I heard about SENA from a senior in the SMILE Club at NITK and was very interested in it, as it was being operated as an NGO promoting Indian cultural values along with formal education for underprivileged children something I recognized as a great need in this generation. I myself did not receive many opportunities to learn about our culture during my school days, so I was highly motivated to play a small role in this initiative at NITK.

Initially, I was very nervous. I had stage fear and saw myself as an introverted person, definitely not someone who could deliver lessons and stories in a fun and engaging way to a group of energetic and curious children. However, believing in God and in myself that I would somehow manage, I took up the task and contacted Ajinkya bhaiya.

My semester was very hectic, as I was involved in multiple clubs and also had the dreaded Engineering Graphics subject during the same semester. Because of this, I initially hesitated, but Ajinkya bhaiya encouraged me to give it a try—and it turned out to be an amazing experience.

In my first class, I narrated a story about the first mention of spying in the world—the story of Kach. Through it, I conveyed the importance of karma and dharma, commitment to promises, and creative thinking.

I also conducted a fundraising donation campaign and raised a substantial amount, which was handed over to the principal of the Kannada Medium School at NITK.

In my second year, Ajinkya bhaiya trusted me with leading the SENA Surathkal branch. Along with other volunteers, we organized drawing, painting, singing, and model-making competitions on Krishna Janmashtami and Independence Day.