Interview with Kamal Anand, a volunteers from Delhi.

You live in Noida, near Delhi. What brought you to Baru Sahib?

We had been attending the Sant Samagams of The Kalgidhar Trust/Society at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, Delhi every February and we used to see the children, which inspired us to visit the place, where they were studying.

One fine evening in April 2005, a friend of ours asked us if we would like to visit Baru Sahib. Immediately the next morning we left for this place. The schedule was for ten days and on reaching here, we didn't think it could be true. What we saw here.

There was serenity, love, compassion. So much good work was being done. The Principals talked to us. I am a teacher by profession. When they realized we had been devoted to social service in Canada, they asked us if we'd like to work here.

What has brought you into volunteering generally?

At this stage, when most of our duties in life were almost done, they're never really over. But I realized that I am healthy, outgoing, happy as a person, so there is a lot I could offer to helping others, who are in need.

More so, when I was abroad with my husband, we had an opportunity to work with community centers which are using time fruitfully in helping the elderly and young kids.

What was your reply to the question the Principals put to you - "Can you come and volunteer here?"

My husband and myself, we said, "Yes" - immediately, no hesitation. We went back to Noida and packed up and moved to Baru Sahib and we've never looked back.

Apart from going home for visits, we've been here ever since.

Has it been difficult?

Not really. People have been very kind, the Principals - Dr. Davinder Veerji and Dr. Neelam are real stars, really dedicated. At such a young age they have given up their own personal earnings, comforts, life and are full time Principals and Doctors for this institution. That gives us lots of inspiration and hope. We might have had to forgo some comforts, because we are in a mountainous region and supplies are sometimes short. The institution is also growing fast and we never turn back people who need help in the hospital etc. So, sometimes we have to give up a few comforts for a while. However the rewards for what you experience in being part of such immense spirit - this is not something money can buy.

What inspires you spiritually generally?

The dedicated souls of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, who has given up his life for welfare work, the dedicated souls of these young doctors and Kaka Veerji, Gurpreet Veerji and their team everywhere continuously inspires us.

What would you like to share with us regarding your spiritual journey?

I feel this life is given, it is so precious, but we become bogged down with mundane things. Guru Nanak's philosophy of kindness and service to humanity, regardless of who people are - this is my light and inspiration. Guruji preached with the Udassis . And here we found microcosm of this beautiful dedication. We'd like to share our precious life with others; and The Kalgidhar Trust/Society, Baru Sahib gives us this unique opportunity. This gives us purpose for this life to be used fruitfully for the welfare of others.

At Baru Sahib, we see such precious young children. They are just little blossoms. Innocent souls, whose souls are like beautiful clay. The opportunity to give love and help people is here. I wish more people would come and utilize their time fruitfully serving the needy.