagOn Talks* is brimming with stories that inspire and uplift. Meet a student champion who's changing lives, discover how giving back can be fun, and get a glimpse into the powerful work of Agewell Foundation. Let’s celebrate the joy of service, one story at a time. 💛
Happy reading, Lets Tag On Team | | | | | | Student Champion Making a Difference Through Volunteering | | Pratiyush Sahoo is an aspiring management student from Dayanand Sagar Business School. He is a kind hearted, enthusiastic student with good technical skills and constant learning approach. He believes in helping people in need with whatever possible way from him. His recent visit to government school has changed his way of thinking and here are his words about the experience of volunteering.
He says "My recent visit to a government school as a volunteer was an unforgettable experience. The moment I stepped in, I was welcomed with innocent smiles and curious eyes. The children were so friendly and full of energy—it didn’t take long for me to bond with them. We played games, did fun classroom activities, and had meaningful conversations that showed me how bright and hopeful they are despite the challenges they face. | | | | One of the most special moments was sitting with them during lunch. Sharing food and stories made me feel like I was among my own younger brothers and sisters. The love and warmth I received from them was overwhelming. It made me reflect on the value of small acts of kindness and how they can bring so much joy.
Visiting the school wasn’t just about teaching or helping—it was about learning, connecting, and growing as a person. I left that place feeling grateful, humbled, and inspired to do more. I will continue to volunteer further and find different ways to contribute from my side. I experienced a never before, unique kind of joy when I witnessed the impact of small actions can have and that feeling of tangible difference is truly special. It's not about what you receive in return-new friendships, valuable skills, a deeper appreciation for the world around you. It's a beautiful beginning to a journey of giving back.
| | | | | | Learning Bytes
Making a Difference and Loving It: The Fun Side of Volunteering | | Volunteering is already a feel-good activity — but what if we told you it can also be seriously fun? Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just dipping your toes in, adding a little creativity can turn any act of service into a joyful experience. Volunteering doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a little imagination and heart, it can be one of the most fun, fulfilling things you do. So grab your friends, bring your skills, and add a little sparkle to your service.
"Who Said Volunteering Can’t Be Fun?” Discover simple tips that turn every good deed into a joyful experience — and might just inspire your next act of kindness. Everything’s better with your crew, and volunteering is no exception. Get a group together and make it a social event. Instead of just joining a local beach cleanup alone, bring your friends, wear matching T-shirts, and create a fun team name like The Sand Squad. Compete with other teams to collect the most trash. Add a little flair to your volunteer activities by giving them a theme — costumes, music, or even snacks included. During a community garden project, organize a “Plant & Picnic” day. Dress up in floral-themed outfits, bring garden-themed playlists, and enjoy snacks afterward as a team. Volunteering doesn’t have to mean manual labor. Think about what you love to do and how it can help others. If you’re into photography, offer free mini photo sessions for families in need. Or if you love baking, join a charity bake sale and decorate cupcakes with your signature style. Gamifying your efforts adds excitement and keeps the energy high. During a donation drive, set fun mini-goals like collect 50 clothes by Friday or collect 50 old books in a week and celebrate with a prize for the team that brings in the most items.
Turn your next trip into a purpose driven adventure. Instead of a typical vacation, join an organized voluntourism trip — like teaching English, or helping with wildlife conservation, scribing for the visually impaired, plogging while trekking, organising a dance show for the elders and so on . You’ll explore a new place and give back to the community.
Let’s make kindness contagious — and fun while we’re at it! | | | | | | NGO Showcase Agewell Foundation | |
Agewell India Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which has been working for the welfare and empowerment of older persons of India since 1999.
Agewell interacts with over 25000 older persons on daily basis through its volunteers’ nationwide network. Recognizing the work being done by Agewell Foundation ECOSOC has granted Special Consultative Status to Agewell Foundation at United Nations in 2011. It is associated with Department of Public Information, United Nations (UN-DPI-NGO). Agewell Foundation is currently associated with Working Group on Awareness and Capacity Building for Senior Citizens, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; Sub-Group on Elderly Care, under NITI Aayog’s CSOs Standing Committee and Committee of Experts on “impact of COVID-19 pandemic on human rights and future response”, National Human Rights Commission.
They mainly work on distribution of free dry food ration rackets among destitute & elderly, distribution of Wellness Kits among destitute & elderly, distribution of Nutri Kits among destitute & elderly, distribution of gift packs among destitute & elderly, squalor to scholar program for supporting school education of needy children in Faridabad Agewell Helpline for older people, squalor to Scholar Program for supporting school education of needy children in Faridabad.
| | | | | | | | Lets Tag On Spotlight Exploring Real-World Impact Through Virtual Connections! | | We recently concluded a meaningful Online Social Immersion Program at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Hyderabad, where management students actively engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of social issues, connect with their surroundings, and explore the impactful work of NGOs and social enterprises across the country.
This unique initiative was rooted in the spirit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and aimed to sensitize future business leaders to the social realities that exist beyond the confines of a boardroom. Through a blend of virtual interactions, case study discussions and activities, students delved into critical areas such as education, sustainability, rural development, women empowerment, and healthcare.
From uncovering grassroots challenges to proposing innovative, actionable solutions, students walked away with more than just knowledge—they gained empathy, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to the NMIMS Hyderabad management for including Letstagon in this meaningful journey.
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