As communities across the world celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Day on Monday, 20 April, stories like that of Prishita Madaree stand as a reminder of the quiet, consistent impact of service.
A wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two, Madaree balances family life with a full-time career at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Library Services in Pinetown. Yet beyond her professional role of helping people access knowledge and resources, it is her deep commitment to community upliftment that truly defines her.
Describing herself as a “people’s person”, Madaree approaches both her work and volunteerism with patience and care. Her journey into service is rooted in compassion and spiritual guidance, inspired by her guru, Swami Abhedananda of Chinmaya Mission South Africa.
“I believe no one should go hungry. When I saw the need in our community, I felt called to act. Swamiji taught us to see God in the people, that changed seva from an activity into my dharma,” she said.
Madaree is actively involved at the Chinmaya Mission Ashram in Unit 7, where she attends Gyana Yagna programmes and contributes to community initiatives that extend beyond spiritual learning into tangible support for those in need.
Her Saturdays are dedicated to service. From coordinating volunteers and assigning duties, to overseeing meal preparation, distribution, and clean-up, she plays a key leadership role in ensuring operations run smoothly.
She explained her dedication and role: “I delegate clearly and build teams. Everyone knows their role. Seva gives me energy, it doesn’t drain me.”
Despite the demands of her professional and personal life, Madaree credits structure, planning, and strong family support for helping her maintain balance.
More importantly, she says the motivation comes from the people she serves: “The smiles and gratitude, when someone receives a meal and says ‘God bless you’, I feel I’ve received more than I’ve given.”
Her work has not been without challenges. At times, volunteer shortages test the team, but she says faith and unity help them persevere.
“We pray, we act, and we serve everyone. Challenges teach surrender and teamwork,” she said.
Through her involvement, Madaree has witnessed the transformative impact of community service, not only in addressing hunger, but in restoring dignity and hope.
Madaree said: “Families know they have a place to turn to. Some who once came for help are now volunteering themselves. That is the biggest impact, people see that the community cares.”
She believes service is fundamental to building stronger communities.
“If each of us does a little, no one will be left behind. That is how we flourish, together,” she concluded.
