Making a difference

Day in and day out, first at the Dallas Convention Center and then at Reunion Arena, a bearded man dressed in a characteristically simple, orange-colored outfit and a turban volunteered his time. He was among the most recognizable of volunteers who were handing out fruit drinks and canned food on a daily basis to the Hurricane Katrina victims in Dallas.

He is North Lake student Shambhu Sharan.

More affectionately known as Dada Shubha Cetanananda, Sharan is the president of Renaissance Universal Yoga and Meditation Club at North Lake. On a larger scale, he is also the president of Ananda Marga Dallas Region.

Ananda Marga is a worldwide organization dedicated to dharma (righteousness) and social service by providing services to those in need.

“Since my childhood, I have become used to doing service relief work to help people who suffer from natural calamities or disasters in India,” said Sharan, an international student from India.

The organization has responded to natural and man-made disasters in every continent of the world by providing aid to the victims of earthquakes, fires, droughts, famine and war, including the recent devastation from the tsunami in Asia and now the agony of the Hurricane Katrina. Sharan seeks out those who are in greatest need, even if it means putting himself in discomfort or working long hours.

“I volunteered every day for five to six hours in the weekdays and up to 10 hours in the weekends,” added the freshman, who is interested in peace studies.

The volunteers are mainly organized through the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Since the hurricane evacuees from the Gulf Coast arrived in Dallas and other Texas cities, the response to calls for help has been tremendous in terms of contributions of daily necessities and financial donations. But many have also put in countless hours away from their families and regular jobs.

Even without much supervision, the sense of duty and devotion drove Sharan to take his responsibilities with all his heart.

“I often noticed that he was still handing out food late in the evening even after I left. He doesn’t talk much but is very nice and efficient,” said Rebecca Barnes, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army. “We have hundreds of volunteers but I wish they were more focused like him. This is not a social setting. We have a job to do to feed people. He understands he has things to do and doesn’t complain.”

To Sharan, the benefit might not be tangible but it went beyond words.

“We feel appreciated when we do selfless service and give comfort to others. Many people came and told me their problems. When they got all the help they needed, they came back to thank us,” he said.

As the city of Dallas and other organizations relocated the evacuees to more permanent housing, the relief shelter at the Reunion Arena is closing down. For now, Sharan’s work is done but his spirit to help others remains alive and well.

“I will continue to help as long as they need my service,” Sharan said.