My Journey as an HQ Volunteer in NASA India - Yash Agrawal (HQ Volunteer)

An immersive and enriching experience of learning and impact.

My journey began when I joined the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (SPAD). I am Yash Agrawal, a second-year architecture student at SPAD. The institute currently serves as the NASA Headquarters for NASA India, where students can become HQ Volunteers, an extension of the Executive Council. We help with the body's functioning and with backend operations. 

From the very start of my college days, I was deeply interested in NASA India through various events and activities. It became all the more fascinating in the 2nd year, as we started to be part of those events through HQ. Being a volunteer offers you prestigious and recognised roles, with which you help in the functioning of NASA India.

As an HQ Volunteer, the tasks began with trophy checks, which included checking for the entry requirements for trophy entries. The most interesting part of doing this is that you get to have a look at various trophies at once, and be inspired by the curated works. Later, I also helped the Treasurer Designee in managing logistical works, for publications and prizes for winners and others. 

The first event I attended was the Zonal NASA Convention, Zone-4, which was hosted by Om Dayal Group of Institutions (Z432), an opportunity to interact and experience the zone. We, as volunteers, interacted with Host Volunteers and the NASA India Council and helped them in various proceedings of the event. It was an entirely different set of exposures and enthusiasm, which began with the Reubens Trophy Jury management. Here, I  helped out in the Reubens pin-up phase, and then later during the jury and the exhibition. During the second and third days, we led a NASA India Merchandise kiosk, and helped in selling out the merch and publications, and handling account books. Some other roles included managing the Cahoots Trophy, D-24, workshops, and the valedictory ceremony. The post offered an experience of every aspect through a different lens, which I used to interact with other people from different parts of India, and to improve my leadership and operational skills. 

Interaction with 68th NASA India Council

Part of the merchandise store at ZNC- 4

During the 68th Intermediate General Body Meeting (IGBM), which was hosted at Woxsen University (Z560), our main role was to write minutes of the meeting for all the 3 days. During event proceedings, I was also appointed as Zonal Coordinator- Zone 5 by NASA HQ. Following that, I introduced myself to the whole Unit Council, and helped in coordination with the zone during the event. The IGBM was an immersive experience, where I acquired knowledge about various things happening all throughout India. The event offered learnings about how things proceed in NASA India, and meaningful approaches to a variety of things, including problems and discussions.

68th NASA India Council and HQ Volunteers

Serving as Zone 5 Coordinator, I was a part of Zonal Roundups, discussions and all activities going in Zone 5. It also included helping out the members with their problems and resolving them. Another major task I have accomplished is helping out in curation of 10 TPS Articles and getting them uploaded on the NASA India Website. Currently, I am also helping in the management of the Annual NASA Convention, including completing some of the website tasks.

Being in Headquarters, I have also participated in the 68th NASA India Trophy Design Competition.

Summarising, serving as an HQ Volunteer was a highly enriching experience that continues to shape my growth as a student, and an individual. The journey has given me valuable exposure, meaningful interactions, and opportunities to learn beyond academics, while constantly motivating me to contribute with greater dedication and responsibility.