From a Moment to a Movement: Surendran Krishnan’s Call to Just Start

                       "From a Moment to a Movement: Surendran Krishnan’s Call to Just Start"

Surendran Murugananda Krishnan’s journey into the world of volunteering didn’t begin with a grand plan—it started with a moment of curiosity and action. One day, while on his way home, he came across a group of people protesting as part of the India Against Corruption movement. Something about their energy drew him in. He stopped, asked if he could join, and when they said yes, he did. That simple decision marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong commitment to social causes.

What started as a spontaneous act of support quickly grew into a routine. Suren began dedicating his weekends to various volunteering activities, from supporting education initiatives to engaging in environmental cleanups. He documented these efforts on social media, not for recognition, but to inspire others and show that anyone could contribute in their own way. Over time, he transitioned from merely supporting causes to initiating them. What set him apart was not just his dedication, but his belief that action—no matter how small—can spark change.

Suren believes that every cause carries a story, and it is these stories that keep him motivated. He has faced challenges, like anyone working in the social sector, but what keeps him going is the knowledge that behind every initiative is a person, a community, or a need that matters. He is driven by the idea that help shouldn’t only be reactive—people often associate volunteering with crises or disasters, but there are individuals and communities that require support even in the absence of headline-grabbing events.

One of his most impactful moments came when he was lying in bed, reflecting on how he could do more. That’s when he got the idea for his platform V The VOlunteers (VTVO). It wasn’t born in a boardroom or through a strategic plan, but from a genuine desire to connect more people to purposeful work. What made the idea successful wasn’t just the thought—it was the consistent action he took to bring it to life.

When I asked what advice he would give to someone who wants to help but doesn’t know where to start, Suren said, “Just start. It doesn’t matter if it’s small—what matters is that you take that first step.” Then, almost as if anticipating the next question, he added, “Everyone thinks something bad needs to happen for there to be a reason to volunteer or help. But so many people need support even when nothing tragic has happened. If we wait for something to go wrong, we’re missing all the quiet ways we can make a difference today.”

Suren’s story is powerful because it doesn’t just tell us what he did—it invites us to reflect on what we can do. It’s easy to think that helping is for someone more qualified, more experienced, or more connected. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself what’s holding you back? Is there something you care about but haven’t acted on yet? Are you waiting for a perfect moment to begin, when perhaps you could start today? Maybe you’ve had an idea while lying in bed, just like Suren did—what if that idea could grow into something meaningful, if only you gave it a chance?

You don’t need a big reason. You don’t need permission. All you need is the willingness to take that first step. Because sometimes, the smallest start is all it takes to begin something extraordinary.

You can follow VTVO and reach out to them for volunteering at instagram.com/vthevolunteers

Written by Daksh Aich.