A Lifetime of Service: Milon’s 32-Year Journey in Terre des Hommes
“I aspire to work with people who work for humanity.” - Milon Barua. It’s been 32 years since Milon Barua joined Terre des Hommes Netherlands on March 15, 1993. Over the three decades, he has been an integral part of the Bangladesh Country Office as an assistant.
A Lifelong Commitment to Humanitarian Work
“When I first joined Terre des Hommes Netherlands, it was simply to support my family and for my livelihood. However, working with people and helping people makes me feel proud. And it became part of my life’s passion,” Milon’s journey with TdH NL began in 1993, a time when the organisation was actively involved in responding to the Rohingya refugee crisis. He was at the forefront of these efforts, providing essential driving services and often going the extra mile to assist refugees in need. “There was a local dialect, and local languages in that area. And the people from other districts of Bangladesh can’t understand that dialect. So I was able to help as I am originally part of this area,” Milon shared about his first humanitarian work experience in Terre des Hommes Netherlands.
As someone who took the lead in driving and supporting office administration at the country office when needed, Milon has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of most of the natural disasters in Bangladesh, such as cyclones and floods, on vulnerable communities. His unwavering commitment has enabled him to navigate treacherous roads and deliver vital aid to those affected.
Navigating Challenges, Delivering Hope
Milon’s role as a driver has often taken him to the heart of humanitarian crises. He recalls countless journeys, navigating through bustling city traffic and rural roads. During natural disasters, he has navigated challenging terrains. At that time, communication technology was limited, making it difficult to receive timely updates on the severity of the situation. His experience in navigating unfamiliar terrains and understanding local customs has been crucial in ensuring smooth journeys for his colleagues.
“One of the other interesting things is that during Aila (cyclone), during Sidr (cyclone), most of the time, we are on the road,” Milon shared his memorable experiences during natural disasters, “It is not that I don’t feel scared. It is just that I decided not to show it in front of my colleagues. At that time my primary intention is to survive. Because if I survive, the other office members who are in the same car with me will also survive.”
A Simple and Fulfilling Life
Beyond his professional life, Milon leads a simple and fulfilling personal life. He values the importance of family and often spends quality time with his loved ones. “Life is a balanced job,” Milon continued, “when I am at the office, I try to dedicate my full time to it. And when I am at home, I focus on my family and the inspiration of meditation. This inspiration is from the religion of Buddha where meditation is a part of life.” In his free time, he is passionate about sharing the benefits of meditation with his colleagues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded a community called ITSS and promoted peaceful teachings and meditation practises. This initiative has since grown into a thriving community of over 7,000 followers on social media.
A Burning Passion for Helping Others
“The thing is that by working with Terre des Hommes Netherlands, I can also keep my passion for working with people. I like that. And I like the organisation culture, where I’m respected and valued,” Milon’s dedication to humanitarian work is deeply rooted in his passion for helping those in need and has inspired countless individuals, both within and outside of Terre des Hommes Netherlands.
“I have seen lots of crises in the communities. And I was also inspired to work with vulnerable children,” Milon shared his dream, “After my retirement, I will focus more on my meditation community and build a home for orphaned children.”
Milon's unwavering dedication to Terre des Hommes Netherlands and its mission of protecting children has been the cornerstone of his 32-year career. His single-minded focus and relentless commitment have enabled the organisation to effectively respond to crises, support vulnerable communities, and make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children. His story is a reminder of the incredible impact that individuals can have on the world. He inspires us to strive for a better world where compassion and empathy guide our actions.