Being A Catalyst For Change

RTN. MANISH KEJRIWAL’S SON ARYAMAN RAISED A TOTAL OF RS 8.46 LAKH FOR RCB’S COVID FUND-RAISER.

The total amount raised by Aryaman’s school, The Cathedral & John Connon School in Mumbai, was Rs 32.26 lakh of which Aryaman raised more than 25 per cent and also the single highest individual amount raised for the campaign.

When the pandemic first hit, Aryaman, who is in the 12th standard and am doing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, felt there was no way for him to contribute. It was a teacher from his school who brought the students’ attention to RCB’s fundraising effort to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Aryaman says, “I heard about Sandeep (Agarwalla) uncle’s initiative from my father. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to help out the less fortunate and those in need. I felt it was my duty to try and make a change for the better, especially since I had the opportunity to do so.”

Aryaman began his efforts by appealing to family and friends. This involved briefing them about the challenges being faced by the needy. He says, “I shared how the money would be used and how important this campaign was to help improve the lives of migrant workers in Mumbai. I put up links to my campaign on social media platforms.”

Belonging to a privileged background made him see the starkness difference in the reality of others and be a catalyst for change. He adds, “These times have been so difficult for so many people, while I have had the fortune of living pretty comfortably. I had initially felt there was nothing meaningful I could do. However, the Rotary Club gave me the opportunity to be a catalyst for change. I think most people my age are incredibly motivated to act as agents of change. Helping society in any way they can is a priority that most people take seriously. Doing meaningful work to help the less fortunate is something that brings people a lot of fulfilment.”

Aryaman and some of his classmates have been volunteering at Akanksha for almost a year, aiding teachers in subjects like math and science through engaging math games and fun science experiments. Aryaman says, “The materials for these were sourced from our school lab. I am also creating a website for the Bajaj Science Centre in Wardha and have conducted a couple of online workshops for their students.”

These are right up Aryaman’s alley as his my main academic interests include Computer Science, Math, Physics, Chemistry and Economics. His most recent revelation has been Spanish, which he begun learning last year and finds himself enjoying despite not really being a “languages guy”. He matches his academic pursuit with an active commitment to music. He says, “I have been playing the piano for quite some time and have just started playing the guitar.”

Like his contemporaries, Aryaman enjoys video games. “They give me the space to explore the more creative side of myself. This actually complements my interest in computers, because I am working with a couple of friends to create our own video game! I also really enjoy photography and you can check out some of my stuff on my Instagram page! Shameless Instagram plug, I know,” he finishes, laughing.