Jugnu Chik Baraik ji’s Inspiring Vision of Village Unity and Care

[Nityam Ghosh]

During today’s SALT session at the Bhatpara Tea Garden, I had the honour of meeting Jugnu Chik Baraik ji, a respected 62-year-old elder from the Basa Line area. What he shared with me deeply moved my heart and taught me valuable lessons about humanity, compassion, and social unity. 

Jugnu ji narrated a poignant experience reflecting his kind and generous nature. A member of the village—whom he does not personally know or consider family—came to him seeking financial help for urgent medical treatment. Without hesitation, Jugnu ji immediately withdrew money from his bank account and gave it to the person with encouraging words: “Get your treatment done.” He assured the person that if more funds are ever needed in the future, they should feel free to ask him without hesitation. Remarkably, after some days, the person’s health completely improved.When I asked about his relationship with this person, Jugnu ji explained that he holds no personal relation with him; instead, he sees the entire village as his extended family. This beautiful mindset of considering every member of the community as one's own truly struck me. It revealed how relationships can become stronger when we adopt a collective family perspective.Jugnu ji’s story is a shining example of kindness and progressiveness in society. His belief that everyone in the village is like family highlights the importance of unity and cooperation for social wellbeing. He described how the entire community lives in harmony and supports each other through thick and thin. For instance, if a family faces financial hardship during weddings or religious ceremonies, neighbors help out with whatever they can, ensuring no one is left behind.When I asked Jugnu ji about his feelings towards today’s conversation, he thanked us for giving him a chance to speak openly—a rare opportunity for him. He said sharing his thoughts made his heart feel light, and it reignited his awareness of the strength within him to support others. Expressing this out loud was a new and joyful experience for him.Finally, Jugnu ji expressed a hopeful wish: he hoped more village members could share their perspectives and stories openly like this, revealing the collective strength and unity of the community. He believes such openness would generate many valuable ideas and solutions beneficial to everyone.Jugnu Chik Baraik ji’s story is a heartfelt reminder that seeing everyone around us as family creates bonds of compassion and cooperation that uplift whole communities. It is this village spirit that empowers people to live harmoniously and face challenges together—truly a model worth emulating.