They are campaigners who are public-spirited and willing to make a difference. Their vision and service to society are laudable and inspiring. Just before Republic Day, we bring you stories of a few college students who are going all out to be responsible citizens.

Abhilasha Sachan, who

finished her master’s degree from Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia, found her true calling in the rural sector. A Gandhi Fellow, Sachan is currently helping train headmasters, teachers and students in a few villages in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

IIT Kanpur student Manoranjan Dev is another good samaritan. He wanted to start an educational enterprise in his hometown, Bihar Sharif. During Gramya Manthan, a rural immersion programme by Youth Alliance, Das got to interact with the co-founder of a non-governmental organisation. He studied how this NGO functioned and then went on to start Ek Pehel, an institution that enables young individuals teach disadvantaged children with a major focus on science and mathematics in Nalanda, Bihar. It imparts value-based education, creativity and analytical skills to students.

Naman Nanda, an environment enthusiast and commerce student at Delhi University’s Satyawati College is the founder and president of Enactus at his college, which brings together international businesses, academics and students. “I am currently leading a team of 20 members aiming to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for ragpickers,” says Nanda.

Nanda interacted with ragpicking children while working for the cause and was moved by the  experience. “These children spend 12 to 14 hours of their day in the garbage. We decided to work for the cause in a way to impact this section of society,” says Nanda.

Ramjas College student Chitranshu Tewari is working as a green campaigner. He has been associated with organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme and Centre for Environment Education to spread environmental awareness.