A chartered accountant whose business is to help others

Based in Dubai since 2005, Dilip's volunteering initiatives have touched about a 1,000 people so far, mostly women and kids.

Being a chartered accountant, a company secretary, an Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) alumnae, a champion speaker and banker, one would expect him to be extremely busy. But one trait that distinguishes Dilip Jain from many others is that he reaches out to people around him. Dilip, COO of a company which arranges finance globally, not only believes in youth empowerment but passionately works for it, too.

From quiz programmes, competitions to blood donation camps and student workshops, Dilip leaves no stone unturned when it comes to volunteering.

Based in Dubai since 2005, Dilip's volunteering initiatives have touched about a 1,000 people so far, mostly women and kids.

Community events are organised every other week. The main platforms through which he organises workshops are Toastmasters International, the Indian Consulate, the Jain Community and with fellow CAs. "On weekends, I do things for the community like organising workshops, competitions and awareness programmes involving students or educative programmes for adults. But to be more specific, I have been working relentlessly towards youth empowerment," he told Khaleej Times.

He is actively supported by his wife Neha, daughter Purvi and son Nilay, who help him out in his volunteering initiatives.

Contribution to society

In November 2010 Dilip was awarded the outstanding leadership award in recognition of the outstanding contribution he made to society as an effective leader and world class communicator, by Toastmasters International. He conducts children's youth leadership programmes almost twice a month for improving their communication skills. And is also a faculty member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Dubai.

What is notable about his contributions is that he connects with people and organises educative events without any money. It's all his goodwill and networking that goes into his initiatives.

Workshops and events

Dilip works closely with the Dubai Public Library to encourage children to participate in various programmes and read and borrow books. This, he feels, is important to nurture young minds and will help keep them away from overuse of technology such as Ipads and games.

"Dilip spots talent, and gives them a platform to showcase skills, says Vipin Maloo, member, Jain International Trade organisation.

"I work on different fronts in organising such events. First, I find out about educative, youth empowerment events happening elsewhere and then I do the same here in Dubai. I bring in the required experts in the field to talk on the relevant topics and I also arrange for the venue and students to attend." Dilip added.

Last year, Dilip organised wellness programmes for mothers and children at the Dubai Public Library. The programme led by Dr Viswas included healthy fun games, concentration tips and addressing Q and A on various issues (like back pain, overweight, hair loss, sugar, thyroid and memory). It was attended by over 35 women. "I learnt about having a healthy mind and living," said a Revathy Venkatratnam, a participant.

On December 24 last year, Dilip organised an art and craft workshop that was attended by 30 children and 20 mothers. At the workshop artist Richa taught how to use sketch pencils, oil pastels and adding background and shades to the paintings. This was to train them in the basics of art rather than directly enrolling them in art contests.

"Dilip Jain strongly believes in the idea of selfless service to society. He enjoys volunteering and is willing to go out of the way to help people. He has coordinated several workshops, which have been very successful with adults and kids alike. His calm and composed persona is an added feather in his cap that makes him a very affable personality," said freelance journalist Bandana Jain, whose daughter Maahiya Jain took part in the art and craft event.

The most recent workshop Jain organised, was titled 'Your signature speaks' conducted under the aegis of ICAT toastmasters, and attended by 80 people. The workshop focused on learning the art of reading signatures; enhancing personality traits; reducing stress levels and feeling more content within and with others.

In October last year, Jain launched an event on public speaking for youngsters, where he invited runner-up world champion in public speaking, Aditya Maheshwari. Aditya addressed their various issues and how to come out more confident and better communicators. This was attended by over 25 children.

Jain is also a regular speaker at various institutions like Tezpur University, Assam and Amity University, in Dubai for career guidance and organises motivational, educative talks.

saman@khaleejtimes.com