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.