Today I met Shrikant Ramchandra Shelke in Shelakewadi village. Everyone calls him “Maharaj” (this is how temple priests are respectfully addressed). He had to go out for some work, so he did not have much time, but still he gave me one hour to talk. When I reached his house, he was playing with his grandchildren. The bond between a grandfather and grandchildren is beyond words. When I sat with him, the children also quietly sat nearby. First, I introduced myself. Then I asked him to remember…

The relationship between a father and son is very unique. A hardworking father is always in front of his children’s eyes. Children usually see their father working all the time. After becoming a father, a man dedicates his life to giving his children a happy and secure future.

Today’s visit was very special for me. I visited a house where both the father and his 28-year-old son were present. I had already done a SALT conversation with the father earlier. Today, I felt happy to see both…

In the morning, I visited Shelakewadi village. I went to different houses hoping to meet some farmers. After completing one SALT activity in a house, I went to the next house.

Anil Shelke is a farmer. When I went to his house, he welcomed me respectfully, asked me to sit, and offered water. He looked very tired because he had just returned from the farm. So, I first had some light conversation with him. After he felt relaxed, I started the discussion.

He said farming is his…

I am currently forming a group of elderly men who sit together at the village square in Shelakewadi. From the training I attended on masculinity, I understood that being a man is not easy. So my purpose is to create a safe space for boys, men, and elderly men where they can express their feelings openly.

In the village, elderly men usually gather at different corners. We do not need to call them—they are already there, as they are mostly free at this stage of life. I met one such group…