In talks with Vidya Bharati alumni, Rishi Verma - Vice President of Lions club, Raigarh

Mr. Rishi Verma is an alumnus of Saraswati Shishu Mandir H.S School, Laxmipur, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. He is a businessman by profession and an ardent social worker. Presently he is the vice president of  the Lion's club Raigarh. Recently he gave a  short interview, sharing his experiences, the extract of which is as follows:

Interviewer: Kindly tell us something about your family, academic and professional background.

Mr. Verma: I come from a business background.  My family runs a watch making business, ‘Verma Watch House’, in Raigarh. My grandfather late Shri Mahesh Pratap Verma was responsible for installing the famous clock at Moti Mahal in Raigarh district. My father Shri Durga Prashad Verma carried on the family business and presently I am looking into it.

As for my educational background, I along with my three sisters have studied in Saraswati Shishu Mandir H.S School till 12th and then I did my B. Com and M.Com from Paluram Dhanania Commerce College before joining the family business.

Interviewer: Can you share some details about your social work

Mr. Verma : I have been associated with The Lions Club since 2009 and presently hold the position of Vice president of the Raigarh chapter. I will be appointed as the President  of the club in July 2020.

As many of you are aware, Lions club is an international organisation, spread over more than 200 countries across the globe and has 1.4 million members worldwide. It is associated with different forms of social  and community development work. 

In the Raigarh chapter there are a total of 98 members and we generally focus our services in the fields of Hunger eradication, Human health, Prevention of blindness, Education and Environmental protection. I have organised more than 12 social work projects during my tenure and am planning to hold a Health and food distribution camp on  ‘Janmashtami’ this year.

Interviewer:  How did your school impact your life?

Mr. Verma : One of the main ideologies taught at all Vidya Bharati schools is to serve others. The same has been taught to us since childhood and I feel that it has helped me to think for the betterment of others.

Also in my young days I was a passionate basketball player. My school always encouraged my talent and helped me to compete in different regional and national level competitions. I was a state level basketball player in my school days and later carried on during my college days as well.

Several of my teachers such as Kumari Usha Chauhan ji and Shri Babu Lal ji are my inspiration in life.

Interviewer:  Would you like to give any message to Vidya Bharati students?

Mr. Verma :  The only thing that I would like to share with the students is...always stay connected with each other, your school, your culture and your roots. Help those who are in need and be thankful for all that you have in life.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks  Mr. Verma for sharing his story with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and associated with any kind of social/community work, kindly share your details at https://www.vidyabharatialumni.org/social-service-survey