GFC launched a new ARC project, under which we selected a few villages and planned to conduct qualitative interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with specific individuals. My responsibility was to take notes.

In the beginning, I regularly took notes. However, after the third or fourth interview, I noticed a positive change in myself. I was not just listening; I was deeply understanding the emotions expressed by the person in…

A few months ago, SALT-related work had started in Vashi village. After discussions with Ritu Nanda, a decision was made to halt the SALT activities there. However, today, when Shahrukh and Jayashree visited with the children, we discussed their plans for future work. The children came together for a group discussion and drafted a plan for activities to be implemented in January 2025, based on the dreams they envision for Vashi village. They specifically brainstormed ideas on how various…

In Kolkata, six different organizations were invited to come together for a Cohort meeting. Arrangements for everyone’s stay were made in a natural, beautiful, and captivating place, which filled everyone with joy. I was very eager to meet everyone and learn about the strengths they brought. Human emotions are important, but people often don’t wait for others to express their feelings, as no one understands their inner emotions. In this meeting, everyone openly and trustingly shared their…

I met some children from Nandwal village today. They were in the ninth grade. I was supposed to conduct a SALT activity with them. Initially, I introduced myself to them. The children were not significantly younger than me. To ensure there were no difficulties in our discussion, I told them not to address me as "Sir" but to call me "Dada" instead. They agreed to this with a smile.

I asked both of them to recall good things in their…