Volunteer Spotlight: Meera Siva

By Suyash Nigam

In the dynamic landscape of Silicon Valley during the late ’90s, Meera, a then-recent graduate embarked on a path that seamlessly blended technology, community service, and education into a lifelong passion. Working at Sun Microsystems, Meera was already involved in volunteering activities, including contributions to the National Service Scheme (NSS) and a blind school. This commitment to make a meaningful difference wherever possible led her to the India Literacy Project (ILP), a movement aimed at empowering rural India through education.

At the core of ILP’s mission was addressing the educational void for populations in pre-television India who were left unable to read, write, or even sign their names. This issue resonated with Meera, who saw in ILP a chance to impact lives and foster generational change. The journey began with a modest meeting at Sumita’s house, where a small group of volunteers gathered to tackle the pressing challenges involving literacy in India.

What stood out to Meera about ILP was its systematic approach to project evaluation, focusing on the credibility, scalability, and effectiveness of initiatives. Despite the slow and meticulous process, the commitment to creating tangible, lasting change was evident. ILP’s flagship fundraising event, an annual music event, illustrated the organization’s sophisticated approach to donor engagement and branding.

The early 2000s brought a surge of resources and volunteers, enriching ILP’s operations. Meera, among others, traveled to India to directly engage with the projects and communities ILP served. This hands-on involvement provided invaluable insights into the impact of their work, including innovative programs like integrating blind students into regular schools with specialized support, demonstrating ILP’s commitment to inclusive education.

Over the years, Meera’s involvement with ILP evolved, especially after moving back to India and later re-engaging with the organization in 2011. Her activities spanned from participating in summer camps to organizing fundraising dinners, always to expand ILP’s volunteer network and impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges, yet Meera adapted by organizing a virtual fundraiser to continue supporting ILP’s mission. This event, reflective of similar efforts in India, underscored the unwavering dedication of ILP volunteers to education and community support even in difficult times.

Reflecting on over two decades of involvement with ILP, Meera underscores the transformative power of education, not just as a tool for individual advancement but as a catalyst for societal change. She highlights the success of initiatives like ILP’s science kits, which make learning engaging and fun for students and teachers alike, as examples of the innovative spirit that drives the organization.

Looking forward, Meera is excited about contributing to ILP’s evolving mission, particularly in career guidance and leveraging new technologies to expand educational opportunities. Her story is a testament to the impact that committed volunteers can have on the lives of countless individuals and communities.