Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “leadership is about empathy. It’s about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.” In his youth Arun Daniel Yelamati faced struggles that deeply affected him. With God’s guidance, he went on to use his life’s experiences to help others who face discrimination or rejection.
Four-year-old Arun was shocked when he understood that his parents were separated. His childhood turned into one of struggles and unpleasant experiences. As a young boy, he faced rejection and humiliation because he didn’t have what others had, in terms of toys, objects or even a whole family. At the age of eighteen, Arun chose to become a pizza deliveryman. Such a job, at that time, was considered beneath most. However, this didn’t faze him, and he continued doing what was needed to survive. With an increase in call centre jobs, Arun was happy to get a night shift job, so he could study in the day and work at night. The job helped him pay for college.
Through the challenges, Arun’s relationship with God kept him going. Specifically, Luke 10:27 struck a chord in Arun’s heart. The words ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with your soul, and with all your strength, and with your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself’ guided Arun’s steps as he, along with his friends, started an organisation that reaches out to the vulnerable in communities.
“We all love God, but I wished to know more about loving people. Because my relationship with God had been constant, I looked at what Jesus would do; He reached out to people in need,” Arun said recalling that he saw very little of those in need being helped. Inspired to make a difference in the lives of those facing rejection and struggles, the programs of Arun’s organisation were designed to incorporate the 7 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; including education, livelihood, hunger, awareness on menstrual health, child sexual abuse etc. These programs span across India and have had the helping hands of over 50,000 volunteers!
“God guided my heart and steps; and my faith is reaffirmed as he continues to open doors for the struggles I face. I keep asking God why he chose this path for me, when it could have been anything! But I know God’s hand is over this work as He has envisioned it Himself,” Arun says as he recalls the difficulties he has faced pulling off all the life-changing initiatives through his organisation. “There will be more challenges in the future but I know God will take us through those as well.” Arun has happily dedicated his life to serving God through loving the people who face the most struggles.
