25/01/2025
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Meet Mr Rishikumar s/o Varatharaja, our newly minted Chairman of Braddell Heights Zone B Residents’ Committee. He shared with us how early induction into volunteerism has moulded him into who he is today.
Mr Rishikumar s/o Varatharaja recounted fondly that he was initiated into volunteerism by his father Mr N Varatharaja, PBM, the previous Chairman of Zone B Residents’ Committee. “I began to join grassroots activities when I was 10 years old. My father would bring me along to help out,” he said.
There was a poignant moment back then that left an indelible mark on his volunteering journey. A Malay female resident’s husband, who was the sole breadwinner, was hospitalised during Hari Raya. She did not have the financial means to celebrate the festive season with her daughter. Rishi called for volunteers from schools, and together with youths from Residents’ Committee, helped to refurbish her flat by discarding worn-out furniture and repainted the entire house. Some residents donated simple furniture to replace those that were thrown away. “It took us a good two full days’ of work. Very tiring, yet extremely fulfilling as well. When you see them so happy, the experience is priceless,” he recollected. This labour of love was also inspiring for youths who have put in their hard work.
“The biggest takeaway from volunteering is that I learn to have compassion, appreciating what I already have and really listening to what residents are telling me,” Rishi said. Taking a leaf from his father, he intends to keep his future flat’s door open till 10pm daily so that residents can easily approach him to discuss issues that they encounter.
Rishi struck a whimsical note when he spoke of the first block party that he organised. He introduced snake charmers and fire-eating performances that delighted residents. He continued to surprise with revelations about his personal life. For instance, he is currently the team manager of Geylang International Football Club women’s team. He also likes to read encyclopaedias, books on geography and history.
