Category: Fellow Blog

Years ago, I walked into a government office for the first time, nervous yet eager to learn. Fast forward to September 2023: “Divya, you will be attending the ‘संकल्प सप्ताह’ event in New Delhi on my behalf, along with the SDM Bijapur.” These were the words I heard over a phone call from my then District Magistrate (IAS Rajendra Katara) one afternoon in September 2023. Representatives from 112 aspirational districts and 500 aspirational blocks across the country were gathering under one roof for the launch event of Sankalp Saptah to partake in discussions around the transformation and holistic development of these districts. Being someone who self-evaluates a lot, I felt the familiar wave of doubt creeping in. But this time, I stopped myself. This was not the time to question—it was the time to show up. And with that thought, I packed my bags and left for Delhi with my colleagues. The moment I walked into the massive hall of Bharat Mandapam for the first time, I was taken aback. A hall that could accommodate more than 3,000 people under one roof—standing in a place like this for the first time felt surreal. The chairs were adorned with red cloth, places designated with the names of respective states across six blocks converging downward to the central stage, and people in hundreds—some standing, greeting, and chatting. As I walked in, I happened to meet Manmohan Singh the head of the Aspirational District Collaborative Program at Piramal Foundation. That small interaction with him stirred something within me. But as the hall filled with thunderous applause upon the arrival of the Honourable Prime Minister, I was snapped back into the moment. Listening to the Prime Minister’s words—how a year ago, global leaders sat in the same hall deliberating on pressing global issues, and now, government officials and Panchayati Raj delegates from across the country were seated here to discuss their nation’s development strategy—transported me back to my early days in the development sector, to my time as a Gandhi Fellow, to the beginning of my journey as a Development Professional. I was reminded of the first time I stepped into the office of an IAS officer, completely in awe of the aura they carried. Back then, I had no idea that soon I wouldn’t just be meeting bureaucrats—I would be working alongside them. Not just executing projects but shaping discussions around fundamental issues in the district. It took me back to my first facilitation session, where I oriented 30+ district-level government officials—in the presence of the Chief Development Officer (IAS Ashish Bhatgain)—on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Program. At the time, it was just a presentation for me. But now I realize that in that moment, I wasn’t just facilitating—I was earning my place in that room, building credibility without even knowing it. I thought about the time when the DM (IAS Yugal Kishore Pant), Udham Singh Nagar entrusted me with creating a PowerPoint presentation for a meeting to be led by Smt. Smriti Irani, the then Minister of Women and Child Development. I worked on it for days, making multiple revisions and working late office hours. When the DM later appreciated my work, I thought I had just designed good slides and ensured accurate data. But now, I realize I didn’t just create slides—my work was leading conversations at higher levels. I thought about the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) event I proposed to the DM and then hosted for the Uttarakhand Assembly Elections 2022 at Metropolis Mall—standing in front of an audience of 250+ people, engaging them on voter awareness in the presence of the DM (IAS Yugal Kishore Pant) and CDO (IAS Ashish Bhatgain). Back then, I saw it as just another event executed successfully. But now I realize I wasn’t just managing an event—I was handling public messaging, government coordination, and stakeholder engagement all at once. And then, there was my role in managing 30+ Campus Ambassadors (NCC Cadets) for the SVEEP Program in the Uttarakhand Assembly Elections 2022. At the time, managing them meant overseeing daily activities, awareness sessions, and grievance redressal. But looking back, I realize that leading that team for over a month wasn’t just about management—it was about leadership. It was about delegation, motivation, and trust-building—skills that later helped me navigate government structures with ease. This weekend, as I was reminiscing about all these experiences while also thinking about wrapping up my stint in Bijapur soon, I felt a mix of nostalgia, happiness, and worry. Thoughts of What next? began to creep in. I found myself comparing my journey with my colleagues—people who seemed more stable, more accomplished, and more ahead. And then, in the middle of this emotional spiral, a sudden realization hit me. Over time, I had started downplaying my own efforts. I had begun to believe that these things came naturally to me—that they weren’t something I had learned over the years. That anyone in my place could have done them. But looking back, I realize—they didn’t just happen. There was immense learning and experience beneath all of it. For a 25-year-old Divya, this might not seem like a big deal. My aspirations have outgrown my past achievements. I want more. I aim higher. But if I could tell 12-year-old Divya, a girl who had just left her village to pursue higher studies in Dehradun, where she would be standing today—she wouldn’t believe it. So, looking ahead, I know one thing for sure. This all didn’t just happen. I learned it. I learned to gain trust, build credibility, navigate bureaucracy, read a room full of officials, and communicate in a way that ensured my ideas were not just heard but acted upon. And without even realizing it, I have been building this skill all along—a skill that comes with responsibility. And that, in itself, is something to be proud of. So, here’s my reminder—to myself and to you: Don’t measure your progress with someone else’s ruler. Sit back, reflect, and

From December 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, I had the privilege of living in the village of Ramnagar in Bhilwara as part of the Community Immersion (CI) initiative. Little did I know that these 20 days would become one of the most cherished moments of my life, leaving an indelible mark on who I am today. During my time in Ramnagar, I lived with a family that welcomed me with open arms and treated me like their own. Dadi Sa, Aunti ji, Anamika ma’am, and Anurag were not just names but individuals who became my second family. Their warmth, love, and trust made me feel at home. Every shared meal and heartfelt conversation taught me the essence of humanity—one rooted in mutual respect and unconditional affection. The purpose of CI was to help us decondition ourselves from the privileges we often take for granted and immerse in the simplicity of rural life. These 20 days not only stripped away layers of entitlement but also opened a window into a dimension of my personality I hadn’t explored before—a version of me that was more grounded, responsible, and compassionate. It was a journey of unlearning, learning, and becoming. Daily Life: A Balance of Physical and Intellectual Labor Life in Ramnagar was a blend of physical and intellectual engagement. From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, I worked in the fields, assisting with tasks like cutting Kasmi for cattle and harvesting spinach and radishes for meals. I also helped in the cattle shed, ensuring the buffalo and its calf were well-fed with water and husk. These activities brought me closer to the land and taught me the value of hard work. On the intellectual side, I contributed to the community by teaching mathematics and science at the local girls’ school. This wasn’t just about academics—it was about fostering a connection with the students and empowering them with knowledge. Each day was an opportunity to learn from them as much as I hoped to teach. The Community Project: Building Skills Through Physical Literacy As part of my CI, I initiated a project aimed at enhancing 21st-century skills in children through physical literacy. I noticed that the children lacked structured opportunities to develop skills like teamwork, critical thinking, coordination, and communication. To address this, I organized traditional games like Kho-Kho, Kisan-Lomdi, Ganesha, Jal Thal, Pitthu, and Chain-Chain. These activities, deeply rooted in the community’s culture, were both engaging and educational. Over time, I observed a marked improvement in the children’s ability to work as a team, think critically, and coordinate effectively during gameplay. Their enthusiasm and growth reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. Self-Change Story: Letting Go of Biases The CI experience wasn’t just about contributing to the community; it was also about personal transformation. I learned to let go of biases and adapt to a lifestyle that was vastly different from my own. Sleeping on the floor in a small room and enduring cold nights taught me resilience, while managing both physical labor and intellectual work instilled discipline. Building trust with the children and the community required patience and creativity. Through storytelling and hands-on methods, I was able to engage the students and encourage participation. Listening to the community’s feedback allowed me to align my efforts with their needs, fostering mutual respect and understanding. The Impact: A Journey of Growth The 20 days I spent in Ramnagar were transformative in every sense. I emerged more resilient, empathetic, and self-aware. Adapting to the physical and mental challenges of rural life gave me a newfound appreciation for simplicity and connection. I learned to embrace discomfort, value meaningful relationships, and think creatively to solve problems. Most importantly, this journey strengthened my belief in the power of community. The bonds I formed, the lessons I learned, and the lives I touched will stay with me forever. Ramnagar didn’t just give me memories; it gave me a new perspective on life.

15th August 2024 marked the completion of my first month as a Gandhi Fellow in Rajasthan, and there couldn’t have been a more symbolic day than the 78th anniversary of India’s independence. This article isn’t just about my life as a Gandhi Fellow over the past month; rather, it serves as a collection of my observations while working within the school systems of two starkly contrasting districts of Rajasthan, namely Karauli and Ajmer. Karauli, a small village-town on the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is an underdeveloped place. The town is beautiful and filled with numerous rainfed lakes and ponds. People are cordial and not quick to judge. The long bike rides on the broken, muddy, hilly terrain of Karauli reminded me of my native place. I couldn’t help but feel saddened by the state of schools there. The schools are far from the villages and often run by a single teacher. Power cuts are regular and can last for hours. Unfortunately, this is the case in the majority of poorer districts across India. Ajmer, a city that needs no introduction, is culturally rich and well-developed, with a rapidly growing population. It bears little resemblance to Karauli, except for the people, who are just as cordial and loving as those in Karauli. Ajmer(Urban)’s schools are better in terms of infrastructure, resources, and electricity. Ajmer(Rural) is significantly behind, yet some schools there are better than the schools in Urban Ajmer, and others are catching up pretty fast. One thing prevalent in both districts that bothers me the most and hurts me to the core is the complacent attitude that has seeped deep into the mindset of government school teachers. This article neither aims to accuse nor should be taken as a yardstick to judge all school teachers; rather, it aims to point out a major drawback in our education system: the resignation to the status quo. Even in a setting with more opportunities, the drive to innovate and push boundaries seems dampened by a reliance on traditional methods and the pressures of administrative duties. The undue pressure on teachers to engage in time-consuming bureaucratic tasks, whether in school or otherwise, poses a major limitation in the execution of their duties, and one must be sympathetic to their woes. I do not question their motivations or their intentions, yet their lack of effort often impedes the learning process of students. The modern world requires teachers who can adapt to change and guide their students through an evolving educational landscape. In a world of AI, Machine Learning, and Chat GPT, it makes little sense to stick solely to the blackboard and chalk. While traditional methods like the blackboard have their place, embracing technology can enrich the learning experience, making it more relevant and engaging for today’s students. India scores low on the Human Development Index, and this issue of a complacent mindset is one of the major reasons behind it. This issue isn’t just confined to school teachers but pervades the entire public education system in India. However, I believe the major concern lies with the teachers, as they are the guiding lights for millions of underprivileged students. They are the only resource available in the rural interiors of India who have both the capability and the reach to give these underprivileged students a chance at fulfilling a higher destiny. And this is exactly what the Piramal Foundation seeks to achieve—a mindset shift. As a Gandhi Fellow, I aspire to nudge the stakeholders into taking small yet necessary steps to bring about effective and meaningful change in their teaching methods. Whenever I feel small and vulnerable in front of all these challenges, and when I don’t see change despite persistent effort, I seek refuge in the words of Mahatma Gandhi. He once said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” One does not need to be an authoritative figure or a Messiah to bring about change in society; all one needs is persistence and empathy. I believe I have both.

“Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw In a world defined by rapid innovation and constant evolution, the role of young people in driving and managing change has never been more pivotal. Today’s youth, with their fresh outlooks, technological expertise, and natural adaptability, are stepping into roles that require bold leadership and innovative problem-solving. Unlike earlier generations, they operate in a landscape where change is the norm, and their ability to think creatively is reshaping conventional approaches to managing change. By examining the impact of youth in change management, we discover how their unique traits—such as flexibility, teamwork, and foresight—are fostering a new era where innovation and adaptability are not only valued but essential. Youth Leading the Charge in Change Management Insights into change management are deeply influenced by real-world success stories, such as the impactful work of young Gandhi Fellows. These stories highlight a theory of change centered on addressing complex issues with resourceful solutions, grounded in collaboration, systems thinking, and profound empathy. Many of these young changemakers have left a lasting impression on how challenges are approached today. Revolutionizing Rural Healthcare | Rahul’s Story of Digital Transformation In a remote village in India’s heartland, Afsana Begum, an ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker, starts her day visiting households, advising expectant mothers, and educating families about healthcare. However, her work has transformed—instead of lugging around bundles of registers and notebooks, she now carries a tablet equipped with the Utprerona application, a tool designed to revolutionize rural healthcare services. This shift was enabled by Rahul, a young Gandhi Fellow, who spearheaded the Digitalized ASHA program under the Digital Bharat Collaborative initiative. A Pivotal Moment of Change During one of her visits, Afsana encountered a high-risk pregnancy case. Using the Utprerona app, she accessed the patient’s medical history, logged symptoms, and flagged the case for immediate attention. The app’s real-time functionality alerted doctors, ensuring the patient was referred to a hospital within hours. This timely intervention not only saved lives but also strengthened trust in healthcare services. Transforming Rural Healthcare in Assam | Juhi’s Fight Against Tuberculosis In a small village in Assam’s Sipajhar Block, Sunita Devi, a 28-year-old mother of two, suffered from a persistent cough and fever for weeks. Like many in her community, she hesitated to seek medical help due to stigma and a lack of awareness, worsening her condition. Juhi, another Gandhi Fellow working under the Digital Bharat Collaborative (DBC) initiative, played a crucial role in tackling such challenges. Juhi trained ASHA worker Nalini Devi to use the Nikshay application, a digital tool for managing tuberculosis (TB) cases. During a door-to-door health survey, Nalini, empowered by Juhi’s training, identified Sunita as a suspected TB patient. Lessons from Rahul & Juhi: Driving Impact Through Digitization The resilience and determination displayed by young people often go unrecognized. Rahul and Juhi’s efforts exemplify the power of building strong relationships to leverage technology and drive innovation. Their success in leading change through digitization highlights several key attributes: By embodying these qualities, Rahul and Juhi have shown how young leaders can effectively implement grassroots change through digital solutions. This approach is becoming a defining feature of modern change management. By uniting diverse stakeholders, championing digital innovation, and fostering collective responsibility, they aim to build a sustainable framework for addressing healthcare challenges across the country. The Youth’s Role in Shaping the Future As India remains the youngest nation in the world, the involvement of youth in leading change initiatives and having a voice in decision-making is more vital than ever. Paired with the transformative power of technology, young changemakers are uniquely positioned to tackle and simplify some of the most complex global problems. Story Credits Juhi & Rahul, Gandhi Fellows, Batch 16, Assam

The sun rose gently on my 10th day of community immersion. As usual, I woke up, freshened up, and set out to explore the nearby areas. The market was lively, and as I walked through, a man approached me, curious about my presence. “Why have you come here?” he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and doubt. I smiled and explained the purpose of my community immersion, sharing how I was here to learn and connect with the local people. His questions continued. “Where are you eating your food?” I told him about the kind families who had been sharing their meals with me. Then came a question I hadn’t expected. “What is your caste?” “I am a Brahmin,” I replied honestly. His expression shifted, and he said, “Then why are you eating in those houses? They are low-caste people.” I paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Food has no caste. It is sacred—a blessing. When people offer food with love, that is what matters most.” He seemed taken aback, perhaps reevaluating his own beliefs. After the market visit, I returned to my temporary home, ate a quick meal, and then headed out to join some laborers at work. When I offered to help, they hesitated at first, unsure why someone like me would want to work alongside them. But I reassured them, saying, “There is no high or low work. All work has dignity.” To break the ice, I joked about asking for payment, which lightened the mood. We soon got to work, and I spent the day spreading fertilizer in the fields. The work was physically demanding, but it felt good to contribute and bond with them. I gave one of them my phone to capture some photos, but they ended up being blurry and unfocused. When I pointed it out, he laughed and said, “I don’t know how to take photos.” I seized the opportunity to teach him how to capture better pictures. At the end of the work, the landowner approached me and asked, “How much should I pay you?” Laughing, I said, “It’s up to you.” To my surprise, he handed me ₹50. As I held the money in my hand, a wave of realization hit me. That small amount wasn’t just money—it symbolized the value of hard work. It made me think about how easily we spend money on material things without truly appreciating its worth. I realized that true happiness doesn’t come from extravagant possessions but from valuing the simple, meaningful moments in life. Reflecting on my journey, I thought back to when I first applied for the Gandhi Fellowship. I had been excited about the possibility of being placed in a beautiful, mountainous region like Kashmir or Uttarakhand. When I found out I was assigned to Bihar, I felt disappointed, especially since one of my friends got placed in Assam. But over time, I’ve come to see this as an unexpected adventure. Bihar has challenged me in ways I never anticipated, teaching me lessons I couldn’t have learned elsewhere. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but I’ve realized that the unplanned paths often lead to the most meaningful experiences. As I rested that evening, I couldn’t help but smile, grateful for the day’s lessons and the journey ahead. I’m learning to embrace the unexpected, break barriers, and find joy in the simplest of moments.

Some of us grew up with dreams. Others had dreams growing on them. Each dream is precious. Once set free, a dream has endless potential to transform those it touches. However, the Indian education system is seldom dreamer friendly. For those who seek linearity, corporate jobs, condominiums and bonuses, it seems, perhaps, promising. But what about those who dream differently? The Gandhi Fellowship was set up as a sanctuary for dreamers. Although the Fellows will vouch, a snug sanctuary is not what it feels on a given day. More than a faraway, cosy resting place, the Fellowship is an intense, emotional joyride through grassroots reality and the surprising hinterland of one’s own mind. The tagline whispers at “Work for India; Do it for you.” Not for Mama, not for Love, but for your own Self. The question all Gandhi Fellows religiously engage with is one of transformation – and that is what we require around us today. And that requires some gumption. Gandhi Fellowship Founder-Director Vivek Sharma, speaks of his current occupation as one of betting on young people as he goes campus hopping, looking for tomorrow’s leaders from among the youth. “Popular perception is that youth don’t care. But from the cream of the crop institutions to far-flung colleges, I come across a bunch of creative, non-violent constructivists waiting to take up extraordinary agendas.” “I often ask if they dream of one big issue to solve. Some answers come rapidly, mostly from the over-exposed metropolitan bacchas. Those from rural and semi-urban parts silently nod, without even the hint of a dream as if the education system clipped their wings. But I see a hunger in the belly; innocent, unpolluted minds and most important, given coaching and mentoring, they will deliver the rigour and passion required to succeed.” Understanding the precise art of transformation – idea to action, fear to courage, cynicism to change, dreamer to leader – is what the Fellowship believes will create a different world. Aditya Natraj CEO, Piramal Foundation, says, “People like Mahatma Gandhi, Verghese Kurien MS Swaminathan and Ela Bhatt felt a deep understanding of the problems they addressed. To seed the next generation of leaders, it is crucial to understand today’s scenario. As a first step, it requires exposing and familiarising them with the challenges in the Indian backyard.” Besides the exposure, the Fellowship works at giving the dreamers significant practical life experience, and opportunities to hone leadership. It is designed to develop leaders who will contribute in the domains of social entrepreneurship, civil society, politics, economy, academia and communication. Being the change you wish to see in the world, is the grain of Gandhian philosophy that Fellows live by. Change yourself first, GFs are warned before they set foot outside. The Fellowship once evolved alongside a parallel visionary idea – the Principal Leadership Development Program. The program was about lending to Headmasters, who wish to bring change in their schools, the necessary support to create sustainable change. School support involved academic and institutional transformation in which the Fellows were an executive assistant, coach, friend and sometimes, even a jiminy cricket of sorts for the older school Headmasters. Together, they created and implemented strategies to bring changes in the school fabric, measuring change, attendance, scowls, smiles, and everything in between. Today Fellows work in areas so diverse as water, health and education – with gram panchayats, block & district officials and the rural communities in the bottom districts of India. Transformation takes place not in rhetorical word play or in borrowed answers but in places that have been institutionally ignored – our lives, hearts and minds. Once the Fellows succeed in thawing the old ice, the elders at the helm of social change in India, the district and Block leadership, becomes playful like children, it doesn’t stop there. Even their spouses feel the tender strokes. Life changes once people begin to feel free and unencumbered (bhaya-mukt). Gandhi Fellows engage with divergent experiences, to gain multi-layered perspectives and to learn together, from a bustling month long community immersions, to taking a vow of silence at a Vipassana retreat and hanging out with organisations with contrasting ideologies. The Fellowship is not about making the best out of the best, explains Vivek.” While we go to top campuses, the majority of dreamers are from the districts India. “Impaired by an education system that has failed to deliver them vocabulary and grammar, what does a young person do? Yet I see a yearning across campuses, a desire to make a difference to the self and to the world around, tomorrow if not today, faltering if not coherent,” adds Vivek. The Fellowship pushes its dreamers to stretch their limits and grow in fearlessness. To understand what you must do to spur someone else’s transformation, you must be steeped in and deeply engaged with your own. And to approach the world, not as an external agent of change – but a participant means living with grassroots empathy and self awareness. It means living with integrity – and being the change you really wish to see.

They say that, change is the only constant in nature. So, even I have decided to give a break to my routine writing style and try out a different format. Normally, I do not work on Sundays. But the last Sunday (Jan 26) was something different. Racing on the bicycle the Sarpanch had given me to use for commuting around the village, I started off at 5.30 in the morning, traversing through fields and houses of curious onlookers. But, what will remain forever with me is the encounter I had at Hardik’s home, at around 7am, when I dropped by for my morning Chai. “Good morning Manohar sir, how are you?, asked the boy in English with a beaming smile, seeing me so early at his doorstep. Reciprocating his gesture, I just waved him a Hi, and offered a folded Namaste to his grandfather, who was sitting on a Khat, outside his home. The conversation was naturally about his grandfather, as I could not speak of anything else other than that, at that point of time. I was shell shocked, coming to know that, he had an acute paralysis attack, 3 years ago. Prior to it, he suffered from a knee cap replacement surgery, when he fell down from a moving bus. Dadaji was a conductor in a government bus, traversing daily from Kapadwanj to Nadiad. I was further saddened when I came to know that, they took him to a hospital 5 long hours after he suffered from the attack because of no facilities. They didn’t have enough money to afford an ambulance and to top it, they have a strained relation with their neighbors, owing to a property dispute. After a medical check-up, the family could not afford advanced treatment and just let Dadaji be, as long as he can live. It pained me the most. When my dad suffered from a similar attack in 2012, we took him to the best hospital in less than 10 minutes. There was physiotherapy and advanced physiotherapy for him, for almost 3 years, making sure that he does get back to normalcy. Though my dad doesn’t work anymore, it’s very difficult to say, he had an acute paralysis attack, seeing his present look. This comparison was racing on in my mind. “How a paralysis attack can affect an entire family,” this thought was hammering all sides of my brain, transporting me back to those turbulent days. But then, I can only say that, it is all fate, and no can guess, what will ever happen to anyone of us. Speaking with Hardik’s father, I was still more saddened. When I told him to not give up on physiotherapy or exercising and told him to take Dadaji for any nearby trauma center, he just lay bare his condition, making me silent for almost 20 minutes. I couldn’t utter a single word after that. He said, he’s neck deep in loans, hunted by loan sharks, owing to the installments he has to pay for his Eeco. He also added that, it’s because of this reason that he stays away from home, most of the time. He also said that Hardik and Hemal’s education are his top priority now and he cannot afford to oversee it to better Dadaji’s condition. I couldn’t say anything after this. I was too emotionally drained, as I was, in parallel, thinking of my own home. What if my dad had not secured his finances, what if we were not able to afford the treatment, what if I didn’t have the resources to complete my education, what if I did not have a strong mother who managed things so well, and these thoughts kept on coming back, after a really long time. I tried putting myself in Hardik’s shoes, but I just could not, as it was too scary for me. The only difference I found between Hardik and me was that, he remains happy with whatever limited he has got, enjoying the present. On the contrary, always searching for something better in the future, I keep on ruining my present. This single incident was enough to put me on a very deep reflection, letting me thank God for what he has given me, despite taking back a few moments. I also promised myself to not get involved with others who do not reciprocate similar kind of feelings towards me. I made a mental note, to just stay strong, keep working hard, and keep getting better at what I do. Though I felt like staying with them for a whole day, I had to leave after my food, as I had an interview with the Sarpanch at 12.30 pm. The interview went well, I did my best, though it was a very new experience for me, facing camera. I would be getting the edited footage in about two days. Finishing this, I left for Santosh bhai’s home, as he had invited me for lunch. I interacted with his extended family too, who were there for a function at his home. I ate my food silently and just left to my home. I decided not to go anywhere after that, and was just lost in thoughts.  I thank God for making me this capable and giving me, what he could best.

Hey folks! Greetings from Kheda Location’s DTP Team. A big THANK YOU to all of you for all your love, support and for reposting our cartoons so much that they found their way back to us. Really shows how connected we are as a Gandhi Fellowship community. This is Jazreen Deboo (from Bombay) and Sagar Malik (from Haryana) who have come together to tell our fellowship story. Turns out its not just our story, its yours too!   We are Batch XI fellows who joined the fellowship last year and feel it really changed our lives. Here in Gujarat, we have taken inspiration from tea – an integral part of our daily survival. Two years of the fellowship will pass us by in the blink of an eye and you must drink the tea while it is still hot. (And keep good relations with Gujarati chai wallahs, you never know). So come and join us as we recall our journey so far. Find out if Gandhi fellowship is our cup of tea.  तो शुरू करे चाय पे चर्चा?   We met our entire team at PSL in June and we were so overwhelmed by the diversity of fellows in one campus. “Diversity is about embracing differences and recognizing that amazing things are possible when it’s woven into an organization’s culture.” Here’s what we think a Gandhi Fellow is made of:   Join us one day and live the life of a DTP Fellow: Phew, tough day! Being a fellow involves going through a roller coaster of emotions. Check out some feelings of Sagar and Jaz through their journey so far. Dealing with the realities of a dynamic field Come end of the month .. Pleasant surprises .. Reflections Stakeholder Management Uh oh .. Kyunki ek accident toh banta hai .. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner .. No place for the slow and steady here .. Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo .. Can’t explain, you really have to feel this one: And during this fellowship ride of ups and downs, you’re bound to learn a lot of new things about yourself, the development sector and the country we live in. This journey of self change to system change will allow you to open your mind and expand your horizons to explore depths of yourself that you never imagined possible. From Classroom Immersion to Vipassana, from Field Support to Village Immersion and many more processes that will mold your way to being a valuable citizen of India. Here are some things Jaz & Sagar have learned so far (other than multiple Baal Geets): The importance of data, understanding the need of the community and empathizing with the stakeholder. The District is our lab – a place to try new ideas, innovate and reinvent processes and experiences. Breaking linear patterns of thinking and exploring creative solutions and ways of working in the system. Leaving your home and venturing into a new district far away will break your bubble and expose you to the realities of rural India. How well are you coping with this? With great innovation comes great risk. सबका मंगल हो A small “Thank You” or “Good Job” goes a long way .. (Hail Ufra 😀 ) There is no “I” in TEAM Its okay to screw up sometimes .. But whatever you do make sure you’re always making great memories! That’s all from us! See you all later over our next cup of tea!  

The globetrotter in me has decided to take a break. Its time for a new adventure, a different approach and an altered way of life. For the next two years, I am shifting base from my home in the urban metropolis Mumbai to a rural district in Gujarat – Kheda. I’m embracing this change with a mission in mind. I have become a part of the Gandhi Fellowship Programme. The programme helps youngsters like me enter the development sector to strive towards making a difference and empowering the backward sections of our country. Our project – Rural Education. Some might say I have walked into this scene blindly. With no experience, no concrete plans for the future and having never lived away from home. To those people I would like to say, have a little faith and join me in my journey (through this blog) from the City of Dreams to making some dreams come true. For now, I have said my Good Byes. Good Bye to my city and my beloved college. Good Bye to my friends. Good Bye to my protective father, my mother (and her silly jokes) and my brother who now has a room all to himself. As I write this piece, seated in the 12955 Mumbai to Jaipur Super-Fast Express on my way to the Pink City (for my training course), I am surrounded by the usual scene one would find in an Indian long-distance train. Families and their home-cooked meals, children jumping from berth to berth and every passenger over 15 glued to the screens of their smartphones. Four year olds playing at a seat next to mine: “Stone .. Paper .. Shijur” The vernacular pronunciation of the word ‘scissor’ has given me my first taste of North India. (South Bombay kids will get this.) A journey like this, even without getting out of the train can expose you to a variety of cultures just by the people who board at every station. Every passenger brings with them their own sense of style, language and sensitivity. A group of men, all strangers before they met on train are now having a partly-hushed, partly-loud conversation about ‘Modiji’ – a common topic for conversation run up to the 2019 election while their wives and the older folk snooze occasionally, keeping an eye on the children. My father sits across from me, taking some business calls. I am a silent observer, with no judgements just taking it all in. Every character in my story from here will be a brand new one. I know no one and nothing. Every scene in my life henceforth is going to be a surprise even for me. And that brings me some excitement. Stay tuned for more. #GFPDiaries #ThoughtsOfAFellow #CityGirl #UrbanToRural #MissingMumbai #KissingKheda #Bombye #GFPDiaries #MyChronicles

One With All The Answers Inside a classroom or outside of it, hands raised or put down, questions asked or not; didn’t matter because I was always the one with all the answers. The one who knew it all. Whether you wanted it or not I was ready with all the answers, not all spoken out loudly but it was all there in my mind. I knew it all or maybe I thought I did. I thought I could take on life as it came and turn it my way because you know I know it all until recently when I find myself at a short of words let alone answers. Life was getting on track, I was trying to establish my footing, work was getting in line and if I had stayed things would have been very comfortable and settled by now but the heart wants what it wants and in a very dramatic manner I let my heart take over my mind and turn my life upside down. Very pompously and I must say with a large pinch of arrogance I threw away the prospects of a millennial future in lieu of uncertainties and a faint hopeless hope of being “the change you want to see in the world” (not a romantic at heart but I did just say that, see the uncertainties have already gotten onto me). I was looking for questions to answer because why not, after all I was one with all the answers. Just one and a half month into this fellowship and my head has been set straight and here I am not giving but seeking answers. When I had joined I had more confidence than blood in my body and now I see myself craving for even a glimpse of that old self. I had come here certain of myself but the ways of life have thrown me off-guard. The prospective nation builder in me was more than overwhelmed when I got to see the nation so up and close, a nation I knew to exist in books and stories but now am very much a part of. The nation that’s not in the delivery range of Zomato and Swiggy but serves tales, food and love enough to fill your stomach and satiate your soul. I had heard a lot that this journey of two years changes who you are and I thought how could it because you know!!! And here I have already started to shed away parts of me and transition into I do not even know what. Travelling to places I surely wouldn’t have otherwise both in this physical space and spiritual, finding hope in odd looking faces, tapping to my own tunes and quoting revolutionaries, at this point in time I cannot even fathom where am I headed to? You know what? I am no longer the one with all the answers and it doesn’t me any happier but it doesn’t make me sad either and somehow and I do not know high but I sleep lighter at nights, this journey of self-discovery is giving me the strength to push through my dark days. I feel my pit burning, burning with the hunger of knowledge, after a very long period; hunger to know myself and the other better, to put more life in my breaths…. Not all days are shiny and bright but the will to push through dark days towards better ones is getting stronger and Chico that’s enough progress for now, I guess!