Geeta Kannan was a Lokvani community hero at the Lokvani gala recently. She is a founding member of Indian Americans of Lexington, a group that organizes and promotes cultural events for Lexington. Geeta works in a family-owned computer business in town.  She is the treasurer of the non-profit organization - Udavum Karangal of USA. Geeta previously served on the Cary Memorial Library Building Campaign and helped to develop the Cary Memorial Library Indian American Endowment Fund. Geetacurrently volunteers at Lahey Hospital and in the Waltham Public Schools in their Reading Partners Program and used to volunteer at the Minuteman Senior Services.

After the event, I chatted with her on her views about community engagement.

What is your advice on getting involved with a local community?

 One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to spend our spare time is volunteering.  Volunteerism  not only creates joy and empathy but also builds a sense of connection and solidarity that comes from  organizing or participating in an event or organization within the community.   There are plenty of resources online and in the local town offices that can be accessed to match our interest with the need.   Making time, being committed and willing to be a team player are vital to make the volunteering process enjoyable,  impactful and satisfying.

 How was your experience? Share some takeaways 

  The satisfaction and pride that come from helping others are important reasons why I choose to volunteer.  When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of  fulfillment can be profound.   I enjoy spending time with children and the elderly which spurred me to volunteer  at a public school and a hospital.   Library is another place that I love to spend my time at and I was fortunate  to have the opportunity to serve on the board of the local library.   Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and make new friends while making a difference in your community or in someone’s life, big or small. We need to feel important enough to have an impact on someone or something.

 Finally what do you plan to do the next few years?

  I plan to continue to volunteer as long as I can for I strongly believe that volunteering and helping others helps keep me mentally stimulated and provide a sense of purpose.   In the future, I  would like to explore new opportunities to volunteer that match my interests.   Having had a rich and enjoyable experience volunteering I hope to do this as long as possible.  I feel gratified and blessed for being able to donate my time to give back  in simple ways that help others in need.

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