Masculinity: A Reflective Dialogue with Rural Aid’s Male Staff

[Nityam Ghosh]

On September 26, 2025, a heartfelt session on masculinity was held with the male staff of Rural Aid, facilitated by Nityam and Sanjeev.

Acknowledging the difficulty men often experience in discussing masculinity, the session began with a simple warm-up question: “What did you like the most today?” This eased participants into the dialogue, allowing them to share moments of happiness such as the pleasant weather and upcoming Puja holidays. The initial hesitation melted away, paving the way for a sincere and open conversation.Appreciating Strengths Within the Team through the SALT (Support, Appreciate, Listen, and Transfer) process, team members celebrated each other’s strengths. Amit was recognized for his responsibility and calm approach in handling challenges, as well as his supportive role at home, preparing breakfast and assisting his wife. This is particularly commendable in a context where many men avoid domestic duties. Pancham admired Rana’s determination and readiness to take responsibility for office logistics. Sanjeev appreciated Dhiraj’s dedication and sincere approach to work, noting how seriously he prioritizes his responsibilities. This mutual appreciation fostered a strong foundation of trust and respect, enriching the session’s deeper reflections.Defining “Man” Through Shared PerspectivesWhen asked, “How do you feel when you hear the word man?” participants offered powerful insights. Amit spoke of responsibility as the core of masculinity, condemning behaviors like alcoholism and domestic violence that betray this ideal. Sanjeev described masculinity as complex, emphasizing the societal pressure on men to hide their emotions. Dhiraj associated manhood with strength and accountability in resolving family matters, while Rana fondly recalled his father’s steadfastness in shielding the family from hardship, teaching him the meaning of resilience. Together, these views paint masculinity as rooted in care, responsibility, and quiet strength rather than dominance.The Silent Burdens of MenWhen invited to share something that makes them feel like a man but is difficult to express, participants revealed their hidden struggles. Amit spoke honestly about family disputes and the temptation to give up, but his commitment to facing life’s challenges remained firm. Rana shared the pain of struggling to meet family expenses alone, persevering without support. Pancham described the compromises he makes silently to uphold his family’s well-being while masking his sorrows behind a smile. These candid disclosures underscored the emotional isolation many men endure under societal expectations of stoicism.Reflections on the Session and the Way ForwardThe session concluded with reflections on what went well and what could be improved. Rana appreciated the warm-up question that helped create comfort, Dhiraj found solace in knowing others share similar challenges, and Amit expressed enthusiasm for more sessions with wider male participation. The group agreed that open discussions about life’s problems are vital for finding collective solutions, breaking the cycle of silent suffering.ConclusionThis masculinity session with Rural Aid’s male staff provided a safe, supportive space for honest dialogue. It highlighted how men carry heavy responsibilities and a deep sense of duty, often quietly bearing emotional burdens. The participants agreed that true masculinity is about responsibility, care, resilience, and the courage to be vulnerable. The session challenged limiting stereotypes that prevent men from expressing emotions and seeking support. Regular opportunities for such open conversations can build stronger understanding and healthier perspectives on manhood, helping men share their struggles and overcome them together.The journey to reshape masculinity toward greater strength combined with sensitivity continues—building not only individual well-being but stronger, more compassionate communities.