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| Volunteer Services |
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| Our Volunteers |
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| Our Volunteers Feedback |
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| NYSASDRI Volunteer Abroad Opportunity |
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NYSASDRI's Volunteer Abroad Program offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with grassroots development and healthcare initiatives in Odisha, India. Volunteers become part of impactful projects through both NGO-level engagement and hands-on support at units like Kalinga Eye Hospital, a community-based hospital dedicated to restoring sight and promoting preventive eye care.
We welcome individuals of all backgrounds students, professionals, retirees, and travellers on a purposeful break who wish to contribute meaningfully while gaining a deep, immersive experience in rural India. No specialized skills are required; just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and serve.
A Holistic Learning Experience: Volunteers gain first-hand exposure to the challenges and innovations in sustainable development, education, livelihood, and rural healthcare, particularly in the context of eye care. The majority of a volunteer’s time is spent working on special projects that directly support program effectiveness and organizational growth.
Whether a volunteer serves five, six, or seven days a week, the time here will be meaningful not just for the communities we support, but for your own personal and professional journey.
For over 40 years, NYSASDRI has worked across multiple sectors health, education, environment, and livelihoods focusing on equity, inclusion, and empowerment. By volunteering, you join this mission and become part of a diverse community of changemakers.
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| Who Can Be a Volunteer? |
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The NYSASDRI Volunteer Abroad Program is open to:
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University students looking to gain field exposure or complete internships |
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Health professionals (doctors, nurses, optometrists, public health students) |
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Teachers and education students interested in rural education |
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Development practitioners, social workers, and gender specialists |
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Environmentalists and climate advocates |
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Management Personnel, Strategy Makers |
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Creative individuals writers, photographers, designers, and filmmakers |
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Anyone over 18 years old who wishes to contribute meaningfully to society |
No specific degree or training is mandatory what matters most is your dedication, open-mindedness, and willingness to work in unfamiliar environments.
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| What Do Volunteers Do? |
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At NYSASDRI, volunteers are an integral part of our mission. Based on your skills, experience, and areas of interest, you can contribute meaningfully across a diverse range of programs. Our initiatives span health, education, empowerment, environment, and more. Volunteering opportunities include:
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Health & Hygiene Outreach: Assist in organizing medical camps, health awareness drives, and primary healthcare delivery in rural areas. Volunteers may also support the development of local health strategies. |
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Vision Care & Eye Health: Support our community-based eye care programs, including outreach camps, vision screenings, and awareness activities related to preventable blindness. |
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Tribal Girls’ Education: Teach basic academic subjects, creative arts, or assist in education-based initiatives designed to empower tribal girls through knowledge and life skills. |
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Women Empowerment & Gender Equality: Engage with self-help groups (SHGs), conduct training sessions, and support capacity-building activities that promote gender equity and leadership among women. |
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Rehabilitation & Micro-Entrepreneurship: Work with distressed women, girls, and persons with disabilities to support rehabilitation, skill development, and small-scale livelihood or entrepreneurial activities. |
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Sustainable Livelihoods: Contribute to rural development initiatives such as agriculture improvement, vocational training, and micro-enterprise promotion for income generation. |
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Environmental Upgradation & Sanitation (WASH): Participate in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects, including clean water access, waste management, and environmental education in schools and communities. |
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Communication & Media: Create short films, photo stories, social media content, or design outreach materials that highlight the impact of our work and share powerful community narratives. |
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Monitoring & Evaluation: Assist in data collection, analysis, reporting, and program evaluation to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of NYSASDRI’s initiatives. |
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| Duration of Volunteer Engagement |
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Volunteers may choose to participate in:
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Short-term assignments: 1 to 2 weeks |
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Medium to long-term placements: 1 to 6 months |
We are flexible and happy to align your volunteering journey with your availability and interests.
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| The Location: Odisha, India |
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| State of Odisha: |
NYSASDRI is based in Dhenkanal District, nestled in the eastern state of Odisha a region known for its tribal heritage, temple architecture, forested hills, and rich traditions.
Capital: Bhubaneswar (Nearest Airport)
No of Districts: 30
Area: 155,707 sq. kms.
Population: 36.7 Million People
Languages: Odia is widely spoken, but Hindi and English are understood by many
Culture: Colourful festivals, warm hospitality, and peaceful rural life
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| Climate and Dress Code |
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Pleasant winters: October to February, 14°C to 25°C, sunny |
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Hot & humid summers: March to June, 20°C to 40°C |
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Rainy monsoon: July to September, 25°C to 35°C, rain and occasional cyclones |
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| Why Choose NYSASDRI? |
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Authentic, Responsible Volunteering: Direct engagement with communities, not just observation |
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Structured, Ethical Placements: Inspired by global models |
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Immersive Cultural Exchange: Learn while living among locals |
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Mentorship and Support: Our experienced team guides and supports you throughout |
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Recognition: Volunteers receive a certificate and reference letter on successful completion |
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Personal Fulfilment: Return with fresh perspectives, new friendships, and lasting memories |
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| Life as a Volunteer |
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Volunteers stay either in modest guesthouses or host family accommodations near our project sites. You’ll have time to visit historic temples, markets, and cultural sites during your stay. We encourage responsible tourism, mutual respect, and open-hearted exploration.
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| Be the Change You Want to See |
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Volunteering with NYSASDRI is not about grand gestures it’s about small, sincere steps that uplift lives. When you teach a child, assist a patient, guide a women’s group, or plant a tree, you contribute to a ripple effect of transformation.
If you're ready to give your time and heart and gain something far greater in return join us in our mission. To apply or learn more, write to us at: [email protected].
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Living and Lodging Expenses
At NYSASDRI (Accommodation, Food & Local Conveyance)
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| Location |
Accommodation (per day) |
Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner per day) |
Local Conveyance (per day) |
| NYSASDRI, Head Office, Santhasara |
$7 |
$7 |
$5 |
| Muniguda Educational Complex |
$5 |
$5 |
$5 |
| Malkanagir SEED |
$5 |
$5 |
$5 |
Food: Inclusive of Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. A dedicated cook is available to prepare meals; however, volunteers are welcome to purchase and cook their own food if they wish.
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At Kalinga Eye Hospital, Dhenkanal
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| Duration of Stay |
Total Cost (Includes Food, Lodging, Airport Transport) |
| 10 Days |
$180.00 |
| 15 Days |
$215.00 |
| 30 Days |
$330.00 |
Air-conditioned rooms are available upon request. If used, an additional electricity charge of $6 per room per day applies. When two volunteers share a room, this cost is shared, amounting to $3 per person per day. While air conditioning is generally preferred during the summer, many volunteers also opt for it in the winter for added comfort.
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| How to Reach NYSASDRI – Dhenkanal, Odisha |
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We are delighted to welcome you to NYSASDRI, located in the serene and culturally vibrant district of Dhenkanal in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Reaching us is simple, and we’re happy to guide you every step of the way.
For International Volunteers:
Volunteers from abroad can arrive at any international airport in India. Once in India, you can take a domestic flight to Bhubaneswar:
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Destination Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
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Bhubaneswar is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai. |
From Bhubaneswar to NYSASDRI, Dhenkanal (Approx. 75 km / 1.5–2 hrs):
Once you land in Bhubaneswar, you can reach our campus by:
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Private Taxi (Recommended): A direct and comfortable drive. We can help arrange a pickup. |
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Train: Regular trains run from Bhubaneswar Railway Station to Dhenkanal Railway Station (approx. 1 hour). We’ll be happy to receive you at the station. |
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Bus: Government and private buses are available from Baramunda Bus Stand (Bhubaneswar) to Dhenkanal at regular intervals. |
For Volunteers Within India:
If you are traveling domestically:
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By Air: Fly into Bhubaneswar (BBI) and proceed as above. |
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By Train: Dhenkanal is connected by rail to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Kolkata, and Delhi. |
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By Road: Dhenkanal lies on NH-55 and is accessible by road from various cities across Odisha and neighbouring states. |
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