Naeem Ahmed, SUST

The proverb goes, "United we stand, divided we fall." Yes, it’s true. People begin to develop when they are organized. In our community, it is evident that much development work occurs simply through unity. Today’s writing focuses on student unity and its impact on society. Unity signifies collective solidarity. Therefore, ‘student unity’ refers to the collective solidarity and shared purpose among students, typically within a school, college, or university. Conversely, social impact refers to the effect that an action, organization, or policy has on the well-being of a community or society.

We are social animals. To thrive in society, we must work for its welfare. We need to unite and take initiatives for the community's well-being. Like all other groups, students in our country play a crucial role in transforming society. Students’ actions are honored when they positively influence the well-being of others. If we look closely, we can see that students in our country are contributing to many changes that are for the betterment of society. However, exceptions do occur. As I write about student unity and its impact on society, I will focus on some of the volunteer organizations on my campus.

I am a final-year student at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. From my university life experience, I have seen that over 30 organizations on my campus are dedicated to social welfare through unity. Organizations such as KIN, Swapnotthan, Tourist Club, Speakers Club, and Sonchalon work voluntarily to make a difference. During the last floods in Kurigram, Noakhali, Feni, and Sherpur, these organizations helped flood victims by donating money for food and rehabilitation. This was possible only because of their unity and effective organization. Several regional organizations also contributed to helping the flood victims. Similarly, these organizations step forward whenever they see an opportunity to work for the welfare of people in the community.

For instance, on 3 October 2023, Swapnotthan, a volunteering organization, arranged the ‘Swapnotthan Book Fair 2023’ with the motto ‘Knowledgeable Heartbeat’ to raise medical support for a 1-year-old child, Tahsin, who suffered from Atrial Septal Defect. Earlier, KIN organized a book fair on 6 November 2022 to help save Ahmed Hussain Al Mostafa, a 1-year-old boy with bilateral profound hearing loss. In addition, these organizations support people by donating money, distributing clothes during winter and Eid, teaching poor and underprivileged students, and arranging blood donations for patients, among other activities.

I spoke to several leaders of these organizations and asked them how they work and contribute to society. Israt Jahan Spriha, Vice President of Shahjalal University Speakers’ Club, said, "Being part of a campus volunteer organization has shown me how powerful student unity can be. Every small act—whether donating, teaching, or helping in emergencies—makes a real difference. It’s inspiring to see how we come together to bring hope and change to the community." Mahabubur Rahman, President of Swapnotthan, said, "We are students, and beyond our studies, we are driven by a desire to support society. That’s why we join voluntary organizations—to stand by the underprivileged and bring hope to those in need. Our goal is simple: to put a smile on someone's face during difficult times."


The writer is majoring in Political Studies at the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet.

He can be reached at: naeemshuvo.sust76@gmail.com