On the occasion of World Men’s Day, we held a SALT and masculinity focused discussion with a group of young men, adult men, and elders in Nandwal village. This day is celebrated around the world, but this year we chose a slightly different approach. Instead of the usual practice of offering flowers or praising men just for a day, my intention was to create a heartfelt space for understanding their emotions, experiences, and everyday struggles through meaningful dialogue.

The…

After the previous SALT activity, we met once again today. My purpose this time was to have a discussion about masculinity. From my previous experience, I realized that when SALT activities are combined with discussions on masculinity, people open up and express themselves more freely and sincerely.

So, I conducted the SALT session again. They once again shared their experiences — this time briefly, but with great honesty and emotion, which allowed them to express themselves…

In the evening, everyone was sitting together on the village square (katta). At this time, most villagers finish their remaining daily tasks, such as delivering milk to the dairy, and then sit together to relax. I joined one such group of elderly men and began a conversation.

At first, they shared some memories from their lives about themselves, their…

Chandar Ulpe, age 60. We’ve known each other for about a year now, and our bond has grown stronger through SALT conversations. He often interacts with the youth group and inspires them.

When we met him this time, he was busy with farming work, yet he took time out for us. Because of our friendly relationship, we spent the first ten minutes chatting about various topics. He appreciated the young boys for starting the Lezim activity. During an earlier SALT conversation, he had shared…

A young man from Nandwal village created a display during this year’s Ganesh festival that delivered a meaningful message to everyone.

Sameer Patil, a 23-year-old youth, is both a farmer and a businessman. Along with managing his family responsibilities, he is known for expressing thoughtful and well-informed opinions on various issues concerning the youth in the village.

The Ganesh festival holds great importance in India, showcasing unity and tradition in a beautiful…

Today, a group SALT activity was conducted with middle-aged and elderly men. It was a meaningful experience that brought together diverse thoughts and experiences. The main topic of discussion was “concerns and their possible solutions.” Together, the participants reached a consensus on taking concrete steps to address these issues.

Everyone shared…

While walking around Nandwal village today, I saw a man cleaning his garden in front of his house, Rajaram Ulpe. The calm and contented expression on his face reflected how peacefully he spends his time in the company of nature. Upon greeting him, we sat under a chikoo tree and began our conversation.

His life story begins in the 1980s a time when…

In Nandwal village, through SALT activities, I have met almost all the boys and discovered their good qualities. All of them have the strength to play the role of a leader. About a month before the Ganesh festival, we had organized a meeting in the gym. In that meeting, the boys participated enthusiastically and shared their various dreams. Some of these they had planned to carry out during the Ganesh festival, but for some reason, it did not happen. After that, the rains began. For the past…

Family, a web of relationships that everyone longs for. It is the place where human life begins and where learning takes root. Today, I had the opportunity to meet such a family, through a SALT activity.

The conversation began in a light and easy manner. Each member shared their interests in a few sentences, which created a relaxed and open atmosphere. Soon, the parents started talking about the youth and children in the village. They said, Our children, as well as the children in the…

In Nandwal, I often hold SALT activities in the evenings along with discussions on masculinity. SALT provides people a platform to express their feelings, which makes conversations about masculinity much easier.

Today I had such a discussion with a middle aged man named Dinkar. He recently underwent surgery and is currently not working. As soon as we…

Today, a SALT activity was conducted with a 23-year-old youth, followed by a discussion on masculinity.

Saurabh, 23 years old, has completed his education and is currently working in a company. When asked to recall a happy moment in his life, he shared an emotional memory with his group of friends. He said that since childhood, they were a group of 7 to 8 friends who always helped each other.…

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.…

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…

On the evening of September 4th, I went to Nandwal village for my regular SALT activity. As I walked through Patil Galli, I noticed a man standing outside his house. I introduced myself and asked if he could spare some time for a conversation. He gladly agreed, and our discussion began.I asked him if he could recall any joyful events in his life. Without a moment’s delay, he shared: I used to be a farmer. But now, I supply milk in the city. I own six cows, and that’s how we run our…

Visiting Nandwal village every day and meeting people has now become a part of my life. Whenever I arrive at the office, I always feel a special sense of joy, because I eagerly look forward to hearing what good things I will learn from the community that day.

On that day, when I went to the village, I saw a man sitting with a mobile phone in his hand, wearing slightly untidy clothes. I approached him and introduced myself. He immediately recognized me and said, I often see you in the…

While I was having a discussion with Sangram Patole, his father came there and joined us. I began a conversation with him. He started asking me questions like, “Where have you come from? Where do you stay?” I answered all his questions, and with a gentle smile on his face, he said to me, “When I was your age, I used to be very shy to talk with people.”

That opened the door for a deeper conversation, and we continued talking. When I asked him about his dream, without wasting even a…

Since I began discussing the topic of masculinity with men, I have been gaining new experiences. Today too, I had such an experience, which I felt like sharing with you.

Sangram is originally from Nandwal village. He says that whatever he has achieved today, the credit goes to his father. When asked about his experiences, he shared that ever since school, he had dreamt of becoming a police officer. Since there were no proper facilities in the village, he went to…

When I went into a small lane to conduct a SALT activity, I noticed a man sitting outside his house on a chair. I approached him and asked, “Brother, do you have a little time? I would like to talk with you.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he invited me inside. We sat down, and what followed was a very meaningful conversation.

I often conduct SALT conversations, but today’s experience was different so different that I felt I must write it down. Through this encounter, I truly understood…