On 14th September 2025, the SALT process (Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, Transfer) was conducted with the vibrant community of Bhatpara Tea Garden (Nichhe Line). The session turned into a meaningful exchange where people of different age groups—youths, parents, senior citizens, and even an ASHA worker—came together to share stories, strengths, and perspectives about their lives and community.…

গত এক মাসের একটি ছোট্ট যাত্রা শেয়ার করতে চাই আপনাদের সাথে। বিকেল হলেই আমি কয়েকজন ছেলেকে নিয়ে খেলতে বের হতাম। তিন-চারজনের এই ছোট্ট দল থেকেই গল্পের শুরু। খেলতে খেলতে পাশের বাড়ির আরও কয়েকজন তরুণ আগ্রহ নিয়ে আমাদের সাথে যোগ দিল। ধীরে ধীরে দলটা বড় হতে থাকল, আর খেলাধুলার সঙ্গে সঙ্গে আমাদের সম্পর্কও আরও…

Today, a special Masculinity Group SALT session was held in the Taltola community of Munshiganj. Four young participants joined the session— Jabbar, Abhi, Chanchal, and Shoyon. I had the opportunity to facilitate this session, and truly, it was an incredible experience for me.

Previously, I have facilitated similar sessions with men of different ages. But what made this one special was that all the participants were of a similar age group. For safeguarding purposes, an 18-year-old boy…

In the Pechakola community, the two neighborhoods—Eidmath Para and Sarkar Para—used to see each other as rivals. The youth wasted time on mobile phones, showing little interest in studies or sports. Among them prevailed a toxic masculinity—showing off strength, competing to defeat one another, and believing themselves to be the best.…

ভাঙ্গুড়া উপজেলার খান মরিচ ইউনিয়নের মিছমিথুইর গ্রামে জন্ম স্বতিকা সরকারের। বাবা নাম বাবলু সরকার, মাতা দ্বিপালী সরকার। তার পিতা একজন ক্ষুদ্র ব্যবসায়ী। তিন বোনের মধ্যে স্বতিকাই বড়, বয়স ১৫ বছর। বর্তমানে দশম শ্রেণির ছাত্রী। ছোটবেলা থেকেই তার জীবন ছিল নানা সীমাবদ্ধতা ও চ্যালেঞ্জে ভরা। এই সম্প্রদায়ের অনেকেই নানা কারণে সরকারি সেবা থেকে বঞ্চিত হয়ে থাকে, যার…

Around us, there are countless people who surrender to life’s hardships. Yet, there are also those who transform their pain and struggles into strength. Shaheen is one such person. His story is not only about hardship but also about indomitable courage, patience, and humanity.

Shaheen’s childhood was filled with difficulties. His father…

A few days ago, I had the chance to meet a 27-year-old young man, Jai Chik Baraik, from the Basa Line area of Bhatpara Tea Garden. What followed was a truly enriching SALT conversation—a dialogue that allowed Jai to share his story of pride, values, and vision for his community.

A Heart Always Ready to Help

Jai spoke with remarkable…

As a newcomer to the ARC initiative, I was introduced to SALT. At first, although I had learned many approaches in academia and other initiatives, the SALT approach felt entirely different and new to me. Through practice, I realized that SALT is not just a method, it is a journey of learning, building relationships, and creating change. SALT stands for Support, Appreciate, Listen, and Transfer…

Date: 12 September 2025

Place: Bhatpara B.T. Garden, Basa Line Area

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with two young men from the Basa Line area of Bhatpara B.T. Garden to talk about an often-discussed yet deeply personal theme—masculinity. Approaching this conversation through the SALT process—where listening attentively…

Masculinity group SALT.

আমরা বুড়িগোয়ালিনী কমিউনিটিতে ম্যাস্কুলাইনিটি group SALT করার সময় বয়স ভেদে

৩টা গ্রুপে বিভক্ত করি। প্রতি টা গ্রুপে আলাদা আলাদা মিটিং করি।

★ প্রথম গ্রুপ:- ১৫ থেকে ২৫ বছর।

★ দ্বিতীয় গ্রুপ:- ২৫ থেকে ৪০ বছর।

★ তৃতীয় :- ৪০ উর্দ্ধ একটা গ্রুপ।

প্রতিগ্রুপে ১/২ জন ম্যাসকুলাইনিটি SALT

রিফ্লেকশন পরিবর্তন হয়েছে এমন লোকও ছিলো।

যে কারনে আলোচনাটা সুন্দর হয়েছিলো।

এবং সবার সামনে তাদের পরিবর্তন স্যাম্পল

বা উদাহরন নয় বরং মডেল ছিলো।…

I was born in a rural village, surrounded by green hills, terraced fields, and the scent of fresh soil. My childhood was simple and full of nature’s beauty. But because there was no school in the village, my parents had to move me to the city. That’s how I came to Kathmandu, where I lived with my sister and completed my SEE exams from Koteshwor.

Life in the city was not easy—crowded, competitive, and often overwhelming. Yet, my heart always stayed rooted in the village. That’s why I…

Understanding disability and its severity

Disability refers to a person who is suffering from long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Children with disabilities are those below 18 years of age who experience the above conditions. Disabilities can be classified into…

Understanding the Challenge

The Pechakola community in Bera, Pabna, regularly faces challenges during the monsoon season, including heavy rainfall, inundation, and waterlogging. These issues make roads muddy and unsafe, leading to lower school attendance and increased risks for children traveling to school. Traditionally, the community tolerated these seasonal difficulties without organized solutions. However, through the introduction of the SALT (Support, Appreciate,…

I was returning after conducting a SALT activity in one of the lanes of Nandwal village. While walking in the heat, I noticed an elderly man sitting alone in front of a house. It was Shamarao Nikam. I went to him and asked for some time. He called out to me,  “Come, Mauli.” The sweetness in his voice touched my heart, and I went inside. We sat down on a mat on the floor and began chatting.…

Today, in the Basa Line area of Bhatpara Tea Garden, I had a deeply moving SALT conversation with Mr. Santu Chik Baraik, a 34-year-old guardian whose story touched my heart. Santu shared an incident from the past few months that highlights the power of kindness and community support. A friend approached him urgently, needing money for his son’s school admission. Without hesitation, Santu withdrew money from his bank account and gave it to his friend, which made it possible for the child to…

In the heart of Bhatpara Tea Garden, Nichhe Line, lives a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience and selfless determination. Katrina Baraik, 41 years old, has faced challenges that could have broken anyone’s spirit, yet she chose to rise above and move forward with courage.

Katrina lost her father at a young age, and life changed…

In the quiet lanes of Basha Line, Bhatpara, lives a young man named Abhay Routh, just 20 years old, whose story of courage and responsibility has touched many hearts. During today’s SALT conversation, Abhay bravely shared a deeply personal experience that stands as a shining example of how determination and community spirit can help overcome life’s toughest moments.…

They took a bold decision without hurting anyone.

A salt activity was conducted with a self-help group in Nandwal. After that, the women also took an action. Before taking salt, they all used to never leave their homes, but after taking salt, they realized their strength and went to a resort for a day trip. The women in this group are always ready to do some new activity. Four days ago, the husband of a woman in that group passed away. According to the old tradition, after the husband…

I met Sachin Shinde, a 34-year-old farmer from Nandwal village. He had just returned from the fields, tired, and was sitting at his doorstep with a mobile phone in his hand. I approached him and asked for some time, and when I started the conversation, he happily agreed. His wife is currently working as a member of the Nandwal Gram Panchayat.

I shared with him some information about the Joyful Village research, where the community members themselves had taken initiative and worked. He…

This evening, around six o’clock, I set out for Nandwal village. My purpose today was to meet the men of the village. I know that on Mondays, many men and young people are on holiday, so I try to meet them at that time.

I saw a few men sitting on the katta, chatting. I joined their discussion and quietly listened for some time. They were talking about several issues related to the development of the village. For nearly half an hour, I just listened to what they were saying. Then, I asked…