India is a land of stunning culture and tradition, and one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. However, the country also has a significant amount of poverty and inequality, with around 40 million people living below the poverty line. Volunteering in India is a great way to get involved in an international cause and make a difference at the same time – but where should you volunteer? Here are some ideas for where to start!
Mumbai
If you have previously traveled to India and have developed an interest in volunteering, then Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is the place to be. Home to around 20 million people, Mumbai is the most populous city in India and also one of the most important commercial centers. While most of the people live a peaceful life, with lots of opportunities for volunteering, the city is also one of the most important centers of commerce in the country. It would be a shame to not take advantage of the opportunity and contribute even in a small way to making Mumbai a better place!
One of the most significant challenges that Mumbai faces is transportation. The city is extremely crowded, and many people rely on motorized transport to get around. This, in turn, causes significant air pollution. In the last few years, the city has invested in public transportation, which helps to a certain extent, but overall it needs a serious revamp. Hopefully, some of the projects that you will help with while volunteering in Mumbai will contribute to making the city more sustainable.
Goa
Goa is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in India. If you are looking to spend a little time volunteering in a stunning location, Goa is the place to be. It has a tropical climate and is extremely popular with international tourists. The beaches are beautiful and quite expansive, with fine sand and warm waters. Although Goa is one of the most popular places in India, the country still struggles with poverty and unemployment. Many locals look toward overseas volunteer opportunities to help them improve their lot in life, and many travel agencies in the UK and Ireland take on volunteers to work on education projects in Goa. One of the best things about Goa is that it is very accessible – there are daily flights from London, and a lot of tour agencies in Goa can help you to get started on the right foot.
One of the most significant challenges that Goa faces is climate change. Due to increased global temperatures as a result of climate change, more and more tourists are visiting the country – and the beaches – during the day. This has a significant impact on the natural rhythms of the area, as daytime visitors often cause a significant disruption to the local wildlife. Hopefully, you will help to protect biodiversity while working in Goa.
New Delhi
Like Mumbai, New Delhi faces significant issues with transportation and sustainability. However, the difference is that New Delhi is considerably colder, with heavy pollution prevalent throughout the year. Despite this, the political capital of the country is working to improve its infrastructure, with the Indian Railways and Delhi Metro both undergoing a massive expansion. While it still has a long way to go, for the time being, getting around the city is not significantly worse than in most large Indian cities. If you are looking to get involved in social work in Delhi, there is a lot to choose from. One of the most prestigious and high-profile non-profits in the city is the Child Rights and Protection Network (CRAN). The network focuses on work with street children in the city, with around 60% of Delhi's population being made up of street children. While it is a great organization that focuses on a very real and serious issue, it would be a shame to not get involved for the sake of a travel story!
Hopefully, you will get to travel to one of the most stunning countries in the world and will have the chance to contribute in a small way to improving the lives of the local communities. If not, you can always volunteer in another country – most likely, there will be something waiting for you. Good luck out there!